Politics

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Coalition campaign launch in Melbourne.

Australia votes

Morrison targets first home buyers in new scheme to lower deposits to 5%

A re-elected Coalition government would set up a scheme to offer loan guarantees for from first-home buyers.

by David Crowe

Paid Parental Leave is fast becoming a noisy distraction to the real issue confronting working parents, which is the cost of childcare.

Explainer

Australia votes

What do the major parties have in store for parents, kids and people on welfare?

by Judith Ireland

Australia votes

Working mums to get tax windfall under Labor's $4b childcare policy

by Eryk Bagshaw

Labor leader Bill Shorten in Melbourne on Sunday.

Australia votes

Bill Shorten woos Victorian voters with $10 billion funding pledge for suburban rail loop

by Bevan Shields

Battle for Warringah

The loyal voters still backing Tony Abbott in Warringah

by Jacqueline Maley and Andrew Taylor

Opinion & Perspectives

As the final week begins, here's where the election looks likely to be won and lost

David Crowe

Bill Shorten has broken with tradition in a sign of Labor’s confidence in gaining ground against the Coalition.

For me, the choice next Saturday is clear

Amanda Vanstone

In the face of a potentially darkening world economy this is no time for theatrics. We need a steady pair of hands. My own view is that if Shorten is elected we are all losers, big time.

We need to see spending constraint as parties enter home straight

The battle is being fought on Labor’s argument for change contrasted with the Coalition’s stance as the party of reliability and rectitude.

Federal

Chimney stacks and smoke in Port Kembla in NSW.

Explainer

Australia votes

How do Labor and the Coalition plan to cut carbon emissions?

Australians are among the world's biggest producers of greenhouse gases. Apart from boosting electric car uptake, how do the major parties plan to cut carbon emissions?