Explainers
Explainer
University
University fees are changing. How will it affect you?
The federal government's changes to tertiary funding will increase the cost of many degrees while other courses will be cheaper.
- by Lisa Visentin
Latest
Explainer
Media & marketing
How much influence does the Murdoch media have in Australia?
Kevin Rudd is convinced News Corp has too much influence. How much of the media does News Corp own in Australia? How much sway does it really have?
- by Zoe Samios
Explainer
Abortion
What was Roe v Wade and why is everyone talking about it now?
What was this famous US court decision – and what would happen if it were overturned?
- by Nick Bonyhady
Explainer
US votes 2020
What happens if a presidential candidate dies?
How does the US system deal with death or illness when it comes to the top job?
- by Farrah Tomazin
Explainer
Casinos
Why is James Packer fronting an inquiry over Crown's behaviour?
A year ago Crown insisted it was sinless over money laundering, association with criminals and arrests in China. So why is the scion of one of Australia’s richest families facing a grilling in an inquiry? And what is at stake for Crown's casinos?
- by Patrick Hatch
Explainer
Federal budget
How does the federal budget work – and how is it different from yours?
What is a federal budget trying to do? How does the government decide where to spend its money? And where did budget rituals such as " the lock-up" come from?
- by Katina Curtis
Explainer
Federal budget
What are the government's tax cuts and will they be good for the economy?
How much tax will you pay under the government's tax changes? Should they be brought forward? And if they are brought forward, who will benefit the most?
- by Jennifer Duke
Explainer
US votes 2020
Complex, quirky, confounding: How does voting for the US president work?
Designed to balance the passions of the masses against the better judgement of the elite, the Electoral College has infuriated, outraged – and endured. How does this process work? Why was it made this way?
- by Chris Zappone
Explainer
Federal budget
The trillion-dollar question: What is government debt and deficit and should we be worried about it?
Will higher debt place an unfair burden on future generations? Where will the money come from? And how will we pay it back?
- by Jessica Irvine
Explainer
Animals
Why do whales beach themselves?
How do strandings happen? What goes on during a rescue? And are we getting any better at saving whales?
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
US votes 2020
Why is there so much controversy over the US Supreme Court?
The death of Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg has created a hotly contested vacancy at a critical moment in US history. What's at stake?
- by Heath Gilmore