Political leadership
Analysis
Analysis
Why Labor’s budget is not enough to reverse its two-year slump
It is not unusual for governments to suffer a slump after two years in power – it happened to John Howard in 1998 and he recovered. But there are danger signs for Labor.
- by David Crowe
Latest
Opinion
Immigration
Dutton’s grim picture is close to reality, but his migration schtick isn’t the solution
In treating migration as his golden leadership goose, Peter Dutton is making a classic political mistake, which is to identify your strength and then over-emphasise it.
- by Sean Kelly
Exclusive
For subscribers
MPs, staffers could face hefty fines, jail for not reporting assaults, harassment
Individuals could be jailed for up to 15 years or fined up to $3 million if they don’t act on a parliamentary employee’s complaint.
- by Olivia Ireland
Exclusive
Anthony Albanese
Voters favour deeper cuts to migration as Labor misses budget boost
As a bruising political fight over housing and congestion continues, polling shows half of all voters want more done to curb immigration.
- by David Crowe
Bet your house on it: The issues Dutton wants as election battlegrounds
The opposition leader seems utterly sure of his power to drive Albanese out of office. Too sure, perhaps.
- by David Crowe
Labor senators condemn ‘river to the sea’ chant in Fatima Payman rebuke
Senior Labor figures, including the prime minister, also distanced themselves from Senator Fatima Payman who accused Israel of conducting a genocide in Gaza.
- by Matthew Knott
Analysis
Federal budget
Five things Jim Chalmers didn’t tell you in his budget speech
We pick apart an abridged version of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget speech – and explain five key points.
- by Shane Wright and Natassia Chrysanthos
The Minns government’s worst budget fears have been realised
The Albanese government’s budget has delivered a $1.9 billion blow to NSW, putting the state’s finances under further pressure.
- by Alexandra Smith
Analysis
Federal budget
Labor’s promised subsidies for everyone. They’re not guaranteed votes in return
The political message in this budget is breathtakingly simple. The broader policy plan is fiendishly complex.
- by David Crowe
Jim Chalmers’ Sunday run began at 3.46am. This is his warm-up for the budget
Two days out from Labor’s third federal budget, this masthead was granted behind the scenes access to observe Jim Chalmers preparing to hand down what could be his last budget before the election.
- by James Massola
Exclusive
State Parliament
Liberals’ new game plan to take on teals – and it involves women
The NSW Liberals ran male candidates in seats where a majority of voters are women. Was it surprising that female teals prevailed?
- by Alexandra Smith