Political leadership
Opinion
Opinion
The mood on immigration is tinder dry and Dutton has lit a match
Politicians in strife, desperate to save their backsides, have often reached for dog whistles. But these days it’s a loudhailer.
- by Niki Savva
Latest
Exclusive
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Labor senator Fatima Payman quits party committee in further sign of isolation
The senator also stepped down from two parliamentary foreign affairs committees last week after comments accusing Israel of conducting a “genocide” in Gaza.
- by James Massola
Opinion
Federal budget
Australia’s caught in a spin cycle. Thank goodness you’ve got me to slow it down
Politicians like to deploy spin doctors, and economists, to give you a version of the truth. It’s my job to make sure you’re not led astray, but it’s getting harder.
- by Ross Gittins
Shorten’s $310,000-a-year writer behind at least 170 speeches – but no zingers
Senate estimates revealed that Julianne Stewart, a speechwriter for former prime ministers, was hired by government on a two-year contract valued at $620,000.
- by Olivia Ireland
Analysis
Australia votes
If not now, when? Frydenberg now bets on a distant future
The former treasurer has no realistic way to contest the next election. Could he try for Kooyong later? The truth is that nobody gets a smooth elevation to the top.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
Opinion
As Albanese beats around the bush, Dutton’s delusions are taking root
Everyone’s avoiding the difficult issues, and that’s good news for Peter Dutton and his simplistic “policy” solutions.
- by Sean Kelly
Exclusive
Nuclear energy
‘Every day between now and the election’: Albanese ignites nuclear fight with Dutton
Anthony Albanese is spoiling for a fight on Peter Dutton’s nuclear power at the next election. It’s a fight he has won once before.
- by James Massola
Analysis
For subscribers
The six reasons Anthony Albanese could still go for an election this year (and get married soon after)
Anthony Albanese has said he plans to serve a full term, but there are at least six good reasons for him to consider going to the polls early.
- by James Massola
Updated
Australia votes
Labor faces battle for key seats under boundary redraw
Labor faces losing the Melbourne seat of Higgins and tough contests in two others under a proposed revamp of Victoria’s electoral boundaries, but may gain ground in WA.
- by Shane Wright and David Crowe
Doubts over drone program after under-fire minister’s detainee claim
Despite Andrew Giles’ assertion, government sources say drones are not being used to track detainees after the practicality of the program was questioned.
- by Angus Thompson and David Crowe
Exclusive
Visual art
The painting a prime minister tried to ban
June Mendoza’s painting of John Gorton caused a sensation when it was unveiled. She remains the only woman to have painted an official portrait of an Australian prime minister.
- by Rob Harris