Analysis
Political leadership
The Indigenous flag is an easy target for Dutton when he’s kicking down
The opposition leader’s decision to start a debate about the Indigenous flag comes just as he is about to reveal the cost of his nuclear policy. That timing is revealing.
- by David Crowe
Latest
Exclusive
Immigration
Voters back migration cuts as Dutton retreats on target
Labor seized on the move to accuse Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of dumping a promise he made in May.
- by David Crowe
Analysis
Political leadership
Dutton takes the lead, but is he defying gravity?
The opposition leader is now ahead in the opinion polls at a time of deep unrest over the cost of living when he has no significant public plan to fix the problem.
- by David Crowe
Exclusive
Political leadership
The PM says Labor has your back. Most voters don’t believe him
Almost 60 per cent of voters also believe they are worse off than when Labor came to power at the last election.
- by David Crowe
‘Yes in God’s backyard’: Labor offers cash for church housing
The government is urging faith leaders to release some of the best-located land in major cities and regional centres to build homes.
- by David Crowe
PM absolutely denies feud as Plibersek tries to save her bill
The Greens are demanding tougher conditions if the environment protection agency is back on table in February.
- by David Crowe and Paul Sakkal
Exclusive
University
Voters back Labor’s proposed HECS changes. They are even keener for an overhaul of uni fees
But the key adviser who helped devise the HECS regime, Bruce Chapman, has warned against the “fantasy” of free education.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos and David Crowe
Analysis
Political leadership
After a blur of bills, Albanese and Dutton must sharpen their focus for the fight ahead
The frantic passage of 31 bills in a day has a real downside as the changes will be a blur to many voters. In fact, they were blur to some in parliament.
- by David Crowe
Updated
Political leadership
World-first social media ban for the young passes in rush of bills
The government managed to rush through a range of laws, as Peter Dutton challenged Anthony Albanese to call an election.
- by David Crowe and Paul Sakkal
Opinion
Lidia Thorpe
The Senate is a circus and this senator is its clowning glory
The nation’s upper house is making governing impossible. Take a bow, Lidia Thorpe.
- by David Crowe
Last-minute delay on donation deal as Clive Palmer makes last-ditch play to sink it
Labor and the Coalition will negotiate over summer to gain a deal on political donations amid fierce objections from Senate crossbenchers that it will hurt minor parties.
- by David Crowe and Paul Sakkal