Latest
Election boss Tom Rogers on how social media changed democracy
The Australian Electoral Commissioner, fresh from delivering the Voice referendum, explains why taking risks and having a crack is the best career advice.
- Ronald Mizen
Mundine still wants second referendum after Voice defeat
No activisit and chairman of regional copper explorer Fuse Minerals says voters needed time to heal after the referendum campaign.
- Tom Richardson and Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- The AFR View
The challenges chipping away at the PM’s power
If the Voice goes down on October 14, Anthony Albanese will have to turn his full attention to grappling with the inflation and cost of living issues.
- The AFR View
The power of data: Why polling is more accurate since Brexit and Trump
Pollsters were wrong about our federal election, Britain leaving the EU and Donald Trump’s victory. But if you don’t trust such survey results, think again.
- Samantha Hutchinson
Voice support falls as frustration and familiarity rise
The more voters “learn” about the Voice, the less they support it. Many also feel it is a distraction, the latest AFR/Freshwater Strategy Poll shows.
- Phillip Coorey
September
Support for Labor, Albanese, Voice slides
The latest AFR/Freshwater poll shows Labor’s vote falling and backing for the Indigenous Voice to parliament dropping to 33 per cent as voters become more aware of the proposal.
- Phillip Coorey
Libs wary of booby traps in campaign finance reform proposals
The Liberals say the rules must not enable Labor to use union money to gain an unfair advantage.
- Phillip Coorey
- Exclusive
- Donald Farrell
PM move on campaign finance reform has teals worried
Independents suspect proposed campaign spending caps are designed to preserve the two-party system.
- Phillip Coorey
- Analysis
- Carbon challenge
Nationals already back Labor’s net zero – they just don’t know it
David Littleproud is adamant the Nationals oppose Labor’s 2030 emissions target while backing Australia’s Paris commitments. Both can’t be true at once.
- Jacob Greber
Catherine King releases aviation green paper
Transport Minister Catherine King releases the aviation green paper.
- Updated
August
Kylea Tink in kitchen reno ‘climate crime’
Her recently sold property featured a kitchen with gas stove, a picturesque gas fireplace and even a gas-heated pool.
- Myriam Robin
Why Anthony Albanese is entering an electoral danger zone
The “aspirational left” were key to Labor’s election victory in 2022, but their support came with strings attached.
- Ronald Mizen
Liberals must resist fringe politics: Leeser
The former frontbencher has called for the party to rebuild its branches and reengage with mainstream voters.
- Tom McIlroy
Labor push for China wine tariff removals following barley win
China agrees to lift tariffs on Australian barley with the government saying it will now push for more tariffs to be removed; Anthony Albanese confirms Voice referendum date won’t be announced at Garma festival. Here’s how the day unfolded.
- Updated
- Timothy Moore and Campbell Kwan
‘Lecturing’ teals and trolls should butt out on gas projects: NT chief
The Treasurer says Labor intends to legislate PRRT changes as announced on $218 billion in LNG projects despite crossbench opposition, while the Northern Territory’s chief minister has lashed out at critics of projects that will help the transition.
- Updated
- Jacob Greber, Ronald Mizen and Andrew Tillett
July
Greens want Labor’s gas tax doubled
An alliance of Greens and crossbench senators said it would not back Labor’s higher taxing regime on oil and gas unless it doubles the amount raised.
- Jacob Greber
- Opinion
- Opinion
In one sharp move, Albanese puts Dutton and his naysayers on notice
The prime minister says that there will be no election this year. But he has a double dissolution trigger at a time when Labor is in an exceptionally strong position.
- Laura Tingle
Labor’s honeymoon not over: Albanese
Anthony Albanese has fobbed off the Fadden byelection result, and noted Labor’s national poll numbers were still strong.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Opinion
How welfare bashing exposed government at its worst
The Holmes royal commission’s recommendations are about replacing the meanness and political expediency of recent times with a spirit of serving the public.
- Updated
- Laura Tingle
June
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Labor’s war on two fronts fights Green populism
Australian politics currently has no strong centre, yet that is where Anthony Albanese knows he has to govern from if he wants Labor to stay in power.
- The AFR View
PM seeks advice on double dissolution over housing bill
The government is seeking advice over whether the Greens’ ongoing refusal to pass the $10 billion social housing fund is grounds for a double dissolution.
- Phillip Coorey
Caps on political donations to keep ‘big money’ out of elections
But the teal independent movement argues caps set too low could nobble their ability to compete with the entrenched major parties.
- Andrew Tillett
Libs need 4pc swing, Labor claims, as byelection sandbagging begins
Labor claims anything less than a 4 percentage point swing towards the Liberal-National Party in forthcoming Fadden byelection will be a failure for Peter Dutton.
- Phillip Coorey
May
‘I stood with McGowan against Clive Palmer’, PM reminds WA voters
Anthony Albanese has brushed off the electoral setback caused by the resignation of West Australian Premier Mark McGowan and outlined a hit list of seats that Labor will target at the next election.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Perspective
It’s less rosy than it looks for Labor
The next two years look a lot tougher than the first and, like Howard in 1998, Albanese would be well advised to take some substantial economic reforms to the next election.
- John Black
