Political news and analysis from the ACT and Federal Parliaments
"Something struck me as I watched Jim Chalmers deliver his Budget speech… he failed to mention another type of intergenerational equity: government debt, which is now approaching $1 trillion," writes political columnist ROBERT McMAHON.
"The strife faced by tertiary institutions, as the ANU has shown, indicates there is something terribly wrong. The resignation of the chancellor, vice-chancellor and University Council members won't solve the problems," says MICHAEL MOORE.
Angus Taylor’s bold budget reply is a mix of sound and dubious policy commitments, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
"To the end of December, expenses exceeded revenues by $736 million. That is, the ACT Government exceeded the full year deficit forecast of $681 million in a mere six months." JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED reveal what the treasurer won't.
"The perception gap is big between what Labor wants us to believe and what living is like in 2026. Cost of living has been a pressure for most of this decade," writes political columnist ANDREW HUGHES.
"Political donations are a blight on any democracy. As the Human Rights Law Centre has pointed out, 'the free flow of money into Australia’s political system threatens the integrity of our democracy'," writes columnist MICHAEL MOORE.
Post‑Farrer, the Liberals will struggle with awkward questions about their relations with One Nation, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
One Nation’s smashing victory in Farrer fires up the insurgent party, and casts fresh doubts over the future of the Liberal Party, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
The Farrer result will set off a willy willy. The budget already has, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
Would Pauline Hanson really risk a tilt at the lower house, asks political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
"The reformed Support at Home program has proved in practice to be neither particularly supportive nor effective care for elderly Australians," writes columnist ROBERT McMAHON.
"It's clear the conclusions of the expert are at odds with the government's. It's also…
In his first term, Anthony Albanese was highly reluctant to break promises, but as we learned with stage 3 tax cuts, not immune to breaking them, says political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
"The Liberal Leader has controversially expanded his shadow health portfolio to include men’s health, while at the same time appointing his colleague, Leanne Castley, to focus on women’s health," writes political columnist MICHAEL MOORE.
Anthony Albanese's sensitive on one tax reform that won’t be in the budget, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
The antisemitism royal commission’s interim report leaves key questions dangling, writes political columnist MICHELLE GRATTAN.
"When Shane Rattenbury announced his resignation, a fair few people contacted me, and asked, what’s the real reason why he’s leaving now? It’s a good gig after all, right?" ANDREW HUGHES wonders where to from here for the ACT Greens.
"Your legacy on climate and housing will stand the test of time. Your drive to introduce light rail in Canberra will be admired by many." Political columnist MICHAEL MOORE shares an open letter to retiring MLA Shane Rattenbury...
The times seem to suit Anthony Albanese. So why isn’t he more popular, asks FRANK BONGIORNO.
