Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has just announced the creation of a new “super-ministry”, modelled on the UK Home Office. By the end of 2018, Australia will have a new Department of Home Affairs. This…
The Referendum Council’s report is the conclusion of 18 months of consultation and discussion, including six months of regional dialogues with Indigenous people.
AAP/Paul Miller
Implicit in Malcolm Turnbull’s and Bill Shorten’s arguments that an Indigenous ‘voice to parliament’ would be a big change is the notion that it may be too difficult.
The Defence Act will be strengthened to enable defence personnel to play a bigger role in counter-terrorism.
David Mariuz/AAP
The changes are designed to assist in preparing for incidents, enabling a more comprehensive ADF response if needed, and improving the flow of information between the ADF and police.
The ability of authorities to access encrypted messages must be balanced with the security risks.
Ink Drop/Shutterstock
While a lot of people just shrug impatiently at insider politics, a substantial number have turned to ‘outsider’ players.
Malcolm Turnbull’s speech reminded his Liberal colleagues that he has not stolen the party and his leadership is legitimately Liberal.
Reuters/Hannah Mckay
Malcolm Turnbull’s claim that Robert Menzies’ party was meant to be one of the ‘sensible centre’ has some validity – but it may also be that that centre has shifted significantly, too.
The reference to Tony Abbott in his London speech gave Malcolm Turnbull some body armour.
Lukas Coch/AAP
If he was emphasising he’s a centrist, that is hardly a surprise, although when he translates it into policy it annoys the hell out of those on the right.
There is a political need for Malcolm Turnbull to enhance the position of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
Dan Himbrechts/AAP
While in London this week, Turnbull has the chance to hear about the operation of the British home office. The UK model would be more relevant than the US version if Australia went down this route.
For his own good, Malcolm Turnbull can’t get out of the country quickly enough. He’s off on Wednesday to the G20 in Germany and, if he has any sense, while he’s abroad he’ll try to avoid being drawn on…
Michelle Grattan and Deep Saini discuss what’s been making headlines this week in politics.
Malcolm Turnbull has made clear his apparent enthusiasm for a rail line to Melbourne Airport – with or without state government support.
AAP/Julian Smith
A rail link is a big step towards transforming transport access and land use in ways that will enable a much bigger city to remain liveable. And Melbourne can learn from Sydney about this.
Malcolm Turnbull broke out his leather jacket this week and tried to shrug off the tensions consuming his party.
Jennifer Rajca/AAP
As this year ebbs away, Malcolm Turnbull’s hold on the leadership will become more precarious if there is no lift in those relentless Newspolls.
The Liberal Party contains moderates like George Brandis, Christopher Pyne and Malcolm Turnbull, and conservatives such as Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz and Peter Dutton.
AAP/The Conversation
With fringe right parties feasting on the margins of conservative political discontent in Australia, deeper questions are being asked about whether the Liberal Party itself is at risk.
Tony Abbott has made the most of media opportunities this week to push his agenda.
Dan Hembrechts/AAP
As the Liberals fight and manoeuvre, the Nationals are watching on appalled, privately wondering at Turnbull’s inability to control even his moderate supporters, let alone his party as a whole.
Malcolm Turnbull is firm in his belief that his party is one of harmony and robust discussion. But Tony Abbott seems to have other ideas.
Mick Tsikas/AAP