The public service is meant to be independent and bipartisan. But “political” appointments and funding arrangements can hamstring their ability to give fair and frank advice.
Fear dominates political conversations and slowly strengthens the acceptability of secrecy in 21st-century governments.
Ben Eenhoorn
Political conventions may be challenged and redefined by every new government, but it is their role in promoting political accountability that ensures the health of our democracy.
Taking a break from their screens to meet up in real life.
quakecon
You might think gamers are a closed, antagonistic and predominantly male-centred group. Fortunately, the reverse is often true.
Now that governor-general Quentin Bryce has issued the writs for the election and dissolved parliament, the government is in caretaker mode. But what does this mean?
AAP/Alan Porritt
The Coalition has raised concerns that the Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea over the Manus Island asylum seeker processing deal was entered into after the caretaker conventions commenced…
Can Mitt Romney form a bond with the American people?
Erik S Lesser
After the success of the Democratic National Convention, with its barnstorming speeches from former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama, Mitt Romney’s performance at his convention can…
Professor in U.S. Politics and U.S. Foreign Relations at the United States Studies Centre and in the Discipline of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney