Whether we end up with Prime Minister Turnbull, Dutton, Morrison or Bishop – it will not be sweetness and light among those who find themselves at the “out-group” when the dust begins to settle.
Politics podcast: Wayne Swan on Labor’s byelection victories and beyond
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Incoming national president and outgoing MP Wayne Swan dismissed the notion that party reform is on that agenda saying there "is no issue ... my priority is winning the battle of ideas.”
The most notable – and underestimated – aspect of the vote count in Longman was the fall in support for the Coalition.
AAP/Darren England
There were lessens for both major parties in Longman- more worrying for the Coalition than Labor. It showed voter volatility and disenchantment, and that One Nation remains a powerful force.
The fact remains, however, that Turnbull tried very hard in seats the government thought it was possible to win, and he failed.
Jeremy Ng/AAP
The weekend results, in particular the way they’re being read, haven’t only confirmed Labor’s trajectory but in doing so, have given the opposition, and Shorten especially, a huge confidence boost.
Late Saturday night, on counting so far, Lamb led the Liberal National Party’s Trevor Ruthenberg by 55-45% on the two-party vote – a swing to Labor of about 4%.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The results are a deep disappointment for the government, which had hoped it might snatch at least one of the Braddon or Longman, and had hopes of winning Mayo although it quickly gave these up.
Albanese backers - who include members of a divided NSW right faction - are confident the “anti-coup” protections Kevin Rudd put in place can be swept aside if the numbers are there for change.
LNP candidate Trevor Ruthenberg, One Nation candidate Matthew Stephen and Labor candidate Susan Lamb.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The outcomes in Longman and Braddon are vital for Shorten, who would face very serious leadership instability if he lost both seats, and a rough patch if the ALP were defeated in one.
The Longman byelection is so tightly contested it has drawn many senior politicians to campaign. Here Labor candidate Susan Lamb is flanked by Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Apprenticeships Doug Cameron, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek.
AAP/Glenn Hunt
Incoming ALP President Wayne Swan has lashed out at Mark Latham as “someone who ratted on battlers” after the former Labor leader’s robo message to Longman voters, authorised by Pauline Hanson".
Michelle Grattan speaks with Mark Evans about the week in politics.
Some who flirt with the idea of a change believe Labor is on the cusp of regaining office but fear Shorten mightn’t get over the final hurdle.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Shorten might have done better to have said, “I stuffed up – that’s my recommendation, it’s not yet our decision”, and summoned a shadow cabinet meeting immediately to fix the matter.
Politics Podcast: Tanya Plibersek on Labor’s taxing times
Tanya Plibersek talks on Anthony Albanese's Whitlam oration, Bill Shorten's unexpected announcement on rolling back company tax for medium sized firms, and the "tough" byelections.
Turnbull said on Sunday that Australia’s 30% rate for larger companies was the second highest in the OECD.
Jeremy Ng/AAP
The inflammatory ad runs as the government is making a last ditch effort against the odds to gather Senate support for the company tax legislation, due to be voted on this week.
Bill Shorten and the ALP will need to work hard to win July byelections in Longman and Braddon.
AAP/Tracey Nearmy
In an extraordinary Thursday night interview on Sky Hanson, who accused Burston of trying to defect to the Shooters party, said it was not the first time he had stabbed her in the back.