Like most governments, this one arrived in office promising more accountability and transparency. Also like others, in practice it has a penchant for control and secrecy.
Hanson is down from having four Senate numbers after the 2016 election to two.
Lukas Coch/AAP
One paradox of leaders of personality parties is that while they attract voters and so can get others elected, this can be their downfall, because they are by nature loners not team people.
When Tim Storer was sworn in he was escorted by the government and opposition Senate leaders.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Tim Storer has one hell of a decision to make shortly after the May budget, when the government plans to bring back its legislation to give tax cuts to big business.
Tim Storer will be subjected to intense lobbying between now and budget week.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Malcolm Turnbull has told Rebekha Sharkie, the Nick Xenophon Team’s sole member in the House of Representatives, that her eligibility may have to be determined by the High Court.
Nick Xenophon is a tough dealmaker who demands concessions in return for his crucial numbers.
AAP/David Mariuz
Nick Xenophon, the master of the stunt, is about to indulge in one more before he leaves the Senate for a run at ruling the South Australian roost from its crossbench. After his shock announcement that…
Nick Xenophon will resign from the Senate to pursue a career in South Australian politics.
AAP/David Mariuz
Federal Labor is pushing hard on James Ashby. A prime motive is embarrassing the Coalition over preferences, ahead of the Queensland election, and the later federal one.
The Nick Xenophon Team had been dug in for a long time behind backing cuts for businesses with turnovers up to $10 million.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The government’s company tax deal with Nick Xenophon has given Malcolm Turnbull something to spin between now and the May budget. It’s much less than the government’s A$48 billion plan, but it’s more than…
The fate of the government’s push on Section 18C was a mixed bag, without surprises. The week’s most critical issue is the company tax cuts package, which is still in play.
The government was this week caught off-guard by a decision from the Nick Xenophon Team to reject the omnibus bill.
For Nick Xenophon, the past few days have brought home just how difficult things can become when you hold a great deal of crossbench power.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The trenchant stand that Nick Xenophon – who is usually a compromiser – and his team took this week against the omnibus bill saw a disconcerted government resort to a risky tactic.
Scott Morrison’s move to create a mega ‘omnibus bill’ alienated the Nick Xenophon Team.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Within the Turnbull government there is gnashing of teeth in the wake of the Nick Xenophon Team (NXT) giving the thumbs down to the omnibus bill. This bill includes the childcare reform package and trade-off…
New government procurement rules negotiated into the ABCC bill by Nick Xenophon are set to favour local Australian steel producers over their Chinese rivals.
Qilai Shen/EPA