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Nick Xenophon, an absolute vote magnet, appears likely to get at least three senators including himself. Julian Smith/AAP

Major parties have a lot to answer for in the drift to minor players

For those who might feel this election campaign will never end, it is worth revisiting why the voters are enduring eight weeks rather than the normal five. Calling a double dissolution – the specific circumstances…
In the Sunday debate, Malcolm Turnbull assumed a loftier pitch while Bill Shorten aimed more directly at ordinary people. Tracey Nearmy/AAP

Both leaders failed to engage properly with the occasion or the public

Sunday night’s leaders debate was a disappointment. Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten were over-rehearsed; the content was old ground; the spontaneity was minimal. When a question was too hard they simply…
Richard Di Natale, Barnaby Joyce and Joel Fitzgibbon walk together ahead of the regional leader’s debate in Goulburn. Twitter/Richard Di Natale

Barnaby Joyce missteps, linking live cattle suspension and boat arrivals

The election campaign’s day 17 notably belonged to Barnaby Joyce, and not just for the package of concessional loans he announced for struggling dairy farmers. For light relief, the day delivered another…
Malcolm Turnbull receives a lick during a visit to the Port of Eden on the NSW south coast on Monday. Lukas Coch/AAP

The Liberals may have miscalculated Turnbull’s electoral appeal

Finally, Clive Palmer has formally put a full stop to his personal political career, announcing on Monday he won’t be running for the Senate. Palmer United Party (PUP) will still field Senate candidates…
In some quarters Peter Dutton’s outburst, which was quickly challenged on points of fact, will resonate politically. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Peter Dutton: a menace to multicultural Australia

If Malcolm Turnbull is returned he should tip Peter Dutton out of the immigration portfolio when he chooses his new ministry. Dutton’s Tuesday comments, when targeting the Greens proposal for a big increase…
Brendan O'Connor came under interrogation about Labor’s position on weekend penalty rates. Dean Lewins/AAP

Labor struggles with the sticky paper of penalty rates

Normally it is the Coalition that is on the defensive over industrial relations at election time, with Labor claiming workers’ rights are under threat from the conservatives. But currently Labor finds…
Tony Windsor at his Werris Creek property with Mackdog, who’s a hit on social media. Pat Hutchens/TC

From top dog to underdog – Tony Windsor’s fight in New England

There is one question that Tony Windsor, the high-profile former crossbencher from the Gillard years who is attempting a comeback in New England, is unwilling to answer. That is: in the (admittedly unlikely…
Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten shake hands before the people’s forum in Sydney on Friday. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Shorten wins first debate

The first debate of the election campaign, a “people’s forum” of 100 undecided voters in western Sydney that was a relatively free-flowing affair, saw Bill Shorten come out ahead. After the encounter…