Oppositions have two key jobs: to hold the government to account and prepare to take office themselves. At the moment, Liberal oppositions are failing on both counts.
Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son has waited a long time to be king. Now, he is charged with holding the popular imagination after the death of his beloved mother.
What began as two journalists’ attempt to secure Scott Morrison’s reputation seems likely to tarnish his legacy forever. It’s an eye-watering own goal – and problematic journalism, in various ways.
The Greens backed Labor’s moderate emissions cuts to avoid being seen as unwilling to compromise. But it’s only the start of a new wrestle over climate ambition.
We don’t yet know if Anthony Albanese’s pledge to do politics differently will hold. But the media will do a great disservice to Australians if they remain wedded to their old ways.
‘Peace for our time’: British prime minister Neville Chamberlain displaying the Anglo-German declaration, known as the Munich Agreement, in September 1938.
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis via Getty Images
Soldier atrocities are shaped by our society, culture, and political fabric. Preventing them will require a comprehensive rethinking of policies, attitudes, and approaches to war.
The hardest thing for an ageing government is to remake itself. On balance, last week’s developments in Spring Street represent the first step towards Victorian Labor performing that elusive feat.
Succession has long been the weak link in the system of hereditary monarchy. Perhaps it may be time for Australia to reconsider the place of the monarchy in our own political system.
Scott Morrison exists stage right after losing the Australian election.
EPA/Dean Lewins
In the final episode of our election podcast, our regular panellists are joined by two expert guests to discuss what the election outcome could mean for domestic and foreign policy.
Below the Line Episode 12
The Conversation75.2 MB(download)
In this episode of Below the Line, we dissect the election result and how the media's "presidential–ised" coverage looks in light of it.
Labor’s Anthony Albanese (left) is leading Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison in polls ahead of Australia’s election on May 21.
Reuters / Alamy Stock Photo
Australian authors have formed a new group, Writers for Climate Action. Joelle Gergis explains how art, along with science, can help bring about the changes needed.
Michelle Grattan speaks with Frank Bongiorno, a history professor at the Australian National University who gives his insights into the current battle but also takes the long views of campaigns.
Below the Line Episode 11
The Conversation66.1 MB(download)
In the final episode of our election podcast before polling day, our expert panel interview a Facebook official on the online campaign, and discuss Morrison's mea culpa and last-minute housing policy.