The government at the weekend announced an immediate $2 billion for social housing – which will go to states and territories over this fortnight – hoping this would get the Greens to support the fund
The government has shown no interest in Tony Abbott’s idea, which on the past record of referendums would almost certainly fail.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Tony Abbott’s proposal for a constitutional change to make it easier for a government to pass legislation blocked by the Senate does not have support in his own electorate, according to polling.
Joint sittings of federal parliament are rare, usually only taking place for addresses by foreign leaders.
AAP/Alan Porritt
Now that we have had the double-dissolution election, the next step is for the government to attempt to pass the industrial relations bills through the House of Representatives and Senate again.
Malcolm Turnbull emerges from the long campaign in a weakened position, having squandered the benefits of incumbency.
AAP/Paul Miller
There have been three clear lessons from this long election campaign: the vote is fragmenting, the media is fragmenting, and long election campaigns are not a good idea.
Nick Xenophon, an absolute vote magnet, appears likely to get at least three senators including himself.
Julian Smith/AAP
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…
If the opinion polls continue as they are, the Turnbull government will likely be returned with a reduced majority.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Malcolm Turnbull was in full lawyer mode when he confirmed on Tuesday the July 2 double dissolution, hedging his wording to meet constitutional niceties. He said that “an appropriate time” after the May…
Malcolm Turnbull appears to have built his government’s electoral strategy on contesting a double-dissolution election.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
When the politicians arrived in Canberra for their special parliamentary session, it was obvious everyone wanted to do what was necessary for a July 2 election, and do it quickly. Instead of taking weeks…
The government failed to get enough support from the crossbench to resurrect the ABCC.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Australians will go to a double-dissolution election on July 2 after the Senate voted 36-34 on Monday night to defeat the government’s legislation to resurrect the ABCC.
Malcolm Turnbull and the former member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, attend a rally organised by owner-driver trucking companies.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Malcolm Turnbull says bluntly that he expects the coming special Senate sitting to reject the industrial relations legislation. Labor’s Penny Wong indicates the opposition won’t try to delay the bills.
Bill Shorten’s recent performances have displayed a note of confidence.
Glenn Hunt/AAP
Next week Malcolm Turnbull will briefly take one foot off the domestic treadmill for his first visit to China as prime minister, going to Shanghai as well as Beijing.
While Bill Shorten insists Labor has zero tolerance for instances of union thuggery and corruption, he tends to minimise the issue.
Dan Peled/AAP
Malcolm Turnbull’s move to have the governor-general recall parliament, using an often-forgotten constitutional power, caught many political players off guard.
Malcolm Turnbull has taken a series of steps to clear the path to a double-dissolution election.
AAP/Lukas Coch
After many weeks of speculation, the government has laid down the challenge for the Senate and smoothed the path for a double-dissolution election.
It can correctly be said Malcolm Turnbull is putting a gun to the heads of the crossbench – but it can’t be claimed he is being devious.
Rashida Yosufzai/AAP
Malcolm Turnbull’s ultimatum to the Senate – pass the government’s industrial relations bills or face a double dissolution – is a confrontationist but canny strategy.
Malcolm Turnbull takes the crossbench by surprise by his visit to the governor-general.
Lukas Coch/AAP
In a dramatic move, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has had the governor-general recall parliament for a special session to consider industrial relations legislation.
Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos outlines the case for a cut in the company tax rate.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos has made a strong pitch for giving priority to a company tax cut in the coming budget as the best way to boost growth, with a significant flow on for workers.