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.
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Articles on Braddon by-election
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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.
Michelle Grattan speaks with Nicholas Klomp about the week in politics.
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.
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.
With the much anticipated Super Saturday byelections on Saturday, the polls in Longman and Braddon still show a very tight race.
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.
ReachTEL polls show Labor is behind in key byelections, but Essential has better news for Bill Shorten.
Michelle Grattan speaks with Deep Saini about the week in politics.
The ALP just has to suck it up and throw itself into battle, because the stakes are very high.
The byelections, which span four states, are especially crucial for opposition leader Bill Shorten, because four are in ALP seats and two of those are on wafer thin margins.
Anthony Albanese on Labor’s National Conference
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Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese is confident their candidates will win back their seats and is gearing up for the ALP's National Conference in late July.
Liberal backbench senator Dean Smith will challenge on Saturday his party’s decision not to field a candidate in the byelection for the federal seat of Perth.
Labor continues to hold a 51-49% two-party lead in the wake of last week’s budget.
