Queensland still mystifies too many politicians but its needs are surprisingly simple.
The Conversation119 MB(download)
Two Queensland-based experts discuss what so many politicians and pundits get wrong about the Sunshine State – and what its citizens are crying out for.
Anthony Albanese points to Labor’s limited capacity to alter legislation in the Senate, as he defends the decision to vote for passing the government’s full tax package.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Anthony Albanese on Labor’s hard times
The Conversation, CC BY42.1 MB(download)
Anthony Albanese defends Labor's vote for the government's $158 billion tax package, supports an increase in Newstart, and strongly argues the need to take the superannuation guarantee to 12%.
Both opposition leader Bill Shorten and prime minister Scott Morrison dodged the question about maintaining a surplus no matter what.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
A new study looking at the social media interactions of Australian political journalists finds that they are often talking among themselves.
Morrison warned against those who wanted to run scare campaigns as a result of the announcements, saying they would be taking Australians for mugs.
David Mariuz/AAP
The overhaul of the program comes after pressure from various quarters including conservative Liberals for immigration to be lowered, and the government talking up the need for 'congestion busting'.
The former Labor senator Sam Dastyari whose links to China set off the firestorm over foreign donations that led to the bill before parliament.
Joel Carrett/AAP
The firestorm over foreign donations was set alight by former Senator Sam Dastyari, whose links to donors with Chinese links prompted him to quit parliament.
The government leader in the Senate, Mathias Cormann, congratulates Steven Martin after his maiden speech. Now Martin has joined the Coalition team.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The Nationals now have their first Tasmanian senator since the Tasmanian tiger was last sighted, but that does not greatly reduce the challenges the government faces in passing legislation.
A building full of revolving doors?
Ben McCarthy/Wikimedia Commons
More than 180 individuals have moved between senior public service roles and the fossil fuel industry in Australia over the past decade - providing a golden escalator for former senior politicians.
Protesters carry signs during a march for science Saturday, April 22, 2017, in Denver.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
One of the best ways to shape public policy is for experts to submit detailed, technical information through the public comment process.
The critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum lives within a single federal electorate. Their local MP has a responsibility to be their voice.
Zoos Victoria
Bernardi’s defection from the Liberal Party this week is less important in itself than what it says about a wider trend towards a fracturing of Australian politics.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order implementing a federal government hiring freeze.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
The president manages more than 200 organizations that make up the federal government. A survey of 3,500 federal managers shows they struggle with recruiting and retaining skilled workers.
Chair of the parliamentary joint committee on human rights, WA Liberal Ian Goodenough.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Freedom of speech does not mean you can say anything to anyone, regardless of the damage it does – an important consideration in the debate over a same-sex marriage plebiscite.
The imperative for major reform of Australia’s political and policy processes is more real and urgent than ever.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Five months into his prime ministership, it is difficult to know what Malcolm Turnbull really stands for, and his government risks paralysis as a result.
Malcolm Turnbull may struggle to persuade Daniel Andrews and some other state leaders to back major tax change, though Mike Baird has been arguing for reform.
Sam Mooy/AAP
Despite all the media coverage, don't expect any clear decisions on national tax reform on Friday. But we should see more progress on other issues, including domestic violence and violent extremism.
Malcolm Turnbull’s potentially most dangerous opposition has begun to emerge from inside his own party.
AAP/Lukas Coch
If Anthony Albanese becomes Labor leader, Australians will have the strongest ideological and stylistic contrast in major party leaders since Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke 33 years before.
