Political leadership
Opinion
Australia votes
There are no ‘safe’ seats any more, and here’s why that’s good news
More power for crossbenchers at the federal level could be a good way to break the big-party logjam. It couldn’t could be worse than what we’ve got.
- by Ross Gittins
Latest
Opinion
ALP
The blaring warning for Albanese that Morrison ignored until he lost
The Liberals ignored constant warnings about their failing on climate, women and integrity until heartland seats abandoned them. Labor should not make the same mistake with Gaza.
- by Angus Livingston
Opinion
Opinion
Will Fatima Payman become the Pauline Hanson of the left? That’s up to her
The now-independent WA senator has chosen performative identity politics over Labor Party solidarity. But her next decision could have even more profound implications for Australian politics.
- by Peter Hartcher
Analysis
Peter Dutton
Dutton has told his troops to prepare for an early election. Are they up to it?
The veteran politician, a former police officer, lived through the scarring Nelson-Turnbull-Abbott years. He has placed a premium on unity, and it has paid off – at least so far.
- by James Massola
Explainer
US Votes 2024
‘I screwed up’: When is a leader too old to lead?
Joe Biden’s recent halting debate against a blustering rival caused panic in some quarters. But does it mean he should throw in the re-election towel?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
The six weeks that turned Fatima Payman’s rift with Labor into a chasm
Fatima Payman was a quiet backbencher for her first two years in the Senate. But for the past six weeks the former union official has become a household name.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
PM warns against faith-based political movements as Payman hints at next move
Payman said “stay tuned” and “anything can happen” when asked if she wanted to collaborate with a coalition of Muslim community groups planning to run against Labor MPs.
- by Paul Sakkal
Can reality TV stars be politicians in Australia? Survivor star King George thinks so
Known on the show as the king of Bankstown, George Mladenov was the first back-room political operative on Australian Survivor. Now he’s considering getting back on the hustings.
- by Jordan Baker
Opinion
UK election
When I met Starmer, he’d have won my ‘least likely PM’ vote. Look at him now
He’s cautious, a bit bland and with no big vision, but he’s ousted the crooked Conservatives in this chaos-weary country.
- by Kathy Lette
Need more than a warm inner glow: Call to pay whistleblowers
The man whose actions led to the banking royal commission has backed an inquiry’s call for whistleblowers to be paid, saying it will encourage more to come forward.
- by Shane Wright
Analysis
Analysis
Fatima Payman has hurt Labor badly. And she isn’t done yet
Senator Fatima Payman’s defection to the crossbench has caused major damage to the government. And she isn’t done yet, either.
- by James Massola