Opening the Overton window

The Overton window is the idea that there is an “acceptable range of political discourse in a society” which parties and politicians tend to stick within, but the window shifts over time and some politicians, notably Donald Trump, just ignore it all together.

Recollections of a bleeding heart

Don Watson’s “Recollections of a Bleeding Heart” remains a cutting-edge example of political biography though Paul Keating never forgave his former speechwriter for pulling back the curtain on his political career.

A bad case of the blues

Paul Kelly’s new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism charts the most turbulent era of Liberal and conservative politics since Sir Robert Menzies formed the Liberal Party, tracing the crisis besetting the Coalition and how Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison struggled to govern and finally survive.

Breaking up the band

Like many a famous rock band, the Liberals and Nationals have a long, turbulent but highly successful history together, and their prospects apart look uncertain.

The rabble strikes back

The ever expanding cross-bench of independents may not hold the balance of power in the new Parliament but can use their influence in the Senate to push Labor towards more radical reform in energy and social policy.

The independent option

Independent MPs are playing an ever more prominent role in Australian politics and will play a pivotal role in deciding Australia’s government if Saturday’s election produces a hung parliament.

No safe seats

Australian voters backed more independent MPs in the last election than at any time since the Second World War and the new poll in May could send even more cross-benchers to Parliament.

Fraser at 50

Fifty years ago, Liberal MPs chose Malcolm Fraser as their leader. Eight months later, he led them into power in extraordinary circumstances. He governed for seven and a half years, and remains Australia’s fourth-longest serving prime minister.

Storm clouds over Canberra

Australian democracy remains robust, but a succession of political scandals in recent times have damaged public faith in our politicians.

Voices off

Paul Keating’s attack on the Labor Party is not unprecedented for a former prime minister, but many of his predecessors preferred to keep their counsel once they had retired from the stage.

Remembering the “forgettables”

Compilers and contributors to ‘best of’ lists seldom delve beyond living memory, but many of Australia’s earliest Prime Ministers deserve to be remembered for their contributions.