Voter trust in politicians hits a new low

The Australian National University’s election study has underscored the woeful lack of trust voters have in the political system, and highlighted the role economic issues and Bill Shorten’s unpopularity played in the May poll outcome.

The death of a “grievance-based organisation”

Did Labor really lose the Federal election “because of a weak strategy that could not adapt to the change in Liberal leadership, a cluttered policy agenda that looked risky and an unpopular leader”.

Morrison warns against ‘negative globalism’

Delivering the Lowy Lecture, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia “cannot afford to leave it to others to set the standards that will shape our global economy”.

It’s not in the national interest to soft pedal on China

The government’s attempt to stifle backbench contributions to the growing debate on China’s intentions is shortsighted at best, as the issue will only grow more urgent in the years ahead.

What next for Labor?

Anthony Albanese will face some tricky choices given the need to redouble Labor’s appeal to middle class suburbia while keeping left wing and progressive activists on board.

Fresh blood and new challenges for Labor and the Coalition

Should Labor jump to a generation when it chooses its new leader – and should Scott Morrison steal some Shorten policies to broaden his agenda in government?

Scott Morrison hails ‘miracle’ as Coalition snatches unexpected victory

As with Brexit and Donald Trump, a thousand confident polls and prognostications by the commentariat were proved completely wrong by the voting public. When it came to election day, Australians baulked at Labor’s long list of tax and spend promises and kept faith with the Coalition.

Who is Scott Morrison?

People tend to see Prime Minister Scott Morrison as tough and pragmatic, but defining what he actually believes in remains open to question.

Shorten proposes investment bank to help Pacific nations’ development

Bill Shorten has hinted that Labor would set up a government-backed infrastructure investment bank to promote concessional financing for nation-building projects in the Pacific.

The high costs of our destructive coup culture

There are no easy ways to rid ourselves of the coup culture, or to force tin-eared politicians to lift their game. But it wouldn’t hurt for more people to follow the example of those in the community leadership program and remind their MPs of their KPIs.

Gonski review calls for a fresh approach to improve Australia’s schools

The newly published Gonski review attacks the quality of current Australian schooling and urges a more dynamic and individualised teaching approach to ensure our children reach their full potential.