Measuring what matters

Australia’s first national “wellbeing framework”, to be released by Treasurer Jim Chalmers within weeks, will provide about 50 indicators of how Australians are doing, that will then be tracked over time.

PWC down the WC

The outrageous conduct of PwC should consign the firm to the international dustbin, reduce the use of expensive consultants in core government roles and provide an early test case for the power and reach of the national anti-corruption body.

A budget for Labor’s battlers

A big incentive for doctors to bulk bill, a modest $40 a fortnight rise in JobSeeker and extra rent assistance are highlights of a Labor budget that juggles targeted cost-of-living relief with containing inflation.

Budget politics

The economic backdrop for the May 9 budget is grim, although when it comes to the budget itself, things are probably not as dire as the Federal Treasurer sometimes paints them.

Is there any way back for the Liberals?

Peter Dutton and his demoralised team, shocked beyond belief by their Aston drubbing, say the party has to “rebuild” but there are no obvious foundation stones for this mammoth task.

Aston loss piles pressure on Dutton

Labor’s triumph in the Aston by-election is the first time in a century that a government has gained a seat at a federal byelection, and increases the pressure on Peter Dutton’s Liberal leadership.

The Aston Factor

The Liberals need a morale boosting win after the loss of NSW, but the looming Aston byelection in Victoria could prove more of a problem for Peter Dutton than Anthony Albanese.

Australia’s new cyber czar

The federal government is further stepping up its efforts to improve Australia’s protection against increasing cyber threats, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the establishment of a Coordinator for Cyber Security.

Blue skies and deep waters

The Prime Minister and his Treasurer have proved their ability to handle the public since taking office, but whether the Federal government will prove as adept at handling the looming policy challenges facing Australia is the big question for 2023.

In search of ethical capitalism

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has laid out an economic blueprint for pursuing “values-based capitalism”, involving public-private co-investment and collaboration and the renovation of key economic institutions and markets.

Morrison’s meltdown

The report by former High Court Judge Virginia Bell into Scott Morrison’s bizarre decision to appointing himself to multiple ministries without telling any of his colleagues underlines how easily constitutional norms can be overriden.

Steady as she goes, but rocky times ahead

Jim Chalmers’ inaugural budget plants its feet as solidly as possible in the shifting sands of difficult and unpredictable international and local conditions.