Summit fever

Labor’s much-hyped Jobs and Skills Summit has proved a political success, but will it produce practical benefits for Australia’s labor market?

Should Morrison resign from Parliament?

Liberal frontbencher Karen Andrews isn’t alone among her colleagues in believing Scott Morrison should quit parliament in the wake of the ‘secret minister’ scandal.

One man committee

Scott Morrison’s secret appointment of himself to a string of government ministries was not illegal, but did flout the conventions of how cabinet government, ministerial accountability and administrative transparency should work.

Will the teals take seats in NSW?

Although part of the federal teal success was due to “strategic” voting by some Labor supporters, victories for state community candidates in Victoria and NSW would reinforce the message that Liberal supporters are migrating to a new political force.

Australians back more defence spending

Australians are becoming more fearful in an insecure world, and want to see the country armed up, favouring more defence spending and the planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

Labor has its work cut out

Labor came to power with a minimal manifesto but action is required to handle the parlous economy and deteriorating international situation it has inherited.

The ‘long march’ facing Peter Dutton

Peter Dutton has inherited the leadership of the Liberals but this long-sought post might prove a poisoned chalice unless he can rebrand himself and his party.

Who is Scott Morrison?

Scott Morrison’s cynical, aggressive, self-serving leadership proved the Coalition’s secret weapon in the last election campaign, but the same qualities have made him a liability in this one.

Albanese blows week one

A series of gaffes by Labor leader Anthony Albanese have given the Coalition hope that the election isn’t lost yet.

Over it v Not up to it?

Scott Morrison has finally called the Australian election but the campaign is set to be fought on low ground as neither major party offers the voters an inspirational agenda.

A cash for votes budget

All governments attempt to bribe electorates with their own money in the budget before an election – before pleading austerity as soon as they’re elected. The current coalition follows this well-trod pack at unprecedented scale.

Hawkes and doves

The raft of policies offered by an over-confident Bill Shorten gave the Coalition some easy targets before the last election, but Anthony Albanese’s low-key approach is proving a more difficult target for Scott Morrison to hit.