The not-so-great debate

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have met for the third leaders’ debate of this election campaign, this time on the Nine network. And while the debate traversed much of the same ground as the first two, the quick-fire set up of the debate allowed for some more animated exchanges less than two weeks from election day.

The early voting dilemma

Australians have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to vote early in recent elections. But there are some risks for voters if they jump the gun too quickly. And it’s upending the way parties and other candidates organise their campaigns.

Promises, promises

Both major party blocks have made plenty of pledges in this election campaign, so, how can voters distinguish between deliverable promises and the downright impossible?

Generation Zzzz

Barely 1 in 10 voters in ‘Generation Z’ voted with enthusiasm in the last election, with nearly half going to the polls merely to avoid a fine, so what can be done to re-engage them with democracy?

The election gender divide

As Australians grapple with an uncertain world and a cost-of-living crisis, how might the differential voting intentions of men and women affect the 2025 election result?

Succession

There’s everything still to play for in the 2025 election campaign, but a host of ambitious politicians are eyeing their chances of progression should their own leaders falter in May.

A campaign cap won’t stump independents

Independents have succeeded despite an electoral system stacked against them by the major parties, so additional campaign spending reforms are unlikely to stop them now.

Enough is enough

Australia has bent over backwards to survive the Trump 2.0 whirlwind, but at some point we’ll have to stand tall.

Fear and loathing on the campaign trail

The current Australian campaign may be dull but political campaigns were once the stuff of passion and high drama so the Conversation asked 10 experts to nominate their favourite book about the hustings.

Strongmen and super-daddies

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton’s adoption of particular masculine identities reveals not only how they want to be perceived but also how they envision the electorate, the nation, and its defining values.

The state of the states

Politicians of all stripes are zig-zagging across the country to spruik their policies and achievements, and the places they choose to visit – or ignore – offer insights into their electoral priorities and strategy.

The last lap

The party leaders are approaching the final lap of the election campaign. With policy speeches delivered, and rival policies on housing finally released, the campaign has begun its final week, interrupted by Easter, before early voting starts.