‘Fed up, fired up, and finally heard’

One Nation seems poised to win the regional seat of Farrer in the by-election caused by the resignation of deposed leader Sussan Ley to deliver another shocking blow to the Liberals.

Whatever happened to Parliament?

There is growing concern across the world about democratic backsliding – the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties – so is Australia a surviving beacon of hope, or are we also part of the problem as governments of all parties continue to undermine the constitutional role of Parliament as a legislative and oversight body.

Breaking promises and ‘building trust’

Anthony Albanese was highly reluctant to break promises in his first term, resisting pressure to reverse the Coalition’s tax cuts, because he had undertaken to deliver them intact. Second time around, it’s a different story.

One year on

Australians are persistently anxious about the present, and increasingly pessimistic about the future, so a year on from Labor’s election winning landslide, what has the Albanese government done to allay their worries?

It ain’t what you say, it’s the way that you say it

Female leaders are often judged not just on what they say, but how they say it, shaping who runs for office and how candidates campaign once they get there.

Führerdemokratie

Demagogues, despots and a strange new kind of Russian-style despotism with thoroughly 21st-century characteristics are gaining traction around the world and getting the upper hand.

Could the Coalition help One Nation win Farrar?

A decision by the Liberals and Nationals to direct preferences to One Nation could prove decisive in the Farrar by-election caused by the resignation of Sussan Lee and deliver the seat to the David Farley.

Why don’t voters like Albo?

The times seem to suit Anthony Albanese and the opposition is in disarray so why isn’t he more popular?

Reining in the NDIS

Sweeping reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme will cut 160,000 participants from the scheme over the next four years and reduce funding for the average plan by A$5,000 in half that time.

An art, not a science

Australian history shows lasting reform requires building coalitions, managing the stakeholders who can make or break your policies and having the knack of reading the moment correctly.

What do political think tanks do?

The revamping of the Green Party’s “Institute” prompts examination of what party think tanks do and their value to Australia’s party system.

Defending democracy

Despite the welcome defeat of Hungary’s Victor Orban, democracy is under threat and in decline around the world and Australia is not immune from the challenges it faces, so what can be done to revitalise its appeal?