Restoring faith in pubic appointments

Handpicked political appointments to public institutions and plum jobs have undermined public faith in the system, and cost several high powered people their jobs in recent times.

Jobs for the boys

A new Grattan Institute report shows that political appointments are common at state and federal levels and reveals the costs all Australians bear when governments choose mates over merit.

Beyond GDP

Australia’s new federal treasurer Jim Chalmers’ has the opportunity to draw a line under the Coalition’s narrow economic focus and follow the example set in New Zealand to build a well-being focused economy.

Will Labor win a second term?

After a long and exhausting federal election campaign, It’s far too early to be speculating about the prospects of Labor winning the next election as well, so let’s do just that.

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.

Time for proportional representation?

Despite the 2022 election results, the Greens remain under represented – and the Nationals over-represented – in relation to their overall share of the national vote.

How Australian women influenced the 2022 Election

The election of a Labor Government will not magically fix the systemic and enduring discrimination against women in the home and workplace, but a record number of female and First Nations members in cabinet and government is an excellent place to start.

What about ‘whataboutism’?

Apologists for communism in the past and Russian war crimes and Chinese oppression today often deflect criticism by pointing to supposed faults in democracies, but this well-worn tactic is increasingly used by politicians and commentators of all political persuasions.

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.

A change of style at the top

Anthony Albanese promises a more collegiate style of leadership than the increasingly autocratic Scott Morrison, but the big issues facing Labor will demand some decisive action.

What now for the Liberal party?

The brash qualities, political nous and single minded aggression which won Scott Morrison his ‘miracle’ victory in 2019 proved liabilities in 2022, and he leaves a party which has abandoned its heartland seats and moral core.

Will the real Labor party stand up?

Australia voted for change despite Labor’s campaign rather than because of it, given Anthony Albanese’s gaffes and insipid appeal to the electorate, so will a minority Labor government with less than a third of the primary vote develop a bolder agenda in power?