Tell-tale signs on the road to polling day

The importance of certain points in this campaign were obvious, while the significance of others became clear in retrospect. Here is a recap of 10 of the twists and turns on the hustings that decided the battle for votes.

Young women revolt

The cost of living has dominated the federal election campaign. Soaring rents, grocery bills and energy prices have squeezed household budgets and the young women who are most affected may use their votes to protest.

Restoring trust in politics

The erosion of trust in democratic institutions is a challenge for Australian politicians across the party spectrum, so what can be done to restore the public’s faith in democracy?

Grasping the nettle of tax reform

Australians have been promised quick-fix tax measures to ease cost-of-living pressures. Instead, it’s high time to reform and simplify a complex tax system.

State of the nation

While many Australians have already voted at pre-poll stations and by post, the politicking continues right up until May 3 so what’s happened across the country over the past five weeks?

Political theatre

Australian politics tends to shy away from grand spectacle, but Albanese and Dutton both need to reassure a restless public that, amid global chaos, Australia remains anchored in pragmatism.

The advertising blitz

Advertising of any kind is as atrocious as it is incessant, and political advertising is no different although its impact may not be as great as many politicians like to think.

Expecting more from Albanese

Anthony Albanese offered Australia a safe pair of hands in his first term, but if he wins a second term, he will need to show more dynamism and ambition to leave his mark on history.

Understanding Dutton

Like his mentor John Howard, Peter Dutton is a man of strong political instincts rather than ideology, but will that be enough to propel him into office?

The independent option

Independent MPs are playing an ever more prominent role in Australian politics and will play a pivotal role in deciding Australia’s government if Saturday’s election produces a hung parliament.

The price of party promises

The major parties have been generous with their promises in the election campaign, but conspicuously delay releasing the costs of their election pledges as long as possible to minimise voter scrutiny or revolt.

Mad at the media

Peter Dutton’s absurd slander of the ABC and the Guardian as ‘hate media’ apes Donald Trump in a disturbing way and rings alarm bells for Australian democracy.