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Political leadership
Albanese’s race around Australia to lock in crucial candidates
The prime minister is going to Dutton’s own seat of Dickson on Friday to unveil the Labor candidate in the battle for Queensland.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
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Analysis
Political leadership
Dutton has told his troops to prepare for an early election. Are they up to it?
The veteran politician, a former police officer, lived through the scarring Nelson-Turnbull-Abbott years. He has placed a premium on unity, and it has paid off – at least so far.
- by James Massola
The six weeks that turned Fatima Payman’s rift with Labor into a chasm
Fatima Payman was a quiet backbencher for her first two years in the Senate. But for the past six weeks the former union official has become a household name.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
Analysis
Political leadership
Fatima Payman has hurt Labor badly. And she isn’t done yet
Senator Fatima Payman’s defection to the crossbench has caused major damage to the government. And she isn’t done yet, either.
- by James Massola
Updated
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Accusations, intimidation and resignation: Senator Fatima Payman quits Labor
Rebel senator Fatima Payman has quit the Labor Party after creating a political firestorm with her decision to vote against the government over recognising Palestinian statehood.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola
Payman furore to come to a head as Albanese suggests exit
It’s understood Fatima Payman intends to make a statement about her future on Thursday and announce a formal split from Labor.
- by Angus Thompson, Paul Sakkal and James Massola
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Nuclear energy
Teal calls for snap climate election as rumours of cabinet reshuffle swirl
Monique Ryan wants an election on the Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan as Peter Dutton readies for an early poll.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola
Exclusive
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Exiled senator Payman advised by Ricky Muir’s former preference whisperer
Rogue Labor senator Fatima Payman is being advised by controversial election strategist Glenn Druery.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
Updated
NATO
Dutton tells MPs to ‘be ready’ for early election after PM scraps Washington visit
Anthony Albanese was expected to attend next week’s summit marking NATO’s 75th anniversary but Defence Minister Richard Marles will now travel to the US in his place.
- by Rob Harris, Angus Thompson and James Massola
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Israeli-Palestinian conflict
‘Exiled’ Payman defiant after PM tells her to consider her position as senator
The prime minister and the young Muslim senator are at loggerheads as Payman says she has been told to resign.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola
Analysis
Political leadership
Albanese had to act on Payman, but doing so creates new headaches for Labor
It was Fatima Payman’s third strike against caucus solidarity, but Labor is likely to face blow-back from Muslim Australians.
- by James Massola