Political leadership
Bleeding knees, burning abs: I spent a week living like David Pocock. It nearly killed me
How does Canberra’s most shredded politician stay fit? Angus Thompson underwent five days of pain involving heavy weights, burning abs – and a winter dip in frigid waters.
- by Angus Thompson
Latest
Opinion
Federal budget
Forget smaller government, let’s shoot for better government
Randomised controlled trials aren’t just for medicine and pharmaceuticals – they can also help put our taxes to better use in properly evaluated government programs.
- by Ross Gittins
Exclusive
ALP
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
Opinion
Culture wars
Identity politics has the power to be meaningful. If only we stopped making it an incoherent mess
Since the resignation of Senator Fatima Payman, fretting about identity politics has become a renewed national sport. Now it’s the frame through which all political actions must pass.
- by Waleed Aly
Opinion
Australia votes
There are no ‘safe’ seats any more, and here’s why that’s good news
More power for crossbenchers at the federal level could be a good way to break the big-party logjam. It couldn’t could be worse than what we’ve got.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
ALP
The blaring warning for Albanese that Morrison ignored until he lost
The Liberals ignored constant warnings about their failing on climate, women and integrity until heartland seats abandoned them. Labor should not make the same mistake with Gaza.
- by Angus Livingston
Opinion
Opinion
Will Fatima Payman become the Pauline Hanson of the left? That’s up to her
The now-independent WA senator has chosen performative identity politics over Labor Party solidarity. But her next decision could have even more profound implications for Australian politics.
- by Peter Hartcher
Analysis
Peter Dutton
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
Explainer
US Votes 2024
‘I screwed up’: When is a leader too old to lead?
Joe Biden’s recent halting debate against a blustering rival caused panic in some quarters. But does it mean he should throw in the re-election towel?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
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
PM warns against faith-based political movements as Payman hints at next move
Payman said “stay tuned” and “anything can happen” when asked if she wanted to collaborate with a coalition of Muslim community groups planning to run against Labor MPs.
- by Paul Sakkal