John Howard was fond of saying good policy is good politics. Medicare’s survival through his government and others, seems to prove that point.
- Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University
It became clear that “Team Dutton” was running on little more than bloke-energy, an unaffordable nuclear policy and, crazily, higher taxes.
The first female leader of the federal Liberal Party has vowed to drag the Coalition back to the centre. But Sussan Ley faces big challenges on multiple fronts.
The former federal director of the Liberal Party, Brian Loughnane, used to tell media companies that their practice of commissioning expensive opinion polls right through a parliamentary term was a waste…
Ten political observers nominate their favourite books about the hustings hustle.
The combative opposition leader has continued to focus on prising suburbanites away from Labor with a relentless campaign emphasising the rising cost-of-living.
The federal election hasn’t even been called, yet efforts are already underway to sideline the Teals if voters return a hung parliament.
Peter Dutton succeeded in dividing the nation over the Voice referendum, but will his Trump-lite approach work in Australia?
A campaign fought on climate and energy might benefit the Greens and the Teal independents – but the prevailing state of the economy will determine their ability to capitalise.
Given the damage to the Liberal “brand” in recent years, the opposition leader faces an arduous task in clawing back seats or winning new ones.
While most are still relatively new to federal politics, the teal independents have had a big impact on the way the country is run.
Leaders projecting command and control have long been the standard in Australian politics. But the trouble arises when strong and successful leaders hang on for too long.
Waging a war on ‘woke’ on issues from climate change to Anzac Day, the right-wing answer to ‘GetUp!’ is leading the ‘no’ vote against a Voice to Parliament.
Crean was the first federal Labor leader not allowed to contest an election at all. Yet, he never carried the scars of his removal.
As they fight for the affections of the same voters, the two parties have engaged in a particularly nasty debate over housing.
Extremist candidates and threats of federal intervention ensure the Victorian Liberal Party remains no closer to resolving its woes.
Chris Wallace’s book Political Lives entertains, but also does something far more valuable: it lights up the present by illuminating the past.
The deal shows the Greens leader has pulled his party towards a more practical orientation, with an emphasis on getting things done.
A new book examines the systemic, situational and attitudinal factors that led to the dramatic political realignment of the 2022 federal election.
Political parties are much more careful with candidate vetting than they used to be. But as recent stories from Victoria show, they are sometimes still not careful enough.
His approval ratings are in the basement, but the opposition leader’s first priority must be holding the Coalition together.
As shocking at Morrison’s behaviour was, it may be that the failure of the Coalition parties to clearly condemn it that inflicts the greater long-term damage.
As Jim Chalmers prepares to deliver grim news on the economy, he will choose his words carefully.
Menzies’ party has been delivered a massive blow - complete with loud messages - from its traditional base. The question now is whether it will listen.
The 2022 election is the most important national choice to be put before voters since Gough Whitlam’s history-making ‘It’s Time’ campaign.
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