The weekend results, in particular the way they’re being read, haven’t only confirmed Labor’s trajectory but in doing so, have given the opposition, and Shorten especially, a huge confidence boost.
Articles on Fremantle by-election
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The results are a deep disappointment for the government, which had hoped it might snatch at least one of the Braddon or Longman, and had hopes of winning Mayo although it quickly gave these up.
Michelle Grattan speaks with Deep Saini about the week in politics.
The ALP just has to suck it up and throw itself into battle, because the stakes are very high.
The byelections, which span four states, are especially crucial for opposition leader Bill Shorten, because four are in ALP seats and two of those are on wafer thin margins.
Dean Smith on the pros and risks of new religious freedom protections
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Western Australia Liberal Senator Dean Smith is a man of forthright opinions, not afraid to take on fights within his party.
Liberal backbench senator Dean Smith will challenge on Saturday his party’s decision not to field a candidate in the byelection for the federal seat of Perth.
