Top election official resigns in wake of bungled poll
An electoral commissioner has handed in his resignation after a state election that was plagued by a litany of problems.
democracy
‘Where the bloody hell are ya?’: NZ’s budget sledge
New Zealand is campaigning for Australian talent off the back of major tax reforms in the budget, with the Kiwi government also whacking the broken promise.
Former premier apologises for contempt of parliament
A former state premier has apologised for misleading parliament as government integrity looms as a key issue in an upcoming by-election.
UK PM’s leadership woes overshadow parliament’s opening
Not even the pomp and ceremony of a speech by King Charles reopening parliament could distract from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership woes.
Myanmar cuts ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence
Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has had her sentence reduced as part of a broad amnesty by the country's new president who ousted her.
Peru election marred by delays as Fujimori leads count
Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, narrowly leads Peru's national election - a vote hit by delays as it heads to a run-off.
Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake
Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has lost power after 16 years in office.
Danes vote in poll clouded by Trump’s Greenland desires
Danish voters are casting ballots, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen seeking a third term amid a stand-off with US President Donald Trump over Greenland.
‘Buggered’: emotional Nationals leader makes shock exit
David Littleproud says he hasn't got the drive to continue as leader of the Nationals as the first contender to replace him throws his hat in the ring.
‘Thoughtless offending’ blamed for Liberal poll rout
The Liberal Party alienated immigrants, young people and women during its calamitous 2025 election campaign, which a review describes as its worst in history.
‘This is a stunt’: Hanson rebuked after Muslim remark
Firebrand senator Pauline Hanson has dismissed a censure against her by the Senate as an attack on One Nation following her rise in the polls.
‘Florid ramblings’: minister takes aim at CFMEU report
A minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the work of a top barrister probing CFMEU corruption as pressure builds on his party's leader.
Liberals pin hopes on housing to turn fortunes around
Angus Taylor has put housing front and centre of his priorities as the newest leader of the federal Liberal Party.
‘Lower the temperature’: PM’s plea after kidnap threat
A man has been charged with threatening the prime minister, prompting a call for a cooling of the fractious political debate.
breaking_news
democracy
executive (government)
government
ministers (government)
parliament
political campaigns
political development
political systems
politics
travel and commuting
Expense scandal critics back MP travel perks crackdown
Restrictions on family travel entitlements sparked by MPs flying partners to major events has strong support but there are calls for even stricter limits.
Hong Kong court finds tycoon guilty in landmark trial
Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, has been convicted in a landmark national security trial.
Machado vows to bring Nobel back to Venezuela
Maria Corina Machado defied at travel ban to pick up her Nobel Peace Prize, and the opposition leader is vowing to eventually take the award back to Venezuela.
Labor vowed to end ‘jobs for mates’ but ignored review
A minister who promised to end a "jobs for mates" culture for political appointments has snubbed recommendations for a more robust, independent process.
corrupt practices
democracy
executive (government)
government
government departments
ministers (government)
political development
political systems
politics
Secret report on cronyism comes back to bite Labor
The key finding of a major investigation into "jobs for the boys" across federal politics can be revealed after being kept secret for more than two years.
crime, law and justice
democracy
election
executive (government)
investigation
national elections
politics
Trump pardons dozens of his allies “put through hell”
Donald Trump has pardoned dozens of allies accused of backing the Republicans' efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Alarming Aussie support for political violence revealed
Many Australians have lost faith in democracy and elected leaders, with nearly one in ten believing violence can be justified for a political cause.
democracy
election
executive (government)
government
national government
parliament
political campaigns
political candidates
political development
political systems
politics
Brazen lies, ballot box bullies among election antics
From intimidation at polling booths to constant social media nonsense on voting, an inquiry has has been told all about new dark sides of election politics.
John Bolton pleads not guilty in classified info case
John Bolton has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of sharing classified information.
Wikipedia war of words waged over First Nations names
Decades-old history wars are playing out on the backbone of the internet as Wikipedia editors strive to enhance cultural safety and face other challenges.
‘Grey corruption’, ministerial staff conduct unpunished
A former ombudsman is calling for greater accountability of ministerial staffers who engage in misconduct but aren't covered by independent oversight.
Ex-FBI chief Comey pleads not guilty to charges
Former FBI director James Comey pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance, in a case critics say is politically motivated.
‘Sort it out’, junior coalition partner tells Liberals
Nationals leader David Littleproud has begged the Liberals to sort out their squabbling as a fresh poll paints a dire picture for the coalition.
Dodging popular UK firebrand may not be PM’s best step
Australia's prime minister may have been better meeting a former Brexiteer who leads opinion polls, a leading political analyst says on his UK visit.
US regulator likened to mob boss for TV network threats
The Trump administration threatening broadcasters' licences in order to punish TV host Jimmy Kimmel "is right out of Goodfellas", a top Republican senator says.
Defiant Indonesian students gather for protests
After a week of protests that turned deadly, hundreds of Indonesian students have returned to the streets despite a heavy security presence.
Harvard grads cheer calls for school to stand strong
A federal judge has extended an order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling foreign students.