Women return to coalition as Labor hits gender parity
Despite female voters deserting the coalition at the last election, polling suggests more women back the opposition than the Labor government.
election
Hard times turn voters off Labor in election lead-up
Labor is trailing the opposition just months before Australians head to the polls, but the prime minister says his government can give voters what they want.
election
national elections
parliament
political campaigns
political candidates
politics
politics (general)
Minority report tips a return to ‘ruthless’ opposition
History could be repeated as the possibility of a minority government looms but veteran politicians say this could resurrect a ruthless opposition force.
Crossbench kingmakers could hold sway in house divided
Veteran independents say a minority government could get more done but caution crossbenchers against trying to set deals in stone with the major parties.
More women in cabinet but representation worries build
The political representation of women has received a boost after a pre-election cabinet shuffle but concerns remain over the opposition's gender imbalance.
Bill Shorten to quit politics early, sparking reshuffle
Retiring Labor minister Bill Shorten will leave politics earlier than expected, giving his party the opportunity for a refresh before the federal election.
PM energised as Nats use nuclear to hunt coal-rich seat
Labor and the coalition are sharpening their political attacks as party leaders heat up the energy debate during visits to key electorates.
Pollies draw up election blueprints as vote looms
With just a few months before Australians hit the polls, the major parties have their work cut out for them as they scramble to perfect their public images.
Dutton makes personal pitch at coalition campaign rally
Peter Dutton has talked up his working-class origins at a campaign rally as he seeks to connect with voters ahead of the federal election.
Venezuela’s Maduro sworn in for third term
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro hopes his new term will be "a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy".
Doubt cast over ‘crude’ plan to ban CFMEU from project
Members of the troubled CFMEU could be banned from working on a multi-billion-dollar project under a coalition plan to fix one of Australia's longest roads.
Cost of living in mind as Labor clutches purse strings
Voters are crying out for more measures to combat the rising cost of living with a federal election looming as Labor preaches responsible economic management.
PM rounds up pre-election tour in cattle country
An early start to the political year has landed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in cattle country, where he has been spruiking the importance of the industry.
PM hits the road to an election with multi-state blitz
The election year has begun with the prime minister making his first major promise as he embarks on a whirlwind cross-country crusade.
Countdown to election day as aftershocks rattle Vanuatu
Still reeling from aftershocks, campaigning has begun for a very challenging election in Vanuatu after many polling booths were hit in December's deadly quake.
Syria’s de facto leader says vote could take four years
The leader of Syria's rebellion who is serving as the country's de facto leader says it might be another four years before a national election can be held.
Cambodian opposition leader sentenced to two years jail
A Cambodian court has convicted an opposition party leader of inciting social disorder and sentenced him to two years in prison.
Victoria could be a key election battleground: Newspoll
Victoria could be a big player in deciding the next federal election result, according to a new Newspoll analysis.
Retiring backbencher gifts a lump of coal for Christmas
A retiring backbencher known for his staunch opposition of a net-zero carbon emissions target has taken a swipe at his party leader on his way out the door.
Thousands of families could benefit from free childcare
More than 60,000 families would access three days of free childcare while an access test branded punitive will be scrapped under a Labor policy.
Romanian top court annuls presidential election result
Romania's constitutional court has annulled the results of the first round of the country's presidential election.
Vanuatu instability may revive Australia security pact
Vanuatu's former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau believes the Supreme Court will stop a snap election and force MPs back to parliament.
Leader of an Irish party gives birth on election day
Voters across Ireland have headed to the polls in a parliamentary election to decide the next government, with the leader of an opposition party giving birth.
Hard-right populist shocks Romanian presidential vote
A little-known, far-right NATO critic has taken a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election and is set to face a centrist opposition leader in a run-off.
Kat in the hat scores half-century as a politician
A stalwart of federal parliament and one of its most well-known figures, Bob Katter has marked a half-century in public office.
Labor stares down ‘it’s time’ factor as govt turns 10
Is Australia's longest-serving Labor government on the edge of the electoral abyss after 10 years, or are there enough runs on the board to win another term?
Political instability sends Vanuatu off to polls again
Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu has reportedly signed an order to dissolve the Pacific country's parliament.
diplomacy
economy, business and finance
election
human rights
international (foreign) trade
international relations
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restraint of trade
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trade policy
Eyes on Trump’s China hawks as Australia quells tension
Tensions between Australia and China continue to cool, but President Xi Jinping has cautioned the diplomatic thaw must be managed "with great care".
Vanuatu president dissolves Pacific island’s parliament
Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu has reportedly signed an order to dissolve the Pacific country's parliament.
Independents up in arms over ‘rigged’ donations reforms
The major political parties have been slammed for "rigging" the system to boost their chances of winning, after agreeing on a political donations reform bills.
Labor claims big swing against Libs in by-election
South Australian Labor has pulled off a historic win in former Liberal leader David Speirs' seat of Black after a double-digit swing.