Poll still a blind date as no love lost between leaders
MPs are sharpening their pitches to the public in the lead-up to a federal election as politicians gather for the first sitting week of the year.
election
‘Sense of optimism’ as PM rallies Labor, goes on attack
As politicians prepare to hit the hustings, the prime minister welcomes the start of the parliamentary year with confidence and a new attack line.
Reckoning looms as Labor, Libs look to shake off woes
A long-time state Labor government is under the pump with crucial by-elections likely to reveal the extent of voters' dissatisfaction after a turbulent summer.
Unlikely alliance spells danger for Labor in key seats
A federal candidate backed by The Muslim Vote is in negotiations with the Liberals, Greens and other independents to preference Labor last in a must-win seat.
Freeway cash splash as poll pitch enters the fast lane
A battleground state is being showered with hundreds of millions of dollars in poll pledges as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton rev up unofficial campaigns.
Lukashenko on track to win with 88% in Belarus election
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994, is on the cusp of securing a five-year term, in an election the West dubbed a sham.
‘A Labor win is precious’: PM dismisses worsening poll
Anthony Albanese remains confident of a second Labor term, despite a Newspoll showing more voters expect the coalition to win the next election.
Elon Musk joins German far right party event by video
Elon Musk made a cameo at a German far right political party's campaign event, while tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Berlin against extremist views.
‘Not enough’: PM concedes more needed to win election
Selling a vision for the future, rather than dwelling on past achievements, is the prime minister's blueprint for winning over voters to secure a second term.
Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight
Cost of living remains a major focus of the upcoming federal election, with each party spruiking policies to address pressure on household budgets.
PM walks diplomatic tightrope as Trump takes office
Australia's most senior official in the US during the first Trump presidency has weighed in on how the Albanese government will navigate his return to power.
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.
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.
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national elections
parliament
political campaigns
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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.