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.
parliament
Relief as victims of anti-gay laws are compensated
Equality advocates are rejoicing after nation-leading laws allowing men convicted of homosexuality under former laws passed a state parliament.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.
Gambling lobby floats ad limit as uncertainty lingers
Betting companies are searching for a middle ground on gambling advertising reform as the communications minister weighs up a response to a landmark inquiry.
Nature’s recovery, not decline, promise of major reform
Long-awaited reforms to environmental protections are finally before parliament but the battle to enshrine them into law is only getting started.
Brave MP steps up as Daniel’s legacy set in law
A state MP has revealed an assault's impact on their family as Australia's first public child sex offender registry is established by a landmark law.
Australian-first treaty opens path to truth and trust
A significant chapter begins for Aboriginal communities as historic treaty laws clear parliament in one state, sparking optimism for other parts of the nation.
Optus backs outage acts after keeping officials in dark
Optus leaders took nearly 18 hours to tell authorities deaths had been linked to a triple-zero outage, but they say the company followed the law.
Coalition support plunges further amid climate fighting
A dire poll is putting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley under pressure as the coalition thrashes out its approach to energy and climate change.
Give Ley clear air, former Nats leader tells colleagues
Coalition MPs are being urged to let their leader do her job amid fevered leadership speculation and an ongoing spat over climate and energy policy.
Joyce compares climate dispute to punching a journalist
The former Nationals leader has defended his split from his colleagues but left the door open to rejoining down the track.
‘Get on board’: minister’s environment overhaul appeal
Negotiating the passage of major environment reforms through parliament is pulling the federal government in different directions.
‘Sword’ could help millions act on human rights
High-profile names are backing an effort to bolster rights for eight million Australians, and not leave them reliant on anti-discrimination "shields".
‘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.
Election calls heap pressure on Macron to end crisis
The collapse of France's government in just hours makes things even tougher President Emmanuel Macron, who faces calls to quit or hold a snap election.
Ex-Wallabies star kicked out of social sports club
A former Wallabies captain and now senator has been banned from a parliamentary social sports club after raising concerns about a gambling lobby's sponsorship.
Hastie left with a Scarr in Liberals immigration spat
The coalition's immigration lead wants cooler heads to prevail in the migration intake debate after weeks of inflammatory comments from Liberal colleagues.
Ley reveals fresh front bench after Hastie departure
The Liberals have shuffled the decks of its leadership team after the resignation of rogue MP Andrew Hastie triggered a second reshuffle in five months.
‘Fight Labor’: Libs urge unity after Hastie resignation
Liberals are being warned from within that they could lose seats if internal rifts aren't put to bed following the front bench resignation of Andrew Hastie.
Optus in government’s sights as parliament returns
Telco execs, the communications minister, government bureaucrats and the opposition leader will face tough questions when federal parliament returns.
Newest NSW senator ‘as Queenslander as Wally Lewis’
An adviser to Pauline Hanson who lives in Queensland will become a NSW senator after his residency sparks a rare debate.
Bitter pill as drug testing is outlawed
Pill testing has been banned in Queensland after strict new laws were passed in parliament by the state government.
France’s Macron seeks new PM after government’s fall
France's government has toppled in a confidence vote, a new crisis that obliges President Emmanuel Macron to search for his fifth prime minister in two years.
Big fines for breaches as childcare workers ‘drowning’
Fines will more than double for childcare breaches in one state, but a union says "drowning" educators are quitting due to low pay and intense pressure.
Thailand’s Anutin elected PM after rout of ruling rival
Political veteran Anutin Charnvirakul has easily won a vote against Thailand's once-dominant ruling party to become the turmoil-hit nation's new prime minister.
Japan’s PM resigns after bruising election losses
Japanese leader Shigeru Ishiba, who has faced a split within his ruling party, has pitched the world's fourth-largest economy into fresh political uncertainty.
Australia’s deportation deal with Nauru to cost $2.5b
Australia's deal with Nauru to deport ex-immigration detainees will cost taxpayers up to $2.5 billion over three decades, a parliamentary committee was told.
‘You’re a racist’: Bob Katter raises fist at reporter
Bob Katter has threatened to punch a journalist after being asked about his Lebanese heritage in the lead-up to anti-migration rallies across the country.
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.
Victims’ Commissioner resigns after DV hotline debacle
A state's Victims' Commissioner has resigned after damning findings from a review into a domestic violence helpline.
Property owners busted living in social housing
Property owners and high-income earners have been caught out living in public housing in a government review of tenancies.