Premier’s key advisor upends century-old witness law
A premier's right-hand man threatened with arrest has neutralised a federation-era law in a decision set to have far-reaching political ramifications.
parliament
Senator charges public for travel timed with legal case
Thousands of dollars worth of flights and travel allowance have been claimed by a senator during trips that coincided with developments in a private legal case.
Disunity as Aboriginal people hear ‘powerful’ apology
Indigenous leaders have hailed a state's formal apology for past injustices while lamenting persistent ploys to make the population a "political football".
Call for independent body to review minister’s spending
The coalition wants a review of the communications minister's spending as she comes under renewed fire for the cost of taxpayer-funded trips.
Spotlight on AFL stadium timeline after ‘historic’ vote
A contentious billion-dollar stadium attached to a state's AFL dream has passed parliament but the next focus is whether the project can be built on time.
‘Air-Miles Anika’: minister under fire for flight costs
A senior minister splashed thousands of taxpayer dollars on a trip where she attended a friend's birthday party, prompting accusations of improper spending.
Divisive AFL stadium gets the official parliament tick
Tasmania's parliament has voted to approve a new waterfront stadium, which paves the way for the Devils to join the AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028.
Nerves jangling ahead of do or die stadium vote
The future of a contentious stadium and an AFL licence will be decided during a parliamentary debate that could stretch over days.
Pro-stadium rally outpoints opposition ahead of vote
Fans and opponents of a new AFL stadium have held rallies on the same piece of turf ahead of a vote in parliament that will determine whether it goes ahead.
Brumby’s days numbered after shift in alpine regions
Opinions are split over the removal of special protections for wild horses living in the Australian Alps, which some say threatens the identity of the region.
Nationals tip short honeymoon if Barnaby joins Hanson
Barnaby Joyce's resignation from the Nationals has raised questions about what role he could play in One Nation if he shifts to the right-wing minor party.
Barnaby waves bye to Nats as he exits stage far-right
Former deputy prime minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has quit the rural party, but his future remains unclear as he considers joining One Nation.
environmental issue
environmental politics
ministers (government)
parliament
political systems
politics
D-day looms for nature overhaul but final deal elusive
The environment minister has urged the coalition and Greens to come to the table and do a deal on big reforms to Australia's nature protections.
Targeted laws to stamp out obnoxious ‘part-time Nazis’
Neo-Nazis could face jail time or thousands of dollars in fines under laws rapidly drafted after a shocking fascist rally outside a state parliament.
Neo-Nazi taken into detention and awaiting deportation
A South African man who attended a neo-Nazi rally in Australia is being compared to a guest who turns up just to wreck the place, with his visa torn up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.