Teals bet on hung parliament to force gambling ad ban
Independent crossbenchers will leverage their votes in a minority government to force action on banning betting advertising after Labor failed to act.
parliament
Hate speech laws go to vote as anti-Semitism denounced
Hate will be stopped at its source if tougher amendments are made to proposed laws to crackdown on the rise of anti-Semitism, an advocate says.
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.
‘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.
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.
Lebanon’s army chief elected president by MPs
Hezbollah MPs have backed Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun to become the country's president in a second round of voting.
Hurdles remain for Labor despite year-ending wins
Despite notching up several wins to round out 2024, the federal government still has more issues to deal with after the summer break.
Tech giant concern as social media ban passes
The parent company for Facebook has hit out at a looming ban on under 16s for social media, labelling the process as rushed.
Deportation, travel ban and dogs in detention laws pass
Three migration bills giving the government extensive powers to deport non-citizens and bar entry to Australia for some nationalities have passed the Senate.
Veteran Liberal senator retires to seek ‘new direction’
Simon Birmingham has made a heartfelt speech to colleagues as the Liberal called time on his 17-year Senate career to pursue a "commercially oriented" future.
Suspension, censure ‘badges of honour’: Lidia Thorpe
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has refused to back down, capping off her parliamentary year by staring down her suspension and taunting the Senate.
‘Line in the sand’: Lidia Thorpe barred from parliament
Lidia Thorpe has been suspended from parliament after the senator she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson, in a move described a "line in the sand".
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.
Pressure on PM to ram through agenda in final sitting
The federal government has a laundry list of policy promises to push through before the next election, but it looks unlikely to get much done before 2024 ends.
Election money reforms dubbed a ‘major-party stitch-up’
Independent MPs have blasted proposed electoral laws capping expenditure, saying while they agree with reform, the way it's being done favours major parties.
Premier plays musical chairs with prized cabinet spots
Premier David Crisafulli has unveiled the Liberal National Party's first Queensland cabinet in almost a decade, revealing major frontbench changes.
Premier promises to release secret corruption reports
The votes are still being tallied but Queensland's newly-sworn in premier is already making big moves, vowing to release secret corruption reports.
New deputy premier picked as cabinet reshuffle looms
A political veteran and former senator has been appointed deputy premier of Tasmania's minority Liberal government, as the party searches for a new treasurer.
Interstate ferry fiasco claims Liberal deputy leader
The deputy premier of Tasmania's minority Liberal government has resigned from cabinet over ferry delays and cost blowouts.
election
housing and urban planning
laws
national elections
national government
parliament
political candidates
PM’s early election warning labelled an ’empty threat’
The prime minister has threatened a double dissolution over resistance to his government's housing policy but experts don't think this will benefit his party.
Liberals to double debt, delay budget surplus
The Tasmanian Liberal government's 2024/25 budget has pushed back a projected surplus and forecast net debt to double in four years.
Australia’s first parliament marks 200th anniversary
August 25 marks exactly 200 years since the inaugural meeting of NSW Parliament's Upper House, making it Australia's first parliament.
Plenty of pots left to stir for this retiring pollie
Labor MP Graham Perrett is retiring from politics but the firebrand Queenslander has not finished stirring the pot in parliament.
Construction union takeover to be cemented after deal
All construction divisions of the CFMEU will face a minimum three-year administration period and up to five with serious penalties for non-compliance.
Former PM’s daughter becomes youngest-ever Thai leader
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of divisive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has won the backing of parliament to become Thailand's youngest prime minister.
CFMEU crackdown faces delay as negotiations drag
The coalition wants to strengthen Labor laws to take over the CFMEU but the push for an inquiry is being criticised with concerns witnesses won't come forward.
Cost of living, union corruption in focus as MPs return
Labor wants to shift the focus to cost-of-living relief and social action as the coalition heaps pressure on its handling of inflation and national security.
Winter-break headache as Labor hones re-election pitch
Labor and the coalition will use a month-long break from parliament to refine their respective pitches to voters as a possible year-end election looms.