Major parties spend big but Clive Palmer goes larger
Billionaires bet big on major parties at the federal poll but the standout spender was Clive Palmer, despite failing to get any of his candidates elected.
political campaigns
Nationals back leader as MP warns of ‘political cliff’
Nationals MPs are standing behind leader David Littleproud after a renegade backbencher announced his intention to challenge for the leadership.
Top Liberal’s backers talk down imminent leader threat
Key supporters of Sussan Ley don't expect a challenge to her leadership in the near term, but one rival has yet to break cover with his plans.
The election campaign threat that has parties worried
Labor's review of its thumping 2025 federal election victory has found the biggest threat to its future success might lie beyond the floundering opposition.
Expense scandal critics back MP travel perks crackdown
Restrictions on family travel entitlements sparked by MPs flying partners to major events has strong support but there are calls for even stricter limits.
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.
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.
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.
Family ties loom large in premier’s by-election test
Family ties, those of the Premier David Crisafulli and the Katters, could prove crucial in a Queensland by-election contest.
Liberals go back to basics after crawling to year’s end
The Liberals are attempting to win back the title of "responsible economic managers" and turn over a new leaf after a tumultuous parliamentary year.
State Labor seeks a ‘clean slate’ in party rebuild
A state opposition leader has acknowledged his party must learn where they failed as a government and regain trust with voters if they want to return to power.
Liberal leaders try to repair party image after turmoil
Winning over climate-conscious and diverse voters the coalition lost at previous elections won't be an easy feat, but new leaders are laying the groundwork.
Coalition has ‘mountain to climb’ in dire poll result
Liberal MPs and senators are preparing to convene but are playing down the prospects of a leadership spill as they digest another round of negative polling.
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.
NZ Labour apes Albo’s Labor with ‘Medicard’ policy
Australia's Medicare card would have a Kiwi equivalent if NZ Labour wins office, after a major policy play by Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins.
Nationals council ditches net zero from policy platform
The Nationals federal council has voted to abandon achieving net zero emissions from the party platform as MPs are poised to finalise their position on climate.
Independent Connolly wins Irish presidency in landslide
European Union-critic Catherine Connolly has been elected Ireland's president after attracting 63 per cent of the vote.
‘Traumatic’: Joyce has frustrations, Hanson not buying
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson rejects suggestions Barnaby Joyce could replace her in the right-wing party after the NSW MP said he plans to leave his seat.
Schools to face 48-hour deadline for action on bullying
Schools will have to take rapid action on bullying complaints, while teachers will get extra resources to help them respond in a crackdown on harmful behaviour.
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.
‘Sort it out’, junior coalition partner tells Liberals
Nationals leader David Littleproud has begged the Liberals to sort out their squabbling as a fresh poll paints a dire picture for the coalition.
Dodging popular UK firebrand may not be PM’s best step
Australia's prime minister may have been better meeting a former Brexiteer who leads opinion polls, a leading political analyst says on his UK visit.
France’s Sarkozy jailed for five years in Gaddafi case
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of a key charge in his trial for alleged illegal campaign financing by Libya.
Accused sniper in Charlie Kirk killing awaits charges
A state governor has credited Tyler Robinson's family with bringing him to justice for the alleged shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Premier hails Labor victory hours after polls close
A seat up for grabs after an MP was forced out of parliament has gone to a Labor government in a remarkable feat not witnessed in three decades.
Liberals’ federal woes blamed for by-election thrashing
The NSW government picks up an extra seat following a by-election victory as the state's opposition leader deflects blame for the outcome and vows to fight on.
‘Lot of work to do’: coalition slump to polling low
The coalition's primary vote has plummeted to its lowest level in Newspoll history, after a controversial week for the opposition on migration.
Nationals vow to take nuclear policy to next election
David Littleproud has detailed the four key policies that led to the Nationals splitting from the Liberals, as he vows to take nuclear to the next election.
Bangladesh to go to the polls in February
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has flagged a February election, as his country stands at a crossroads amid bickering political parties.
Nats ‘steers’ rumbling in party paddock over net zero
Two aggrieved former Nationals leaders are using their opposition to a net zero emissions target to put pressure on their leader to scrap the party's policy.
Stadium, debt and ferries: leaders in only debate pitch
A controversial AFL stadium, budget debt and a "reckless" no-confidence motion have headlined the sole leaders' debate of a snap state election campaign.