Independents seize on ‘unfair’ deal to boost campaign
David Pocock is going on tour to visit other independent candidates challenging major party MPs after electoral changes he brands as unfair were rammed through.
political campaigns
Labor admits trust damaged after surviving voter revolt
The Liberals have fallen short of a by-election upset in a traditional Labor stronghold after voters took a sledgehammer to the 10-year-old state government.
Caution urged over polls as Labor bleeds support
A warning has been issued over election polling as tightly clustered results in a close race may not reflect Australians' votes.
Controversial electoral reforms cap donations, spending
Crossbenchers and independents are up in arms over reforms they argue stack the playing field towards the major parties by limiting their campaign resources.
Anger in halls of power over ‘unfair’ electoral reforms
Federal MPs have clashed in a Parliament House corridor over political donation laws which loom as a sticking point in minority government negotiations.
Greens concede Prahran as Werribee hangs in the balance
A Liberal candidate has wrested an inner-city seat from the Greens in one of two state by-elections, as the other political contest remains too close to call.
Invincible no more: by-election puts Labor on notice
With a state by-election result hanging on a knife edge, voters have fired a "warning shot" at Labor ahead of the upcoming federal election.
‘Hold the line’: politicians say goodbye ahead of poll
Retiring politicians have issued rallying calls to the nation to remain optimistic about the future as they bid farewell ahead of a federal election.
Draft electoral donations cap to be raised after talks
Draft caps and thresholds for federal election spending will increase as Labor negotiates with the Liberals to pass electoral reform before parliament rises.
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.
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.
‘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.
Mystery money for MPs shines light on ‘dark’ donations
Independents want greater transparency into who is bankrolling political parties, with the origins of almost half of donations a mystery.
Major parties rake in over $140m in political donations
Almost half of all donations to Labor, the coalition and the Greens don't have associated donors due to electoral rules, leading to calls for reform.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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 finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
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.
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.
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 sharpens attack on nuclear in election-style tour
The prime minister is using a multi-state blitz to launch new offensives against the coalition's nuclear energy policy as the federal election looms.
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.
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.
PM’s wicked blitz of the west as Libs enjoy good spell
Anthony Albanese has tried to fight the tide of public opinion by spruiking funding in marginal west coast seats as his opponent takes to the east.
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.
Eye of political storm nears as focus turns to polls
After passing a flurry of bills at the eleventh hour, Labor is spruiking its wins ahead of a much-anticipated federal election.