National eyes on election where there is a second prize
Intense political interest is focused on which party can secure second place in a state election in which almost half of voters have already cast their ballots.
political candidates
Labor clinches second term as One Nation surges at poll
Labor has stormed to a huge win in South Australia, as One Nation hopes its historic second placing translates into seats.
Leaders clash but absent One Nation looms large
A state liberal leader has come out guns blazing in the final debate before a state election, despite opinion polls showing her party facing an historic loss.
‘Buggered’: emotional Nationals leader makes shock exit
David Littleproud says he hasn't got the drive to continue as leader of the Nationals as the first contender to replace him throws his hat in the ring.
‘Hyper-Australia’: Nationals leader targets One Nation
The new leader of the Nationals has outlined his plan to take on One Nation after being elected to the top job following David Littleproud's shock resignation.
Keto comeback: Palmer promises another yellow avalanche
Clive Palmer has told Australians to prepare for billboards, banners and junk mail as he is set to make another tilt for parliament in the 2028 election.
‘This is a stunt’: Hanson rebuked after Muslim remark
Firebrand senator Pauline Hanson has dismissed a censure against her by the Senate as an attack on One Nation following her rise in the polls.
Ley delivers parting shot as hotly contested seat opens
Ousted Liberal leader Sussan Ley has fired a shot at her successor, welcoming the "immediate re-adoption" of her policies as the battle for her old seat begins.
‘Absolute dream’: candidate’s hope for sex abuse reform
As politicians prepare for a hotly contested federal by-election, an independent reveals her hope for big reforms to protect child sexual abuse survivors.
Rules questioned as ex-Liberal leader eyes return as MP
A political comeback attempt by a former Liberal leader with a drug conviction faces challenges as both major parties say they will preference him last.
Benched MP flew with Palmer during coalition split
Billionaire Clive Palmer flew a senior Nationals senator on his private jet to discuss electoral support when the regional party had split from the Liberals.
Liberals pin hopes on housing to turn fortunes around
Angus Taylor has put housing front and centre of his priorities as the newest leader of the federal Liberal Party.
Challenger in hot seat as leadership showdown looms
Sussan Ley is rapidly approaching what could be her last day as opposition leader, with Angus Taylor poised to take over the Liberal Party's top job.
Liberal leadership challenge looms after key meeting
Would-be Liberal leader Angus Taylor is being urged to make his ambitions public before a likely challenge.
Rival leaders dig in as clock ticks on coalition deal
Neither Liberal leader Sussan Ley nor Nationals counterpart David Littleproud are willing to cede ground as prospects of an imminent coalition reunion diminish.
Japan’s PM on track for vote blizzard in winter poll
Japanese voters have cast their ballots in an election expected to hand the nation's first female leader, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a resounding win.
Liberals delay ‘worst job’ fight in coalition stand-off
A new shadow cabinet might be the refresh the Liberal Party needs, a key moderate says, as Sussan Ley's rivals angle for her job.
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.
‘Not personal’: MP breaks ranks in leadership battle
Liberal frontbenchers are standing behind their leader but one MP has publicly declared his hand ahead of a potential spill in the coming weeks.
Liberal MP rules himself out of leadership challenge
Andrew Hastie will not contest a potential leadership challenge against Sussan Ley, after saying he does not have the numbers for a move.
Liberal hopeful branded ‘extreme’ as foes circle leader
Labor has framed one of the frontrunners for Sussan Ley's leadership as a fringe, right-wing figure as momentum builds for a spill.
No fault: Liberals deny tensions as tennis ace departs
An ex-tennis ace and rising Liberal star has blamed infighting for his decision to quit politics, but the party leader insists those issues are in the past.
‘Lower the temperature’: PM’s plea after kidnap threat
A man has been charged with threatening the prime minister, prompting a call for a cooling of the fractious political debate.
One Nation, Nats tussle as Joyce dodges Hanson queries
One Nation expects a sign-on surge after Barnaby Joyce joined up, although the ex-deputy PM stopped short of condoning his new leader's controversial actions.
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.
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.
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.
Barnaby unlikely to trigger mass exodus from Nationals
Many National Party MPs share Barnaby Joyce's bitter disdain for global climate change targets, but they are unlikely to join his long march to the exit.