This Month
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Dutton not match fit after dodging the pack, or so Labor hopes
When the opposition leader has made a foray into policy detail, he’s found himself on the sticky paper.
- Phillip Coorey
- Exclusive
- Federal budget
NDIS growth curb ahead of schedule, but budget burden grows
The NDIS is on track to have its growth rate reduced to 8 per cent a year earlier than expected, but the cost of the scheme will continue to rise as a proportion of GDP,
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Labor cuts with one hand, hands out with other
Targeting childcare spending at those who need it most would avoid another overly generous entitlement that becomes a financial problem down the track like the NDIS.
- The AFR View
November
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Report card on 47th parliament: Could do better
Two retiring politicians offered some pointed advice for their colleagues in parliament’s last session for the year.
- The AFR View
- Opinion
- Federal election
Don’t get upset at voters getting it wrong
As the election edges closer, there’s only one thing we know for sure – at least a few glittering political careers will end.
- Lidija Ivanovski
Tax reform is ‘unfinished business’, Shorten says
Voters turned against the former Labor leader in 2019 after he proposed paring back property investors’ tax breaks. He thinks It’s still a problem.
- Andrew Tillett
- Opinion
- Big four
Chalmers sells intervention as economic salve
The US may have a different culture, but its politics still provide a recent lesson in the electoral risks of rural voters feeling ignored by governments or left out of services.
- Jennifer Hewett
- Exclusive
- Scams
Verifiable credentials: Shorten’s ID push to stop scams
One of the nation’s biggest banks will help test the roll-out of trusted digital identities to stop scams and prevent data breaches of personal information.
- Andrew Tillett
October
NDIS autism reforms could stretch beyond election
Disability ministers will meet in Adelaide on Friday for more negotiations over the cost of early intervention services for children with developmental delays.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- Political leadership
Has everyman Albo reached the limit of his talents?
Anthony Albanese wanted to appeal to voters beset with “conflict fatigue”. Now they are unconvinced that he is fighting for them.
- Shaun Carney
Sex work, yoga and cuddle therapy banned from NDIS spending
The list of approved and banned services for participants in the scheme comes into effect on Thursday, with a one-year transition period.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- Foreign relations
Where middle Australia meets the Middle East
Israel’s push into Lebanon ensures a greater fraying of any complacency about this country’s claims to enjoy enduring social cohesion over generations of immigrants.
- Jennifer Hewett
September
Labor won’t pursue negative gearing changes, Shorten predicts
The former Labor leader says he is sure the government won’t take changes to property investor tax breaks to the next election.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Resorting to riddles on negative gearing treats voters as mugs
This week showed the government’s performance remains far from polished when events wander off script.
- Phillip Coorey
‘Beautiful chaos’: Iconic Melbourne power diner owner calls time
Simon Hartley has hosted every prime minister since Gough Whitlam at his CBD restaurant Becco. But on Friday, he held the last supper.
- Gus McCubbing
NDIS ‘navigator’ plan could save up to $5b
A plan to replace middle men with trained plan co-ordinators is being considered by federal Labor, off the back of the NDIS review last year.
- Tom McIlroy
Labor firms on Queenslander to replace Victorian Bill Shorten
Bill Shorten’s seat of Maribyrnong will go to Victorian Labor’s left faction, while retiring MP Brendan O’Connor’s seat of Gorton is subject to a battle between two right-faction unions.
- Ronald Mizen
Contactless payments take the more expensive route
Readers’ letters on card payment fees; poor Westpac culture; engineering limits; Bill Shorten’s exit; Labor and productivity; and cartoonist David Rowe.
The brutal retail politics behind the inflation fight
Relations between the Albanese government and the Reserve Bank of Australia are at an unprecedented low. Only one thing will ease the tension.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Political leadership
With a half-smile, Bill Shorten bows out of politics on his terms
The former federal Labor leader has no regrets about calling it quits to become a university vice chancellor.
- Jennifer Hewett