This Month
Nous billed ANU for $500k, not the ‘circa $50,000’ executive claimed
Australian National University has been engulfed in a growing furore over a major change management plan, having trouble getting its facts in order.
Pocock says ANU misled Senate, demands inquiry
The university’s vice chancellor, Genevieve Bell, is again under fire after the ACT senator accused her of providing misleading information to an inquiry.
Gas policy ‘taken over by activists’: Beach CEO
Brett Woods also took aim at politicians opposing local gas supply projects that are forcing the industry towards more emissions intensive and expensive imports.
March
How gas turned Dutton into an accidental progressive
Peter Dutton has long been loathed by progressives. But by declaring his intention to crack down on gas exporters, he has adopted one of their favourite policy ideas.
$6.8b power bill relief could have bought 500k Tesla batteries
The $6.8 billion spent on power bill relief since 2022 could have subsidised the electrification of up to 600,000 homes.
David Pocock leaves the Climate 200 mothership
The first-term ACT senator has weaned himself off the political campaign group’s money. Some in the teal and independent movements say that’s not a bad thing.
February
Revolt over Labor bid to stem ATO tax break for small businesses
A fresh row has erupted over small business following attempts by the government to ram through new legislation that affects firms with tax debts.
‘My position is unchanged’: Senator rejects Chalmers’ super tax offer
The treasurer will have to drop plans to tax unrealised gains to secure support for his superannuation tax hike.
January
Peter Dutton is not Donald Trump. He can’t afford to be
The opposition leader’s role in delivering marriage equality should be a reminder that he is not an unyielding arch-conservative, as a growing narrative by his detractors suggests.
Offer to exempt judges from super tax hike not enough for Senate
The chances of the government passing its tax hike on $3 million-plus super accounts before the election remains slim at best.
PM speed-dated TV, sports bosses before U-turn on gambling ad ban
In a 95-minute period on August 30, Anthony Albanese spoke with the country’s major sporting and TV bosses about his draft gambling ad policy.
November 2024
Campaign finance laws could reduce not increase political competition
The community independents are right that this legislation is too important to be rushed through parliament in the final two sitting weeks.
Palmer set to challenge Albanese donation plans in court
Labor designed its plan for new political donations rules to withstand a constitutional challenge, but the billionaire miner says it is designed to rig elections.
October 2024
NRL, AFL personally lobbied Anthony Albanese against gambling ad ban
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NRL chairman Peter V’landys have been singing from the same songbook when it comes to gambling advertising. New details suggest why.
September 2024
True blue dilemma: what makes a business Australian?
As the Albanese government prepares to throw billions of dollars at its signature Made in Australia scheme, there is no agreed definition on what makes an Australian business.
Urgent laws needed to ban AI election fakes
AI-generated fake videos showing political leaders banning gambling advertising have prompted the government to seek the advice of the Electoral Commission.
August 2024
Chalmers rejects Keating, crossbench criticisms of super tax hike
Jim Chalmers has rejected criticism by Paul Keating and parliamentary crossbenchers over his proposal to hike taxes on high-value superannuation accounts.
Aviation white paper arrives late, and lacks action on competition
More delayed than a flight from Sydney to Melbourne, the white paper lets the airlines off the hook.
Coalition holds trump card in gambling debate
If the government wants to limit sports betting ads, the Coalition is the only realistic source of support.
Gambling ad ban MPs to go over Rowland’s head and lobby PM direct
The direct approach over the head of the communications minister illustrates growing frustration in Labor ranks over the party’s position on gambling advertising.