This Month
Political figures turn out for Kevin Andrews’ state funeral
Former prime minister Tony Abbott read the eulogy for the long-tim conservative Liberal MP at a service attended by politicians from both sides.
- Holly Hales
- Opinion
- Federal election
Labor has left it too late for an early election this time
This year, the polls, the economy and the budget have all got worse for the government, and it has run out of room to go to voters before the end of its term.
- Laura Tingle
Anthony Albanese has a hat but does he have a rabbit?
For a government elected almost three years ago, the decline in Labor’s fortunes has been steep, and proportional to cost-of-living pressures that have driven out incumbents around the globe.
- Phillip Coorey
Ageing Australia to lean on millions more migrants: Treasury
The population is forecast to hit 31 million in a decade, as younger migrants pay for the increasing number of older people in aged care and the health system.
- John Kehoe
The Year of Brilliant Jerks: Rear Window’s year in review
Trump, Ellison, White, Adgemis, Gupta and that Rinehart portrait. For Rear Window, the end of shame and pretense added up to a ripping year of stories.
- Myriam Robin and Mark Di Stefano
- 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
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Nuclear costings put heat on uncosted renewables plan
Both sides of politics should end the charade of promising cheaper power prices while debating the least costly transition to a net zero economy.
- The AFR View
Super fund boards need separation of powers
Readers’ letters on superannuation fund governance, universal childcare, Peter Dutton’s stance on a two-state solution for the Middle East, the federal budget deficit and housing reform.
- Opinion
- Federal budget
Labor striking right budget balance between relief, repair and reform
We know that if Peter Dutton and the Coalition were in charge, Australia would be in recession.
- Jim Chalmers
Australia has the global solution to nuclear waste
Readers’ letters on Peter Dutton’s nuclear power plan, renewable energy, the economy and living standards.
- Opinion
- Federal budget
Budget update sounds a clear warning
Jim Chalmers is good at relaxed rhetoric about the economy. The mid-year figures are much tougher to explain.
- Updated
- Jennifer Hewett
Labor lashes Dutton over nuclear savings ‘gaffe’
The opposition leader has appeared to confuse key figures from costings of his signature nuclear plan, prompting criticism from Labor.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- Nuclear energy
Nuclear play snares energy industry in political pincers
Peter Dutton is betting big on nuclear power. Labor labels this economic insanity. And the public won’t believe either party’s estimates of what will be cheaper.
- Jennifer Hewett
Sharma tipped for promotion in opposition reshuffle
Peter Dutton is expected to use the departure of two shadow cabinet ministers and a handful of parliamentary secretaries to freshen his line-up ahead of the election.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- AFR Freshwater poll
Dutton risks losing underdog status
The weight of expectation is shifting behind the opposition leader. Which can be a curse.
- Phillip Coorey
Voters bracing for minority government – and Dutton to lead: poll
The latest poll shows a Labor-led minority is the most likely outcome from the next election. But more voters believe Peter Dutton will be the next prime minister.
- Phillip Coorey
Dutton stronger, more decisive than Albanese: poll
Peter Dutton leads Anthony Albanese on 10 of the 12 leadership attributes tested in the latest AFR/Freshwater Strategy poll.
- Phillip Coorey
Former Liberal MP returns to reclaim crucial Brisbane seat from Greens
Trevor Evans has ended months of speculation in a coup for the Coalition’s bid to reclaim an important inner-city electorate.
- James Hall
- Opinion
- Middle East conflict
Right’s cancel culture distorts diplomacy
The government is under fierce attack for its UN voting patterns on Gaza, but it is voting in keeping with global norms.
- James Curran
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
Nuclear costing suffers from flawed assumptions
Readers’ letters on the true cost of nuclear power, the unending energy debate, whingeing CEOs, earning trust, Peter Dutton’s flag stance, Victoria’s economy, and the impact of the kakistocracy.