March
Australia turns to McDonald’s diplomacy in Trump trade war
The industry and federal government are alarmed that beef and lamb exports and pharmaceuticals could be next in Trump’s firing line as early as April 2.
February
Pub chain got $9.7m taxpayer funds to fully train just 96 staff
In new evidence of widespread wastage in a Coalition training scheme, a pub group backed by Coles got $100,000 per worker to learn basic hospitality skills.
January
BCA calls for apprentices boost to future-proof workforce
Labor and the Coalition have traded blows over incentive payments for employers to take on trainee workers.
Dutton overlooks deputy Sussan Ley in frontbench reshuffle
Sydney Liberal David Coleman has emerged as the winner of Peter Dutton’s new-look team, blocking the deputy Liberal leader’s bid to take on the shadow foreign affairs portfolio.
Liberal Party tensions flare over Ley’s bid for foreign affairs
A senior Liberal Party source said they believed a story on Sky News was planted to undermine Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley’s foreign affairs credentials.
October 2024
Albanese says he never called Qantas boss for flight upgrades
The leadership of the newly established National Anti-Corruption Commission, including Commissioner Paul Brereton, have been given access to Qantas’ invite-only Chairman’s Lounge.
August 2024
It’s time to civilise the inquisition of Senate estimates
Hearings that were meant to drill into policy detail have become a scattergun questioning of officials used to settle scores, or make cheap political points.
July 2024
‘More action needed’: Albanese poised to move against CFMEU
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cast doubt on the ability of the renegade union to clean up its act.
‘Naughty and nice’ list to be created for small business payments
Late payments by large companies are estimated to cost small and medium business $7 billion a year and contribute to their failures, prompting new rules from the federal parliament.
June 2024
Future Made in Australia to rely on corporate intel
Development of Labor’s manufacturing agenda will rely on closely held intelligence from private companies about their capabilities and weaknesses.
May 2024
Pharmacy Guild still the natural enemy of competition
The guild’s preferred business model is for its members to be on high margins and their customers paying little, with the taxpayer eternally bridging the difference.
Why Australia’s domestic violence problem is complicated
The hope is that targeted action, and policies to boost women’s economic security more broadly, can continue to deliver results.
Women to get $5000 in new emergency support payments
A snap meeting of national cabinet called after nearly 30 deaths of women at the hands of men this year – also agreed to trial new measures to extreme online misogyny.
March 2024
‘Bad old days are back’: Albanese warned about his $1b solar push
Previous attempts at boosting solar panel manufacturing in Australia have failed. Experts and economists question why this time will be any different.
Coalition demands means-testing on parental leave super payments
The opposition says workers with big super retirement savings balances should not get superannuation top-ups paid for by taxpayers.
Dutton to keep reshuffle to a minimum
Almost a year since Stuart Robert quit the parliament, Peter Dutton will fill his shadow cabinet vacancy.
Dunkley a triumph of expectation over hope for Liberals
Anthony Albanese put his neck on the line to win Dunkley and has been vindicated. For the Libs, it was neither tragedy nor triumph.
A defeat in Dunkley won’t be the end for Labor: Albanese
Anthony Albanese has cited a crushing 2001 byelection defeat for the Howard government to counsel against a possible loss in Dunkley.
February 2024
‘Great Wall of Frankston’ revs up Dunkley campaign
Locals preparing to vote in a key federal byelection say the development of luxury apartments on Port Phillip Bay risk delivering a budget version of the Gold Coast.
January 2024
Tax changes not inflationary for four reasons, says Treasury
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says “diligent” government consulted Michele Bullock and changed its position to assist households hit by cost-of-living pressure.