Latest
Turnbull says he could have halted Port of Darwin lease
The former prime minister said that when he approved the lease with a Chinese company a decade ago, security agencies had no concerns about the deal.
Super tax to catch 500,000 workers if not indexed
About 500,000 workers will be caught by Labor’s new super tax if the $3 million threshold is not indexed. Only 64,000 will be hit if it is.
Look at what governments do on super, not what they say
In isolation, Labor’s proposed new Division 296 tax on superannuation balances above $3 million is not the end of the world. But it’s not an isolated act.
Indigenous leader takes aim at Greens, Labor amid Cox saga
A prominent WA Indigenous leader and human rights expert has criticised Labor and the Greens over their handling of the Dorinda Cox saga.
NSW Liberal Party takeover shaping up as Sussan Ley’s next big test
The widespread criticism of former party president Alan Stockdale after his “assertive women” comments has brought more aggravation for the federal opposition leader.
Tasmania headed to snap election after parliament turns on Rockliff
Labor, the Greens and the speaker of Tasmania’s parliament voted for a motion of no-confidence in the premier over his handling of the budget.
Opinion & Analysis
Workers’ compensation scheme needs to be reformed
With the burgeoning cost of psychological injury claims, it’s reasonable to question if the scheme’s coverage of injury complaints is too broad.
Editorial
What Sussan Ley can learn from John Howard’s ‘lazarus’ moment
When the opposition is looking hapless, and you’re pondering why she even bothers, the new leader can look to John Howard, Tony Abbott – and even herself
Former Labor adviser
How can Australia navigate the AI-driven fourth industrial revolution
History shows that great technological revolutions have a pattern: rapid disruption, job displacement, and eventually, adaptation.
Editorial
State of origin rivalry over gas
AFR Reader’s views on carbon credits, gas policy, super tax reform and defence.
Letters to the Editor
Yesterday
‘Grossly unfair’: Coalition to fight super tax but powerless to stop it
The shadow treasurer said the tax “defies everything we believe in”; Tasmania will head back to the polls if a motion passes today. How the day unfolded.
‘Read the room, Alan’: Ex-Liberal president’s comments on women lashed
Sussan Ley and Bridget McKenzie have led condemnation of the former Liberal president after he said female members were so “assertive” men may need quotas.
How the $3m super tax is dividing Australia
This week on The Fin podcast, Joanna Mather and Michelle Bowes on how the new tax will work, why it’s so controversial and what people are doing to get ready for it.
Labor wants 50/50 split between universities and VET
The move would mean pushing tens of thousands of prospective university students towards TAFE and other vocational courses.
David Rowe cartoons for June 2025
David Rowe is a multiple Walkley award-winning cartoonist. He draws a daily political cartoon and one for the Chanticleer column.
This Month
Opposition urges Farrell to play hardball with EU on agriculture
Australia and European trade officials are scheduled to immediately restart negotiations in Brussells.
Businesses face $1.9b bill without workers’ comp reforms: Mookhey
The NSW Coalition is pushing for a new inquiry into “cruel and unacceptable” changes to mental health compensation claims.
Budget, ferries, AFL stadium could crash Tasmanian government
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has threatened to send voters back to the polls for an early election if parliament passes a motion of no confidence in his ability to manage the state’s finances.
Greens and Labor close in on $3m super tax deal
The Greens have pledged strong in-principle support for the controversial policy to ensure “wealthy Australians pay their fair share of tax”.
Military chief warns of war waged from home shores
The acting head of the Defence Department said he was not surprised the US was calling for Australia to lift defence spending.
Powerful union puts Dorinda Cox on notice over Labor’s gas agenda
Anthony Albanese’s move to recruit Greens defector Dorinda Cox has angered sections of the West Australian Labor Party.
Workers’ compensation scheme needs to be reformed
With the burgeoning cost of psychological injury claims, it’s reasonable to question if the scheme’s coverage of injury complaints is too broad.
Teal Boele wins Bradfield by 26 votes in election’s tightest race
Nicolette Boele has won the Sydney seat after a see-sawing recount that has ended Gisele Kapterian’s hopes of retaking it for the Liberals – unless she heads to court.
Tax hike on $3m super balances all but certain
Deal between Labor and Greens on super tax looms; Australia should be prepared for combat from home soil, according to General David Johnston. How the day unfolded.
Antisemitism probe finds ‘workplace of fear’ at Sydney Uni
A preliminary SafeWork inquiry found inadequate actions were taken to protect Jewish staff and students, but its recommendation for a full inquiry was rejected.
What Sussan Ley can learn from John Howard’s ‘lazarus’ moment
When the opposition is looking hapless, and you’re pondering why she even bothers, the new leader can look to John Howard, Tony Abbott – and even herself
Liberal Amelia Hamer’s future the talk of Toorak
The wannabe Kooyong MP has been on the brunch circuit to discuss what’s next.
‘Adults in the room’: Australia and EU push for trade deal
Australia and the EU have redoubled efforts to secure a free trade agreement as insurance against Donald Trump’s trade war.
How can Australia navigate the AI-driven fourth industrial revolution
History shows that great technological revolutions have a pattern: rapid disruption, job displacement, and eventually, adaptation.
‘It’s a matter of sovereignty’: PM not for turning on defence
Anthony Albanese has no intention of being dictated to on defence spending, by the US or anyone else.