Politics
Federal
Analysis
Political leadership
The Albanese report card: A grim year but don’t write him off
The prime minister ends 2024 in a dire position for a leader who must call an election soon. But don’t underestimate a master tactician.
- by David Crowe
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Opinion
Political leadership
Voter perceptions of Albanese and Dutton are set in cement. Let’s shake things up, fellas
Underwhelmed Australian voters look likely to desert the major parties and vote in a hung parliament in 2025. Here are four ideas for each party leader that just might hand them the keys to The Lodge.
- by James Massola
Exclusive
Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin, ether, dogecoin – Chalmers says the future may be crypto
Derided by critics as a waste of electricity, cryptocurrencies are the way of the future, its backers say. Australia’s treasurer believes they will have a role.
- by Shane Wright
Dutton’s mysterious free legal advice from prominent Melbourne firm
The opposition leader is receiving “ongoing legal assistance” from a firm that opposed him on the Voice to parliament.
- by Patrick Begley
Release of Australian captured by Russia could take years
The prime minister has warned the public not to go to Ukraine, but Kyiv’s ambassador says Australians were still asking to go and fight against the Russians.
- by Olivia Ireland
The latest illustrations from artist Simon Letch
Gallery of illustrations by the Sydney Morning Herald artist.
Exclusive
Immigration
Working holidaymaker numbers have soared to record levels. It’s a challenge for Labor
Australia is taking in about half of the world’s working holidaymakers in a strong jobs market. One country is leading the surge.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos, Kayla Olaya and Hannah Hammoud
Exclusive
Nuclear energy
Dutton’s ‘brave’ nuclear bet relies on coal plants. Their owners are concerned
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s energy plan is for coal plants to keep running until nuclear is built. But the coal owners need answers.
- by Mike Foley
Best of cartoons, December 27, 2024
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox
The latest work by the acclaimed Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist.
Bandt will demand Medicare expansion from Albanese in hung parliament
The Greens leader admitted in an interview with this masthead that contentiously stymying Labor’s agenda had “not always been pretty” but was necessary due to Labor’s “tepid” approach to governing.
- by Paul Sakkal
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget