Shaun Carney
Shaun Carney is a regular columnist, an author and former associate editor of The Age.
Opinion
Political leadership
As Dutton goes low, Albanese goes nowhere. We’re trapped in an era of one-and-done PMs
Shifting and dodging is working for Peter Dutton, even if it foreshadows a Bizarro World election and a dog’s breakfast of policies should the Coalition win.
- by Shaun Carney
Latest
Opinion
Political leadership
Dutton can say and do whatever he chooses, knowing he’ll always be given cover
For a long time, opposition leader was the worst gig in Canberra. But with no policies and polls climbing, and with help from most commercial media outlets, Peter Dutton appears to have cracked the code.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese says he knows what it is to struggle. As PM, he’s been coasting
The prime minister has a bit too much in common with Joe Biden. A politician’s origin story can help them get where they want to go, but it won’t keep them there.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese’s Qantas perks might not break any rules, but they don’t pass the pub test
Qantas has normalised the acceptance of favours at a time when trust in politicians is so low. Why didn’t the PM simply avoid the conflict by saying “no, thanks”?
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese holds so much power over his MPs they’re scared to rein him in
The price of ensuring there could never be a repeat of the orgy of plots and counterplots that peaked during the Rudd-Gillard era, has been allowing Albanese free rein, possibly to Labor’s detriment.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Nearly one term in, just what is the point of the Albanese government?
It’s a terrifying thought that what’s happening in our politics is the best this country can do.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Dutton has a peculiar obsession with details. Perhaps he could offer some of his own
We know Peter Dutton likes calling for details. It’s become his familiar response to just about anything the government puts up. But when it comes to his plan for a nuclear revolution? Well ...
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Australian economy
Chalmers has every right to comment on what the Reserve Bank is doing to the economy
The RBA has a job to do, but let’s never forget it’s a bunch of unelected people wielding what amount to extraordinary powers. It’s not infallible, and it should not be verboten for an elected parliamentarian to note the effects of the RBA’s choices.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Development
Melbourne’s transformation is so rapid that it’s shocking
Within 30 years, Melbourne will have to house 8 million people. Every Victorian should know that number now, when we need to start planning for it.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
What Peter Dutton has in common with Australia’s most famous fly spray
Polls show Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese are as unpopular as each other. For a first-term opposition leader, that is a historically good result.
- by Shaun Carney
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese has finally woken up to the reality that he needs to change, and fast
It’s beyond question that Labor is in trouble, as voters turn away from a blithe prime minister who seems removed from voters’ cost of living concerns. But there are encouraging signs for the party’s supporters.
- by Shaun Carney
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/shaun-carney-hve1c