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Award-winning journalist Simon Benson is The Australian’s Political Editor. He was previously National Affairs Editor, the Daily Telegraph’s NSW political editor, and also president of the NSW Parliamentary Press Gallery. He grew up in Melbourne and studied philosophy before completing a postgraduate degree in journalism.

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National Affairs

Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher speaks at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia event at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING

Canberra set to go on airport

The government has met construction companies, a sign it is preparing for an immediate start on Sydney’s second airport.

Simon Benson

EXCLUSIVEHealth

Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

Fears ALP to axe $6bn rebate

Confidential discussions between health insurance groups and Labor have sparked fears the $6bn rebate may be abolished.

Simon Benson

EXCLUSIVEForeign Affairs

US Vice President Mike Pence (L) and his wife Karen wave as they arrive at Sydney airport on April 21, 2017. Pence is visiting Australia on a tree-day official tour during which he will hold talks with high officials on bilateral and international issues. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN

Pyongyang ‘top of the list’

US Vice-President Mike Pence and Malcolm Turnbull will discuss North Korea as a top priority in talks today.

Simon Benson

CITIZENSHIPNational Affairs

PM Malcolm Turnbull holding a Press Conference with the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

The key tests for new citizens

Prospective citizens will need to have fluent English, four years of residency and Australian values, says Malcolm Turnbull.

Simon Benson and Rachel Baxendale

Immigration

Cyber Security Roundtable with PM Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

PM toughens citizenship test

The Turnbull government has embarked on a wholesale redrafting of Australia’s citizenship laws.

Simon Benson

exclusiveImmigration

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and his wife Kirilly join members of the Yazidi community in Wagga Wagga as they celebrate their New Year afer fleeing Iraq and immigrating to Australia. Nisreen gets a selfie with the minister

Yazidis ring in the new year

For most of the 250 Yazidis who now live in Wagga Wagga, this was the first new year’s eve they had in peace.

Simon Benson

exclusiveImmigration

Business to pay as 457 visas axed

Companies applying to bring in foreign workers will be forced to pay into a national fund to train Australian workers.

Simon Benson and SARAH MARTIN

exclusiveNational Affairs

Male hands on computer keyboard, low key and high contrast, may suggest cyber crime, hacking, spying. THINKSTOCK.

Cyber attacks now ‘daily’

More than half have fallen victim to successful attacks which have shut down or compromised network and data systems.

Simon Benson

COMMENTOpinion

Turnbull channels inner Trump

It’s hard to imagine Malcolm Turnbull channelling Donald Trump but there it is.

Simon Benson

National Affairs

Australia's former Prime Minister Tony Abbott reacts during a division in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Friday, March 31, 2017. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

Ministers quiet over Abbott criticisms

Two senior cabinet ministers have refused to chastise Tony Abbott, revealing growing internal frustration

Simon Benson and Rachel Baxendale

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/simon-benson/page/193