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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.

Latest

exclusiveForeign Affairs

China waving flag on white background for insight feature

‘Disaster’ if Senate blocks pact

Police and intelligence agencies have warned of disaster if the Senate blocks an extradition treaty with China.

Simon Benson

ExclusiveThe World

Two Yazidi families who fled Iraq after attacks by Isis and made it to Australia, now living in central NSW. On the left is the Aliko family, L-R, Zidan 12 yrs, Khalif 38 yrs, Dixar 9 yrs, Nimat 6 yrs, Seura 35 yrs, Reezan 15 yrs, Kheri 13 yrs,

Secret mission to rescue Yazidis

Last November, officials from the Immigration Department began a journey that would take them to the heart of terror.

Simon Benson

exclusiveImmigration

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton arrives at the memorial service for Bill Leak, at Town Hall in Sydney, Friday, March 17, 2017. Leak was an editorial cartoonist and artist at The Australian newspaper, and passed away last week aged 61from a suspected heart attack. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

Security red flag for 500 refugees

More than 500 refugees bound here in the past year have been refused entry because they were on a security watchlist.

Simon Benson

inside storyMedia

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull leaves the memorial service for Bill Leak, at Town Hall in Sydney, Friday, March 17, 2017. Leak was an editorial cartoonist and artist at The Australian newspaper, and passed away last week aged 61 from a suspected heart attack. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

Change was won day Bill died

The PM was shattered by Bill Leak’s death. He secured a cabinet agreement to reform section 18C on the day he died.

Simon Benson

National Affairs

PM Malcolm Turnbull in Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Abbott praises PM on 18C

Tony Abbott praises Malcolm Turnbull for “having another go” at amending 18C but warns of a tough fight ahead.

Dennis Shanahan and Simon Benson

exclusiveHealth

Justice Party Senator Derryn Hinch arrives at the memorial service for Bill Leak, at Town Hall in Sydney, Friday, March 17, 2017. Leak was an editorial cartoonist and artist at The Australian newspaper, and passed away last week aged 61from a suspected heart attack. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

LDP, Hinch thwart childcare deal

A potential deal on the $1.6bn childcare reforms that would leave welfare payments intact could be derailed.

Simon Benson and SARAH MARTIN

exclusiveNational Affairs

Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrives for House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, March 20, 2017. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

PM locks in race-hate law reform

Malcolm Turnbull has struck a compromise deal for historic changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Simon Benson and DAVID CROWE

Immigration

Rohan Wirasinha and Joe Caputo National multicultural leader calls for Tas to oppose national race law change.

Migrants back integration focus

Migrant groups have backed the government’s multicultural statement.

Simon Benson

exclusiveNational Affairs

Australian passport on a map of the world, bearing Australia's coat of arms on the front cover. Pic DFAT. Picture: Dfat

Integration core to Oz identity

Australia’s national identity will be redefined in a new multicultural policy that says English language is ‘critical’.

Simon Benson

exclusiveMining & Energy

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon holding a doorstop to respond to Senate passing the 10.5% backpacker tax rate at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

‘Get the gas out of the ground’

Senior Labor frontbencher Joel Fitzgibbon says an ‘urgent’ transition to gas rather than renewables is needed.

Simon Benson

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/simon-benson/page/196