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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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exclusivePolitics

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton on the hustings on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Jason Edwards / Thomas Lisson

Newspoll: Labor takes lead, Dutton drifts but voters mark down budget

Labor has begun the election campaign with a rise in support, despite voters ranking Jim Chalmers’ budget as the worst for the economy in a decade.

Simon Benson

AnalysisPolitics

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will go head-to-head in the federal election. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Nation can’t afford more of the same

Contrary to the optimistic outlook presented by the Albanese government, everything we know about what the economy needs to be for Middle Australia is now at stake.

Simon Benson

THE NUMBERSPolitics

5 December 2024; A collage of Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers with an retro theme. Sources: supplied. Artwork by Frank Ling. Ratio 4:3 FOR DIGITAL.

Busting myths: the Newspoll analysis the PM won’t want to see

The notion that the Labor campaign machine is a superior outfit to that of the Liberals and Nationals is false, with Newspoll trends showing Labor going backwards in every campaign in the last seven elections.

Simon Benson and David Tanner

AnalysisCommentary

Johannes Leak Commentary page cartoon for 28-03-2025Version: Commentary Cartoon (4:3, 1024x768 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added)COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications.Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.

This is now a win at any cost, bare-knuckled brawl

Peter Dutton is attempting to force Anthony Albanese to fight on his terms and on his turf – the outer metropolitan suburbs.

Simon Benson

AnalysisCommentary

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - March 26, 2025: Opposition Peter Dutton in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Hip-pocket politics: return of that 1970s show

How long do we roam aimlessly around the wilderness before the country gets back to valuing personal responsibility and aspiration above government hand-outs? We are about to find out.

Simon Benson

COMMENTARYNation

Chalmers maintains that the economy is genuinely turning the corner. And in the face of global pressure, this makes Australia exceptional.

Election gamble reveals the death of ambition

Labor is now borrowing further from the future to buy an election, ignoring calls for spending control and delaying repair to the budget even further to achieve it.

Simon Benson

AnalysisPolitics

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, NewsWire Photos. MARCH 23, 2024: Treasurer of Australia, Jim Chalmers during a Sunday morning TV interview at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Cowards and hypocrites on both sides of the ledger

Jim Chalmer’s message of optimism is likely to be tempered in Tuesday’s budget but its central theme will remain.

Simon Benson

EXCLUSIVEPolitics

Anthony Albanese and Petter Dutton on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Newspoll: Women losing faith in both Albanese and Dutton

Primary vote support for Labor among women dropped below 30 per cent, with both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton facing a crisis of confidence among female voters as they shift support to the Greens.

Simon Benson

NEWSPOLL analysisCommentary

Women are deeply unimpressed with both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton as leaders.

Both the major parties have a ‘women problem’

Not only are female voters unhappy with the federal government, they are deeply unimpressed with both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton as leaders.

Simon Benson

EXCLUSIVEPolitics

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos MARCH 18, 2025: The Australian Federal Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP during his pre-budget address in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Chalmers’ bull run of optimism for budget includes call to private sector

Jim Chalmers’ budget next week will include bullish forecasts around dwelling and business investment, as the government expands its housing plan to $33bn in a bid to woo first-home buyers.

Geoff Chambers and Simon Benson

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/simon-benson/page/3