Politics
Federal
Extra tax boosts bottom line, but spending leaves budget in the red
Jim Chalmers, after back-to-back surpluses, forecast a $26.9 billion deficit this year. Despite better tax collections, the budget is still awash with red ink.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
Exclusive
Antisemitism
‘Alarming breakdown’: Albanese under pressure to reveal when he learnt of terror plot
Experts say authorities should have warned Albanese about the discovery of a caravan full of explosives earlier as terrorism is “an attack on our whole nation”.
- by Matthew Knott, Alexandra Smith and David Crowe
‘Straight from the Trump playbook’: Dutton flags cultural diversity jobs are in the firing line
The opposition leader says such programs and positions “do nothing to improve the lives of everyday Australians”.
- by Olivia Ireland
Puberty blockers and treatments for trans youth under review
The federal government has ordered the review to come up with new guidelines for the treatment of trans and gender diverse children.
- by Michael Bachelard and Mike Foley
Exclusive
Crime
Who knew and who didn’t: Inside the caravan bomb discovery that blindsided federal ministers
The key decision made after the explosives were found was that the details of the investigation had to remain under wraps, which meant political leaders could not know.
- by David Crowe and Perry Duffin
Best of cartoons, January 31, 2025
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
Victoria’s Goldfields fast-tracked in bid for World Heritage status
The long campaign to recognise the area shaped by Victoria’s gold rush has just had a significant victory.
- by Mike Foley
Greens’ $8 billion scheme for 50 cent fares across Australia comes with costing questions
The Greens say the plan would cost the federal government $2.6 billion in the first year. However, state revenues from public transport are at odds with that figure.
- by Olivia Ireland
Exclusive
Gambling
Labor shelves crackdown on gambling ads until after election
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s timidity on the gambling advertising debate was evidence of his alleged weakness of character.
- by Paul Sakkal
Opinion
Federal budget
Right idea, wrong target: How Dutton’s 36,000 job cuts will leave him exposed
Getting rid of thousands of public servants in Canberra sounds like a vote winner, until the voters realise that the services on which they rely won’t be there any more.
- by David Crowe
Albanese says antisemitic ‘cowards’ will be ‘hunted down, locked up’
Israel’s foreign minister said antisemitism was “spreading in Australia almost unchecked” and he expected more action to stop attacks on the Jewish community.
- by Matthew Knott
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics