Politics

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

Political leadership

Albanese, Dutton reflect on 2024 in Christmas messages

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton gave thanks to essential staff working over the holiday period.

by Olivia Ireland

Minutes of the Reserve Bank’s most recent meeting show a rate cut getting closer.

Interest rates

Wages slowdown and struggling economy give RBA room to move

by Shane Wright

Cyclone Tracy aftermath - Darwin, Northern Territory, 26/27 December 1974

Tragedy

PM remembers ‘dark shadow’ of Cyclone Tracy, and Darwin’s resurrection, 50 years on

by James Massola

The footage of Oscar Jenkins, with his wrists bound, was shared widely by pro-Russian social media accounts.

Russia-Ukraine war

Albanese seeks ‘positive outcome’ for Australian fighter captured by Russia

by Natassia Chrysanthos

The International Monetary Fund says a major package of changes, from tax to land supply, is needed to make Australian housing more affordable.

Housing affordability

Five Australian cities are now among world’s top 20 most expensive

by Shane Wright

Opinion & Perspectives

America and Australia tell a tale of two pandemics, and their political outcomes

While Australians challenged fireworks cancellations last week, the richest man in the world was busy lobbying America’s president-elect for a shutdown.

Sean Kelly

Columnist

‘Internal’ exile is in fashion, and that’s where I’m headed this summer

Taking comfort in simple pleasures – such as reading – can provide us with a shield against the world’s woes. Toughness can wait.

Jacqueline Maley

Columnist and senior journalist

The nation has lost its horsepower. Why? Because our leaders are too scared to act

The mid-year economic update is a dismal portrait of a mediocre nation, but both sides of politics are culpable.

David Crowe

Chief political correspondent

Federal

Interest rates

Wages slowdown and struggling economy give RBA room to move

Minutes of the Reserve Bank’s most recent meeting suggest inflation pressures are easing faster than expected, in good news for borrowers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

by Shane Wright

Tragedy

PM remembers ‘dark shadow’ of Cyclone Tracy, and Darwin’s resurrection, 50 years on

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Darwin to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s largest peacetime evacuation and reconstruction.