National affairs
17 June 2010
Combined with the shortcomings of the media’s reporting, the government’s weaknesses are hiding some pretty good news, writes Rodney Tiffen
National affairs
16 June 2010
Although he’s largely unknown outside the ACT, Jon Stanhope is one of Australia’s most intriguing political figures
National affairs
10 June 2010
Despite the puzzling poll results, it would be premature to write off the government, says Geoffrey Barker
National affairs
9 June 2010
The federal government has increased the stakes in the debate over mining taxes. Stephanie Brookes looks at the thinking behind the government’s ad blitz –…
Books & arts
8 June 2010
What went wrong for Kevin Rudd? Judith Brett reviews David Marr’s Quarterly Essay
National affairs
27 May 2010
The heart sees a government in big trouble; the head knows that first-term governments usually survive. Either way, it’s time for the government to throw away its rulebook,…
27 May 2010
Britain’s voters have forced a two-party system to begin to operate by a three-party logic. And it’s about to get even more interesting, writes David Hayes
National affairs
25 May 2010
Why did most of the media run dead on the Securency bribery allegations?
National affairs
7 May 2010
There are seven good reasons to suggest that the government’s backdown on emissions trading will have costs both in electoral and longer-term political terms, argues…
National affairs
7 May 2010
The prime minister needs to stop conflating policy and politics, writes Peter Brent
National affairs
6 May 2010
Funds from the planned super-profits tax on mining could have been used much more productively, argues Brian Toohey, and key Henry report recommendations deserved early…
4 May 2010
Although it’s been dominated by three middle-aged white men in suits, the election has been thrilling in many ways, writes David Hayes
International
3 May 2010
Seasoned British election watcher James Jupp looks at the role of these emotionally charged issues in the current campaign
National affairs
28 April 2010
By focusing on negotiations with the Coalition, the government lost momentum and opportunities, writes Rob Chalmers
Podcasts
28 April 2010
Barack Obama has gone onto the front foot, but did he leave it too late? Political historian David Farber discusses the post–healthcare reform prospects with Peter Clarke
International
24 April 2010
Suddenly there are five potential post-election prime ministers in Britain
National affairs
22 April 2010
The virtues of governmental diversity got lost in the debate about Kevin Rudd’s hospital policy, writes Graeme Orr
National affairs
15 April 2010
Have party strategists got it right about the electoral appeal of targeting asylum seekers?
Podcasts
14 April 2010
Margaret Simons (pictured) talks to Peter Clarke about a challenging co-writing project, the political memoirs of Malcolm Fraser
National affairs
7 April 2010
Building Australian submarines would compound the defence white paper’s mistaken view of the threats Australia faces, writes Brian Toohey
National affairs
6 April 2010
Acting lessons? Tony Abbott was right to say no, says Peter Brent
National affairs
1 April 2010
Simon Birmingham has breakfast at Tiffany’s, and it’s another day in parliament’s social media landscape, writes Peter Brent
National affairs
31 March 2010
Rationalising federal–state relations could make governments less not more accountable, argues Anthony Sibillin
National affairs
30 March 2010
The states’ house has always been controlled by politics and parties, argues Norman Abjorensen
National affairs
26 March 2010
Most coverage of the home insulation controversy ignored history and avoided simple mathematics, writes Rodney Tiffen
National affairs
22 March 2010
Peter Mares spoke to journalist Sue Neales and political scientist Haydon Manning about the likely shakedown in Tasmania and South Australia
Essays & reportage
22 March 2010
In Tasmania, Greens leader Nick McKim is pushing for Labor or the Liberals to strike a written agreement with his party in return for its support. Brian Costar and…
National affairs
10 March 2010
The Coalition’s focus on debt could easily backfire, argues Peter Brent
National affairs
10 March 2010
The South Australian economy has picked up, but the polls suggest a government in serious trouble. What went wrong, asks Dean Jaensch
National affairs
9 March 2010
Referendums promised by Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott are fraught with political risk, writes Norman Abjorensen