March
Australia’s long history of short governments
Extending the timeframe for politicians to remain in power has widespread support from government, business and unions. It’s voters that need to be convinced.
- Phillip Coorey
The one thing John Howard says could get four-year terms over the line
Former prime minister John Howard and his one-time Labor rival Kim Beazley have thrown their support behind calls to extend the federal parliamentary term to four years.
- Tom Rabe
August 2023
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Baseless fears about Rudd’s apology give hope for the Voice
A year ago, the prime minister was hamming it up alongside Shaq. The mood is far more sober now.
- Phillip Coorey
June 2023
PM defends military, vows to pursue war crimes
Anthony Albanese has suggested there could be further proceedings against Ben Roberts-Smith, as he defended the reputation of Australia’s armed forces
- Phillip Coorey
March 2023
Keating lashes PM as ‘dope’ over AUKUS deal
Paul Keating lashed this week’s AUKUS decision as the worst by a Labor government since conscription in WWI. Some, including former colleague Kim Beazley, disagree.
- Phillip Coorey
January 2022
Harold Clough farewelled by Perth’s business, political heavies
West Australian leaders such as Michael Chaney, Colin Barnett and John Poynton gathered for the funeral of business giant Harold Clough, who has died at 95.
- Michael Bennet
November 2021
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Election could be a choice between plane food and train food
Scott Morrison has borrowed from the playbook of John Howard as two very small targets prepare to face off in next year’s federal election.
- Phillip Coorey
September 2021
September 11 attacks reverberate 20 years on
The attacks defined US foreign policy and the two-term presidency of George W. Bush - and reshaped the world, Australia included.
- Phillip Coorey
July 2020
John Howard slams Xi Jinping's bullying tactics
But amid tensions between Canberra and Beijing, the former PM maintains Australia can't lose sight of China's economic importance to the nation.
- Andrew Tillett
May 2020
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Albanese fights for relevance as Morrison rules the roost
Backing the new IR consensus might remind voters Albanese was the first to talk about putting down the weapons.
- Phillip Coorey
April 2019
Beazley treads well-worn path in battle for Swan
Hannah Beazley is aiming to upset sitting Liberal Steve Irons and become a third-generation MP, but it hasn't been an easy road for the Labor candidate.
- Brad Thompson
