Australian politics news covering the federal Parliament, party leadership, state premiers, elections, and major policy debates across Australia.
The Grattan Institute criticized the Albanese government's planned NDIS overhaul as 'blunt and inequitable', warning it could lead to 'absurd' outcomes. In a Senate inquiry submission, it said proposed cuts risk worsening participant outcomes while underlying design issues remain unresolved.
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used parliamentary privilege to disclose whistleblower allegations that NZYQ deportees in Nauru face threats of violence. The whistleblower cited 'grave concern' for safety, saying concerns raised through channels were unaddressed. Nauru recently passed laws allowing use of 'reasonable force' by monitoring officers.
The Australian Labor government will not lower the tobacco excise, citing a focus on tougher laws against organized crime. ABS data shows 80% of cigarettes and vapes consumed in 2025 were illegal, as high prices drive the black market.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expects the budget's impact on home prices to be more than twice the government's forecast. His budget bill, including tax changes to CGT and negative gearing, faces debate and a vote in the House today. Separately, PM Albanese described new US tariffs on Australian goods as 'unwarranted'.
First Nations voters in South Australia were turned away or forced to queue twice when trying to vote in the Voice to Parliament election held simultaneously with the state election on March 21. Documents obtained by the ABC show the Electoral Commission knew more than a year beforehand that double queuing would be seen as discriminatory.
This commentary argues that women in Australian politics face higher standards than men, using the departure of Canberra Liberals member Leanne Castley as a case study. It contends that the pattern of women leaving leadership roles reflects systemic gender bias, and that such treatment discourages women from pursuing political careers.
A Victorian government department mistakenly gave a disability pride award to Cameron Bloomfield, a child sex offender, in December 2024. The award was rescinded in December 2025 after the department discovered it had missed details about his criminal history.
This commentary examines the possibility of Pauline Hanson becoming Australian prime minister, analyzing constitutional rules and conventions. It argues that while Hanson is eligible as a senator, historical precedent and practical hurdles make it unlikely, requiring One Nation to win a majority or coalition in the House of Representatives.
This commentary discusses the upcoming Hobart City Council election following Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds' decision not to seek re-election. It outlines potential candidates and their promises to address a reportedly toxic council chamber, while reflecting on Reynolds' achievements and the significance of local democracy.
Former environment minister Peter Garrett will head a five-month independent inquiry into the Aukus defence pact, launched by Labor veterans. The inquiry will assess submarine delivery timelines, costs, nuclear waste management, and Australia's strategic interests, with a final report due by October 30.