Australian politics
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The GuardianOne Nation Becomes Most Popular Party in New Poll, Surpassing Labor for First Time
A Redbridge Group/Accent Research poll showed One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time. Pauline Hanson said she would not back a real increase to the minimum wage ahead of Tuesday’s Fair Work Commission decision.
sbs.com.auOne Nation Leads Primary Vote but Labor Holds 51-49 TPP Lead in Latest Australian Poll
A Redbridge Group/Accent Research survey shows One Nation at 31% primary support. Labor leads 51-49 on two-party preferred.
Redbridge Poll: One Nation at 31%, Labor 28%, Coalition 20% on Primary Vote
A Redbridge poll published Sunday night found One Nation at 31 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of Labor at 28 per cent and the Coalition at 20 per cent. Assessments of the federal budget were broadly negative across demographics.
The GuardianAustralian Government Tax Legislation Reaches Parliament
The government introduced tax changes to parliament this week. A podcast examined the effort to promote the measures along with polling on opposition parties.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAustralian Letters Debate Trust, Energy Policy and Climate Positions
Readers responded to recent commentary on political trust and climate policy. Letters addressed Coalition positions on coal and net-zero targets alongside Labor record-keeping.
themandarin.com.auVictorian Government Proposes $10,000 Political Donation Cap
The Victorian government is negotiating with crossbench MPs on new donation rules after the Coalition declined support. The plan would set a $10,000 annual cap and restore disclosure requirements before the November election.
Tony Abbott Elected Liberal Party President Unopposed
Former prime minister Tony Abbott was elected Liberal Party president on Friday without opposition. He addressed delegates at the party's annual national convention and outlined priorities for the opposition.
themandarin.com.auAustralia attorney general says anti-corruption body needs reset after commissioner resignation
The attorney general stated the National Anti-Corruption Commission requires renewed public support after its first commissioner announced plans to step down in July. The outgoing commissioner cited criticism that had shifted focus from the agency's mission.
The Sydney Morning HeraldWhatsApp Accounts of Australian MP and Staff Hacked in March
A federal politician and three staff members had their WhatsApp accounts breached in March. Officials said the incident prompted a temporary block on the app for parliamentary laptops.
The Sydney Morning HeraldBarnaby Joyce Urges Caution on One Nation Poll Numbers
Barnaby Joyce stated that One Nation will not be swayed by recent polling that places the party as the next federal opposition. The comments address internal party discipline amid shifting voter surveys.
Greens open to inquiry on capital gains tax changes
The minor party said it will review draft legislation before deciding whether to support an inquiry. Labor aims to pass the changes by July.
Australian Electoral Commission to Decide on Renaming Electorate of Grey by November
An inquiry is examining whether to rename the federal electorate of Grey after Indigenous leader Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue. Historians have described Sir George Grey's record in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Electoral Commission is scheduled to decide in November.
Australian Opposition Proposes Linking Migration Levels to Annual Housing Construction
The Coalition has proposed setting immigration numbers according to the number of homes built each year. Current data show dwelling completions roughly matching population growth from migration and natural increase.
The Sydney Morning HeraldBob Katter Discusses Mining Expansion and Women's Workforce Participation in Budget Interview
Independent MP Bob Katter spoke with podcaster Victoria Devine about mining policy and family finances during coverage of the federal budget. Katter stated that expanded mining would allow women to stay home and raise children. Devine noted rising numbers of fathers taking parent…
Australian Government Defends Tax Changes After Young Voters Protest
The Labor government is facing criticism over budget measures that expand the capital gains tax discount to shares and other assets. Ministers have described complaints as scare campaigns while young investors seek clarification on how the rules apply.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAI-Generated Memes Target Australian Tax Policy Changes
Business owners posted AI-altered images of the prime minister after a budget proposal to reduce capital gains tax concessions. The images depict the prime minister as a part-owner of small businesses with a 47 per cent stake.
Australian Government Announces Budget Measures
The Albanese government encountered criticism after releasing its budget, with opponents highlighting broken promises and changes to capital gains tax rules. Social media activity and statements from business groups amplified objections to the measures.
freepressjournal.inOne Nation Orders Branches to Reconstitute After Internal Review
One Nation directed its local branches to dissolve and re-establish their structures after an internal review found documentation gaps. The party also imposed new non-disclosure agreements and media restrictions on branch members.
michaelwest.com.auOne Nation Party Rejects Climate Science Evidence in Australia
One Nation maintains its position that Australia is not warming and that extreme weather has not increased. The party cites older temperature records and questions the cost of renewable energy policies.
Liberal Senator Denies Endorsing Podcast Remarks on Migration
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price rejected claims she supported a podcast host's call to limit migration from specific regions. She said her comments focused on migrants adopting Australian values rather than ethnicity.
rediff.comOne Nation Proposes Replacing Offshore Gas Tax With 30 Percent Equity Stakes
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a policy to abolish the petroleum resource rent tax and take government equity in new gas projects. The proposal drew criticism from the Coalition and industry groups.
The Sydney Morning HeraldGraham Richardson Estate Leaves Deficit After Funeral Costs
Executors reported that former Labor senator Graham Richardson died with no funds available for distribution. His daughter Kate Ausden received notice that the estate held a deficit after covering debts and an $18,500 funeral reception.
itnews.com.auAustralian Electoral Commission Tells Neo-Nazi Group Application Needs Full Member Details
The Australia Electoral Commission told the White Australia party its registration bid is incomplete because member names were redacted. The group filed a High Court challenge against its designation as a banned hate group.
Coalition Plans Campaign to Support Small Businesses After Budget Changes
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson will announce the 'Stand with Small' campaign in a National Press Club speech. The move follows business criticism of government capital gains tax changes.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAustralian Voters Shift Support After Housing Tax Changes
Labor's primary vote fell following budget measures that limit negative gearing. Coalition figures gained support in the same period.
New South Wales Police Arrest 993 People in Domestic Violence Operation
New South Wales police arrested 993 people and laid 2,063 charges during a four-day operation targeting individuals with prior domestic violence records. The effort also included 1,847 bail compliance checks.
Liberal Senator Criticizes Coalition Welfare Plan for Non-Citizens
Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan publicly disagreed with his party's proposal to limit welfare access for tax-paying permanent migrants. He called for a broader debate on citizenship rights and obligations.
Albanese Government Bans Gambling Ads on Jerseys, in Stadiums and During Daytime, Rejects Total Ban and National Regulator
The Albanese government released its response to the Peta Murphy gambling inquiry this week, imposing partial restrictions on sports betting advertising while ignoring calls for a national regulator. Critics including Mark Kempster, Andrew Wilkie and Tim Costello described the mo…
Australia Bans National Socialist Network as Prohibited Hate Group After It Raised Funds for High Court Challenge to New Speech Laws
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the inclusion of the White Australia group, also known as the National Socialist Network, on the list of prohibited hate groups. The organisation had announced it was disbanding earlier in 2026 and raised more than $150,000 for a legal c…
The GuardianAngus Taylor Vows to Cut Immigration and Tie Intake to Housing in Budget Reply Speech
Opposition spokesman Angus Taylor delivered the budget reply speech on Thursday, promising to drastically reduce migrant numbers by linking immigration intake to new housing construction. He cited a mismatch between arrivals and homes built, along with concerns over values of som…
theepochtimes.comOpposition Leader Promises Tax Bracket Indexing, Migration Cuts and End to EV Incentives
Angus Taylor delivered his first budget reply speech as Liberal leader. The Coalition pledged to index income tax brackets at a cost of $22.5 billion over four years from 2028-29, reduce overseas migration below 200,000 and tie intake to housing construction. Taylor also announce…
The GuardianAlbanese Denies Tax Changes Aimed at New Gen Z Voters
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes in Tuesday’s federal budget were based on policy merits rather than the addition of 700,000 new gen Z voters to the electoral roll. He defended grandfathering existing negative gearing arrange…
mumbrella.com.auAustralian Government Releases Response to Gambling Reform Report
The government released its response to a parliamentary committee report on gambling reform on budget day while journalists were in lockup. The response notes the committee's 31 recommendations and states that further details will be settled through legislative drafting. Reforms…
One Nation Wins Farrer By-Election, Securing Its First Seat in the House of Representatives
Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume failed to rule out a future Coalition arrangement with One Nation after the party claimed the seat of Farrer in a by-election. One Nation MP David Farley won the historically safe Coalition seat previously held by former leader Sussan Ley. Hume des…
The Sydney Morning HeraldAlbanese Government Plans Changes to Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher began discussions in November on options to alter negative gearing, the capital gains tax discount and trusts. The moves would reverse election commitments made by Albanese.
michaelwest.com.auOne Nation Wins First Lower House Seat in Australian By-Election
One Nation candidate David Farley won the Farrer by-election in New South Wales with more than 57 percent of the vote after preferences. The seat became vacant after the resignation of Sussan Ley. The result marks the first time the party has secured a seat in the federal lower h…
The Guardian**One Nation Candidate Wins Farrer By-Election**
One Nation secured victory in the Farrer by-election with 57 percent of the two-candidate-preferred vote after the resignation of the longtime Liberal member. The result marks the first time a major party did not contest the seat and reflects a 33-point primary vote swing to One…
The Sydney Morning HeraldOne Nation Wins Farrer Byelection as Coalition Support Collapses in Rural NSW
One Nation candidate David Farley won the south-west NSW seat of Farrer byelection after securing strong support in rural polling booths. The Coalition parties, which had held the seat for its entire 77-year history, received just 22 per cent of the primary vote combined. Communi…
rnz.co.nzOne Nation Wins Farrer By-Election in Former Coalition Stronghold
One Nation candidate won the Farrer by-election with 69.9 percent of the primary vote in the New South Wales electorate. The seat had been held by the Liberal and National parties since 1949. The result has prompted questions within the Coalition about voter shifts in regional Au…
One Nation's David Farley Wins Farrer By-Election
David Farley became One Nation's first federal MP after securing the previously safe Liberal seat of Farrer in a by-election on Saturday. One Nation's primary vote reached the low-40s while independent Michelle Milthorpe took about a quarter of first preferences. Liberal leader A…
bbc.co.ukOne Nation Wins First Lower House Seat in Australian By-Election
One Nation candidate David Farley won the Farrer by-election in New South Wales with around 60 percent of the primary vote. The result marks the first time the right-wing populist party has secured a seat in Australia's House of Representatives in its 30-year history. The by-elec…
The GuardianNation Leads Count in Farrer Byelection
Early results from the New South Wales seat showed One Nation candidate David Farley leading independent Michelle Milthorpe on Saturday night, ending the Coalition's 76-year hold on Farrer. The outcome follows One Nation's national polling rise above 20 percent and comes as Plaid…
The GuardianAustralian Communications Minister Repays Over $10,000 in Incorrect Travel Claims
Communications minister Anika Wells repaid $10,116.11 after an audit identified four errors in her travel claims since 2022. Prime minister Anthony Albanese rejected calls for her resignation, stating she had referred herself to the audit and followed the rules. The audit found n…
tass.comTony Abbott Positioned to Become Next Liberal Party President
Former prime minister Tony Abbott is expected to seek the unpaid role of president of the Liberal Party's organisational wing with the support of the opposition leader. The party is seeking to regain voter support ahead of the 2028 election. Separately, the federal government is…
sbs.com.auCoalition Considers Cutting Net Overseas Migration to 150,000-200,000 Annually
Leaked internal documents show the opposition Coalition is examining options to reduce Australia's net overseas migration from the current level of 306,000 recorded in 2024-2025. The range under consideration would be higher than previous targets set during the Howard era.
ksl.comAustralian Officials Criticize Private Evidence from Tobacco Company in Parliamentary Inquiry
An assistant minister expressed surprise that Philip Morris International provided evidence in private to a federal inquiry on illicit tobacco. Separately, the government plans to curb negative gearing, overhaul capital gains tax discounts, and introduce new tax rules for trusts…
sbs.com.auBooing Disrupts Welcome to Country at Anzac Day Dawn Services in Multiple Cities
A small number of people booed during welcome to country ceremonies at Anzac Day dawn services in multiple Australian cities. Opposition leader Angus Taylor condemned the behavior but later stated the ceremonies were overused and expressed understanding of public frustration. A d…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAustralian Opposition Leader Calls Welcome to Country Ceremonies Overused
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor stated that Welcome to Country ceremonies have been devalued due to overuse, following boos at Anzac Day services. He condemned the booing but noted frustration among some Australians. The comments come amid broader discussions on cultural recogniti…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAustralian Opposition Leader Discusses Immigration Policy and Country Risks
Australian opposition leader Angus Taylor outlined his party's immigration policy, emphasizing risks from certain countries. He highlighted Iran as an example and defended preferencing decisions in an upcoming byelection. The policy focuses on alignment with Australian values wit…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewShell and Other Gas Firms Contribute $1 Million to Campaign Highlighting Industry Tax Payments Amid Australian Export Levy Debate
Oil and gas companies, including Shell Australia, are funding a $1 million advertising campaign to oppose a proposed 25% levy on gas exports, as revealed in a parliamentary inquiry. Industry leaders defended the effort as necessary to present facts, while critics urged companies…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAustralian Government to Eliminate Howard-Era Private Health Rebate Bonus for Seniors
The Australian government plans to reverse a 2004 policy that provided higher private health insurance rebates for people over 65. This change aims to fund additional aged care spending. The decision was announced by Health Minister Mark Butler on Wednesday.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSenate Inquiry Hears Testimony on Gas Export Taxation Policies
Konrad Benjamin, behind the Punters Politics account, addressed a Greens-led Senate inquiry into taxing gas, noting the issue has engaged his near million followers. Richard Denniss of the Australia Institute highlighted revenue disparities in gas taxation. The inquiry is set to…