Investigation launched into Labor’s mobile phone black spot scheme
The Australian National Audit Office investigation announced on Wednesday is the first into alleged pork-barrelling by the government since the election.
- by Paul Sakkal
Latest
‘Not a gotcha moment’: Yes advocates back Albanese in treaty stoush
Yes campaigners attempted to defuse two days of questions from the federal opposition about whether the creation of a Voice would then lead to a treaty.
- by James Massola, Paul Sakkal and Angus Thompson
Exclusive
Indigenous Voice
Draft changes to ALP platform point to treaty move this term
The Coalition ramped up its attack on the Voice to parliament during question time, portraying the referendum as the start of an ambitious treaty agenda.
- by Paul Sakkal, Angus Thompson and James Massola
ASIC accused of being ‘totally distracted’ pursuing white-collar crime
The Australian corporate regulator’s chair and deputy chair have both been accused of inappropriate workplace behaviour.
- by Paul Sakkal
Anti-vax Coalition MP Gerard Rennick dumped
Gerard Rennick’s loss means Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who wrote an endorsement for Rennick, will no longer need to deal with the negative media attention attracted by his conspiratorial claims.
- by Paul Sakkal
Updated
Robo-debt royal commission
Morrison rejects robo-debt findings as commission refers individuals for further action
The royal commission found former prime minister Scott Morrison allowed cabinet to be misled over the welfare crackdown’s lawfulness and gave untrue evidence to the inquiry.
- by Angus Thompson, Paul Sakkal and Michaela Whitbourn
New NSW Liberal president confronts preselection tensions
Jason Falinski, who lost the seat of Mackellar at the last federal election, has been elected party president after campaigning on a platform of modernising the division.
- by Paul Sakkal
Hong Kong dissident and Labor member wants MPs’ China trip cancelled
Kevin Yam is one of two Australia-based activists accused by Hong Kong police of national security offences. The Labor Party member has called on state MPs to cancel a planned trip to China while there’s a bounty on his head.
- by Paul Sakkal
Exclusive
China relations
Security concerns raised as state MPs plan China junket
The trip to China promises Victorian state Labor MPs “social media content” and “an appreciation of Chinese culture” but experts warn there could be risks.
- by Paul Sakkal
Hanson’s legal dream team to fight Faruqi ‘racism’ case
Senator Pauline Hanson has engaged two of Australia’s top lawyers, who will argue a law banning offence on a racial basis is unconstitutional.
- by Paul Sakkal
Exclusive
Diversity
Multicultural quotas on the cards for Labor
Indigenous senator Jana Stewart is spearheading a push that goes beyond Labor’s current gender rules to boost MPs from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola