The Assistant Minister for Charities has unveiled a four-point plan to rebuild volunteering, philanthropy and community participation, warning that declining trust and civic engagement pose a growing challenge for Australia’s democracy and social cohesion. Opening Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, used a National Press Club address in Canberra on Wednesday…

The Liberal Party of Australia has appointed Lincoln Folo as its new Federal Director, with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume describing the move as an important step in the party’s next phase of renewal following its 2025 federal election defeat. In a joint statement, Taylor and Hume welcomed the appointment,…

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has used a media appearance in Sydney to sharpen the Coalition’s attack on the Albanese Government, arguing Labor has broken promises on cost of living, housing and taxation while outlining the Opposition’s priorities ahead of the next federal election. Speaking alongside Shadow Minister for the NDIS Melissa McIntosh, Taylor repeatedly returned…

Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil’s visit to Phillip on Thursday was designed to showcase Labor’s housing agenda in action: a new affordable housing project, partnerships across government and community housing, and a clear message that Australia must “build, build, build”. But beneath the positive announcement, the press conference exposed several unresolved tensions in the Government’s…

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan have used a visit to a Narrabundah open home to intensify criticism of the Federal Government’s housing and economic policies, arguing affordability is moving further out of reach for many Australians. Joined by Shadow Housing Minister Senator Andrew Bragg and ACT Liberal Senate candidate Nick Tyrrell,…

Canberra’s diplomatic community gathered at the National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday evening to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic, hosted by His Excellency Nicola Lerner, Ambassador of Italy to Australia. The reception brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, defence representatives, business leaders, members of the Italian-Australian community and invited guests to commemorate one of the…

Canberra’s diplomatic community gathered at the Canberra Rex Hotel this week to celebrate Africa Day 2026, marking the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 and reflecting on the growing relationship between Australia and the nations of Africa. The evening brought together African Heads of Mission, Australian ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats,…

Canberra’s diplomatic community gathered at The Marion at Regatta Point on Tuesday evening to celebrate the Independence Day of Georgia, marking 107 years since the declaration of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918. Hosted by the Ambassador of Georgia to Australia, His Excellency Mr Beka Dvali, the reception brought together diplomats, parliamentarians, business…

At the National Press Club of Australia this week, former Australian Treasurer and former Ambassador to Washington Joe Hockey joined former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney for one of the more revealing geopolitical conversations seen in Canberra this year.  While the discussion covered everything from China to trade tensions and the future of Donald Trump’s presidency, it was…

A renewed national debate over sex-based rights, gender identity protections and women-only spaces has erupted in Parliament, following the introduction of a private member’s bill seeking to redefine sex in federal law as “biological and binary.”  Nationals Leader Senator Matt Canavan joined campaigner Sal Grover and Nationals MP Alison Penfold in backing the proposed legislation, arguing that amendments made to the…