Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives saw fierce exchanges over housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, government spending, healthcare and integrity, before ending in dramatic fashion with the suspension of a Coalition MP. While much of Question Time followed the familiar pattern of government members asking ministers to promote policy achievements, the day’s most substantive moments…

Nearly half of Australian businesses report rising operating expenses, with business overheads and staffing costs emerging as the dominant financial challenge despite easing fuel price pressures. Australia’s businesses continue to face significant cost pressures, with new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing that 46 per cent of businesses experienced higher operating expenses during the…

The extraordinary volatility of Australian politics has continued, with two new national polls suggesting the Albanese Government has regained momentum after weeks of unprecedented gains by Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. The latest AFR/RedBridge Group poll places Labor back in first place on the primary vote, recording 30 per cent, ahead of One Nation on 29…

By Michael Keating | Inside Canberra Three newly appointed Heads of Mission have formally commenced their diplomatic duties in Australia after presenting their credentials to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, during a ceremonial event at Government House in Canberra. The presentation of credentials is one of diplomacy’s most significant formal traditions.…

By Inside Canberra Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth has defended one of the Albanese Government’s most controversial workplace reforms, insisting businesses will not be forced to hold enterprise agreements to secure Commonwealth contracts. But a tense press conference on Thursday did little to silence concerns that the legislation could fundamentally reshape how billions…

CANBERRA — Agricultural research, food security and science diplomacy should be viewed as core elements of Australia’s conflict prevention strategy rather than simply development assistance, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) told a parliamentary committee today during a public hearing examining Australia’s international development program. ACR_ Agri & Conflict.pdf Appearing before the Foreign Affairs and…

By Inside Canberra Australia’s peak business body has issued a fresh warning over the Albanese Government’s recently passed tax legislation, arguing it risks undermining business confidence at a time when economic conditions are already deteriorating. Speaking following the passage of the legislation, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar warned that while…

By Michael Keating | Inside Canberra The Coalition’s new Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien has used his first major foreign policy address to argue that Australia’s international influence is being undermined by economic weakness at home, while also hinting at the political calculations shaping the Opposition’s path back to government. Addressing the National Press Club…

The Albanese Government faced sustained pressure during Question Time on Tuesday as the Coalition sought to capitalise on Labor’s newly negotiated Senate deal with the Greens, raising questions about tax policy, housing reforms, self-managed superannuation and the Government’s credibility. While much of Question Time was occupied by government backbenchers asking ministers favourable questions, the most…

Taylor Sharpens Coalition Agenda as Opposition Targets Labor on Tax, Energy and Migration By Michael Keating | Inside Canberra Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has used a business forum in Brisbane’s north to sharpen the Coalition’s emerging policy agenda, signalling that energy affordability, opposition to Labor’s proposed tax changes and migration reform will form the core…