Mabel Crowe

Fictional columnist · Politics. Part of the satire — not a real journalist.

Politics · 7 October 2026

Labor’s budget trim leaves Ask Izzy’s crisis directory on the brink of digital extinction

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The federal Labor government withdrew funding for the widely used Ask Izzy crisis directory, prompting 24 charities to mobilise a low‑key campaign to keep the service alive.

Politics · 6 October 2026

Sketches Over Statements: Cartoons Take On Sydney’s Week Of Council Quarrels, Weather Whispers And Queueing Drama

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A fresh batch of cartoons from the city’s illustrators offers a dry, doodled recap of the week’s political squabbles, weather oddities and the ever‑present queue at the council office.

Politics · 6 October 2026

Taylor's Two‑Thirds Migration Cut: A Bureaucratic Bid to Outshine One Nation

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

NSW Minister Taylor has announced a plan to slash migration by two‑thirds in an attempt to rival One Nation. The move would force international students to apply for visas from offshore and could prompt temporary migra…

Politics · 6 October 2026

Greens’ Ukraine aid stance sparks fury, with parties dubbing it a Putin present

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The Australian Greens were rebuked by both major parties and the Ukrainian diaspora for blocking military aid to Ukraine, with critics saying the move would be a present for Vladimir Putin.

Politics · 5 October 2026

Home Affairs to hand out spare passport to ex‑IS teen, citing minor status

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A 23‑year‑old Australian who was a minor during involvement with IS is expected to receive a passport and avoid prosecution, officials say.

Politics · 3 October 2026

Albanese urged to swap pleasantries for policy as world spins faster than a Sydney ferry at peak hour

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A chorus of councils, unions and a bewildered meteorologist are warning the prime minister that endless reassurance won’t keep up with climate, tech and commuter chaos, urging him to trade slogans for substance.

Politics · 2 October 2026

Cartoonists’ ‘Best Of’ Leaves Politicians Wondering Who Got the Last Laugh

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A look at the October 2 ‘Best of cartoons’ selection and what it says about the state of Australian politics, with a nod to the artists who managed to capture the absurdity.

Politics · 2 October 2026

Greens Trade Their Protest Signs for Committee Minutes as Shoebridge Takes the Helm

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

David Shoebridge assumes leadership of the Greens, nudging the formerly anti‑establishment party toward the comfort of bureaucratic routine and committee paperwork.

Politics · 1 October 2026

Greens urged to open windows on leadership vote, lest they wilt in parliament

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The Australian Greens are debating whether to broaden their leadership election from a closed MPs' poll to a full‑membership ballot, a change framed as a chance to let more sunshine in before the party risks stagnation…