Politics

Politics · 39 mins ago

Midterm Sweep Leaves Democrats With a Cabinet of Confused Cooks

Clyde Rook, Washington desk

After a sweeping midterm victory that gave them control of Congress, Democrats face the real test of uniting a sometimes‑fractious caucus and blending moderate pragmatism with progressive ambition.

Politics · 3 hrs ago

Productivity chief warns Labor’s union-friendly reforms may be the secret spice in Australia’s economic stew

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The chair of the Productivity Commission has called for a review of Labor’s recent workplace reforms, suggesting they may be contributing to the country’s economic malaise.

Politics · 12 hrs ago

Dublin‑Rome Aer Lingus Flight Diverts to French Military Base After Bomb Threat, Passengers Stuck in Evreux

Aoife Brennan, Dublin desk

An Aer Lingus Airbus A320 bound for Rome was diverted to France’s Evreux military airbase on Thursday after a bomb threat, part of a recent spate of threats that also hit Ryanair flights from Dublin.

Politics · 18 hrs ago

Hanson's constitutional crusade: High Court to wrestle with 18C as legal fireworks light up Canberra

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been granted leave to challenge the 18C hate‑speech law before the High Court, arguing it breaches the constitution.

Politics · 21 hrs ago

Ex‑partner’s stalking charge adds a new twist to WA Greens inquiry, much to the delight of local council queue‑watchers

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A 40‑year‑old woman, former partner of Greens senator Jordon Steele‑John, has been charged with aggravated stalking as a Western Australian Greens inquiry gets under way, prompting a modest ripple through local civ…

Politics · 23 hrs ago

Deepfakes Turn Victoria’s Election Ads into a Digital Traffic Jam

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

AI‑generated videos are flooding Victoria’s election advertising. Research shows National posted 100 negative Facebook ads against the Greens co‑leader and 87 against Chris Hipkins, prompting experts to warn that t…

Politics · 1 day ago

PM Tries to Slip Past Shoebridge and Taylor with Inflation‑Fighting Cuts, but Senate Turns It Into a Brawl

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Facing inflation pressure, the prime minister pushes spending cuts around two senators, but Labor’s aversion triggers a Senate showdown.

Politics · 1 day ago

Parliament’s Renovation Delay Sparks ‘Catastrophic Failure’ Warning

Reginald Penny, London desk

A group of MPs warned that continued postponement of the Palace of Westminster’s long‑overdue renovation could lead to a catastrophic failure, urging urgent action to avoid structural disaster.

Politics · 1 day ago

Commonwealth Cranks Down Teen Speech: Court Hears Challenge to Social Media Ban, Lawyers Suggest Alternative Debate Paths

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Commonwealth’s ban on under‑16s posting to social media is being challenged in the High Court, and barristers defending the measure have floated creative ways for young people to join political debate without usi…