Politics

Politics · 2 October 2026

Taxation Office’s Credit‑Card Ban Sparks Unexpected Alliance: Hanson & Spender Unite

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

In an unprecedented coalition, politicians Hanson and Spender have demanded that the Australian Taxation Office reverse its controversial ban on credit‑card payments, sparking a satirical debate over fiscal policy, con…

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

EU Envoy Declares Canberra Must ‘Regulate’ AI or Face a Robot Revolt

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

In a dramatic Canberra briefing, the EU’s new envoy warned that Australia’s failure to adopt stringent AI regulation could trigger a global technological uprising, even as China and the US snicker from the sidelines.

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 · 2 October 2026

Lawyers Told Their 'Sharp Practices' Are Actually Just Razor-Sharp Competition, Says Government

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The government has issued a stern warning to a select group of migration lawyers, informing them that their fraudulent parent applications constitute 'sharp practices' rather than simple forgery. The lawyers, meanwhile,…

Politics · 2 October 2026

Dual‑National Nabbed in Fairford Flap as Counter‑Terror Unit Misplaces Its Tea

Celia Marsh, London desk

A 27‑year‑old dual British‑Iranian was detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts after an unexplained incident at RAF Fairford, prompting a flurry of briefings and a cold‑tea crisis in the corridors of se…

Politics · 1 October 2026

California Gubernatorial Debate Ends With More Questions Than Answers, Especially About Who Can Say ‘Affordability’ Faster

June Harrow, Washington desk

In a single, highly‑anticipated face‑off, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton debated California’s looming affordability crisis, President Trump, tax policy, and immigration, leaving citizens to won…

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…

Politics · 1 October 2026

UK‑France ‘One‑in‑One‑out’ Scheme Pulled, 1,500 Migrants Now in France

Reginald Penny, London desk

The UK‑France pilot to curb Channel crossings by swapping one migrant in for one out has been axed after a year, leaving 1,500 people now in France.