Politics

Politics · 2 days ago

RBA board’s 6‑3 split over rate hike leaves Sydney’s coffee shops bracing for tighter wallets

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s board voted 6‑3 to raise rates to an 18‑year high, exposing a clear split and prompting dry humour from the Sydney desk.

Politics · 3 days ago

Cartoonists Capture Chaos: Best of Cartoons Highlights Political Satire

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Australian newspapers released a Best of Cartoons feature on November 3, showcasing a fresh batch of political satire that turns the week’s headlines into ink‑splashed humour.

Politics · 3 days ago

RBA’s 4.85% shock: economists predict recession while coffee shops brace for panic

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Reserve Bank is set to hike rates to 4.85%, sparking market dread of an imminent recession.

Politics · 3 days ago

Labor's $1800 Appeal Fee: A New Toll on the Dream

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Labor government has introduced a $1800 upfront charge for asylum seekers to appeal a refusal, saying it will deter dubious claims. Legal‑aid organisations were only informed after the policy was rolled out, leavin…

Politics · 4 days ago

Sydney councils consider a civics‑courtesy code to keep good‑hearted politicians from fleeing the scene

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A new push for courteous accountability aims to stop intimidation from scaring away community‑minded candidates, with councils drafting a ‘civics‑courtesy’ guide.

Politics · 4 days ago

Chalmers’ Mea Culpa Jolts Labor into a Frantic Hunt for a New Compass

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Jim Chalmers’ recent admission has left the unpopular Labor government scrambling to define its direction.

Politics · 4 days ago

Finance Minister Promises to Scrutinise Every Dollar, Not to Guarantee Savings

Priya Nair, Sydney desk

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has placed all federal spending under the microscope, saying the government will examine every expense. While Labor is hunting for cuts, she stopped short of guaranteeing that any savings…

Politics · 5 days ago

Albanese’s era teeters on the brink of a melon mishap

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Speculation swirls that the Prime Minister may soon be remembered for a slip involving melons, prompting his advisers to pray the mistake stays metaphorical rather than literal.

Politics · 6 days ago

Albanese brands RBA’s rate hikes as blunt instrument, tries to keep Labor out of the toolbox

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese distanced his party from the Reserve Bank’s upcoming rate hikes, likening the policy tool to a blunt instrument and warning of a treacherous political climate both at home and abroad.