Politics

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.

Politics · 6 days ago

McKellen Mourns Stewart, Declares the Galaxy Lost a Star

Aoife Brennan, Dublin desk

Ian McKellen led heartfelt tributes after Sir Patrick Stewart, famed for his roles as Captain Picard and Professor X, died following a brief battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Politics · 6 days ago

Anthropic’s Odd Pitch: Promising World‑Changing AI While Hinting at Existential Risk

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Anthropic is courting investors with bold claims that its AI will reshape the global economy, but the company also warns the technology could pose an existential threat, an unusual mix that has investors both intrigued a…

Politics · 30 October 2026

Albo’s Razor Gang Trims Treasury’s Savings to a Postage Stamp

Tariq Bell, World desk

Prime Minister Albo’s so‑called “razor gang” has repeatedly snipped Jim Chalmers’ low‑cost proposals during the cabinet’s expenditure review subcommittee, turning careful savings plans into a series of thea…