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The Vote: Monique Ryan vs The Treasurer of Australia
On election night, the Melbourne seat of Kooyong could be one of the most fiercely contested in the country. The Treasurer of Australia, Josh Frydenberg, is facing what he’s described as the fight of his political life. His opponent was virtually unknown to most Australians a few months ago, but now polls show she has a chance at victory. So who is the woman taking on the Treasurer?
Who would select a candidate like Katherine Deves?
With a crucial deadline now passed, Liberal candidate Katherine Deves will almost certainly remain the Coalition’s pick for the seat of Warringah. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the Katherine Deves controversy and how it looks to the independents who could be shaping up as kingmakers.
The true story of how Scott Morrison got to parliament
Fifteen years after winning the safe seat of Cook, the true story of Scott Morrison’s ugly preselection fight can now be revealed. For the first time, statutory declarations show how Morrison allegedly used race and religion to undermine a rival.
The outsiders who could dominate the election
More than in any other election, next month’s poll will feature a defining number of independent candidates. They represent a new, well-organised reaction against the major parties. For the Liberals, they also represent a threat that may one day see the party split. Today, Margaret Simons on the independents who could go on to hold the balance of power.
Budget ‘22: All hat, no rabbit
Last night, Josh Frydenberg delivered his last budget before the Morrison government goes to the polls. It was a pitch to voters worried about the cost of living, with new payments and bold claims about an economic turnaround.
Keeping up with Jacqui Lambie
When Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie entered politics, her speeches on Sharia law, and her op-shop outfits, marked her out for ridicule. Since then, Jacqui Lambie has had a remarkable turnaround. She’s become known as one of the most fierce, and outspoken conviction politicians in the country. Today, Chloe Hooper on the real Jacqui Lambie.
Is Scott Morrison about to be toppled?
As criticism mounts over the government’s response to the floods in Queensland and New South Wales, Scott Morrison is facing another problem: disquiet within his own ranks about his leadership. Today, Paul Bongiorno on how precarious the Prime Minister’s position might be.
When Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins came to Canberra
On Tuesday, Scott Morrison formally apologised to all those who have experienced sexual harassment, assault or bullying while working in federal parliament. The next day former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, alongside Grace Tame delivered an explosive address to the National Press Club questioning just how seriously we should take the Prime Minister’s words. Today, Rachel Withers on why Scott Morrison’s apology might be too little, too late.
The power struggle threatening Scott Morrison’s re-election
Time is running out for the Liberal Party to select candidates in a number of key seats, ahead of the federal election. And there are allegations that one senior minister - close to the Prime Minister - may be holding up the process to deliberately engineer a crisis. Today, Karen Middleton on the power struggle within the Liberal Party that is threatening their re-election chances.
Parliament ends in disunity and disarray
This week, two of the nation’s highest profile politicians have announced that they will be quitting politics. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the departure of the Health Minister Greg Hunt and former Attorney-General Christian Porter - and the internal division plaguing the Coalition.
The politicians suing voters
Australia has become well known as the defamation capital of the world. But recently there’s been a new trend: politicians using defamation law against ordinary people. Today, Bri Lee on how the current wave of defamation threats is impacting the ability of regular people to criticise their elected officials, and what that might mean for our democracy.