Dutton wants to know if you’re better off now. It’s a trick question

For most people, the simple answer to Peter Dutton’s repeated question — are you better off today than you were three years ago? — is “no, I’m not”.

Medicare's much-needed reform held hostage by vested interests: Michael Lester in conversation with John Menadue, AO

Access to affordable primary healthcare through GPs has collapsed, forcing more people to rely on overcrowded and understaffed public hospitals. These hospitals, meant to be a last resort, have instead become the costly default option.

China’s spies are here to help Albo: Anti-China Media Watch

The Australian reliably informs as that in Beijing it’s “all the way with Albo for PM”; the latest Chinese ship in the proximity of Australia’s waters is both an act of aggression and proof positive that New Zealand’s scientists are among the most “clueless” creatures on earth; and Confucius Institutes have to go from Australian university campuses.

Australian election 2025: Status quo or what?

Voting in federal or state elections has invariably posed a dilemma ever since my family and I qualified as citizens almost a quarter-century ago, at a ceremony where we were handed out miniature editions of the New Testament alongside the sausage sandwiches.

Electricity prices – government and Coalition policies compared

It’s not much wonder that the public is confused about electricity pricing when journalists and politicians use the terms “prices” and “bills” interchangeably, and when Opposition spokespeople deliberately lie about the reasons electricity prices are high and make up ridiculous claims about how electricity prices and bills would tumble if they were elected. Peter Dutton’s speech in reply to the budget added to that confusion.

The Frontier is the way ahead for the War Memorial

“Sacrifice”, the ABC Four Corners episode of 10 March, was a train-wreck for the Australian War Memorial. Its spokespersons came across as dismissive, timid, or too clever by half. The critics of the Memorial, however, were passionate, regretful, and, in the case of Geoffrey Watson SC from the Centre for Public Integrity, downright angry.

Appreciating being in Australia and resolving to make the best of our opportunities

That we live in one of the best contemporary democracies is to be appreciated.

James Curran's closing remarks to the Sovereignty and Security Conference on 31 March

The sense of urgency and rapid change that has pervaded the discussion today [31 March] has not obscured the fact that, as we know, this issue of the abrupt change in the relationship with the United States has been coming since at least Trump’s first term. And really from the disaster of Iraq and the 2008 global financial crisis.

United Nations General Assembly votes to demand Israel end Palestinian occupation, Australia abstains

The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a Palestinian resolution demanding Israel end its unlawful presence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within a year.

The Melbourne synagogue fire: Antisemitism, political meddling and exceptional victimhood

In his ongoing campaign to pad and shield criticism of Israel in the conduct of its war of gross bloodletting in Gaza, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rarely misses a beat to attack critics. It has become clear that even mere disagreement from long standing allies suggests wobbliness and tilting in the direction of antisemitism.

Trump's plan for Gaza heralds an age of naked fascism

I watched Trump's joint press conference with Netanyahu, in utter disbelief. Not that the idea, or indeed the practice, of ethnic cleansing of Palestine is new. But at that press conference the mask has fallen. Recently, fascism has been on the march everywhere, but that press conference seemed to herald an age of naked fascism.

South Africa asks ICJ to order halt to Rafah massacre as 110,000 Gazans flee advancing Israeli troops

The move comes as Australia, in a significant break from Israeli and US policy, voted yes in the UN General Assembly to upgrading Palestines UN membership status. The resolution passed with 143 countries voting in favour, nine voting against, and 25 abstentions.

UN vote: Newspaper raises irrelevant questions about an ICJ decision

The exclusive 'US urges Australia over UNs Israel vote, published in Tuesdays The Australian by Ben Packham, demands a response.

ICC applies for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Sinwar

The ICC chief prosecutor accused Israeli and Hamas leaders of war crimes while repeating false claims against Hamas and downplaying Israeli violence against Palestinians, writes The Cradle news desk.

Resilience amongst ruin: 12 months of genocide and resistance in Gaza

Just weeks into Israels current genocide in Gaza, I spoke with my cousin as she watched the violence unfold from her home in Khan Yunis. She declared, We are used to this; it is temporary and will pass.

How Israel relies on up to 1,000 Australians and other foreign fighters to carry out its war crimes

Thousands of people from countries around the world have joined the war against Palestinians.

Peter Slezak's speech to the University of Technology Sydney rally on 26 March

Dutton appears to be slowly losing ground

Debt and deficit: Labor’s budget naysayers ignore the cold hard facts

Will Australia’s media do better at cracking down on lies this election? The signs aren’t good

Peter Dutton: The man who would be PM

Israeli practices exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The importance of excellent Independent MPs

China can neatly sidestep Trump's tariffs

The West and inconvenient memory: The destruction of history

The personification of politics

Cowardly politics is robbing our children blind. It’s time to be brave

Pursuing Australia's national interests in a 'Might is Right' world