The source of tens of millions of dollars in electoral funding remains a secret, with political parties not disclosing where more than a third of their income comes from. The Australian Electoral Commission’s annual release of financial disclosures by political parties has revealed some of the major donors in 2020-21, but has also raised questions...
Category: Politics
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PM Morrison and Coalition suffer massive slump in polls ahead of federal election
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken a huge hit in the polls ahead of the looming federal election. Australians appear to have turned their backs on the Coalition after a shocking summer marked by the Omicron outbreak, COVID-19 restrictions and a rapid antigen test shortage. In the first Newspoll for the year, support for the...
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Federal government pledges A$1bn for Great Barrier Reef but draws renewed climate criticism
Australia will spend A$1bn (£520m; $700m) over nine years on improving the water quality and other aspects of the ailing Great Barrier Reef, its PM says. Scientists have welcomed the money but warn it does not tackle the reef’s overriding threat of climate change. A climate laggard among rich nations, Australia is often criticised for...
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Australian government secures copyright after Aboriginal flag row
The Australian government has bought the Aboriginal flag’s copyright in a bid to “free” the symbol of identity from bitter fights over who can use it. Indigenous artist Harold Thomas created the flag in 1971 as a protest image but it is now the dominant Aboriginal emblem and an official national flag. Despite this, many...
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Survey reveals surprising sentiment toward Australia Day date change
A new survey has revealed Australia’s sentiment towards celebrating Australia day, with a narrow majority of people voting to keep the day on January 26. The survey of 2297 people, conducted by YouGov, found that 56 per cent of people were in favour of keeping the date of Australia Day as is. Despite that result,...
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Scott Morrison leaves door open for Novak Djokovic to return within three-year ban
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the door open for Novak Djokovic to return to Australia without having to wait out a three-year ban. The tennis star left the country last night after the Federal Court upheld a decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel his visa. It means the 34-year-old will miss out...
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Plan unveiled for new Australian republic with national ballot on the cards
The Australian Republic Movement has unveiled its preferred method for the nation to appoint a new head of state. The group says federal, state and territory parliaments should nominate a shortlist of candidates for head of state, which would then be put to a national ballot of voters. The federal parliament would be able to...
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Governor-General David Hurley experiencing ‘slight symptoms’ after testing positive for COVID-19
Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley has contracted COVID-19. The 68-year-old is isolating at Admiralty House and will continue to perform his official duties remotely, a spokesperson said on Sunday. Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley has contracted COVID-19. The 68-year-old is isolating at Admiralty House and will continue to perform his official duties remotely, a spokesperson said on...
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Malcolm Turnbull positive for COVID, just a day after Josh Frydenberg’s diagnosis
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19. “Like hundreds of thousands of other Australians I have tested positive for COVID. Symptoms moderate so far. Isolating as required,” Mr Turnbull said on Saturday. “This pandemic and especially this latest wave has put our health professionals under enormous pressure – please...
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Historic Australia-Japan treaty to strengthen bond
Australian and Japanese forces will be able to seamlessly train in both countries, on each other’s platforms and during humanitarian missions under a new reciprocal agreement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will sign the “historic” treaty during a virtual summit with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on Thursday. “We could be completely interoperable between what we...