Even at a diplomatic encounter as soft and fluffy as a trip to a panda enclosure,the harsh realities of the China-Australia relationship broke through.
Anthony Albanese’s ministers have portfolios – they also have other roles:confidantes,influencers,attack dogs. And some are more equal than others.
Senior ministers have been notably reluctant to criticise Narendra Modi’s government,with India seen as a crucial economic and strategic partner for Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior minister Don Farrell have turned their sights on a group of crossbenchers in a debate over big money in politics.
The election reform package would create a big change in how campaigns are funded and politicians engage in politics. But achieving consensus will not be straightforward.
A new unit inside the Australian Electoral Commission would be tasked with adjudicating on the truthfulness of election advertisements.
An individual,company or third-party activist group who could currently contribute an unlimited amount to a campaign will be outlawed from giving huge sums to parties.
The support for both major parties came as a parliamentary inquiry urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ban advertisements for online bets.
The first six months of taxpayer-funded travel under the Albanese government was released following criticism about VIP flights taken by Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Sunday that Australia’s navy focuses on its own activities in its own region in light of the US request for ships to the Red Sea.
Federal parliament should have up to 49 extra MPs and political donation disclosure rules need a shake-up,according to a new committee report on electoral reform.