The Coalition must figure out its answer to the net zero question
David Littleproud and Sussan Ley have had a previously combustible relationship but will have to find a path forward.
Michelle Grattan
Michelle Grattan is a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra and chief political correspondent at The Conversation.
Latest by Michelle Grattan
Albanese shifts Plibersek from environment in favour of 'can-do' Watt
The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government's top rank staying in their previous ministries.
Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice
Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor both want the thankless post that's up for grabs at Tuesday's party meeting.
Key markers on the bumpy road to this federal election
When we look back, we can see the road to election day has had a multitude of signposts, flashing red lights, twists, turns and potholes.
Coalition's campaign lacks good planning and enough elbow grease
Whatever the result on May 3, even people within the Liberals think they have run a very poor national campaign. Not just poor, but odd.
Dutton's tax 'aspiration' is his most radical idea since nuclear power
Peter Dutton, now seriously on the back foot, has made an extraordinarily big "aspirational" commitment at the back end of this campaign.
Will both parties see a leadership change in the next parliament?
Election results trigger, or subsequently lead to, leadership resets. Even in the turmoil of a campaign, players will also have their eyes on the future.
A special tariff deal with Trump could be the wrong way to go
Both sides of politics want a special deal in response to Trump's tariffs, but at what cost?
Dutton says he could handle Trump, but can any Australian PM?
It's a weird time when your friends become almost as problematic as your potential enemies, but that's the situation we face.
Do voters fear PM Peter Dutton would be a surprise packet?
Peter Dutton is tantalisingly close to power, but the last steps will be the hardest.
Cyclones pass. Trump is here for the long term
The cyclone will be a passing disruptor, but the disruption from the Trump administration will be with Australia (and the world) for the foreseeable future.
As Trump's presidency unfolds, its dangers are becoming more obvious
With Trump's win, the Liberals would have thought the latest manifestation of a widespread international swing to the right would put wind in their sails. But the counter-argument has grown.
Albanese — and the country — left on hold
When parliamentarians left Canberra on Thursday after the fortnight sitting, federal politics had the air of an uneasy waiting game.
Both Dutton and Albanese flip-flop as hate laws and civil liberties clash
The battle to contain antisemitism in Australia finds both sides of politics embracing measures they would otherwise abhor.
Why Dutton has changed his tune on China
When Peter Dutton was asked this week whether a Coalition government would continue to foster trade relations with China, he said "the relationship with China will be much stronger than it is under the Albanese government".
Albanese struggles to strike the right note on antisemitism
Anthony Albanese points to the array of measures his government has taken to tackle the scourge of antisemitism. But he can't escape the impression of seeming perennially on the back foot and often lacking adequate empathy and sensitivity in dealing with the issue.
Albanese has a 'man problem' — and only a few months to solve it
Will gender again be important at the 2025 election? Potentially — positively and negatively. Both sides hope that it will, in different ways, work to their advantage, while also fearing its downsides.
Dutton's nuclear policy would have coal-fired power stations operating longer
The opposition has finally put in place the last piece of its controversial nuclear policy, with modelling claiming its alternative would cost $260 billion less than Labor's transition path to net zero.
Frustrated government can only bite its tongue as it waits on Michele Bullock
It's no secret the government is impatient for a rate cut, and frustrated we're not seeing one. But it can't say so, because that would invite attacks it was pressuring the independent bank.
Anthony Albanese gets down and dirty in deal making and breaking as Senate rushes to Christmas finish
The prime minister personally intervened in the wrangling and deal-making as the government battled to get as much as possible of Labor's legislation passed in the chaotic dying days of 2024's parliamentary sitting.
Richard Marles plays a dead bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get through late work
Despite being deputy prime minister, Richard Marles's profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the candidate considered most likely to succeed Anthony Albanese as Labor's leader.
Election skirmishes are already raging, as looming Trump presidency adds to Albanese's challenges
The general uncertainty of the looming early days of Trump's presidency adds to Albanese's challenges as he gets closer to the federal election.
Furore over Anthony Albanese's Qantas perks chips away at public trust in politicians
You would have to be super optimistic to expect a revival in trust in the foreseeable future. But if it continues to fall away, the foundations of our political institutions and our society will become shakier.
When it comes to climate, Labor is keeping an eye on Washington before it looks to Paris
If Donald Trump wins the US presidency on November 5, his victory will have profound implications for other countries on many fronts. Not least of them will be climate change policy.
Whatever his policy, Peter Dutton will be a big target on workplace relations
The Coalition is well-placed for next year's election, but the looming battle over industrial relations could be more dangerous for Peter Dutton than his risky gamble to promote nuclear energy.