Politics
Federal
‘Ready for what may come’: Australia to scour the globe for extra fuel
An unprecedented scheme will provide government support to Australia’s private fuel suppliers to take extraordinary measures amid an emerging global crisis.
- by Mike Foley
Latest
Opinion
Political leadership
The times suit Hanson. But for Albanese, it’s a minefield
The world we are now walking into will present untold riches of resentment for protest parties to foment. That spells big trouble for the Labor government.
- by Peter Hartcher
‘Headed for a train smash’: Former commander’s dire AUKUS warning
A retired rear admiral says the submarine program is a “wasteful folly” that needs to be jettisoned. “It is never too late to stop a plan that is not going to bloody well work.”
- by Matthew Knott
Exclusive
Middle East at war
Global oil panic knocks Chalmers’ budget plans off course as Labor weighs fuel tax relief
Three senior Labor sources said they could delay a move to create a national road user charge.
- by Paul Sakkal and Mike Foley
Labor split over renewed push for AI to be able to harvest Australian art
A rift has opened within the Albanese government over chasing global investment in artificial intelligence and a creative sector warning it is being asked to bankroll the technology.
- by Rob Harris
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese’s caution is fuelling unease. This may be his COVID moment
The PM is right when he says the fuel crisis is being created by circumstances he can’t control. But he will be judged on how he and his government responds.
- by James Massola
Best of cartoons, March 27, 2026
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox
The latest work by the acclaimed Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist.
Australia flagged as a global leader in a war-battered, inflationary world
The OECD believes Australia will be among the fastest growing economies this year. But it will come with high inflation, a worry for the Reserve Bank.
- by Shane Wright
Exclusive
Byelection
Hanson offers Coalition preference deal in Farrer as Abbott warns of Liberal wipeout
Conservative warrior Tony Abbott hit the streets of Albury on Thursday to convince Liberal supporters to stick with the struggling party.
- by Paul Sakkal and Rob Harris
Analysis
Middle East at war
Germany’s blunt candour about Trump highlights how timid Australia has become
The Albanese government believes it has little scope to express even the mildest criticism of Trump’s war against Iran. Not everyone feels so constrained.
- by Matthew Knott