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More than any other factor, Australians blame the government for rising costs.

A now-or-never moment for the Albanese government

Jim Chalmers was already being pressured to unveil meaningful reforms in the May budget. Turmoil in the Middle East has made that even more pressing.

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Independent MP Allegra Spender has outlined a plan to slash personal income tax rates, paid for by higher taxes on assets.

Slash income tax, lift it on assets: Spender’s plan for tax reform

The first plan for a broad-based overhaul of the tax system in 16 years has been put forward by teal independent, Allegra Spender.

  • Shane Wright
The Iran conflict could see drive gas price spikes that may eclipse those seen when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Push for gas tax as LNG exports reap huge profits after one week of war

Gas prices tripled in 2022, which was the last time an international conflict hit energy markets. Experts say it may happen again due to the Iran war.

  • Mike Foley and Nick Toscano
 Sydney Summit 2026 l

No bulldozers and towers: Defence sites dominate talk of Sydney’s housing future

The state government says it is investigating potential options for the inner-city Victoria Barracks, but ruled out “huge apartment towers”.

  • Megan Gorrey and David Barwell

Too fast, too slow, too broad, too narrow ... Albanese’s hate speech critics agree on one thing

Legislation is not a press conference. It has to anticipate future situations and be coherent 20 years hence.

  • Waleed Aly
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recalled parliament for an urgent debate on hate speech laws.

What is in the government’s new hate speech laws?

Labor’s hate speech crackdown has experienced immediate pushback.

  • Brittany Busch and Nick Newling
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly.

Labor may extend hate speech laws to religious, LGBTQ, disabled communities

The government has been “unapologetically” focused on antisemitism, but appears willing to broaden protections to other groups.

  • Nick Newling
Andrew Gee, Tammy Tyrrell and David Pocock have thrown their support behind a royal commission into antisemitism

Crossbench MPs demand commission as sporting greats blast government inaction

A slew of independent MPs have called for a royal commission into antisemitism, as Labor remains opposed to the growing push for a federal inquiry.

  • Nick Newling and Amber Schultz
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds a press conference in Canberra on Monday alongside Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland.

Albanese stares down backbencher, opposition demands for royal commission

A departmental review into the nation’s intelligence agencies has been criticised for lacking scope and independence, but the PM said a royal commission would take far too long.

  • Brittany Busch and Natassia Chrysanthos
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces the gun buyback on Friday.

Anthony Albanese backs Chris Minns’ call for state-based inquiry into Bondi shooting

The Coalition and MP Allegra Spender are calling for a federal investigation into the shooting as the government is scrutinised over antisemitism in Australia and apparent gaps in intelligence before the attack.

  • Brittany Busch and Amber Schultz