Federal Politics

Diggers murderedAustralia ‘does not accept release’ of rogue soldier

The Afghan soldier known as Hekmatullah — who killed three Australian soldiers — is still imprisoned, but his release remains on the cards as part of a peace deal brokered by the US.

Sarah Ison

‘Deeply disturbing’Rudd’s think tank given Epstein cash

Kevin Rudd has found himself linked to notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after it emerged the former prime minister’s think tank was given $US650,000 in donations by the child sex monster.

Clarissa Bye and Anna Caldwell

Running it tightSkyworks call looms as council sweats on cost to cancel

A decision on whether Australia Day Skyworks will proceed amid the pandemic will be made within weeks, with the City of Perth aware the longer they wait, the more it’ll cost ratepayers to cancel.

Peter Law

Massive challengeThe interests, values dividing Australia, China

Issues in Australia’s relationship with China go deeper than ever before and are dividing rather than uniting the two nations, according to DFAT secretary Frances Adamson.

Sarah Ison

Watchdog‘Extraordinary’ ASIC scandal needs quick probe: ALP

Labor has demanded an investigation into expenses scandals at the corporate watchdog be wrapped up within two weeks.

Matt Coughlan

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OECD position
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Labor backs the right Cormann for the job

The ALP is throwing its support behind Mathias Cormann’s bid for one of the world’s top economic jobs, providing the bipartisan support he needs to firm up Australia’s OECD bid.

Lanai Scarr

‘Not wide enough’ADF admits door flaw on $3.6b choppers

Australian Defence Force officials has admitted the door on their $3.6 billion helicopters are too narrow to allow guns to fire while troops are rappelling to the ground.

Off the hookCyber security hotline runs hot amid new threats

Calls to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline have increased more than 200 per cent, with a big spike following a warning ‘sophisticated’ actors were attacking critical infrastructure.

Sarah Ison

Coronavirus crisisMinister ‘not responsible’ for aged care virus deaths

Richard Colbeck has denied feeling ‘personally responsible’ for Australia’s coronavirus aged care deaths, saying the Morrison Government’s approach ‘has saved lives’.

Sarah Ison

BORDER OPENING?McGowan stays ‘cautious’ ahead of updated border advice

Mark McGowan says the State Government will ‘continue to be cautious’ over WA’s border closure as Victoria recorded consecutive days of zero coronavirus cases for the first time since March.

Peter Law and Ailish Delaney

politicsPM eyes international workers and students

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is shifting his focus to bringing international students and workers into Australia as states ease coronavirus restrictions.

Daniel McCulloch and Matt Coughlan - AAP

Out of actionWhy HMAS Perth remains dry-docked after three years

The Anzac frigate completed its last deployment in 2016, before being used as a training vessel off the WA coast. But at the end of 2017, the ship was taken out of the water entirely.

Sarah Ison

EXCLUSIVE POLLTurning tide in WA border poll delights PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has labelled an exclusive poll in The West Australian as ‘good news’ — after it indicated attitudes to WA’s hard border were shifting.

Annabel Hennessy

Multiple SclerosisBig savings loom for MS medicine

Australians with Multiple Sclerosis will have access to a life-saving medicine for as little as $41 per prescription.

Sarah Ison

Lucrative contractDefence Minister grilled over subs project delay

Linda Reynolds has not ruled out a decision on moving a lucrative submarines project to WA being made until after the next Federal election — which could be as late as September 2022.

Sarah Ison

Electoral reshuffleChristian Porter, Anne Aly’s seats on chopping block

Attorney-General Christian Porter and Labor MP Anne Aly could have their seats abolished after the WA Liberal and Labor parties called for them to go in a reshuffle of Federal electoral boundaries.

Sarah Ison

Gifts falloutAust Post culture to be probed in expenses scandal

The Morrison Government has released the terms of reference for a one-month investigation into the watches scandal at Australia Post.

Matt Coughlan

Coronavirus crisisPM slam’s delay in easing Melbourne lockdown

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp have hit out the State Government’s pause on easing COVID-19 restrictions, labelling it Groundhog Day.

Sarah Ison

Waiting gameCOVID-19 vaccine may be ‘a year away’

A vaccine for the deadly coronavirus could still be 12 months away, despite the Federal Government outlining hope for a July roll-out in the Budget.

Sarah Ison

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Border wars
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Is sentiment changing on WA’s hard border?

WA could be putting all its eggs in one basket to contain the spread of the coronavirus and may be unprepared in the long term, writes Ben Morton Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister.

Ben Morton

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WA border battle
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Palmer steps up $28 billion court fight

Clive Palmer has taken the first step towards launching legal action against the Commonwealth over his $28 billion damages battle with WA.

Peter Law

Fundraising Flying startFederal Government donates $5 million to Telethon

Even a global pandemic can’t halt the generosity of West Australians, with the public, big business and government all opening their hearts and purses to help sick children.

Kate Ryan

Staff Gift scandalAustralia Post reveals cost of Cartier watches

Australia Post has revealed the cost of the four Cartier watches at the centre of a scandal surrounding members of its former board.

Watch out‘Stood down’ Aus Post boss may still be paid

Australia Post’s chief executive Christine Holgate may still get paid over the next four weeks, despite ‘standing aside’ as an investigation of $3000 watches given as gifts to executives takes place.

Sarah Ison