Australian parties are unusual compared to their Anglo-American counterparts in having their own state funded think tanks. There are four such entities affiliated to the main parliamentary parties at the present… Continue reading
Under the big top of Australian politics, predicting policy outcomes can feel like being strapped to the pinwheel blindfolded waiting for the knives to fall. Just take the National Disability Insurance Scheme and… Continue reading
Talking about inequality has become reinvigorated in recent political debate. The financial crisis of 2008 changed real circumstances for many young people in advanced democracies, making everyday life more precarious. New social movements… Continue reading
It’s the Liberal Party’s organisation that has been in the spotlight in the recent past; preselection contests, such as that for Bronwyn Bishop’s seat of Mackellar, tend to concentrate media attention, if only… Continue reading
The emergence of the Islamic State and the broadcasting of terrorist attacks and violence from Europe and the Middle East have provoked unprecedented concern of an imminent attack in Australia. An increase… Continue reading
Any democratic society requires mechanisms for citizens to have effective political voice. Clearly, political parties provide a key channel for expressing views and preferences. However, organised interests provide another important mechanism for such… Continue reading
While the electoral prospects of the Palmer United Party (PUP) appear decidedly bleak, one thing remains constant: news about Clive and PUP remains much sought after. The PUP story contains the ingredients of… Continue reading
Australia has long had a near duopoly in political parties operating in the federal sphere. In part echoing Duverger’s law, in part structured by the collection of conservative parties under two distinct… Continue reading
A mainstay of any first year undergraduate politics topic is an introduction to political parties. Political parties, as any student of politics quickly learns – in between checking their smart phones in lectures… Continue reading
Since the Second World War the Liberal Party has dominated centre-right Federal politics in Australia. However, in the last two years major conflicts have arisen between the liberal and conservative wings of the… Continue reading
