Behind the (Campaign) Scenes: GetUp!’s Investigative Journalism Role

Last week we learned that the ever controversial Manus Island Regional Processing (detention) Centre is set to close after Papua New Guinea’s supreme court ruled it illegal and unconstitutional. The announcement took me… Continue reading

Political Analysis of the Budget

  Treasurer Scott Morrison has made a fist from a bad hand he has been dealt in delivering his first (and unless the public back his play on July 2nd, possibly last) national… Continue reading

Charities and the Global Fight Against Terrorism

  In the 15 years since the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, subsequent Australian governments have introduced a raft of anti-terrorism legislation to combat the threat of extremist attacks.  … Continue reading

Australian party think tanks: symptoms of party malaise or party resilience?

  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

To get what you want in Australian politics, stay well away from elections

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

Reforming the Labor Party

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 more Australians feel threatened by terrorism, the more they support anti-immigration policies

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

The Composition and Diversity of the Australian Interest Group System

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

The Rise and Fall of PUP is Not Just About Clive

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