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 →

Comparing young peoples’ political agendas and views on inequality in Australia, the UK and USA

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 →

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 →

The Australian Greens: from activism to Australia’s third party

  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 →