David Lee

A statue of Robert Menzies, Australia's longest serving Prime Minister

The partnership between the Liberal and National parties has a long and, at times, chequered history – but it has also had tremendous success in winning and holding government.

Prime Minister John Howard surrounded by cabinet members and senior military officers

This year’s release, from the cabinet records of 2002, is framed by two events of the previous year: the Tampa affair and 9/11.

an illustration of a hand lowering a voting paper onto a map of australia

With voter behaviour changing, the Albanese government could consider a historic shift in the lower house, says UNSW Canberra's David Lee.

Hand holding an Australian passport

The cost of the Australian biometric passport and the rigour involved in obtaining one can be traced to our participation in an international passport system that evolved over the last century.

anthony albanese and scott morrison in parliament house

Since the advent of the two-party preferred system, there have been two examples of parties governing effectively in minority, and with the support of independents.

politicians in parliament

In 1922-23, Billy Hughes’ Nationalist Party brokered a deal with the Country Party to form government – but only on condition Hughes was no longer prime minister. It’s possible this could play out again.

Four secessionist delegates holding the proposed flag for Western Australia in 1934

WA Premier Mark McGowan’s strong stance on borders has reminded many of the long streak of separateness that has defined Western Australia throughout history.

Voting / election concept: hand holding voting card with country national flag, inserting it into white ballot box; clean neutral background

The federal government’s proposed voter ID laws would lead to more stressful and expensive elections – and experts say the laws are also completely unnecessary.

us navy nuclear submarine virginia in 2004

Australia's unexpected move to nuclear submarines and the AUKUS alliance raises challenges with China and cost blowouts, say UNSW experts on defence and international relations.

Menzies Calwell.jpg

In 1960, Harold Holt, the then-treasurer, urged the government to abolish import restrictions, resulting in a minor recession. This nearly swung the election in the ALP's favour.

Pages