Updated
Political lobbying
Bill Shorten orders review into deals linked to Stuart Robert
Shorten warned against “corruption” after telling parliament he had asked for contracts awarded to companies linked to consulting firm Synergy 360 to be checked.
- by David Crowe and Nick McKenzie
Latest
Opinion
Political lobbying
How do you enter the corridors of power? Maybe go via the backbench
MP Stuart Robert denies helping his connections secure government contracts, but leaked emails raise concerns about access to power.
- by David Crowe
Investigation
Political lobbying
Senior Coalition MP Stuart Robert gave secret advice to lobbyists
Senior Liberal MP Stuart Robert, while in government, secretly gave free advice to a Canberra consulting firm that helped large companies win government contracts and meet Coalition ministers.
- by Nick McKenzie and David Crowe
Faith in government takes a hit after COVID boost
Asked if the federal government could be trusted to do the right thing all or most of the time, 41 per cent of Australians agreed, compared with 56 per cent in November 2020.
- by David Crowe
Cheaper electric cars, hybrids after Greens, Pocock strike deal
New tax breaks could cut the cost of EVs by up to $12,500 after Labor did a deal to pass laws experts believe could “turbocharge” the shift to cleaner cars.
- by David Crowe
Labor stares down industry revolt as it races the clock to pass swathe of laws
The PM says his critics are wrong to reject higher wages as industry groups launch an ad campaign claiming multi-employer bargaining laws could push up inflation and interest rates.
- by David Crowe
‘Extra time’: Albanese braces for drawn-out Senate fight on IR laws
Anthony Albanese admitted on Sunday he might need to extend parliament to strike a deal with Senate crossbenchers on the government’s workplace laws.
- by David Crowe
Labor wants IR laws for Christmas but it’s running out of time to sway the crossbench
The government is running out of time to enact its agenda after setting aside just four days of parliament to debate the controversial workplace laws.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
China relations
Australia’s China syndrome: one big lie distorts our expectations
In Peter Dutton’s partisan view, the Coalition made all the tough calls on China. This skewed take on history sets expectations dangerously high as the Albanese government seeks to stabilise the relationship.
- by David Crowe
Updated
G20 summit
Xi Jinping meets with Anthony Albanese, ending diplomatic deep freeze
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed a diplomatic win from a breakthrough meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- by Matthew Knott and David Crowe
‘A win for Australia’: Business hails Albanese-Xi meeting
The head of Australia’s business lobby has welcomed the Albanese government’s “tremendous reset” with China ahead of a high-stakes leaders meeting.
- by Matthew Knott and David Crowe