Articles & Opinions

Why the election’s closest seat went unnoticed: Too close to Calwell

by Rod Campbell and Skye Predavec

Updated 30/05/2025 The outer-Melbourne electorate of Calwell was named “Australia’s most unpredictable seat” by The Age after the election and was – aside from those going to a recount – the last seat to be called. The AEC labelled the counting process for the seat “likely the most complex in Australia’s history”. The count is

The election exposed weaknesses in Australian democracy – but the next parliament can fix them

by Bill Browne

Australia has some very strong democratic institutions – like an independent electoral commission, Saturday voting, full preferential voting and compulsory voting. These ensure that elections are free from corruption; that electorate boundaries are not based on partisan bias; and that most Australians turn out to vote. They are evidence of Australia’s proud history as an

Off the Charts

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Coal Mine Tracker

Since May 2022, the Federal Environment Minister has approved 10 new coal mines or expansions.

There are 22 additional proposals for new or expanded coal mines currently waiting for Federal Government approval.

If approved, the lifetime emissions from all 32 projects would be equivalent to keeping all of Australia’s coal-fired power stations operating for an additional 95 years.

×95 years

Between the Lines Newsletter

There are no more excuses | Between the Lines

The Wrap with Amy Remeikis Well it didn’t take long for it to be business as usual, did it? Not even two weeks out from a humiliating loss, the Coalition is still pretending it remains just as relevant as ever, with shadow finance minister Jane Hume issuing orders to the government on its planned modest

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