Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson is the National Political Correspondent for The Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald
ActewAGL loses ACT govt contract
Chris Johnson ActewAGL, a premier sponsor of Canberra's centenary celebrations, has lost a major contract to supply the government electricity.
In the deep south, grumbles run deeper
Chris Johnson The 'nappy valley' is evolving into the 'unhappy valley'. There's a growing feeling among residents that the area is being left behind when it comes to infrastructure, resources and services.
Capital out front in NDIS support
Chris Johnson Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has signed up the ACT to the launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme site that she says will reap benefits for up to 5000 local disabled people.
Leigh escapes public censure from Gillard
Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard has defended Member for Fraser Andrew Leigh's behaviour in proposing a pro-Palestine motion to caucus that could have severely embarrassed her.
Prime Minister won't 'slash and burn' public service
Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard has promised not to ''slash and burn'' the public service despite some tough budget measures affecting the sector.
Lundy office 'dysfunctional'
Chris Johnson Sports Minister Kate Lundy has embarked on a major restructure of the way her office is run, with new staff being brought in to address what insiders are describing as a ''level of dysfunction''.
Inquiry granted to probe ACT's embassies management
Chris Johnson Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann has succeeded in initiating a wide-reaching inquiry into the management of diplomatic estates in the ACT.
Embassy projects to face scrutiny
Chris Johnson Plans to build nine foreign embassies on a controversial site at Stirling Park could be seriously impeded by the establishment of a high-level parliamentary inquiry.
Brown endorses activist Sheikh
Chris Johnson Former Greens leader Bob Brown has endorsed Simon Sheikh to represent the party in its bid to unseat Liberal senator Gary Humphries in next year's federal election.
Federal calling, but Zed denies plans to move
Chris Johnson, Michael Inman ACT Liberal leader Zed Seselja insists he has no plans to move into federal politics, despite party insiders suggesting that he does and political pundits saying that he should.
Push for budget surplus hurting Canberra's economy
Chris Johnson The federal government's push for a budget surplus is adversely impacting the ACT economy as the public sector is forced to further tighten its belt, according to new economic research.
Greens squabbling about Sheikh's Senate preselection
Chris Johnson ACT Greens are fighting among themselves for the right to try to unseat Liberal senator Gary Humphries in next year's election.
All eyes on the Green man
Chris Johnson Australian Greens leader Christine Milne will play an influential role in which party forms government in the ACT, with Shane Rattenbury admitting he will seek her advice.
All eyes on the Green man
Chris Johnson Australian Greens leader Christine Milne will play an influential role in which party forms government in the ACT, with Shane Rattenbury admitting he will seek her advice.
Greens try to dodge federal fallout
Chris Johnson The Australian Greens are determined to blame their party's drubbing in the ACT election squarely on local issues, in the hope the poor result will not be repeated at a federal level.
ACT Lib expecting Greens with cash
Chris Johnson ACT Liberal senator Gary Humphries expects the Greens to throw ''huge resources and lots of money'' into their campaign to unseat him at the next federal election.
Former GetUp! director wants ACT Senate seat
Chris Johnson Former GetUp! director Simon Sheikh is making a tilt for an ACT Senate seat and has thrown his hat into the ring for Greens preselection.
Call to investigate paediatric pledge
Chris Johnson, Lisa Cox Liberal Senator Gary Humphries has demanded the Australian Electoral Commission investigate a Federal Government pledge to boost paediatric services in the ACT.
PM, treasurer condemn joke
Chris Johnson Treasurer Wayne Swan gave a speech at a union dinner in Canberra just minutes after a comedian delivered an offensive joke targeting Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and his female chief of staff, Peta...
Writing next chapter after horrors of war
By Chris Johnson Writing a book has been a healing process for Major-General John Cantwell.
