Steve Fielding

Steve Fielding, MIA in Afghanistan

Tim Lester Steve Fielding's eccentric political career could end at next month's federal election, yet the senator has spent five vital days of the campaign on secret missions in southern Afghanistan.

Red-leather day for the DLP

Melissa Fyfe It was 90 seconds before emotion got the better of John Madigan. Mid-speech he broke down, overwhelmed by his improbable victory.

Swan won't bully me on mining tax, says Fielding

Yuko Narushima STEVE FIELDING says he could be convinced to support the revised mining tax but would not be bullied into rushing it through to please the Treasurer.

Donations to parties may be outlawed

Jacob Saulwick NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT AN INQUIRY into donations to political parties, agreed to as part of the government's deal with the independents and Greens, is likely to consider bans on corporate and union donations.

Mining tax could be discussed at summit: Swan

Katharine Murphy Wayne Swan says the tax summit pushed by the independents may discuss his mining tax legislation after Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott insisted the issue get a public airing.

First cracks appear

Tom Arup, Katharine Murphy and Michelle Grattan The first cracks have appeared in the Gillard government's alliance with the crossbench MPs, with the Greens signalling they may side with the Coalition on some issues.

Mining tax legislation should not be delayed: Swan

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan wants Labor's mining tax legislation drafted as quickly as possible, rather than delay it until the second half of 2011 when a more compliant Senate is in place.

Windsor at odds with Labor over mining tax review

A key independent MP already appears to be at odds with federal Labor, less than 24 hours after it secured his support for Australia's first minority government in 70 years.

Bob loves bananas ... as long as they're straight

Erik Jensen Bob Katter might like sugar but he's not sure about poofs. He likes big hats and bananas, too. But maybe not gays. Or bats.

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DLP set to gain Senate seat

Tim Colebatch and Barney Zwartz Ballarat blacksmith John Madigan has taken an iron grip on Victoria's last Senate seat, and appears set to become the first Democratic Labor Party senator in 36 years.

Fielding's hopes fade as he slips further behind

Thomas Hunter Steve Fielding's hopes of hanging onto his Victorian senate seat are fading as counting for the sixth and final Victorian senate seat continues, says a leading election analyst.

Door open for change to Senate voting method

Mark Davis A Labor minority government would consider backing a Greens push to stamp out the so-called 'secret preference deals' in the Senate.

Family First still in with a chance for Senate place

Jacob Saulwick Senator Steve Fielding could yet be returned to Parliament.

Why minor players need a major voice

Adam Bandt Being the only Green in the house is leading to plenty of attention, Adam Bandt writes.

72 all - Brisbane to Coalition and Corangamite to ALP

Tim Colebatch The Coalition has won the seat of Brisbane, leaving the two sides deadlocked at 72 seats each, with six crossbenchers holding the balance of power.

Abbott kills Fielding's threat to block Labor supply

Phillip Coorey The Coalition has slapped down a threat by the family First Senator, Steve Fielding, to try to cripple a Labor government, by refusing to endorse him in blocking supply.

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