Political instability unnerves public servants

Chris Johnson Labor's leadership spill has done nothing to provide certainty to the public sector, which has been left in a state of flux over the government's inability to instil confidence in the people who work...

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Parachuting Olympian could 'work a treat'

Chris Johnson Australian National University political commentator Andrew Hughes believes parachuting Nova Peris into a Northern Territory senate seat is a desperate political ploy - but one that might work a...

Labor stalwart lashes party powerbrokers

Chris Johnson Labor Party stalwart John Faulkner has delivered a withering indictment of elements inside his own party, saying some members of the ALP lack principles and morals.

Big picture: Australia in Asia in 2025

Chris Johnson The white paper says that one third of board members of Australia's top 200 publicly listed companies and Commonwealth bodies will have "deep experience in and knowledge of Asia".

PM silent on McKew's claims of disloyalty

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard is refusing to buy into the debate about the removal of her predecessor but Kevin Rudd wants those involved in the 2010 coup against him to come clean about the roles...

Abbott shifts attack to surplus forecast

Chris Johnson Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has turned his focus away from the carbon tax and is attacking the government over its forecast budget surplus.

It's time to move past sexism talk, MPs say

Chris Johnson Government ministers have urged all MPs to get back to discussing policy instead of the name-calling that has dominated parliamentary debate in recent months.

Rudd tells world he's still here and he's backing Gillard as the leader

Chris Johnson Kevin Rudd has publicly declared his support for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and has vowed to do all he can to help return Labor to office in next year's election.

Milne targets miners, rich in tax campaign

Chris Johnson Greens leader Christine Milne wants mining companies and rich people to pay more tax.

Rudd says Gillard crew needs to toughen up

Chris Johnson Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has delivered a clear message to government ministers who are angry that his time in office has been publicly defended, saying they should be tough enough to wear it.

Libs have lost core values: Fraser

Chris Johnson Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser has hit out at the party he once led, saying it has strayed too far to the right and has lost the vision of founder Robert Menzies.

MPs split on Rudd's motive for interview

Chris Johnson Labor MPs are expressing two views about former prime minister Kevin Rudd's vow to lift his profile in arguing the government's case in the lead-up to the next election.

Gillard, Abbott slam violent protesters

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard has strongly condemned violent Muslim protests on the streets of Sydney, saying they were against the Australian way of life.

PM faces hostile caucus over mining jobs

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard will face a hostile Labor caucus today as leadership rumblings continue and as some MPs grow angrier over the government's deal to give away more than 1700 mining project...

MPs back as Slipper issue still simmers

Chris Johnson Parliament returns to Canberra today for the last sitting fortnight before the long winter break, but Julia Gillard will be a notable absentee this week.

Gillard safe in her job for now: backbenchers

Chris Johnson Labor MPs are feeling electorally vulnerable but there is no firm plan to topple Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Oakeshott gives Labor sharp reminder of focus

Chris Johnson Government MPs are today scurrying to convince the Australian electorate they are more focussed on policy than on the embattled Labor leadership after a wake-up call from key independent Rob...

PM pressed over role of faceless men in Carr offer

Chris Johnson Prime Minister Julia Gillard has again been forced to defend accusations she is controlled by Labor's faceless men, following revelations a senior party official offered former NSW premier Bob Carr a...

Labor sets course for renewal

Chris Johnson The way is clear for the battle-scarred federal Labor Party to reform cabinet after Prime Minister Julia Gillard vanquished leadership contender Kevin Rudd yesterday and Sports Minister Mark Arbib...

Gillard admits 'deep disappointment' at Qld wipe-out

Chris Johnson The size of Labor's drubbing in the Queensland election has surprised Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who insists the result was very much decided on local issues.

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