National Party

Windsor not Palmer's phantom candidate

Amy Remeikis Tony Windsor says he is not Clive Palmer's phantom federal candidate despite rumours of the independent federal MP joining the United Australia Party, sparked by a cryptic tweet.

Pipped at the post on same-sex marriage, so who feels sheepish now?

Tim Dick New Zealand may be only three hours' flight from Australia, but it is light years ahead on equality. Feel free to resort to a sheep joke or an accent jibe while I cite some evidence.

Greens MP champions right to die bill

Anna Patty Loredana Alessio-Mulhall is not ready to die. But NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann wants to help her when she is.

Watchdog says it can't investigate claim on Costello

Mark Hawthorne Queensland's anti-corruption watchdog claims it does not have the powers to investigate a complaint made against former treasurer Peter Costello.

Costello conflict claim

Mark Hawthorne, Amy Remeikis A complaint about former federal treasurer Peter Costello lodged with Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission highlights potential conflicts of interest between his job overseeing the future of...

Tightening visa access will hurt regional economies, says Joyce

Chris Hammer A move to tighten the 457 temporary visa program could do immense damage to regional economies, according to National Party Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce.

Katter party tries to keep lid on

Daniel Hurst BOB Katter wants to dominate the electoral map, but according to former insiders the maverick federal MP has an abrasive way of carving out his party in his own image.

Queensland rains on PM's parade as tide of support ebbs and flows

Tony Wright Storms and floods can ruin lives and livelihoods as viciously and unexpectedly as events can swamp political careers.

Swan on track to lose seat, poll shows

Wayne Swan is on track to lose his seat at the next federal election, a poll indicates.

Fine day to redefine mateship

Chris Johnston As we enjoy snags and sunshine, the tireless endeavours of local heroes are recognised on Australia Day.

Mateship redefined

Chris Johnston In the Victorian town of Wodonga on the Murray River, Pam Adams, 57, feeds the needy for no reward except the simple knowledge that she has done right. It's in her blood.

New Year's resolution: accentuate the positive

Jacqueline Maley THE Gillard government bears no responsibility for the negative and vitriolic tone of political debate this year, according to the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, who admits the ''scrappy'' political year has...

Voluntary voting idea puts Libs in poll position

James Robertson WHEN Campbell Newman's government discussed abolishing compulsory voting this week, it incited a debate that played out in the high-minded language of rights and democracy.

A candidate for every seat, promises Katter

Bridie Jabour, Tony Moore THE leader of Katter's Australian Party, the maverick north Queensland MP Bob Katter, announced on Tuesday it will run a candidate in every seat at the federal election and contest the Senate in...

Ashby campaign an Australian version of Watergate - Labor

Lenore Taylor LABOR frontbenchers have accused the Coalition of being part of ''a conspiracy to bring down the government'' and have likened the James Ashby sexual harassment case to Watergate, as the government...

Abbott denies Slipper conspiracy

LONDON - Opposition Leader Tony Abbott insists there is no coalition conspiracy linked to a sexual harassment claim against former Speaker Peter Slipper.