John Howard
Paging Dr John: Howard rewarded for public service
Former prime minister John Howard has been awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to Australian public life.
The case for the positive
Michael Gordon Regular consumers of television or online news over the past 12 months could be excused for thinking that Tony Abbott, possesses just one solitary tie, the pale blue one you see him wearing whenever...
Iraq war widow demands inquiry
Tom McIlroy Australia's first service widow of the Iraq war has called for an inquiry into the nation's involvement in the 10-year conflict.
Nile demands straight talk on gay union poll
Heath Aston, Dan Harrison Christian groups calling for referendum on gay marriage say Australians will reject change to the status quo.
Leaders and battle-scarred Negus recall resolve
Tony Wright Australia's political leaders were effusive in their praise for the late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher but the veteran television journalist George Negus recalled her as being ''as scary...
What's the Big Idea this time around?
Tony Wright Election years are a wonderful time for Big Ideas. You may, or may not, recall the marvellously named Multifunction Polis.
Cambodian PM linked to talks
Richard Baker and Nick McKenzie BHP mining deal investigated for corruption involved Cambodian PM Hun Sen, cables reveal.
Strongman's hand in BHP deal
Richard Baker A BHP Billiton mining deal being investigated for alleged corruption was personally overseen by Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, diplomatic cables reveal.
Southern Cross has Nine in its sights if rules overhauled
Colin Kruger, Elizabeth Knight NINE ENTERTAINMENT is understood to be the subject of a merger proposal with Southern Cross Media that would join the Nine network with Sydney's 2DayFM - the radio station behind the prank hospital...
Libs give leading fund-raiser water board role
Sean Nicholls, Linton Besser, Judith Ireland A PROMINENT Liberal Party figure known for his fund-raising prowess, Nick di Girolamo, was appointed to a $100,000 position on the board of a state-owned corporation by the NSW government last year.
PM will struggle when minders lead up a gully
Sketch Tony Wright Among the many black arts practised by political operatives is the ''advance''.
Warlords, not democracy, will rule the land when foreign troops leave
Paul McGeough As Australian troops pack up to quit Afghanistan, fears of a new era of warlord violence and tribal domination are taking hold in Oruzgan province, where locals say that Canberra's efforts to import...
Philip Clark
Fears valid, so is rite of passage
Philip Clark The tragic death of a 17-year-old on the Gold Coast who fell from a high rise balcony during schoolies celebrations underlines why the prospect of young people getting together to have fun seems to...
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.
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.
Alexander Downer AO
Ex-politician still in public arena
Daniel Flitton Alexander Downer came to relish an argument - against political opponents and public servants.
A delicate shift among the ghosts of war
Mark Baker Brendan Nelson respects the old guard at the Australian War Memorial, but sees the need for a new relevance.
Abbott's first pitch evokes memories of a leader from the past
David Wroe Tony Abbott made two things clear in his response to Julia Gillard's surprise election announcement: one, he's all about positivity, and two, he means to be John Howard II.
All the better to see the opposition with
Judith Ireland, Shelly Horton WHEN the Prime Minister took to the stage at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the nation buzzed with excitement.
