Pollies not public blocking reform to the constitution

Michael Gordon Noel Pearson insists politicians - not public opinion - are the biggest threat to a successful referendum for recognising indigenous Australians in the constitution.

Michael Gordon

Amid the politics of fear, steps to reconciliation

Michael Gordon They were the other expert panel, the one that wasn't charged with stopping the boats.

Michael Gordon

Friendship hits a snag in a sea of confusion over boats

Michael Gordon Paris Aristotle and David Manne are good friends. They have been for more than 15 years.

Aborigines may have to wait

Michael Gordon Gillard attempts first step towards acknowledging the first Australians in the constitution.

Michael Gordon

The real lesson to be learnt from Labor's history wars

Michael Gordon Maxine McKew's blistering critique of Julia Gillard in her new book, Tales from the Political Trenches, invites three questions: Why did she feel compelled to write it? Is it accurate? And, most...

McKew - the full interview

Michael Gordon Watch the extended interview with former Federal Labor MP Maxine McKew.

The 'sheer bastardry' of the Rudd removal

Michael Gordon Former Labor MP Maxine McKew's insider view of the daggers behind the removal of a Prime Minister.

Bowen puts spotlight on increased refugee intake

Michael Gordon Immigration Minister to announce full breakdown of country's new 20,000-people humanitarian program, and try to send a message to those considering paying people smugglers to take them to Australia -...

Michael Gordon

Sexism tirade shifts dynamics of bitter contest

Michael Gordon Julia Gillard's 'I will not be lectured by this man' speech has transformed the contest between two unpopular leaders.

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Michael Gordon

Let's sack the worm and have a truly great debate

Michael Gordon The contrast between the American and Australian approaches to leaders' debates could hardly be more stark.

Second chance for detained refugees

Michael Gordon and Daniel Flitton Refugees deemed threats to national security by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and, as a consequence, kept in indefinite detention will now have the right to have the assessments...

Hope for refugees deemed to be threats

Michael Gordon Asylum seekers deemed threats to national security by ASIO and, as a consequence, kept in indefinite detention will now have the right to have the assessments reviewed by a former federal court judge.

Michael Gordon

The dogs of war replace Canberra's civilised pack

Michael Gordon There was no tougher, more uncompromising fighter on the conservative side of politics, but John Howard was always prided himself on being civil.

Call for rethink on refugee security threats

Michael Gordon ASIO and immigration officials should work together on strategies to enable refugees who are considered security threats to live in the community, according to one of the nation's most senior...

UN agency warns on problems with Manus plan

Michael Gordon United Nations refugee agency details five major concerns about the federal government's plan to send asylum seekers to Papua New Guinea's Manus Island.

UN concerned by Gillard PNG plan

Michael Gordon The United Nations refugee agency has detailed five major concerns about the Gillard government's plan to send asylum seekers to Papua New Guinea's Manus Island in the coming weeks.

ASIO visa bans rejected

Michael Gordon MORE than 50 refugees judged to be a risk to national security by ASIO may be released from indefinite detention after the High Court yesterday struck down the regulation that prevented them being...

Michael Gordon

Everything is not all right, we're uptight, out of sight

Michael Gordon There are signs that both sides of politics are at least trying to inject a dose of confidence into the electorate.

High Court rules ASIO powers on refugee decisions are invalid

Michael Gordon A majority of the High Court today held that a decision to refuse a Sri Lankan asylum seeker a protection visa after he received an adverse security assessment by ASIO had not been made according to...