Section
State and federal election coverage, parliamentary debates, party leadership and policy announcements from Canberra and the states. Summaries updated every two hours.
Australian politics moves fast. This section tracks parliamentary debates, election campaigns, party leadership changes and policy announcements from Canberra and every state capital. From Question Time exchanges to preselection battles and legislative reform, our summaries cut through the noise to give you the key facts. Coverage spans the major parties, crossbenchers and the issues that drive political debate in Australia, sourced from the country's leading political reporters.
Donald Trump shifts his perspective on voters, viewing those who defeated him as suspects rather than constituents. Despite previously acknowledging the security of elections, he now invokes foreign interference to justify his loss in the 2020 election, according to a report from The Atlantic.
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A selection of cartoons from various artists highlights the key news stories of July 20, 2026. The illustrations provide a humorous and artistic interpretation of current events, showcasing the creativity of local cartoonists.
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A growing number of Australians express dissatisfaction with the federal government's handling of the housing crisis, particularly in Western Australia and Tasmania. Many citizens feel that the government's budget measures have failed to address the ongoing issues in the housing market.
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Labor's national conference is set to debate three key policies, including a proposed change to energy policy that could save $2.5 billion annually. Additionally, the party will discuss its stance on the Israeli government, reflecting ongoing international concerns. These discussions are crucial for shaping the party's future direction.
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One Nation Party leader Pauline Hanson addresses the UK Conservative Party conference, urging attendees to 'not apologise for being white'. She highlights significant migration issues in the UK and draws parallels with similar challenges faced in Australia.
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Voters in São Tomé and Príncipe head to the polls on Sunday for a presidential election, with incumbent Carlos Vila Nova aiming for a second term as an independent candidate. Approximately 142,000 people are registered to vote, including about 15% from the diaspora, as the nation seeks to strengthen its democratic credentials.
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Supporters of Pauline Hanson may reconsider their support after examining the details of her policies, which some analysts suggest could be alarming. Critics argue that the implications of her proposals warrant a closer look, potentially leading to a shift in voter sentiment. The analysis highlights the importance of transparency in political platforms.
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Australia's national census, scheduled for August 11, 2026, involves seven years of planning and will include updated questions reflecting modern living conditions. Unlike the 1947 census, which asked about flushing toilets, this year's survey aims to gather more comprehensive data on housing and demographics.
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Liberal senator Andrew Bragg expresses strong disagreement with Tony Abbott on multiculturalism, asserting that liberalism has fostered a framework for freedom of religion and thought in Australia. He criticises One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for her negative rhetoric towards minorities, emphasising the Liberal Party's proud record in promoting multiculturalism since the post-war era.
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The upcoming Labor national conference aims to showcase 'constructive unity' amidst expected disagreements. Unlike past conferences marked by intense factional battles, this year's focus is on presenting a stable image of the party, following contentious discussions on issues like the Aukus nuclear submarine program. The conference is set for July 2026.
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In his new book, 'The Twilight of Exceptionalism', Paul Kelly examines the Liberal party's leadership transitions under Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison, highlighting a shift from conservative to progressive to centrist ideologies. Kelly argues that this period reveals deep fractures within the party regarding its values and identity amidst a changing political landscape.
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Malcolm Roberts, a senator for One Nation, previously claimed to be a 'living soul' and argued that he is not bound by Australian laws. His unusual beliefs date back before his political career, raising questions about his views on legal obligations. This revelation adds complexity to his public persona and political stance.
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Plans to remove a dangerous level crossing in Yarraville spark controversy, with local traders fearing financial losses and a family home facing demolition. While some community members support the proposed changes, others express strong opposition, highlighting the divide over the redevelopment's impact on the area.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese challenges Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to address Islamophobia by following former PM John Howard's approach to Pauline Hanson. This call comes during the launch of a report responding to Islamophobia in Australia, highlighting the need for leadership on the issue.
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Israel's defence and finance ministers announce plans for three illegal settlements in Gaza and over $400 million to expand construction in the occupied West Bank. This move comes as Israel's military commander claims control over 65% of Gaza, amid national elections set for 27 October, intensifying efforts to expand land control.
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Anthony Albanese accuses Pauline Hanson of undermining social cohesion following a report by Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik, which warns her rhetoric could lead to violence. The government responds to Malik's 54 recommendations with plans for a new education taskforce and a federal police social cohesion team.
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Labor's national conference is set for late next week, reflecting a significant shift in its structure and atmosphere. Some party members express concerns about the current 'fortress' mentality in Canberra, indicating a departure from the more open and inclusive nature of past conferences.
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The government decides against removing religious motivation from terrorism laws, despite recommendations aimed at addressing Islamophobia. This decision overlooks some of the most contentious proposals from a recent report. Critics argue that this approach fails to adequately tackle the issue of religiously motivated violence.
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The federal government accepts 35 of the 54 recommendations from the special envoy aimed at combating Islamophobia. A prominent Muslim leader welcomes the response but notes a significant omission in the recommendations. The envoy's report highlights the need for stronger measures to address discrimination against Muslims.
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Donald Trump praises Fifa president Gianni Infantino for suspending US striker Folarin Balogun's red card before the US team's last-16 match against Belgium, which they lost 4-1. Trump and Infantino appeared together at a reception in Trump Tower ahead of the Fifa Council meeting before the World Cup final on July 18, 2026.
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Donald Trump endorses Darline Graham to run for a full six-year Senate term in South Carolina, following her recent swearing-in after the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Trump announced his support on Truth Social, stating he spoke with her at the White House and urged her to run in the Special Republican Primary.
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Labor faces internal dissent regarding its rapid expansion of data centres, with community concerns escalating ahead of the November state election. The situation is becoming a significant political issue, potentially impacting voter sentiment and party unity.
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Donald Trump delivers a primetime address from the White House, focusing on election integrity while undermining American democratic traditions. His speech is seen as a continuation of his denialism regarding election processes. Critics argue that this rhetoric poses a threat to the integrity of future elections.
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Australian MPs are experiencing increasing security threats, which is creating a growing divide between politicians and the public. This trend raises concerns about the accessibility of decision-makers and the overall spirit of national politics. The situation reflects a broader issue of safety in political environments.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, known for his innovative approach, amid ongoing military successes against Russia. The decision has surprised European officials and sparked protests in Ukraine, highlighting concerns about Zelenskyy's leadership and the influence of military traditionalists over modern strategies.
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In his first speech as Labour leader, Andy Burnham calls for party unity and a shift towards 'new politics', criticising decades of neoliberalism. He aims to restore hope among the public, following a significant decline in Labour's electoral performance. Burnham's return to Parliament was facilitated by the party's poor results in recent elections.
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Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming is disendorsed as a candidate for the upcoming state election after withdrawing her legal action against the party. The state executive voted to remove her during a meeting on Friday, ahead of the election scheduled for November.
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The Divine Playhouse, a queer nightclub located in an old church, has closed and faces a potential legal battle with its landlord. The situation has sparked differing opinions from Christian groups and the premier, highlighting the ongoing debate over the venue's future.
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The government is expected to reject key recommendations from a report aimed at combating Islamophobia, which was submitted by the special envoy ten months ago. The report highlights various measures to address the issue, but the government's response appears to downplay these suggestions.
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A university professor informs the royal commission that political polarisation, exacerbated by social media, hampers universities' ability to foster respectful dialogue among students. This rising antisemitism is seen as a symptom of the broader societal divide. The commission continues to examine the implications of these trends.
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