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With more lawsuits potentially looming, should politicians be allowed to sue for defamation?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-clift-715691">Brendan Clift</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Western Australia Senator Linda Reynolds is already <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/aug/19/linda-reynolds-brittany-higgins-defamation-trial-fiona-brown-ntwnfb">embroiled</a> in a bruising defamation fight against her former staffer Brittany Higgins. Now, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is reportedly <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/peter-dutton-to-seek-legal-advice-after-zali-steggall-called-him-racist/video/9ce7c850f30fb1bd324831f2ec2f21b5">considering suing</a> independent MP Zali Steggall after <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/steggall-brands-dutton-a-bully-amid-spectre-of-legal-action-20240819-p5k3ez.html">she told him</a> to “stop being racist”. It has become impossible to miss the fact that our political class – including some who invoke freedom of speech while disparaging others – is remarkably keen on defamation litigation in response to actual or perceived slights. It’s rarely a good look when the powerful sue the less powerful. It is an especially bad look for a democracy when politicians, who enjoy not just power but privileged access to communication platforms, pursue legal avenues likely to bankrupt all but the best-resourced defendants. <h2>The freedom to speak one’s mind</h2> <a href="https://pages.eiu.com/rs/753-RIQ-438/images/Democracy-Index-2023-Final-report.pdf">Flawed democracies</a> such as Singapore are rightly <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-5467-4_4">condemned</a> for leveraging defamation law and compliant courts against political dissent. While Australia’s situation is less problematic, our defamation laws historically favour reputation over freedom of speech. An oft-cited case in contrast is the United States, where politicians and other public figures can succeed in defamation only if they prove the publisher knew they were communicating a falsehood, or were reckless (careless to a very high degree) as to the truth. Statements of opinion – for instance, that Donald Trump is racist – are practically never in violation of the law. In the words of the <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/314/252/">US Supreme Court</a>: <blockquote> it is a prized American privilege to speak one’s mind, although not always with perfect good taste, on all public institutions. </blockquote> The US approach is based on the <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/274/357/">classical liberal idea</a> that “the fitting remedy for evil counsels is good ones”: speech should generally be free, and public debate in the marketplace of ideas will sort out right and wrong. <h2>Putting conditions on free speech</h2> The argument for free speech without guardrails may be losing traction in a post-truth world. Many modern audiences, willingly or not, occupy echo chambers and filter bubbles in which biases are reinforced rather than challenged. It is almost as if the High Court of Australia foresaw this in <a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/1997/25.html">a 1997 defamation case</a> where it held that Australia’s Constitution did not require total freedom of political communication. Reasonable limits were appropriate because widespread irresponsible political communication could damage the political fabric of the nation. Although the High Court reached its conclusion via <a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/journals/SydLawRw/2005/2.html">textual interpretation</a> of the Constitution rather than deeper philosophical musings, the court’s position reflects modern preoccupations with how speech should be regulated in a democracy. But the political appetite for defamation litigation in this country suggests the law has not yet struck the right balance. <h2>The point of defamation law</h2> <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/business-owner-can-t-sue-over-one-star-google-review-judge-rules-20230124-p5cf05.html">Recent reforms</a> to defamation law have tried to eliminate frivolous lawsuits by introducing a threshold requirement of serious harm to reputation. A better approach may have been to presume that all defamation is trivial. Unlike other civil wrongs, which often result in physical injury or property damage, defamation’s effect on a person’s reputation is intangible. Unfairly tarnished reputations can usually be repaired by a public apology and correction, perhaps aided by nominal compensation for hurt feelings and to deter further defamation. It is therefore a mystery why courts and legislatures have allowed defamation proceedings to become some of the most complex and expensive civil claims around, and why damages are <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-48379980">so large</a>. A high-profile case can easily generate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/24/bruce-lehrmann-defamation-trial-legal-costs-channel-10-brittany-higgins-rape-allegation-ntwnfb">millions of dollars</a> in legal costs on both sides, dwarfing the final award which might itself run to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Taiwan offers a useful contrast. There, although politicians can sue for defamation, proceedings are relatively simple and damages are <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2668444">much smaller</a> – one might say proportionate to the harm done. Under both approaches, the successful litigant, whether it be the publisher or the person whose reputation has suffered, is vindicated. Surely that is the point. Where only the wealthy can afford to assert their rights, and where vindication of reputation takes a back seat to airing grievances, punishing opponents and enriching lawyers, defamation law is in a state of dysfunction. <h2>Should pollies sue?</h2> It’s sometimes said that politicians should not be able to sue for defamation at all because they themselves can say what they like under the protection of <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/about_parliament/house_of_representatives/powers_practice_and_procedure/00_-_infosheets/infosheet_5_-_parliamentary_privilege#:%7E:text=What%20is%20parliamentary%20privilege%3F,the%20law%20of%20the%20Commonwealth.">parliamentary privilege</a>, immune from defamation and other speech laws. Parliamentarians do enjoy that protection, but its personal benefit is secondary. Parliamentary privilege, like courtroom privilege, exists because the nature of democratic (and judicial) deliberation requires that anything can be said. If a politician steps outside parliament and repeats a defamatory statement first made within its walls, they are vulnerable to being sued. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/sarah-hanson-young-david-leyonhjelm-defamation-appeal/13210042">David Leyonhjelm</a> learned this the hard way, and <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/steggall-brands-dutton-a-bully-amid-spectre-of-legal-action-20240819-p5k3ez.html">Steggall</a> may, too. It’s reasonable that politicians should also have rights of action in defamation. But those rights must be constrained according to what is appropriate in a democratic society. A way to better align defamation law with democratic expectations may be to return cases to the state courts and reinstate juries to a prominent role. Currently, the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-death-of-juries-and-the-rise-of-blockbuster-federal-court-defamation-trials-20240125-p5ezyv.html">overwhelming majority</a> of cases are brought in the Federal Court, where they are decided by a judge sitting alone. If a public figure claims their reputation has been tarnished in the eyes of the community, we should test that factual claim with members of that community under the legal guidance of a judge. That might make for a welcome injection of common sense.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237026/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-clift-715691">Brendan Clift</a>, Lecturer in Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Instagram This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/with-more-lawsuits-potentially-looming-should-politicians-be-allowed-to-sue-for-defamation-237026">original article</a>. </div>

Legal

Politicians slam Albanese's "hypocritical" private jet use

Anthony Albanese has been urged to consider his carbon footprint after his controversial usage of a private jet. A group of independent MPs have asked the Prime Minister to offset his carbon usage after it was revealed that he and two other ministers chartered two private planes to attend the same clean energy event in the NSW Hunter Valley. Albanese was joined by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic to fly to the region from Canberra on Thursday to announce a $1bn to support Australian manufacturing in solar technology. Teal MP Zali Steggall urged the leaders to offset their carbon emissions from the short journey when it was revealed that the three men flew separately in two separate Royal Australian Air Force jets. “I certainly hope they were offsetting the emissions of those two jets with companies, like Green fleet and other places like that where you can offset the emissions of your travel,” Ms Stegall told Sunrise. “I certainly hope and I call on the Minister for Climate Change to do that. Look, as a lowly independent, we don’t get the luxuries of flying in the ADF jets.” Private jets have a dramatically higher carbon footprint per passenger than commercial planes, with the average private jet emitting two tonnes of carbon an hour. Mr Bowen defended the use of the planes, saying the use of two private jets was a decision made by the airforce for safety reasons. “The Prime Minister has a large jet available to him and that would normally be what we take,” he said on Monday. “The runway at Scone wasn’t strong enough to take a large jet so the air force … decided for two jets.” Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said the government should consider “jet pooling” and should make a conscious effort to cut down on the harmful use of private jets, which emit more carbon per passenger than commercial planes. “I fail to see why these guys, when they’re leaving from the same place on the same day, within 30 minutes of each other, couldn’t have either shared the plane or indeed, some of them, if they couldn’t all fit, use the commercial options that were available to them to fly direct from Canberra to Newcastle to make the announcement,” Senator McKenzie said. “It’s quite incredible.” Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Oscar-winning politician Glenda Jackson passes away at 87

Two-time Academy Award-winning performer-turned-politician Glenda Jackson has passed away at 87 years old. The news was confirmed by Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, who announced that she had died at home in London after a short illness. Larner also noted that Jackson had “recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.” And 90-year-old Caine had only kind words to say of his co-star, sharing that she was “one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her.” Jackson was born into a working-class family in northwest England, and laid the groundwork for her career in the arts when she won a spot at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her work as an actress was successful, with Jackson taking home her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1971 and her second in 1974 - for Women in Love and A Touch of Class respectively. Jackson also held two Emmy Award wins, both for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the series Elizabeth R. She wasn’t to be stopped there, either, with the star also taking home a Tony Award in 2018 for her performance in Three Tall Women. But after more than three decades in the arts, Jackson chose a different path for herself, branching into the world of politics, fuelled by her frustration for the working classes at the hands of then-British Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher between 1979 and 1990. And at 55 years old, in 1992, Jackson secured a seat in parliament. As she said at the time, “we must work for the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the frail, the sick.” Jackson spent 23 years with the Labour Party, and even served as a minister for transport in Tony Blair’s first government in 1997. However, the two seemed to find themselves on opposing sides when it came to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with Jackson admitting that the decisions made left her feeling “deeply, deeply ashamed. "The victims will be as they always are, women, children, the elderly.” After leaving politics in 2015, Jackson chose to return to performing, where she went on to enjoy some of the most acclaimed roles of her entire career. And for all of her passion and success, Jackson is remembered fondly by her loved ones - those who knew her beyond her work, and those who supported her for it - who flocked to social media to pay tribute. “Glenda Jackson was both the best actress of our generation and an incredibly principled passionate and eloquent advocate of social justice as an MP and as a government minister. I will remember her as a friend whom I admired greatly and what she achieved will never be forgotten,” former-prime minister for the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, wrote. “Very sad to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson. An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party,” British politician Angela Rayner said. “My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her.” “Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda,” friend and fellow politician Tulip Siddiq said. And, as her friends and fans the Muppets wrote, “here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theatre into a ship and set out to sea. “We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theater into a ship and set out to sea. We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda. <a href="https://t.co/zQ8cPVc8Jk">pic.twitter.com/zQ8cPVc8Jk</a> — The Muppets (@TheMuppets) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMuppets/status/1669398500243587092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Getty

News

Lisa Wilkinson denies turning to senior politicians over Higgins’ rape allegations

Channel 10 personality and former The Project host Lisa Wilkinson has denied claims that she approached senior level politicians with a request to pose questions about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations against Bruce Lehrmann during Question Time. The dismissal came in the wake of Channel 7’s Spotlight episode featuring the formerly accused, where a recording of a phone call between Wilkinson, her producer Angus Llewellyn, Higgins, and Higgins’ partner David Sharaz was exposed. During the conversation, which was recorded in January 2021, they were reportedly discussing which politicians they might be able to work with to steer the conversation in parliament, with Wilkinson telling Higgins that she wanted to see her “enunciate the fact that this place [Parliament House] is all about suppression of people’s natural sense of justice”. Sharaz noted that he had a “friend in Labor”, and that Senator Katy Gallagher could “probe and continue it [the conversation] going”. At one stage, Wilkinson went so far as to claim that “certainly Albo” should be considered, though she later went on to retract that, and suggested “Tanya Plibersek, definitely”. And while Sharaz had questioned what Wilkinson hoped to gain from the conversation, Wilkinson assured them that that wasn’t the case. “No. Whether it’s white privilege, male domination, whether it’s, you know, criminal activity. I am from the western suburbs of Sydney. I have always been motivated by exactly the same thing, people who deserve to be heard not being heard,” she explained. Wilkinson had more to say on the matter when it came to the likes of former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop, sharing her frustration about the “many opportunities” she had to “speak out against the culture”. “The minute she was out of there [she said], ‘oh it’s really sexist’,” Wilkinson added. “I tried to get her on the record with that so many times when she could’ve actually effected change, and she wouldn’t.” And now, despite the leaked recording - which was handed over by Channel 10 under subpoena during the criminal trial, with more shared on TV than in court - Wilkinson has released a statement to declare that she did not approach the politicians in question. “Nor did I speak to any other politicians, their minders or apparatchiks,” she said. The audio came up during Sunrise as well, when Natalie Barr asked their entertainment commentator, Peter Ford, whether or not the recording might be a problem down the line. “Was that coaching?” she asked. “Or was that a journalist talking before the interview?” Ford agreed that it was a fine line, then added, “but I generally think when someone says, ‘I don’t want to put words in your mouth,’ that is exactly what they want to do.” Images: Getty

News

Nigella Lawson speaks on her father’s death for the first time

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has shared an update with her social media followers, thanking them for their support following her father’s death. The news of his passing was covered by the BBC and The Guardian on April 4, naming the former conservative chancellor as “one of the most consequential of all post-war UK chancellors”. Nigel Lawson was 91 years old when he passed, with a political career of almost five decades to his name. He served under Margaret Thatcher during the 1980s, holding a number of different roles, before retiring to the backbench in 1992. He went on to sit in the House of Lords until his retirement, just three short months before his passing. Nigel is survived by six children, and it was the 63-year-old Nigella who took to Twitter to express her gratitude to her 2.7 million followers for the love and support being directed to their family in their time of grief, as well as assuring them that while she needed some time, she would return to them. “Thank you for all your kind messages,” she wrote. “And I’ll be back on here properly tomorrow.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thank you for all your kind messages. And I’ll be back on here properly tomorrow — Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nigella_Lawson/status/1643303805151240209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> “Thinking of you, dearest girl. Your father was always kind and a consummate gentleman whenever I came across him as a journalist,” journalist Pádraig Belton wrote in response, before sharing a brief insight into his experiences with the late Nigel. “Been thinking of you, and Dominic and your kids today. Your dad was an interesting man,” editor Fiammetta Rocco said. “Scary, but very smart.” “Be well. Know that you are loved. Holding you and your family in prayer during this time of loss,” a reverend offered. “Don't rush yourself - give yourself enough time to process it all. Wrap yourself in the good memories & cosset yourself however you choose about the not so good,” one kind supporter advised. “Take care of yourself first - we can all wait.” Nigella wasn’t the only notable figure to note Nigel’s death on social media, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sharing his condolences with his own 1.9 million followers. "One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk," he said. "He was a transformational Chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk. He was a transformational Chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. <a href="https://t.co/SPwcnoUFnQ">pic.twitter.com/SPwcnoUFnQ</a> — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1642988449258160128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote> And Britain’s former prime minister Boris Johnson also had something to offer, writing that Nigel “was a fearless and original flame of free market Conservatism. He was a tax-cutter and simplifier who helped transform the economic landscape and helped millions of British people achieve their dreams … He was a prophet of Brexit and a lover of continental Europe. He was a giant. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Images: Getty

Caring

Top politicians not so calculated after all

New South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and her counterpart in the opposition, Prue Car, were put to the test while appearing live on 2GB. The two were chatting to radio host Ben Fordham after a pre-election debate when he presented them with a challenge: a problem from the Year 7 NAPLAN test’s Numeracy section. NAPLAN tests typically consist of multiple choice questions and ones where students must write their answers in the spaces provided. While calculators are permitted outside of the short non-calculator sections, they were far from the hands of Sarah and Prue as Ben sprung his test upon them. Ben opened by explaining to the two that they had to solve the question without the use of the handy devices, and that they had room to show their working, just as any Year 7 would when faced with the same test. “Pears cost $4 per kilogram,” Ben explained, reading from the question posed to the ministers, “Ben buys 4.15 kilograms of pears. How much does Ben pay for the pears?” The two wasted no time in putting pen to paper and getting started, with Ben chuckling that they were “busily working away.” Prue finished working first, cradling her chin in her hand as Ben asked if she wanted to hand in her sheet, before he explained to Sarah when to fill in her answer. “Just like the students do,” he said, “this is a test environment. Your Year 7 students in New South Wales have got to face these questions.” “You’ve outdone yourself with this today, Ben,” Prue remarked, while Sarah continued her calculations. After roughly one minute, both sheets were in Ben’s hands, and he was ready to announce the results. Prue, despite finishing first, got her answer wrong. Upon hearing the news, the minister burst into laughter, with an amused Sarah piping up that she “might be too, Prue.” Ben went on to repeat the question, and shared Prue’s answer of $4.15. “The minister Sarah Mitchell,” he continued, “has got this one right!” The correct answer to the problem? $16.60. “Can I just say, English was my strong suit,” Prue declared in light of her defeat. And to the great amusement of both Prue and Ben, Sarah announced, “so was mine, Prue!” Images: 2GB

News

Ben Fordham unleashes on Canberra's "most toxic politician"

Talk show host Ben Fordham has described Senato Lidia Thorpe as the "most toxic politician in Canberra" after she blasted Scott Morrison for his Stolen Generations speech in parliament. When the Prime Minister said "the hardest [word] is I forgive you" when referring to the national apology to the Stolen Generations, Senator Thorpe said Scott Morrison had shown "outright disrespect" to the Indigenous children who were removed from their families. Writing on Twitter, the Greens senator said, "This is outright disrespect to all those effected by Stolen Generations in this country. How dare you ask for forgiveness when you still perpetrate racist policies and systems that continue to steal our babies." In response to Lidia's statement, Fordham labelled her a "lunatic", saying "she doesn't belong" in parliament. He said, "Senator Thorpe is possibly the most toxic politician in Canberra, and that's saying something." "Her conduct is embarrassing. She entered office in 2020 and ever since she's had an appetite for destruction." Fordham went on to call Senator Thorpe a "fruit cake" and "unhinged" over previous instances of political passion in the Senate. The PM's "apology" was condemned by Indigenous Australians, as The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria slammed the speech, releasing an official response containing only the four words: "Get in the bin." Image credits: Twitter @ben_fordham9 @senatorthorpe

News

Pauline Hanson calls out new “scaremongering” rules for politicians

One Nation senator Pauline Hanson has <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/pauline-hanson-slams-new-requirement-for-politicians/news-story/36fdff5840c9d4bfa1a7470056aa7bb3" target="_blank">called out</a> new rules at Parliament House that could see her forced to isolate when other MPs would not need to. The new rules announced on Thursday afternoon could prevent federal politicians like Ms Hanson from travelling to Canberra without quarantining beforehand, while fully vaccinated staff would be able to skip isolation. Ms Hanson has been vocal about refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and has said she was going to seek advice on the issue and her rights as an MP. “It’s not going to change my views about getting vaccinated. I already told the government I won’t attend the October sittings anyway,” she told NCA NewsWire. “It’s going to put the Coalition government into a bit of a bind with how they deal with this. “My understanding is that they cannot stop an elected MP from attending the parliament to do their duties.” ACT chief minister Andrew Barr announced the changes to isolation rules for federal MPs, senators, and staff from areas impacted by COVID-19 who had received both jabs ahead of October’s sittings and estimates hearings. Mr Barr took to social media to share the news, saying that unvaccinated individuals would need to complete two weeks of isolation. He said the new rules were made under the state’s health guidelines. Senator Hanson said the changes were made close to the sitting week that commences on October 18, which would affect MPs who weren’t already vaccinated. “The vaccinated person can still carry Covid so what’s the point?” she said. “This is scaremongering. I’m not going to bow to his demands and I think they’re unrealistic. “It’s stupid to put a person in quarantine for two weeks who doesn’t have Covid.” The change comes as new rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions" target="_blank">come into effect</a> in New South Wales from Monday, with restrictions to remain in place for unvaccinated people until the start of December. Image: Getty Images

News

NZ politician’s hilarious X-rated blunder

New Zealand’s Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins has given the nation “a reason to laugh” after giving some x-rated health advice on the Delta outbreak. Mr Hipkins was caught in his hilarious blunder while reminding people of the strict COVID-19 restrictions. His humorous moment saw him telling the nation they should social distance when they go outside to “spread their legs”. "It is a challenge for people in high density areas to get outside and spread their legs when they are surrounded by other people," he accidentally told reporters at the live press conference on Sunday. He meant to say "stretch their legs". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Latest official government advice, please retweet to get the message out <a href="https://twitter.com/cjsbishop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cjsbishop</a> <a href="https://t.co/FddDNPFkRA">pic.twitter.com/FddDNPFkRA</a> — ᴀɴᴅʀᴇᴡ ʙɪɢɢs (@biggsintweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/biggsintweets/status/1429262495009542144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a></blockquote> The blunder wasn’t forgotten by Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield, who raised an eyebrow and smirked seconds later. Hipkins realised his embarrassing error, and said that the media “would all have fun with him later”. The mistake has given some heavily-needed comedic relief for New Zealanders who are currently in the midst of a nationwide lockdown. “Spread your legs, not the virus!” one person took to Twitter to share. "When Jacinda takes a break and leaves it to the boys.." another added. Mr Hipkins later responded on his official Facebook page, saying “at least I’ve given you all something to laugh about.”

Travel Trouble

Politician slams diverse new Wiggles line-up

Coalition senator Matt Canavan has launched a targeted attack on The Wiggles after it revealed their new racially diverse characters. Along with the existing ensemble of Anthony, Simon, Emma and Lachy, the children’s entertainment group has added four new members, in a bid to make it more culturally inclusive. 15-year-old Tsehay Hawkins, 15, is from Ethiopia and will wear red, while Evie Ferris is a 24-year-old Indigenous woman who will be the blue Wiggle. Kelly Hamilton, 45, is Asian-Australian and will wear yellow, and John Pearce, 28, from the pop group Justice Crew, is Filipino and will wear purple. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843342/wiggles.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c8e42b26a7174dc9a4b9c150b6a24b80" /> Founding blue Wiggle Anthony Field revealed to NCA NewsWire he came up with the idea, saying: “morally, we have to do this”. “I looked around the world and I thought: ‘We have to reflect our audience’. “Our audience is not just one culture; we want children to see a mirror of themselves. I hope people, mums and dads as well, will feel included.” The new characters will be feature on a new YouTube series called Fruit Salad TV. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today we’re announcing our new YouTube exclusive, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FruitSaladTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FruitSaladTV</a>! For the first time ever, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheWiggles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheWiggles</a> have expanded their line up to eight Wiggles, which is sure to double the fun! 💛💛💙💙❤❤💜💜 Fruit Salad TV premieres on our YouTube on Saturday September 4th! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/PS6kvUYjid">pic.twitter.com/PS6kvUYjid</a> — The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWiggles/status/1429216749484838914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote> However, QLD Nationals senator Matt Canavan couldn’t help but voice his distaste for the new line-up. The conservative is not shy about raising his voice against progressive social issues, and he hasn’t stopped at the new Wiggles cast. Senator Canavan told The Australian that the recent announcement will destroy The Wiggles. “The Wiggles are free to do what they like. It was nice while it lasted. But you go woke, you go broke,” Senator Canavan told the newspaper. The Wiggles outfit is one of the most successful in Australian entertainment history, and rakes in at least $30 million annually thanks to their major global following.

Music

Inside Anthony Albanese's $2.1 million property up for grabs

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has listed his Marrickville property for $2.1 million. The booming house market in Sydney has clearly enticed the Labor leader to put their funky bungalow in the trendy inner-west of Sydney up for grabs. He and his ex-wife, former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt put the house on the market after paying $1.115 million for it in 2012. The 1930s-era bungalow sits a corner block just metres from Marrickville Golf Club in Sydney’s inner west. While the home had already been renovated when the pair originally purchased it, there have been significant improvements. The three-bedroom house will end the former couple’s joint properties together, following their separation in early 2019. With gorgeous views of the golf club in Marrickville, the home will be sure to make a spectacular place to raise a family. Albanese and Tebbutt married in 2000, and share one son together, Nathan. The inner-west housing market has slightly benefitted from the major Sydney property boom. The median house price has gone up 9.3 per cent in the 12 months to March. However, Marrickville’s housing market has recorded only 3.3 per cent growth.

Real Estate

"Hits you like a jolt": Politician shares warning signs she ignored before heartbreaking diagnosis

New Zealand’s minister for Emergency Management made a stark confession just weeks after addressing the nation in the face of a major tsunami and earthquake threat. Not many saw or knew of Kiri Allen’s personal struggles, that is until she revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in a raw and emotional Facebook post. Addressing her 20,000 followers, the politician admitted that just a day before the earthquakes, her doctors told her they had found a 3cm growth. "I found myself managing the earthquakes early morning, then headed to the hospital for another ultra sound at about 8am, just before the large evacuation notice. Poor timing," she wrote. "This was a longer ultra-scan then the previous day and they took a number of smears and biopsies as well. They found the growth was approximately 6cm but likely benign." <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840579/kiri-allen-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6ff79e4478cd48929338659687ef0e07" /> The Labor MP said she’d had a consistent pain in her back, stomach and legs that concerned her to begin with. "I put it down to lots of driving, working long hours and the general stress of campaigns etc - so, I got my partner to give me a few mirimiri and forgot about it," she wrote. "Earlier this year, I realised I was finding it hard to sit for a lengthy period of time. Always in a bit of pain. I started running to try and move the lower back area a little bit. Nothing seemed to take the pain away. In late January I started menstruating and it didn't stop." The politician admitted to taking a "see no evil, hear no evil" approach to pap smears. "In hindsight, there were lots of opportunities to go touch base with a doctor. But I didn't. I put it down to work, and was on the go, and 'that stuff usually sorts itself out'," she wrote. However, after Allen revealed her situation to Ayesha Verrall, a colleague, friend and doctor, about whether the bleeding was "a little odd", she was hit with a serious reality check. "She asked a few more questions and I told her about the pain. She urged me, pleaded with me, 'Kiri, please, please, please prioritise this and go to the doctor tomorrow'. “She made some recommendations and the next day I found myself having an ultrasound'," Allan wrote. Allan said a week later, she received a call telling her that the pap smear had shown an abnormal result and she required a colposcopy. "It sounded OK, my cousin had had one and it was just a precautionary thing I thought. I told my family and they called the Dr to ask a few questions. She was amazing and took my family's call to explain the process," Allan wrote. She found out a few days later the lifechanging news. "I called back, going down the escalator stairs and the sound was rubbish. I skirted off to a corner to take the call properly, expecting good news," Allan wrote. "However, my kind doctor, who had been so incredible and taken calls from my family in the evenings, called to say the colposcopy had revealed I had cervical cancer. "The 'C' word hits you like a jolt I had never experienced. I gripped the wall in the airport." Allan told readers that she had confided in her parents over the phone while on the way to an event. "I lost it. In the car. On the way to the event. Huia's intuition kicked in, cancelling the event while I fell apart in the car. I was dropped at my parents place," Allan wrote. She spent the night surrounded by family and her partner, crying and watching TV. Allan said she cried telling New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about her diagnosis. "Her words were profound. I'll always have so much respect for the way she's dealt with me over this past couple of weeks or so. A text away – always," Allan wrote. Ardern said she was left "gutted" by Allan's news, but was “also so heartened by the character, the person that Kiri is. "Right from the outset, she's shown a level of determination to focus on her health and wellbeing. But to ultimately come back and be a part of the team again. "Our focus now, as her colleagues and friends, are to make sure she looks after herself first and foremost, and that we're here ready and waiting when she's able to return." Allan revealed that she would be taking medical leave to focus on her health. "I've told a few folks by now, and often the question is, 'is there anything I can do?' My answer now is yes," Allan wrote. "Please, please, please - encourage your sisters, your mothers, your daughters, your friends - please #SmearYourMea - it may save your life - and we need you right here."

News

"You need to be quiet": MP with fringe COVID views taken to task

Government backbencher Craig Kelly has come under fire after being told to be quiet on national television in an interview with Today. Pressure is mounting on the government to rein in the MP for undermining the country’s pandemic response. Mr Kelly has been accused of promoting debunked coronavirus remedies, and questioning the need for a vaccine. He’s also been slammed for spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about Covid-19. Labor has fiercely gone after the Liberal MP for his controversial words. Appearing on Today on Wednesday morning, Mr Kelly said he was “very disappointed about the Labor party making this a partisan issue”. He went on to defend his numerous posts on social media that he claims were peer reviewed studies pushed by “experts”. Today host Allison Langdon was quick to refute the broad claim. “That’s not true, Craig,” she said. “I spent some time online last night and I managed to debunk every one of your theories. They’re not peer reviewed. “Don’t you need to pull your head in?” she asked the Liberal member. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "You need to be quiet." Allison Langdon SLAMS Liberal MP Craig Kelly over his unfounded and inaccurate comments about COVID-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vudxqcqzw8">pic.twitter.com/Vudxqcqzw8</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1356718211081904134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote> Mr Kelly’s main theories claim the use of hydroxychloroquine and another drug ivermectin to treat Covid-19 – one of his only causes that has had minor support in the medical community. He referred to Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy of the University of Newcastle on the issue, and claimed the drug combination could be used in conjunction with a vaccine. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has previously said however that there is “no evidence” the drugs should be used in Australia. He also suggested the MP’s views in general were “not scientifically based”. The interview between Langdon and Kelly quickly turned into a shouting match after Kelly promoted a Covid study pushed by a Bangladeshi plastic surgeon. Kelly defended his position that enforcing children to wear face masks is tantamount to child abuse. “When you read the science, it says it causes them harm,” he said. Langdon fierily shot back: “Craig, we have seen deaths from Covid, we've seen sickness. We've seen mass job losses, hundreds of billions of dollars spent in government stimulus, all our hopes are riding on a vaccine,” she said. “You need to be quiet.”

News

MP suffers collapse during speech in parliament

Labor MP Chris Hayes suffered a collapse while giving a speech during parliament at Midday on Thursday. The politician was speaking about child sexual abuse when he suddenly said “I’ve got a problem” and clutched at his chest. Mr Hayes was taken to hospital. Labor leader Anthony Albanese says his collapse was a "sudden medical event". According to Mr Albanese, the MP “recovered quickly". The opposition leader praised Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander and Nationals MP Dr David Gillespie for rushing to provide Mr Hayes with assistance. "He is in good spirits, and we all wish him a very speedy recovery and I say to the chief opposition whip, if you want to leave he should just ask for it," Mr Albanese said. "There are easier ways to get it then what occurred this morning." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has offered his support to Mr Hayes. Before thanking Mr Albanese for the health update, he sent prayers to the MP and his family. "We may disagree on many things in this place, but we all agree Chris Hayes is a very good bloke," Mr Morrison said on Thursday. The MP, who is the Chief Opposition Whip, was speaking on the anniversary of the national apology to survivors and victims of institutional child sexual abuse before the incident. Mr Hayes has held the seat of Fowler in Sydney's south-west since 2010.

News

Fury as politician calls for renaming of Australian states

An Australian politician has caused controversy after demanding the states Queensland and Victoria be renamed so as not to honour a former British monarch and head of empire that “murdered people”. Lidia Thorpe represented the Greens in the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2017 and 2018 and says the states that have their names are due to an “invasion of country” that “caused harm” to Indigenous Australians. However Ms Thorpe, who is the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to the Parliament of Victoria, was quickly accused of “jumping on the bandwagon”, with some pointing out that even her own last name, “Thorpe”, has English origins and therefore should also be changed under her own reasoning. Tory MP Mark Francois told MailOnline: “Unless I am mistaken several years ago Australia voted democratically in a referendum to retain HM the Queen as head of state. “In light of that decision it seems to me that there is unlikely to be overwhelming support in Australia for this proposition. We would all be better to focus on the exciting prospect of a new trade deal between Britain and Australia.” Queen Victoria granted permission to become a separate colony in 1859, and the new colony was named Queensland (Queen's land) in her honour. Similarly, Victoria was also named after Queen Victoria when the colony was established in 1851. Ms Thorpe suggested the Victoria name change in an interview with The Herald Sun, in which she said: “Anything that's named after someone who's caused harm or murdered people, then I think we should take their name down.” “Maybe that's something they (the Queensland government) could negotiate (in a treaty),” she explained to news.com.au. “Given we're all talking about the colonial past and how everything's named as a result of invasion of this country, why wouldn't we negotiate that (name changes)? “It may be that it stays the same. But why wouldn't we put that on the table? Maybe we need to be making decisions, changing place names, state names and anything else that causes harm.” Victoria and Queensland are the second and third most populous states in Australia, with 5.6 million and 4.6 million inhabitants respectively. Meanwhile, there are also growing calls for statues of Captain James Cook to be removed, although Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended Cook’s legacy by declaring there “was no slavery in Australia”. It is a comment that he has since apologised for. The petition for the Cairns statue to be removed has been signed by more than 12,000 people and reads: “Since 1972, the James Cook statue on Sheridan Street has stood as a symbol of colonialism and genocide. “It's a slap in the face to all indigenous people,” it read. “For us it represents dispossession, forced removal, slavery, genocide, stolen land, and loss of culture - among many other things. “I am calling on Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Mayor Mr Bob Manning to take action today and remove this statue. This would be a huge step forward in uniting the community and honouring our First Nation's people. “I also call on non-indigenous Australians to stand with us. The #BlackLivesMatter movement is as urgent here on your own doorsteps as it is on the streets of Minneapolis. “For you to demand the removal of this offensive and outdated statue shows your willingness to look Australia's ugly history right in the eye, and say 'no more'.” Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told 9News he wants the statues to stay. “I don't think ripping pages out of history books and brushing over parts of history you don't agree with or you don't like is really something the Australian public is going to embrace,” he said. “There are good and bad parts of our history. You learn from that.” Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has also voiced his support for the statues to stay. “You can't rewrite history, you have to learn from it,” he told Sydney radio 2GB. “The idea that you go back to year zero of history is, in my view, just quite frankly unacceptable.” Mr Morrison has previously said he wanted to help the public to gain a better understanding of Captain Cook's historic voyage. “That voyage is the reason Australia is what it is today and it's important we take the opportunity to reflect on it,” the PM said.

Travel Trouble

How Julia Gillard forever changed Australian politics - especially for women

When Julia Gillard was sworn into office as Australia’s first female prime minister on a chilly Canberra morning in 2010, it seemed like the ultimate glass ceiling had been smashed. But this momentous occasion was marred by the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0032318713488316">onslaught of sexism and misogyny</a> Gillard endured from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/12/gillard-menu-sexist-liberal-dinner">opposition</a>, and especially the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10361146.2017.1374347?src=recsys">mainstream media</a>, over the next three years of her term. Since she lost the prime ministership in 2013, Gillard has fostered a legacy that extends beyond parliamentary politics, with a focus on <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/an-idea-quickly-agreed-to-julia-gillard-s-next-move-20180403-p4z7mh.html">women’s rights</a>, <a href="https://www.globalpartnership.org/news/gpe-welcomes-julia-gillards-extension-board-chair">education</a> and <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/media-releases/media-releases/former-pm-julia-gillard-takes-over-as-new-chair-of-i-beyondblue-i">mental health</a>. The two Es: education and equality Born in <a href="https://www.juliagillard.com.au/about-julia/">Wales in 1961</a>, Gillard’s family moved to Australia in 1966. She grew up in Adelaide as the daughter of a nurse and aged care worker. Gillard was <a href="http://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/news/2020/julia-gillard">educated at local public schools</a> before studying at the University of Adelaide and then the University of Melbourne. She told the <a href="https://hbr.org/2019/11/lifes-work-an-interview-with-julia-gillard">Harvard Business Review</a> last year her involvement in the student movement, protesting education cutbacks, was a formative experience: That’s what spurred an activism and engagement in public policy in me, and I went on to lead the student movement nationally … people had said, ‘You really should consider politics’. It was a slow dawning over time that it would be a fantastic way of putting my values into action — and realising that someone like me could do it. Graduating with an arts/law degree, Gillard joined law firm Slater & Gordon in 1987 and was a partner by 1990. While she has said she felt “<a href="https://apolitical.co/en/solution_article/australias-first-female-pm-on-workplace-sexism-and-leading-as-a-woman">quite at home in many ways</a>” as a young woman in the “larrakin” culture of the law firm, she also worked on affirmative action campaigns in the 1990s. She was a founding member of Labor women’s support network, <a href="https://www.emilyslist.org.au/herstory">EMILY’s List Australia</a>. She continues to maintain this focus on gender and education in her post-politics advocacy. Going to Canberra, creating history Gillard was elected to federal parliament in 1998 and was a <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=83L">frontbencher</a> by 2001. In 2007, with Labor’s election victory, she <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/gillard-wins-plum-roles-20071130-ge6f6l.html">became deputy prime minister</a> and minister for education, workplace relations and social inclusion. However, despite the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-14/the-rise-and-fall-of-kevin-rudd/5090194">popularity of prime minister Kevin Rudd</a>, the Labor party became increasingly frustrated with his leadership style ahead of the 2010 federal election. These tensions saw Gillard challenge Rudd for the top job in June 2010, in one of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/killing-season/">most dramatic episodes</a> in recent Australian political history. Gillard’s unexpected promotion would have lasting consequences for her, the Labor Party and Australian political culture. It initiated a “coup culture” in Australian politics, where a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00323187.2019.1701948">series of challenges</a> saw the removal of four out of the five most recent prime ministers. A sexist backlash The unprecedented removal of a popular first-term prime minister during an election year also prompted an <a href="http://legacy.annesummers.com.au/speeches/her-rights-at-work-r-rated-version/">overwhelming backlash</a> from the opposition, the media and the public. Gillard faced <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10361146.2017.1374347">accusations of disloyalty</a> that marred the historic significance of her victory and status as the “first woman”. It also unleashed what seemed like a ceaseless tirade of sexism and misogyny that she endured for the next three years of her term. The more prominent examples include broadcaster Alan Jones saying Gillard should be put in a “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/alan-joness-chaff-bag-is-filling-up-fast/9973982">chaff bag</a>” and taken “out to sea”. A menu at a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/12/gillard-menu-sexist-liberal-dinner">Liberal National Party fundraiser</a> described a dish as “Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail – small breasts, huge thighs and a big red box”. Opposition leader Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/julia-gillard-on-the-moment-that-should-have-killed-tony-abbotts-career-20150622-ghug63.html">stood in front of</a> - and tacitly endorsed - sexist placards. A productive parliament After the 2010 federal election, Gillard had to work with a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-09-08/labors-minority-government-explained/2253236">minority government</a>. But in a sign of her formidable negotiating skills, Gillard’s term as prime minister was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/2018/dec/23/turnbull-scores-lower-than-abbott-gillard-and-rudd-on-productivity-in-parliament">extremely productive</a>. Despite the surrounding political turmoil, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Statistics/Senate_StatsNet/General/parliaments/43rd">570 bills</a> were passed by the Senate, with <a href="https://theconversation.com/labors-legacy-six-years-of-what-exactly-17526">key achievements</a> including the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the child abuse royal commission, a carbon price, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jan/26/julia-gillard-gonski-reforms-shifted-debate-towards-needs-based-funding">education funding</a> and paid parental leave. It wasn’t all warm and fuzzy Yet not all Gillard’s policies are so fondly remembered. On the <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/gillard-defends-welfare-cuts-to-mums">same day</a> Gillard delivered her famous “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/transcript-of-julia-gillards-speech-20121010-27c36.html">misogyny speech</a>”, her government passed welfare reforms that moved single parents off the parenting payment and onto Newstart (now called JobSeeker Payment). This reduced people’s payments by $60 to $100 a week, <a href="https://theconversation.com/prejudiced-policymaking-underlies-labors-cuts-to-single-parent-payments-10151">disproportionately affecting women</a>. Her <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-asylum-seeker-policy-history-a-story-of-blunders-and-shame-118396">asylum seeker policies</a> and opposition to marriage equality also garnered widespread criticism from progressive Australians, particularly the <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-a-gay-man-i-will-not-be-lectured-on-discrimination-by-julia-gillard-15448">LGBTIQ+ community</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-18/refugee-advocate-labels-gillard-a-racist/2762976?nw=0">refugee advocates</a>. ‘I will not be lectured by this man’ Twelve iconic words have come to define Gillard’s legacy: I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. This statement launched a blistering <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihd7ofrwQX0">15-minute speech</a>, in which Gillard called out the sexism and hypocrisy of Abbott during Question Time in October 2012. The anger and frustration she felt about Abbott – <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/ernies-tony-abbott-given-repeat-offender-award-for-sexist-comments-20131010-2v9dz.html">known for his sexist sentiments</a> – and the systemic double standards she’d endured for years, resonated with women <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-10/international-reaction-to-gillard-speech/4305294">around the world</a>. Julia Gillard delivered her “misogyny speech” on October 9 2012. Though it was initially critiqued by the Canberra Press Gallery, which accused Gillard of “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0959353515605544">playing the gender card</a>”, the speech went viral. It has become the definitive moment of her prime ministership and is <a href="https://hbr.org/2019/11/lifes-work-an-interview-with-julia-gillard">often the only thing</a> people overseas know about Australian politics. Earlier this year, it was voted the “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/feb/07/julia-gillard-misogyny-speech-voted-most-unforgettable-moment-in-australian-tv-history">most unforgettable</a>” moment in Australian TV history by a Guardian Australia poll. Last month, a senior advisor to former-US President Barack Obama revealed they <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/obama-white-house-watched-julia-gillards-misogyny-speech-a-lot/">often watched the speech</a> whenever they were frustrated with then-prime minister Abbott. The misogyny speech has even entered into the pop cultural canon, inspiring young women today to create memes and <a href="https://junkee.com/misogyny-speech-tiktok-remix/249379">TikToks</a> paying homage to those famous words. Changing the way we talk about sexism and politics Gillard’s misogyny speech and her time as our first woman prime minister changed the way that politics and sexism were talked about in Australia and highlighted the toxic nature of parliament. Rather than “playing the gender card”, Gillard drew attention to it, calling out the sexism and misogyny that many women in politics had to silently endure. Speaking with Gillard last year in preparation for my <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/media-gender-stereotypes-worse-for-gillard-than-for-thatcher/11996326?fbclid=IwAR0apGhcH9MSRawWL1RzV0EQ6pXKN4pU0MQiDodCbxduktst-GzMc8-jevs">doctoral research</a>, she noted how the conversation around gender and sexism is “everywhere now”, and that people are far more aware of and likely to challenge gendered double-standards. In recent years, we have seen multiple women politicians breaking their silence, from <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-11/david-leyonhjelm-defamation-case-appeal-sarah-hanson-young/12234094">Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young </a> suing fellow senator David Leyonhjelm for defamation, to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/29/liberal-mp-julia-banks-to-quit-parliament-next-election-citing-bullying-and-intimidation">former Liberal MP Julia Banks</a> calling out “gender bias” and “bullying”. Post-politics: ‘what would Julia do?’ Gillard lost the Labor leadership in 2013, when Rudd got his revenge and his <a href="https://theconversation.com/rudd-wins-the-game-of-thrones-15573">old job back</a>. But she has left a lasting legacy as a role model for girls and young women. This stems not just from her political career, but for the way she has <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/julia-gillard-the-prime-of-her-life/news-story/10c72ea64cc06a191ec8a1ba7e8f09b1">gracefully moved on</a>. Since leaving politics, Gillard continues to work in the areas she cares about, with high-profile appointments in education, mental health and women’s leadership. Earlier this month, she was also <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-15/julia-gillard-on-her-new-role-coronavirus-medical-researcher/12248458">appointed as the next chair</a> of medical research giant, the Wellcome Trust. Like all politicians, she’ll continue to have her critics, but her post-political life and demeanour has <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/how-will-history-remember-julia-gillard-20181025-p50bxn.html">largely been admired</a>. Gillard’s former foe, Abbott, even attended the 2018 <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-24/julia-gillard-portrait-unveiled-in-parliament-house/10424304">unveiling of her official portrait</a>. And her career continues to resonate with people, particularly women. This was recently seen when she received a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-19/julia-gillard-shares-heartfelt-note-from-airline-passenger/11223258">handwritten note</a> from a stranger on a flight, which thanked her for being “such a strong, intelligent and unapologetic role model for myself and so many of my peers”. The note added that the author and her female colleagues used the phrase “WWJD” or “what would Julia do”. As the woman explained: “It’s our rallying cry to be the absolute best at our jobs”. Written by Blair Williams. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-julia-gillard-forever-changed-australian-politics-especially-for-women-138528">The Conversation.</a>

Beauty & Style

Australia’s favourite politician? Scott Morrison scores major approval amid crisis

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has recorded the second highest approval rating of any PM since 2008. The Australian leader took in a 68 per cent satisfaction rate according to the latest Newspoll data, which shows him in the lead against Opposition Leader Anthony Albenese as the preferred PM 56-to-28. The two-party preference vote is sitting at an even 50-50. Mr Albanese’ approval satisfaction rate sits at 45 per cent, and data shows 34 per cent of voters are feeling dissatisfied with his performance. The Advance Australia director Liz Storer explained to Sky News host Paul Murray that she is “glad” Mr. Morrison can see the high numbers because “goodness knows he’s been through the ringer this year”. These Newspoll results were based on interviews from 1519 voters, which were conducted online, between April 22 and 25.

News

Politicians look out for themselves and it is at the expense of the people

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists <a href="https://thebulletin.org/2020/01/press-release-it-is-now-100-seconds-to-midnight/">announced on 23 January</a> that it’s set the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight. This means that the clock, which symbolises “the gravest perils facing humankind, is now closer to midnight than at any point since its creation in 1947”. Midnight equals Armageddon: the end of days for humanity. And this is the first time those who control the clock have started dealing in seconds. There are several reasons the scientists have taken us closer to the brink than we’ve ever been before. And they’re the two existential threats of nuclear annihilation and the climate crisis, which have both been exacerbated by “cyber-enabled information warfare”. “The international security situation is dire, not just because these threats exist, but because world leaders have allowed the international political infrastructure for managing them to erode,” the Bulletin makes clear in its <a href="https://thebulletin.org/2020/01/press-release-it-is-now-100-seconds-to-midnight/">press release</a>. The Doomsday Clock was created by the Chicago Atomic Scientists to warn humanity about the risks of nuclear weapons following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This group of scientists was part of the Manhattan Project, which was a US-led effort that produced the first nuclear bombs. And while the Bulletin also suggests solutions as to how humanity can pull itself out of these predicaments, doing so would likely depend on the 1 percent curtailing its interests, and as <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/time-care">Oxfam’s annual wealth report</a> revealed last week, this doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon. 100 seconds to midnight Bulletin board member Professor Sharon Squassoni <a href="https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/">told a press conference</a> that the Doomsday Clock was set back in November, prior to recent <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/global-war-anyone-trumps-got-one-brewing-with-iran/">military actions between</a> the US and Iran, as well as North Korea’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-22/north-korea-ends-nuclear-talks-with-us/11887832">abandonment of nuclear talks</a> with the United States. Squassoni further explained that the time set shows we’re “rapidly losing our bearings in a nuclear weapons landscape that may expand beyond our recognition. And recent events only confirm” this. While the threat of nuclear weapons might sound like some distant throwback to the Cold War, <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/world/the-doomsday-clock-ticks-closer-to-midnight/">writing in The Nation</a>Katrina vanden Heuvel sets out that the reason it’s so problematic right now is that the “edifice of arms control is being dismantled”. As of last August, president Trump has completely pulled out of the <a href="https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-09/news/us-completes-inf-treaty-withdrawal">INF Treaty</a>, which ensured the US and Russia <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/should-toy-guns-be-banned/">banned</a>intermediate land-based nuclear missiles. This leaves the New START nuclear reduction treaty between them, however it expires in a year’s time and its renewal is uncertain. And the Trump administration is also threatening to pull out of the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides that 35 state parties can take unarmed aerial surveillance flights over each other’s territories, which allows the US and Russia to monitor the other’s nuclear arsenal. Our warming planet The Doomsday Clock was set to <a href="https://thebulletin.org/2019/01/press-release-welcome-to-the-new-abnormal/">two minutes to midnight</a> in 2018, which is where it remained last year. This was the closest the minute hand had ever been to twelve, and it represented the two dual threats of nuclear destruction and changing climate. As far as the IPCC is concerned, humanity has until 2030 to seriously reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees. And while the UN body said that <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/">in October 2018</a>, these climate predictions keep getting more dire as the situation progresses. At last week’s press conference, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists pulled up bushfire-stricken Australia for special mention in relation to the climate crisis. “The Australian government is in utter and complete denial. Under its current leadership, Australia is fostering denial in an incredibly mendacious way,” <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/australia-singled-out-for-climate-denial-at-doomsday-clock-event-20200124-p53uac.html">said Bulletin board executive chair</a> Jerry Brown. “Until Australians throw out their current leaders, they will continue this way.” And the Bulletin’s not the only one calling out our nation either. The journal Nature recently ran<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00152-y"> an editorial</a> where it described the Australian government dragging its feet on climate, due to its repeated prioritising of “the coal industry’s needs over the planets”. Online manipulation Bulletin chair Robert Rosner <a href="https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/">told reporters</a> that what’s of “particular concern is the undermining of the public’s ability to sort what’s true from what’s patently false by information warfare subverting our ability to arrive at a consensus on the solutions needed to achieve positive change”. And according to the Bulletin scientists, it’s “cyber-enabled disinformation campaigns” that are exacerbating the nuclear and climate threats by undermining efforts to bring about the changes needed to draw back from the brink. British social activist George Monbiot posited <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/18/demagogues-power-rewilding-party-trust-power-government">last month</a> that the reason why reactionary politicians, such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison, have triumphed in recent elections is that online campaigning systems have been developed that influence the public with “provocative lies”. So, so going on Monbiot’s reasoning, those benefiting financially from the fossil fuel and arms industries are manipulating mainstream and social media messaging to persuade “the poor to vote for the interests of the very rich”, which translates as politicians conducting business as usual. End extreme wealth And this is the crux of the matter, the systems that are perpetuating the threats the Bulletin has pinpointed as threatening life as we know it are benefiting the 1 percent, which is continuing to grow more powerful. Oxfam released its latest annual report just three days before the Doomsday announcement. And the <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/time-care">Time to Care</a> report found that the 1 percent now own twice as much as 6.9 billion people. And as there’s just over 7.7 billion people on Earth, that’s almost the entire planet’s population. The charity organisation states that “governments are massively under-taxing the wealthiest individuals and corporations and failing to collect revenues that could help lift the responsibility of care from women and tackle poverty and inequality”. Oxfam recommends ending extreme wealth in order to end extreme poverty. And considering the nuclear and climate threats are mainly caused by the very rich pursuing more wealth, it can be asserted that changing the paradigm from unhindered economic growth could save humanity. As the thing with the Doomsday Clock is, the scientists can always turn back time. Written by Paul Gregoire. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/politicians-look-out-for-themselves-at-the-expense-of-the-population/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

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Posting about politicians? The NSW Police Force may have you in their sights

A Blue Mountains man was arrested <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6328433/fixated-persons-unit-investigates-winmalee-man/" target="_blank">in August last year</a>, over allegations that he’d been harassing the local mayor and a NSW Labor MLC. The 37-year-old was charged with a number of offences, including <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/domestic-and-personal-violence-act/stalking-or-intimidation/">stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm</a> and <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/criminal-code-act/use-carriage-service-to-menace-harass-or-cause-offence/">using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence</a>. The charges related to claims the man had been making<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/false-sexual-assault-allegations-ruin-lives/"> false allegations about sexual assault</a> and child abuse. And this decade-long intimidation campaign was carried out via email, social media, text and phone messages. The investigation leading to the arrest was carried out by detectives from the NSW Police Force Fixated Persons Unit, which is a specialist investigation team comprised of police officers and government mental health workers that was formed in the wake of the Lindt café siege. Identifying pre-criminals The Fixated Persons Unit commenced operations <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4627585/new-police-unit-deals-with-obsessed-individuals-video/" target="_blank">on 1 May 2017</a>. NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller referred to the Martin Place shootings, when announcing its formation. And he said it would target “lone actors”, who are obsessed with public figures, as well as ideologies or beliefs. The state’s top cop outlined that the unit would focus on non-terrorist suspects, who threaten public officials. However, the unit also has a focus on proactively locating individuals <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-26/police-strike-force-to-target-people-who-make-violent-threats/8472280" target="_blank">vulnerable</a> to becoming involved in this sort of behaviour before it develops. And that’s where the scope of these operations becomes worrying. If detectives aren’t responding to reports of threatening behaviour being carried out by fixated persons, then how are they locating those who pose a potential threat? At the time the unit was formed, NSW police said it had up to <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/up-to-50-wouldbe-extremists-assessed-by-new-police-fixated-persons-unit-20170426-gvsldb.html" target="_blank">50 people</a> on its radar who could potentially be targeted, which included one man who’d fallen short of the law due to shouting anti-war slogans during the minute’s silence on Anzac Day in Martin Place. And by October 2017, it was reported that <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/05/cops-and-health-professionals-can-decide-if-youre-too-obsessed-with-a-public-official/?fbclid=IwAR0MrgLNBOAoHvqutMTXWjm-aMg0qB06f5g5FJgXGsMWuVh2zAQxYDDVh1U" target="_blank">six people</a> in this state had been charged in relation to the unit. A Blue Mountains man was arrested <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6328433/fixated-persons-unit-investigates-winmalee-man/" target="_blank">in August last year</a>, over allegations that he’d been harassing the local mayor and a NSW Labor MLC. The 37-year-old was charged with a number of offences, including <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/domestic-and-personal-violence-act/stalking-or-intimidation/">stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm</a> and <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/criminal-code-act/use-carriage-service-to-menace-harass-or-cause-offence/">using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence</a>. The charges related to claims the man had been making<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/false-sexual-assault-allegations-ruin-lives/"> false allegations about sexual assault</a> and child abuse. And this decade-long intimidation campaign was carried out via email, social media, text and phone messages. The investigation leading to the arrest was carried out by detectives from the NSW Police Force Fixated Persons Unit, which is a specialist investigation team comprised of police officers and government mental health workers that was formed in the wake of the Lindt café siege. Identifying pre-criminals The Fixated Persons Unit commenced operations <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4627585/new-police-unit-deals-with-obsessed-individuals-video/" target="_blank">on 1 May 2017</a>. NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller referred to the Martin Place shootings, when announcing its formation. And he said it would target “lone actors”, who are obsessed with public figures, as well as ideologies or beliefs. The state’s top cop outlined that the unit would focus on non-terrorist suspects, who threaten public officials. However, the unit also has a focus on proactively locating individuals <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-26/police-strike-force-to-target-people-who-make-violent-threats/8472280" target="_blank">vulnerable</a> to becoming involved in this sort of behaviour before it develops. And that’s where the scope of these operations becomes worrying. If detectives aren’t responding to reports of threatening behaviour being carried out by fixated persons, then how are they locating those who pose a potential threat? At the time the unit was formed, NSW police said it had up to <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/up-to-50-wouldbe-extremists-assessed-by-new-police-fixated-persons-unit-20170426-gvsldb.html" target="_blank">50 people</a> on its radar who could potentially be targeted, which included one man who’d fallen short of the law due to shouting anti-war slogans during the minute’s silence on Anzac Day in Martin Place. And by October 2017, it was reported that <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/05/cops-and-health-professionals-can-decide-if-youre-too-obsessed-with-a-public-official/?fbclid=IwAR0MrgLNBOAoHvqutMTXWjm-aMg0qB06f5g5FJgXGsMWuVh2zAQxYDDVh1U" target="_blank">six people</a> in this state had been charged in relation to the unit. The future crime regime “The creation of this unit forms part of the reengineering process for the NSW Police Force moving forward,” commissioner Fuller told reporters. Although, he didn’t elaborate on what that actually meant. However, one could posit that this “reengineering” is a further step into the realm of policing future crimes, or what NSW police refers to as <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/systemic-unlawfulness-an-interview-with-dr-vicki-sentas-on-police-powers/">proactive policing</a>. This is part of a global trend towards trying to sniff out criminals before they commit any offences as its seen as being more cost effective. An example of this is the NSW police <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/nsw-police-future-crime-program-an-abuse-of-power/">Suspect Target Management Plan (STMP)</a>, which is a secret list of individuals subjected to intensified monitoring due to their assessed potential to commit crimes in the future. Those on the list don’t even have to have been convicted of a crime in the past. And while these developments are occurring, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/predicting-and-preventing-crime-an-interview-with-ctdss-dr-roman-marchant/">there’s research being carried</a> out with the aim of being able to predict the level of criminality present in urban areas by analysing socioeconomic factors, so as to better allocate policing resources to prevent crime before it happens. Of course, as yet, no one has turned up to parliament with a bill that puts thoughtcrimes on the law books. However, proactively locating individuals before they perpetrate any criminal acts certainly sounds a lot like Orwell’s dystopian vision. “The creation of this unit forms part of the reengineering process for the NSW Police Force moving forward,” commissioner Fuller told reporters. Although, he didn’t elaborate on what that actually meant. However, one could posit that this “reengineering” is a further step into the realm of policing future crimes, or what NSW police refers to as <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/systemic-unlawfulness-an-interview-with-dr-vicki-sentas-on-police-powers/">proactive policing</a>. This is part of a global trend towards trying to sniff out criminals before they commit any offences as its seen as being more cost effective. An example of this is the NSW police <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/nsw-police-future-crime-program-an-abuse-of-power/">Suspect Target Management Plan (STMP)</a>, which is a secret list of individuals subjected to intensified monitoring due to their assessed potential to commit crimes in the future. Those on the list don’t even have to have been convicted of a crime in the past. And while these developments are occurring, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/predicting-and-preventing-crime-an-interview-with-ctdss-dr-roman-marchant/">there’s research being carried</a> out with the aim of being able to predict the level of criminality present in urban areas by analysing socioeconomic factors, so as to better allocate policing resources to prevent crime before it happens. Of course, as yet, no one has turned up to parliament with a bill that puts thoughtcrimes on the law books. However, proactively locating individuals before they perpetrate any criminal acts certainly sounds a lot like Orwell’s dystopian vision. Written by Paul Gregoire. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/posting-about-politicians-the-nsw-police-force-may-have-you-in-their-sights/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

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Posting about politicians? The NSW police force may have you in their sights

A Blue Mountains man was arrested <a href="https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6328433/fixated-persons-unit-investigates-winmalee-man/">in August last year</a>, over allegations that he’d been harassing the local mayor and a NSW Labor MLC. The 37-year-old was charged with a number of offences, including <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/domestic-and-personal-violence-act/stalking-or-intimidation/">stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm</a> and <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/criminal-code-act/use-carriage-service-to-menace-harass-or-cause-offence/">using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence</a>. The charges related to claims the man had been making<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/false-sexual-assault-allegations-ruin-lives/"> false allegations about sexual assault</a> and child abuse. And this decade-long intimidation campaign was carried out via email, social media, text and phone messages. The investigation leading to the arrest was carried out by detectives from the NSW Police Force Fixated Persons Unit, which is a specialist investigation team comprised of police officers and government mental health workers that was formed in the wake of the Lindt café siege. Identifying pre-criminals The Fixated Persons Unit commenced operations <a href="https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4627585/new-police-unit-deals-with-obsessed-individuals-video/">on 1 May 2017</a>. NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller referred to the Martin Place shootings, when announcing its formation. And he said it would target “lone actors”, who are obsessed with public figures, as well as ideologies or beliefs. The state’s top cop outlined that the unit would focus on non-terrorist suspects, who threaten public officials. However, the unit also has a focus on proactively locating individuals <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-26/police-strike-force-to-target-people-who-make-violent-threats/8472280">vulnerable</a> to becoming involved in this sort of behaviour before it develops. And that’s where the scope of these operations becomes worrying. If detectives aren’t responding to reports of threatening behaviour being carried out by fixated persons, then how are they locating those who pose a potential threat? At the time the unit was formed, NSW police said it had up to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/up-to-50-wouldbe-extremists-assessed-by-new-police-fixated-persons-unit-20170426-gvsldb.html">50 people</a> on its radar who could potentially be targeted, which included one man who’d fallen short of the law due to shouting anti-war slogans during the minute’s silence on Anzac Day in Martin Place. And by October 2017, it was reported that <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/10/05/cops-and-health-professionals-can-decide-if-youre-too-obsessed-with-a-public-official/?fbclid=IwAR0MrgLNBOAoHvqutMTXWjm-aMg0qB06f5g5FJgXGsMWuVh2zAQxYDDVh1U">six people</a> in this state had been charged in relation to the unit. The future crime regime “The creation of this unit forms part of the reengineering process for the NSW Police Force moving forward,” commissioner Fuller told reporters. Although, he didn’t elaborate on what that actually meant. However, one could posit that this “reengineering” is a further step into the realm of policing future crimes, or what NSW police refers to as <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/systemic-unlawfulness-an-interview-with-dr-vicki-sentas-on-police-powers/">proactive policing</a>. This is part of a global trend towards trying to sniff out criminals before they commit any offences as its seen as being more cost effective. An example of this is the NSW police <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/nsw-police-future-crime-program-an-abuse-of-power/">Suspect Target Management Plan (STMP)</a>, which is a secret list of individuals subjected to intensified monitoring due to their assessed potential to commit crimes in the future. Those on the list don’t even have to have been convicted of a crime in the past. And while these developments are occurring, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/predicting-and-preventing-crime-an-interview-with-ctdss-dr-roman-marchant/">there’s research being carried</a> out with the aim of being able to predict the level of criminality present in urban areas by analysing socioeconomic factors, so as to better allocate policing resources to prevent crime before it happens. Of course, as yet, no one has turned up to parliament with a bill that puts thoughtcrimes on the law books. However, proactively locating individuals before they perpetrate any criminal acts certainly sounds a lot like Orwell’s dystopian vision. Written by Paul Gregoire. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/posting-about-politicians-the-nsw-police-force-may-have-you-in-their-sights/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

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With more lawsuits potentially looming, should politicians be allowed to sue for defamation?

Politicians slam Albanese's "hypocritical" private jet use

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Lisa Wilkinson denies turning to senior politicians over Higgins’ rape allegations

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MP suffers collapse during speech in parliament

Fury as politician calls for renaming of Australian states

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Australia’s favourite politician? Scott Morrison scores major approval amid crisis

Politicians look out for themselves and it is at the expense of the people

Posting about politicians? The NSW Police Force may have you in their sights

Posting about politicians? The NSW police force may have you in their sights

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Contests

Entertainment

Travel

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Property

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With more lawsuits potentially looming, should politicians be allowed to sue for defamation?

Politicians slam Albanese's "hypocritical" private jet use

Oscar-winning politician Glenda Jackson passes away at 87

Lisa Wilkinson denies turning to senior politicians over Higgins’ rape allegations

Nigella Lawson speaks on her father’s death for the first time

Top politicians not so calculated after all

Ben Fordham unleashes on Canberra's "most toxic politician"

Pauline Hanson calls out new “scaremongering” rules for politicians

NZ politician’s hilarious X-rated blunder

Politician slams diverse new Wiggles line-up

Inside Anthony Albanese's $2.1 million property up for grabs

"Hits you like a jolt": Politician shares warning signs she ignored before heartbreaking diagnosis

"You need to be quiet": MP with fringe COVID views taken to task

MP suffers collapse during speech in parliament

​Fury as politician calls for renaming of Australian states

How Julia Gillard forever changed Australian politics - especially for women

Australia’s favourite politician? Scott Morrison scores major approval amid crisis

Politicians look out for themselves and it is at the expense of the people

Posting about politicians? The NSW Police Force may have you in their sights

Posting about politicians? The NSW police force may have you in their sights

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Fury as politician calls for renaming of Australian states