Politics with Michelle Grattan
News:Politics
After spending a year immersed in the parliamentary machine, broadcaster-turned-senator Derryn Hinch is keen to see a more efficient Senate.
His suggestions include shortening the length of speeches – and thus the opportunity for filibusters – and trimming supplementary questions. He’s frustrated by the government’s “Dorothy Dixers”. “It’s a waste of time,” he says.
As the debate around same-sex marriage continues to affect the government, Hinch has made clear his support for reform.
But he found himself receiving some flak when he voted with the government in a division – which was defeated – to allow debate on its plebiscite bill. He had every intention of voting against the bill, but thought discussion should have been permitted.
On the dual citizenship imbroglio, the former New Zealand citizen made sure he put his affairs in order before the election. He got a backhanded compliment: “If the Human Headline can check it out and fix it, it can’t be that hard”.
How far will China go? La Trobe’s Nick Bisley says China’s ’risk appetite’ has gone up
Tom Calma on the Indigenous Voice to parliament
Peter Dutton puts nuclear power on opposition’s agenda
Is Morrison’s absence from parliament disrespectful to his voters?
Health Minister Mark Butler warns COVID wave will worsen
‘Pandemic fatigue’ takes its toll of mandates and even the expert health advice
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jason Clare on Australia’s education challenges
People’s pockets hit again, with rate rise and floods set to boost veggie prices
Parliamentary ‘newbies’ inspect their workplace, with some complaints
Greg Barns on the battle to free Julian Assange
On the economy, people smugglers, parliamentary sitting, and Julian Assange
Tony Wood on the unprecedented energy crisis
Bowen says “bumpy” time ahead for power supply – but don’t turn the heater off
Warm smiles in Indonesia, but chillier news
Tony Burke advocates on wages and arts
Word from The Hill: Albanese’s ministry mixes stability and surprise
Historian Frank Bongiorno reflects on elections present and past
Five seats to watch on Saturday night, and getting the hang of a hung parliament
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Grattan Institute’s Danielle Wood on election’s thin policy debate
Scott Morrison defends Katherine Deves (again), but slips up on surgery detail
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