policy debate

In the annals of baffling financial decisions, Donald Trump’s latest policy move may one day rival the most infamous. Historians may yet look past his double presidential victories and instead focus on a unique achievement: managing to bankrupt multiple casinos in the 1990s. A feat so improbable, it feels like the setup to a joke.

Labor, currently in government and led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, occupies the centre-left position in Australian politics. Its foundational values include:

During a high-profile visit to Greenland’s Pituffik base last week, US Vice-President JD Vance sparked controversy with comments that Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described as “not how you speak to your close allies.” Vance, who was touring the US military installation alongside top officials, criticized Danish investments in Greenland, claiming that the territory had been “under-invested” in for the benefit of its people. His remarks drew an immediate rebuke from Danish officials and reignited tensions over Arctic security.

A group of Israeli parliamentarians has taken an unprecedented step by urging Australian MPs to abandon the country’s long-held two-state policy on Israel and Palestine. In a letter distributed at a high-profile event at Parliament House in February, eight Knesset members representing both governing and opposition factions warned that maintaining the current approach would ultimately reward Hamas and jeopardize the security of Israel.

Liberal leader Libby Mettam has announced her resignation as WA Liberals leader, citing a lack of support from her colleagues following another significant election defeat. In a candid statement on Thursday, Mettam revealed that she would not continue in the leadership role through to the next election in 2029. Instead, she has opted to run as a candidate for the deputy leadership, aiming to remain an influential voice in the party despite stepping down from the top position.

A radical shake-up in Western Australia’s government has left even the state’s new health minister, Meredith Hammat, uncertain about where the buck stops. In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Premier Roger Cook revealed that first-time minister Hammat would assume the complex and challenging health portfolio—a decision that has sparked immediate questions regarding how the responsibilities will be shared within the new departmental structure. The move forms part of Cook’s broader strategy to adopt a more team-like approach to health governance, introducing new portfolios for health infrastructure, preventative health, and aged care.

Tech giants, including Meta, have raised concerns over the Australian government’s approach to implementing its under-16 social media ban, criticizing what they call a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. The criticism comes as US President Donald Trump threatens retaliatory measures against countries imposing restrictions on American digital platforms.

The ongoing rail union dispute in New South Wales (NSW) presents significant challenges for the transport sector, affecting daily commuters and public perception. Unions representing train drivers and staff are in negotiations with the government over pay and safety standards amid rising living costs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concerns about the disruptions caused by strikes, advocating for a resolution through dialogue. The NSW government's approach balances union demands with fiscal responsibility. As negotiations evolve, the ramifications for public transport and labor relations are profound, highlighting the need for a balanced outcome that prioritizes both operational efficiency and workers' rights.