More than any others, independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor hold the fate of the Gillard government and its legislative agenda in their hands. And more than anywhere else, their regional electorates have been the key beneficiaries of the minority government. The deal to back Labor in the minority government delivered serious “regional development” funding, including […]

Anthony Albanese is Labor’s parliamentary go-to man, a bloke with willingness and enthusiasm for fronting up — whether at the dispatch box, to protesters or even in backing a losing leadership candidate. But his under-appreciated infrastructure funding legacy will last longer than his ability to fire up at opponents. Despite the powerbroker label, Albanese has an abominable […]

Diplomats move around the corridors of power in Canberra, rarely seen. The lesser ones sometimes travel in packs. They have access to ministers, politicians and senior bureaucrats, sometimes beyond even that of the best-connected lobbyists. They use this access to help achieve two key goals: to keep their own governments apprised of what’s happening here, […]

One of the greatest frustrations of Australian consumers — the extraordinary differences in IT prices between Australia and elsewhere, and the cavalier refusal of major IT companies to explain them — is set to be examined at a parliamentary inquiry. Crikey understands that as a result of a campaign by Labor MP Ed Husic, the government is considering undertaking […]

Political power in Canberra has become harder than ever to effectively use, so who’s got the skills, popularity and support to wield it best? The Power Index is counting down the top 10 most powerful and influential people in Canberra. Here’s the shortlist … Andrew Wilkie With his deal to back Labor voided by Julia […]