37 Results

We’re all supposed to be Asia-literate now. Freelance writer David Donaldson investigates where federal MPs are going on taxpayer-funded overseas study tours — and finds one key Asian country is off the radar.

Crikey compiles a list of Australia’s political nicknames.

Crikey readers weigh in on the issues of the day.

A politician’s looks have far more power than previously thought, according to new US research. It’s not how attractive a political candidate is, it’s about how competent they look, explains Leonard Mlodinow.

Must Australian politicians work “tirelessly” for their communities or face electoral oblivion? James Panichi of InsideStory looks for the middle ground.

Crikey readers have their say.

Journalists traditionally have been less enthusiastic about exposing low standards in politicians’ personal behaviour, particularly those occasions involving the infidelity of politicians, writes Drag0nista.

Politicians are infantile. They want what they want when they want it. They lack all seriousness and meaning. It’s become a profession for the callow, jejune, and wet behind the ears, says Michael Wolff.

Why do we keep having Australian ambassadors as ex-politicians? asks Jim Molan. Kim Beazley in Washington shouldn’t be talking so candidly about the war in Afghanistan since it’s such a tense issue between the US and Australia.

Welcome to fantasy land for cricket nuts, where Shane Warne is finance minister of Australia — until he gambles the entire GDP away — and Sanath Jayasuriya is president of Sri Lanka.

The government is the biggest business in Australia, but we’ve got politicians, not business people running it. Managing people and money is not the same as a desperate thirst to be PM, writes Chris Berg.

From Malcolm Turnbull to Tony Abbott, Australia’s got a rich history of journalists flipping over to the dark side of politics. We’re not alone. Jack Shafer explores the US phenomena and the journo urge to run for office.

The days of mass-membership political parties are over. Instead, it seems like we’ve decided to outsource politics to a new class: professional politicians.

Whether it be your childhood crush on Bob Hawke, a poem penned in primary school for Gough Whitlam or a secret fondness for John Howard, join in the discussion at Larvartus Prodeo about your earliest political memory.

Why the anger when Aussie politicians’ salaries — measly compared to the private sector — are given a slight raise? Pollies also have to deal with public and media scrutiny, so let’s pay them what they’re worth.

Our MPs may love the climate change talk, but when it comes to cars there is very little green action, with the majority of MPs driving fuel guzzling, rev head six or eight cylinder cars. And they are HUGE Ford Territory fans…

The new salary for MP backbenchers? $131,000. The ridiculously low salary for our PM? $340,000. The knowledge that power is the only motivator for politicians? Priceless, writes Laurie Oakes.

Those holding civic office have had a distinct tendency to wander off into parts unknown. Does power drive a man (or woman) into the yonder? History writer Mike Stutchbery investigates.

Politicians are experts at ignoring questions and spinning answers to their own agenda. It irritates journalists, and more importantly, frustrates voters, writes Leigh Sales.

This week, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev thrilled and horrified the blogosphere by wearing jeans and a designer blazer to a dinner with Barack Obama. Mel Campbell does some further political fashion analysis.

Was the taking of the photo what is said to be wrong? Or was it selling the photos to News Ltd for a donation? Asks Graham Young.

Bats - Why can’t we kill them?

Politicians are a little more popular, but when it comes to high esteem, nothing beats a nurse.