STORIES
Why do we have elections anyway?
For some, elections might seem a boring chore, but plenty of others think they’re a vital part of our society, and important since we live in a democracy.
Showing up, learning and yarning – Dhani Gilbert on Healing Country
The theme of NAIDOC Week 2021 is Heal Country.
How are party leaders chosen?
In June 2021, the National Party replaced its leader Michael McCormack with former leader Barnaby Joyce, an unexpected change in Deputy Prime Minister.
Transition of power – what’s the difference between Australia and the United States?
On January 20, Joseph R Biden Jr was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.
'So deadly...so proud': Representation and democracy
‘I was proud of this strong Blak woman in front of me, she made me feel empowered!’
Eight by-elections that changed the game
In October 2017, the High Court ruled that five elected politicians were ineligible under Section 44 of the Constitution.
Free votes: a quick explainer
It's tough to be a politician. You are called upon to represent the community that elected you, but you're also called upon to follow a party line, and support whoever your party's leader is.
How often should we have an election – every three years or every four?
Does it ever feel like we've just got over the last election before the next one looms?
Dual citizenship and other no-nos that will give you the boot
The question of dual citizenship and eligibility to sit in parliament was a hot topic in 2017.
The same, but different: the UK election compared to Australia
With many ex-pat Australians living and working in Britain, and millions of Australians having British ancestors, political developments in the United Kingdom are closely followed by Australians.
Driving Mr Menzies
Jimmy Clements, a Wuradjuri man from down Gundagai way, walked all the way up to Canberra on hearing that the Duke and Duchess of York were set to open the new federal parliament.
Coalition governments: what are they and how do they work?
Long-serving Liberal Member of Parliament Ian Macfarlane's move from the Liberal Party to the Nationals in 2015 highlighted the fact that, at the time, the Australian Government was based on a coalition.
Royal commissions: what are they and how do they work?
In 2015, Australia had two royal commissions under way: the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.
Estimates committees: two words that strike fear in a public servant's heart
On television, we occasionally see ministers or heads of departments and other senior officials in the bureaucracy being grilled over the way they have spent – or plan to spend – government moneys.
By-elections in Australia
By-elections are called when there is a need to replace a member of the House of Representatives who has resigned or died.
