Budget 2025: Labor’s surprise tax cuts

With a federal election just around the corner, has Treasurer Jim Chalmers managed to help ease our financial pain without going on a spending spree, which would inevitably lead to being blamed for fuelling inflation? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright, speaks to Samantha from with…

What’s wrong with the Botox gold rush happening online

Cosmetic injectables, like Botox and dermal fillers, are a boom industry in Australia and running alongside this is easy access to telehealth appointments, which have led some people to getting injectables after a consultation with a doctor that lasts only 52 seconds. Today, senior reporter Henrie…

‘Never kiss the ring: How Canada is fighting Trump’

For months now, American president Donald Trump has been saying that Canada should become part of the United States.  At first, many treated it as a joke. But now, as Canadians might say, the gloves are off. Its leaders have hit back, forcefully. And Canadian comedian Mike Myers sparked a viral s…

Inside Politics: The budget drop-a-thon

Just as Treasurer Jim Chalmers puts the final touches on his pre-election budget, the local threat emanating from Donald Trump's global trade war is becoming clearer. Labor is boosting Australia's subsidised medicine scheme, but US big pharma companies want to boost their profits down under. Mean…

It's not only Trump, America's inequality is 'savage'

From the relative comfort of our distant homes, it’s easy to look at the United States, and the grotesque inequality its people suffer and wonder: how did that happen? But, it’s no accident. It’s by choice. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on the historical decisions made…

The tobacco tax causing carnage in our streets

A tax on tobacco has long seemed like a great idea, at least to the politicians who put them in place. It would deter smokers. And raise revenue at the same time. What could possibly go wrong? Lately, a lot. Because gangland warfare over illegal tobacco has been ramping up in Victoria. In February…

The subs that launched a thousand...questions. On board the AUKUS submarine

These are the submarines that have launched a thousand ships, or rather, reams of news stories and hours of debate in parliament.  Because they don’t just come with an eight billion dollar price tag. Each. They also come with some serious political baggage.  They are the infamous nuclear-powered …

Is CFMEU corruption any closer to being stamped out?

In July last year, an investigation from investigative journalist Nick McKenzie revealed that underworld figures and bikies had infiltrated one of the country’s most powerful unions, and major building projects in Victoria and NSW.  The investigation led to an immediate response, with Prime Minist…

Inside Politics: How our reporter helped to break the Trump tariff story

The verdict is in: Australia will not be granted an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium, despite hopes President Trump would look favourably on one of its most loyal allies and grant us one.  The news was greeted with dismay in Canberra, with the Prime Minister saying the decision the…

Peter Hartcher on Trump's tariff war, and what it means for Australia

So, it’s happened. Donald Trump has slapped a massive tariff on our aluminium and steel exports to the United States. This, after our government has spent weeks trying to forestall this event. So, how will it impact our economy? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what me…