
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor on tax top-ups and budget bottom lines
As the election starters gun is about to be fired, Tuesdays budget announced modest income tax cuts as the governments latest cost-of-living measure. The Coalition has opposed the tax relief, with Peter Duttons Thursday...

Peter Dutton promises $6 billion 12-month halving of petrol and diesel excise
Opposition leader Peter Dutton will promise in his Thursday budget reply that a Coalition government would immediately halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel. The cut, which would take the excise from 50.8 cents a...

Forget booing the anthem, Canada must employ strategic communications to fight Trump’s lies
Since his return to office, United States President Donald Trump has launched a trade war on Canada. The White House has twice set deadlines for the imposition of sweeping 25 pre cent tariffs and twice pulled back. Trump...

Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reform
In a surprising turnaround, Mississippi, once ranked near the bottom of U.S. education standings, has dramatically improved its student literacy rates. As of 2023, the state ranks among the top 20 for fourth grade reading,...

The United States is no longer a democracy. At least, thats the verdict of one nonprofit, the Center for Systemic Peace, which measures regime qualities of countries worldwide based on the competitiveness and integrity of...

Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico could spell trouble for distilled spirits
If all the tariff drama in the news lately has you reaching for a stiff drink, youre not alone. Unfortunately, those same tariffs might make it harder to get your hands on your favorite brand of tequila. In early March...