Politics

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, hitched a ride on the prime minister’s jet as it flew into Canberra on Wednesday morning. The same day, speculation in the national capital was at fever pitch over an imminent challenge to Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Liberal Party.

In some respects, Albanese was already ahead of his Canadian counterpart’s wake-up call ... What remains now is to clearly establish a productive working relationship with Carney, to develop effective middle power coalitions.

This week, the full bench of the High Court heard a challenge to Victoria’s changes to its campaign financing laws, brought by a pair of independent candidates. It is not the only case in the works.

This week, the credentials of the Albanese government to manage the economy came under their most intense challenge since Labor was first elected almost four years ago.

The implosion over hate laws is a bad start to the Coalition’s new year and for supporters of good government. The situation is existential, but the outcome is not preordained. Liberals and Nationals have agency to affect the outcome. History suggests they can succeed.

The world as we know it is changing fast. It is not at all clear what the seating arrangements will be or who will be leading the opposition when parliament resumes next Tuesday.

A most important national challenge to all involved in our political process – especially government, opposition and media – is to restore social cohesion.

This is the season for resolutions – the time when many of us commit to eating better, exercising more and getting off our phones. Treasurer Jim Chalmers should make a different kind of resolution: it’s Australia’s economy that needs to get into shape.

Deep dysfunction on the conservative side of politics has led to the end of the federal Coalition after the Nationals embarrassed the Liberals over the Albanese government’s hate speech bill.

The escalating madness of the Trump administration and creaking AUKUS nuclear submarine deal add a whole extra layer to the challenges facing Australia. Those problems are now, not some time in the future.