Rob Oakeshott

Oakeshott’s campaign compromised

15 May 2012 | Paul Haege

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 53 |

Independent Rob Oakeshott’s two-year crusade to protect and improve the integrity of Parliament has been compromised by of all people – himself.

The perils of trying to clean up politics

15 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | There is a code of behaviour, but it’s secret

Former NSW Premier Nick Greiner learned the hard way how politician codes of conduct can go wrong.

Libs, unions step up pressure on Thomson

15 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Liberals, unions turn up heat on Thomson

The federal opposition is expected to push for an examination of the payment of legal fees for embattled MP Craig Thomson by the Labor Party, a tactic designed to make him ineligible to sit in Parliament.

Political will vital to cutting green tape

14 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Political will vital to cutting green tape

A focus by business on the costs of “green tape” will build momentum for slashing regulation, but political will is needed to make real progress.

Code for conduct unbecoming

14 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 14 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Code for conduct unbecoming

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has backed a proposal for a Code of Conduct for MPs that was put on ice six months ago as the government struggles to deflect attention away from embattled MP Craig Thomson.

With tax loss, small business gains

12 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 29 | Small biz win

Business and industry groups have thrashed the federal government for its failure to implement the promised company tax cut in the budget, but at least one sector has benefited from the funds provided by that backflip: small businesses.

Road map on tax shows the way: Oakeshott

12 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Road map gaining traction: Oakeshott

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has said the tax reform agenda is gaining momentum, with three working groups due to deliver their recommendations soon.

Abbott surges to the lead

12 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 1 |

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s personal popularity and standing as preferred prime minister has surged as the federal government battled leadership instability and “the sleaze factor” during the Slipper and Thomson scandals.

MPs may seek censure motion

12 May 2012 | Gemma Daley and Marcus Priest

PRINT: 12 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Talk of censure motion

There is growing momentum for the Australian parliament to pass a motion on Craig Thomson, who is the middle of a scandal about his use of a Health Services Union credit card and using its finances to fund his election campaign.

Surplus a lifebuoy Labor can cling to

11 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Surplus a lifebuoy Labor can cling to

“When you are on the high wire,” one Labor figure said yesterday, “it doesn’t matter how high it is, and there is no point looking down.”

MP looks for answers in blue book

11 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | MP in despair seeks answers in blue book

Rob Oakeshott has been walking around federal parliament this week with a heavy blue book that he needs to provide answers to his biggest dilemma – what to do with embattled MP Craig Thomson.

Thomson: MPs facing a real dilemma

11 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Pressure, but MPs facing a real dilemma

The pressure of the unrelenting assault on the government over the Thomson affair is now starting to show on the crossbench MPs.

Oakeshott questions PM deal

11 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Oakeshott questions PM deal

Updated | Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says the Craig Thomson affair has undermined his agreement with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, becoming the second cross bencher to question the pact he has with Labor.

Thomson charges a ‘game changer’: Oakeshott

10 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

Criminal charges against ousted Labor MP Craig Thomson would be a “game changer”, says cross bencher Rob Oakeshott, who has left the door open to supporting parliamentary moves against the MP.

Regional cash splash keeps indpendents sweet

10 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 11 | Regional cash splash keeps independents on side

Parks and playgrounds in the electorates of independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are among projects on sweetener list.

Personal tragedy lost in politics

10 May 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 11 | Personal tragedy lost in politics

In politics, there is occasionally a flash of the personal stories that drive a government.

Thomson saves the day from horror

10 May 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Thomson saves the day from horror

Wayne Swan’s fifth budget teetered on the brink of political irrelevance during 15 minutes of horror for the Gillard government.

How the government evaded defeat over Thomson

10 May 2012 |

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 7 | How the government evaded defeat

An eventful day in Parliament began with Prime Minister Julia Gillard saying there were proper processes for dealing with the allegations against Craig Thomson. Here’s how the rest of the parliamentary session played out with the input of key figures.

Labor scramble to hold the line on Thomson

10 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 7 | Scramble to hold the line

Labor faced a race against time to avert a vote to force embattled MP Craig Thomson to address the House on the allegations against him.

Rushed deal shields Thomson

09 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 7 | Rushed deal shields Thomson

Embattled MP Craig Thomson averted a humiliating defeat for the government in Parliament by promising to make a comprehensive statement on explosive allegations against him as key crossbenchers prepared to side with the Coalition.

Oakeshott inconsistency

09 May 2012 | M G Kile

For Independent MP Rob Oakeshott, “one way to meet community concerns” about the government’s carbon (dioxide) tax would be to remove the proposed $15 price floor when (or if) an emissions trading scheme starts after 2015 (“Oakeshott threat on carbon price”, May 4). This is a curious statement from a member of the climate change committee that signed off on its design; a structure some claim was inspired by William Heath Robinson. (Perhaps his machine for “resuscitating stale railway scones for redistribution at station buffets”?)

A booby trap for Abbott in handouts

09 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

The Labor government will put Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on notice over extra cash benefits delivered through the once-in-a-lifetime mining boom, linking family payments to the tax on profits at big miners.

MPs split on support

09 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

Independents were split on whether the Craig Thomson affair would push them to support a no-confidence motion in the government as the scandal around the embattled MP misusing credit cards overshadowed Labor’s first budget surplus.

Civil case against Thomson up in air

09 May 2012 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Civil case against Thomson up in air

The AEC has said civil proceedings against federal MP Craig Thomson for breaches of the Electoral Act might not be possible because of the time it took Fair Work Australia to release its Heath Services Union report.

Labor hangs on as crisis deepens

09 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Labor hangs on as crisis deepens

The Gillard government clung to its parliamentary majority by the slimmest of margins in an assault by the Coalition over its support for sidelined Speaker Peter Slipper and embattled MP Craig Thomson.

Messy, but survivable

09 May 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Messy, but survivable

Kitney | The unravelling of the government’s credibility stopped just short of disaster as it achieved its key political objective – preserving its parliamentary ­majority.

Surplus still possible if carbon price is wrong

08 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 25 | Emissions revenue at a high price

Treasury has maintained its projection for a high carbon price of $29 in 2015/16 when emissions trading starts but insisted the budget will remain in surplus if it is lower.

NSW Coalition adviser on board that talked down rail link

08 May 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 11 | Coalition adviser on board that talked down rail link

A key adviser to the NSW Coalition is on the board of the federal infrastructure body that rejected the state government’s submission for $2.1 billion in funding for a rail link to north-west Sydney.

Carbon floor price rethink a revenue threat

08 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Floor price rethink a revenue threat

The federal government has been warned there is a risk to its budget revenue estimates if moves to overturn regulations for a carbon scheme floor price prove successful.

Slipper likely to escape no-confidence motion

07 May 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 8 | Slipper set to walk to avoid censure

The Coalition looks unlikely to support a no-confidence motion against Peter Slipper provided he steps down from the Speaker’s post.

MPs back plan to block carbon floor price

07 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | MPs plan to block carbon floor price

A price floor on carbon of $15 under a future emissions trading scheme is under a cloud with key MPs backing a plan to block regulations to introduce it.

Who pays for small-business break

06 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

Treasurer Wayne Swan’s commitment to introduce widely anticipated tax relief for struggling small businesses in the budget drew qualified applause from businesses in the expectation other breaks will be slashed to fund it.

Oakeshott threat to block carbon price floor

03 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Oakeshott threat on carbon price

Independent Rob Oakeshott has threatened to block regulations in Parliament to introduce a price floor on carbon after 2015.

Momentum builds for small-business assistance

03 May 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 13 | Momentum builds for small-business assistance

The budget should look at extablishing a new small business body to cut compliance costs and better target policies towards those that are struggling, business representatives and tax experts say.

Twin budget hits for top earners

30 April 2012 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Twin budget hits for top earners

Nearly 60 per cent of all personal tax is paid by little more than 17 per cent of Australian taxpayers, but the federal government is preparing to slug the very top earners with more imposts.

Government risks losing Oakeshott

30 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Government risks losing Oakeshott

The federal government will need to stump up at least $3.5 billion for the Pacific Highway in this federal budget or risk losing the backing of one of its key supporters, independent MP Rob Oakeshott.

Labor has the power of one

30 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Clinging to the power of one

The federal government is likely to retain a slim one-vote margin over the Coalition after Craig Thomson said he would vote with the ALP but the new arrangements increase Julia Gillard’s reliance on the crossbenchers.

Too long to fix Labor’s festering mess

30 April 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 54 | Too long to fix Labor’s festering mess

Editorial | Again, belatedly, the Prime Minister has been forced to try to clean up a mess that is largely a result of her own missteps.

Gillard’s ploy to stop the rot

29 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 1 |

PM Julia Gillard will rely on the vote of Craig Thomson, who she pressured to suspend his Labor membership on the weekend, to retain a knife-edge majority of one in Parliament.

Here’s the proof: Slipper

26 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 26 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Here’s the proof: Slipper

House of Representatives Speaker Peter Slipper has produced what he says is proof that criminal alle­gations that he misused Cabcharge dockets were false.

Global equities fall as euro fears bite

24 April 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Shares in Europe and on Wall Street have tumbled as political instability and weak economic data in the euro zone undermine investor confidence ■ Dow down 0.8pc ■ SPI down 21pts ■ $A steady ■ Spotless trading halt ■ Broker Watch: AWE, MQG.

Threat to block Slipper’s return

24 April 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 24 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Threat to block Slipper’s return

An angry and frustrated independent MP Rob Oakeshott has warned the Gillard ­government that he will not support plans to rush Peter Slipper back into the Speaker’s chair before he is cleared of all allegations of fraud and sexual ­harassment.

Tough test for independents

24 April 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 24 April 2012 | PAGE 54 | Tough test for

Editorial | Among the questions raised by the mounting difficulties besetting Julia Gillard’s minority government is just what it would take for the independent MPs to withdraw their support for the Labor government.

Labor’s lost moral authority

24 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 24 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Labor’s lost moral authority

The allegations facing Peter Slipper have cast a new pall of uncertainty over the budget.

Wilkie the winner as Gillard loses Slipper

23 April 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Wilkie the winner in jostle for new allies

The Gillard government will be forced to re-engage with crossbenchers holding the balance of power following Peter Slipper’s decision to stand down as speaker, and the support of independent Andrew Wilkie is once again crucial for the government’s survival.

Slipper just part of the house of cards

23 April 2012 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 23 April 2012 | PAGE 53 | Slipper just part of the house of cards

Julia Gillard finds her government entrapped in a sort of political Murphy’s Law in which what can go wrong will. And the latest chapter is entitled Peter Slipper.

Independents oppose cut in diesel fuel rebate

21 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 7 | Independents oppose cut in fuel rebate

Two key independent MPs have warned they would oppose any move by the federal government to cut the diesel fuel rebate for miners, making it almost impossible for any such change to pass Parliament.

NBN defends satellite deals

16 April 2012 | David Ramli

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | NBN defends satellite deals

NBN Co has been accused of taking highly unusual risks with $660 million in taxpayers’ funds by signing contracts to build and launch satellites without securing their orbital parking spots first.

NBN lag a letdown for Telstra shareholders

16 April 2012 | John McDuling

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 15 | NBN lag a letdown

Ongoing delays to the national broadband network could mean disappointment for Telstra shareholders expecting a huge share buyback announcement this week.

Gillard to reach out to business

12 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 12 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Gillard to reach out to business

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will on Thursday unveil plans to streamline ­federal and state environmental approvals that have been urged by business at an historic COAG advisory forum.

Push to end fears over financial advice reform

26 March 2012 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | Drive begins to end fears over reform

Powerbrokers behind the compromise deal to push through the financial advice reforms have attempted to allay fears the proposed “code of conduct” will create more uncertainty.

Superable but far from super

23 March 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 2 | Superable but not super

Hewett | Bill Shorten says he is ‘’about outcomes and agnostic about means’’. This was on show as new financial advice rules passed the House.

Oakeshott wants tougher FIRB land rules

23 March 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 16 |

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has backed calls for the Foreign Investment Review Board to scrutinise more offshore purchases of agricultural assets as the Coalition considers toughening regulation.

Dealmakers dilute ‘iconic’ FoFA rule

23 March 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Dealmakers dilute ‘iconic’ FoFA rule

A financial services reform described by Prime Minister Julia Gillard as “iconic” has been watered-down by the federal government in a bid to get its remaining ‘future of financial advice’ reforms through parliament.

Historic $A pact seals China ties

23 March 2012 | Michael Dwyer

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Historic $Apact seals

Australia will become more enmeshed in the Asian financial zone after the Reserve Bank signed a $30 billion currency swap arrangement with the Chinese central bank.

Rag trade workers set for better deal

21 March 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 21 March 2012 | PAGE 6 | Rag trade workers set for better deal

The textile, clothing and footwear industry has criticised laws likely to pass this week that stop manufacturers from hiring workers as contractors, arguing the struggling industry needs to maintain flexibility.

Last-minute backdown on FoFA reforms

19 March 2012 | Patrick Durkin

PRINT: 19 March 2012 | PAGE 17 | Last-minute backdown on FoFA reforms

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has criticised the federal government over its last-minute dilution of the financial advice reforms, saying it had ignored the key people in making its decision.

MPs call for bowel cancer funding boost

13 March 2012 |

A $15 million investment in expanding bowel cancer screening could save up to 4000 Australian lives each year and up to $1 billion.

Oakeshott aims for balance in House and home

13 March 2012 | Paul Smith

PRINT: 13 March 2012 | PAGE 33 | Oakeshott aims for balance in House and home

Rob Oakeshott made the most important decision of his career based on the belief access to technology in regional Australia was non-negotiable. But when it comes to personal IT, he’s a slow-adopter.

Advisers urged to tackle local MPs

12 March 2012 | Duncan Hughes

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 22 | Advisers urged to tackle local MPs

Campaigns have been launched by two industry groups representing more than 11,000 independent financial advisers to lobby federal members of parliament to amend planned legislation.

Oakeshott bid to fix offshore processing impasse

12 March 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 4 | Oakeshott tries asylum seeker fix

The government and the opposition both favour processing illegal arrivals offshore, but they cannot agree on where asylum seekers should be processed.

Greens push Swan over tax cut laws

12 March 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 12 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Greens push Swan over tax cut laws

The Greens are pressing the Gillard government to immediately legislate its promised cuts to company tax or face the risk that its $10 billion mining tax might not get Senate approval.

NBN debate needs to pick up speed

06 March 2012 | Paul Smith

PRINT: 06 March 2012 | PAGE 33 | NBN debate needs to pick up speed

The federal government needs to keep the NBN in the news if it is to become a key policy issue at the next election.

NSW toughens stance on coal, gas

01 March 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 14 | NSW tough on coal, gas

Tougher environmental assessments will apply to coal and coal seam gas projects in parts of NSW under a national regime regulating the burgeoning industry.

Carbon tax will cost more, says McKibbin

01 March 2012 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 14 | Carbon tax threatens bigger price hit

Former Reserve Bank of Australia board member Warwick McKibbin predicts the carbon tax will push up prices more than Treasury predicts – but the silver lining will be a weaker Australian dollar.

Regulators under pressure on generators

01 March 2012 | Claire Stewart

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 14 | Regulators under pressure on generators

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has questioned whether NSW electricity regulators can control power generators after Australia’s biggest emitter warned of price rises.

Penalty rates MPs’ big worry

01 March 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 7 | Penalty rates MPs’ big worry

The independents that backed Julia Gillard and Labor say they would make IR laws more flexible, but also criticised Opposition leader Tony Abbott for not caring about regional Australia.

Pokies reform hits another roadblock

29 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | Independents go for broke on pokies reform

The government’s planned trial of poker machine reform will have to change and include a $1 safety net to get critical support from key parliamentarians as an advertising blitz started across the country today.

Turnbull stays mum on NBN alternative

28 February 2012 | David Ramli

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 29 | Business calls out Turnbull on NBN

Coalition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull has rejected calls to provide details of the Coalition’s alternative to the NBN.

Rudd takes long walk down green mile

28 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Rudd’s long walk to irrelevance

One of the weirdest walks in politics is the one that a former leader makes from the front row to the back seats in federal Parliament.

Oil price surge may threaten global rally

27 February 2012 | Bianca Hartge-Hazelman

Before the Bell | Global risk assets have been on the front foot this year, but the rising price of oil will concern investors ■ Buffett talks succession ■ SPI down 7pts ■ $A at $US1.069 ■ Broker Watch: HVN, AGK, EGP.

Dinner snub for Abbott

27 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Dinner snub for Abbott

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott ­yesterday accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of “bleeding” the government before heading to a private meeting with the man he replaced, Malcolm Turnbull.

Gillard win but Labor bloodied

27 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Gillard win but Labor bloodied

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to win today’s Labor leadership ballot, but be wounded by confirmation that around one-third of her caucus has abandoned her.

Swan, Wong hit back over carbon tax

27 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | Swan, Wong hit back over carbon tax

Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s key economic ministers have rebuffed Kevin Rudd after he left open the prospect of lowering the carbon tax if he becomes prime minister, warning it could hit the budget bottom line.

Independents, Greens get out their wish lists

24 February 2012 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Independents get out their wishlists

Both leaders have already duchessed independents about their position after the Monday caucus ballot, with the stakes rising on what they want in return for their support.

In quotes | Politicians take sides

23 February 2012 |

Politicians and economists give their take on Monday’s leadership ballot.

Independents warn that ‘all bets are off’

23 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 9 | Independents warn that all bets are off

Independents warned of a snap election as uncertainty continued over Labor’s minority government, whose existence relies on the support of the three cross benchers.

Constitutional crisis stares Rudd in the face

22 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 22 February 2012 | PAGE 4 | Constitutional crisis stares Rudd in the face

Kevin Rudd faces a potential constitutional crisis and possible early election should the Labor caucus back him and Prime Minister Julia Gillard refuse to step aside.

Rudd needs three from crossbench

21 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 21 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Three from crossbench

Kevin Rudd doesn’t yet have support from three crossbenchers he would need to form a minority government if he were to win the leadership from Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The myth of Rudd’s non-campaign

20 February 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 18 February 2012 | PAGE 53 | The myth of Rudd’s non-campaign

Early on in his quest to regain the Labor leadership, Kevin Rudd would turn to fellow caucus members and dismiss the idea of an outright challenge for the job.

Risk seen in change to mining approvals

17 February 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 17 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | CSG overhaul threatens miners

A plan to prioritise environmental assessments of coal and coal seam gas projects in parts of Queensland and NSW could hurt Santos, Arrow Energy, BHP Billiton and Shenhua.

ABCC abolition bill passes by one vote

16 February 2012 | Policing

PRINT: 16 February 2012 | PAGE 16 | Building watchdog loses bite

The Gillard government has watered down the powers of the reshaped building watchdog even further than anticipated in a last-minute deal with the Greens and Independent Bob Katter to get the reforms through.

Health reform is still needed

16 February 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 16 February 2012 | PAGE 62 | Health reform is still needed

Editorial | The Labor government’s proposal to means test the health insurance rebate is a step towards paring back some of middle-class welfare which has burdened government budgets since the Howard era.

Slipper says sorry as voters lose health subsidies

16 February 2012 | Gemma Daley and David Crowe

PRINT: 16 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Slipper says sorry as voters lose insurance break

Labor-appointed speaker Peter Slipper has made an unprecedented apology to his Queensland electorate for not being able to vote against the means testing of private health insurance.

Health means test passed by one vote

14 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 14 February 2012 | PAGE 7 |

Updated | The Labor government’s $3.3 billion plan to means test the health insurance rebate passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning by one vote.

Coalition slams handling of project

10 February 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 10 February 2012 | PAGE 14 | Coalition slams handling of project

The Coalition complained that no ministers were held responsible for a $150 million Infrastructure Employment Project that missed its target.

Waste fires turn green

10 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 10 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Waste fires turn green

Key NSW independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor are set to combine with the Opposition to enable companies to earn renewable energy certificates from power generated from burning native forest waste.

Health means test slugs top earners

09 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 10 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | Health means test slugs top earners

High-income families will be penalised at least $3870 if they don’t take out health insurance, under changes almost certain to be passed by Parliament.

Wilkie ‘leans towards’ health insurance changes

08 February 2012 | Emma Connors

PRINT: 08 February 2012 | PAGE 4 | Wilkie leans towards a means test

Updated | Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he is “leaning toward supporting” the government on its planned changes to private health insurance.

Labor’s jobs programs under scrutiny

08 February 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 08 February 2012 | PAGE 10 | Labor’s jobs programs under scrutiny

Labor’s jobs creation record will come under scrutiny today when two Senate committees investigate how the government spent $150 million on one program that failed to deliver any jobs in depressed regions.

‘All bets would be off’: Independents on ALP leadership

07 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 07 February 2012 | PAGE 8 | All bets would be off, says Oakeshott

Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott increased pressure on Labor to stop “squabbling” and said a change in leader would mean renegotiating to form a new government, or holding an early election.

Gillard confident on health numbers

06 February 2012 | Emma Connors

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 9 | Gillard confident on health rebate

The government will need the support of at least three cross-benchers to get means testing of the health insurance rebate through the lower house.

Labor needs a third option for PM

06 February 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Labor needs a third PM option

Mark Latham - Like two punch-drunk heavyweights, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd have battered each other into political oblivion.

PM urged to bring on challenge

04 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | PM urged to bring on challenge

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is resisting a push to bring on a leadership contest with Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, a contest she would win but which might leave her leadership further damaged.

All bets off if Gillard dumped: Oakeshott

03 February 2012 | David Crowe

Updated | Key independent MPs supporting Prime Minister Julia Gillard have lashed out at the Labor caucus for undermining its leader, with Rob Oakeshott warning it was jeopardising his support for the minority government.

Abbott demands answers on Thomson probe

01 February 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Go-slow fear on Thomson

Updated | Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has called on the Prime Minister to “come clean” over allegations the government had intervened in an investigation into Labor backbencher Craig Thomson.

Police to investigate PM’s office

30 January 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 31 January 2012 | PAGE 4 | Police to investigate PM’s office

The AFP on Monday reversed a decision not to investigate the events leading up to the Australia Day security incident in Canberra in which PM Julia Gillard was forced to flee protesters from the Aboriginal tent embassy.

Independents want priority in gas probe

28 January 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 4 | Independents want priority in gas probe

Projects proposed by AGL, Shenhua and BHP Billiton might be hit by new assessments of how coal and coal seam gas projects affect water reserves.

No confidence in Pyne motion

24 January 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 25 January 2012 | PAGE 9 | No confidence in Pyne motion

The Coalition has threatened to initiate a no-confidence vote in a bid to topple the government, claiming Labor’s reliance on Craig Thomson’s vote makes it a “tainted government”.

Gillard’s ‘pokies fix’ leaves MPs feeling the heat

24 January 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 24 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | ‘Fix’ leaves MPs

Labor MPs are split over Julia Gillard’s decision to scale back her commitment to gambling reform.

Wilkie threat to Labor’s budget plans

23 January 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 23 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Wilkie threat to Labor’s budget plans

Updated | Labor’s budget agenda is at risk from its split with independent MP Andrew Wilkie as it fought back on Sunday against personal attacks on Prime Minister Julia Gillard over poker machine reform.

PM’s pokie plan risks breach with Wilkie

20 January 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 20 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | PM risks breach with Wilkie

Updated | PM Julia Gillard will run a trial of mandatory pre-commitment on high intensity poker machines instead of meeting a post-election agreement with independent MP Andrew Wilkie to impose the plan nationally by 2014.

PM sidesteps her way back to control

20 January 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 20 January 2012 | PAGE 51 | PM sidesteps her way back to control

On the surface, it seemed as if the Prime Minister has had nothing to say – though she’s sending signals that say otherwise.

Wilkie to wait for pokies trial results

19 January 2012 | David Crowe Chief political correspondent

PRINT: 20 January 2012 | PAGE 4 | Wilkie to wait for pokies trial results

Updated | The Gillard government moved closer last night to a compromise on gambling reform with Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie after he declared it “almost inconceivable” that he would vote down the Gillard government.

PM set for a stronger game on pokies

18 January 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 19 January 2012 | PAGE 5 | PM set for a stronger game on pokies

Updated | Prime Minister Julia Gillard has shored up her support within the Labor caucus as she pursues a ­compromise on poker machine reform with Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie.

PM hits jackpot in pokies reform delay

17 January 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 18 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | PM hits jackpot in pokies reform delay

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has gained a reprieve on poker machine reforms that jeopardise Labor’s hold on power after independent MP Andrew Wilkie extended his deadline to embark on the changes.

Robb backs Joyce on regional funding

17 January 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | Robb backs Joyce on regions

Coalition finance spokesman Andrew Robb has backed his Nationals colleague Barnaby Joyce over plans to revive direct cash handouts to the regions.

Why roads need clearer thinking

16 January 2012 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 14 January 2012 | PAGE 53 | Why roads need clearer thinking

If saving lives is the priority on NSW’s Pacific Highway, there are quicker and cheaper options than waiting for that road’s duplication.

PM genuine on pokies: Wilkie

16 January 2012 | Pip Freebairn and Gemma Daley

PRINT: 16 January 2012 | PAGE 3 | PM genuine on pokies: Wilkie

Updated | Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said it was “inconceivable” that PM Julia Gillard would back down on poker machine reforms.

Joyce backs cash splash for regions

16 January 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Joyce backs cash splash for regions

Exclusive | Hundreds of millions of dollars could be doled out to regional councils under a Coalition plan to revive its controversial Regional Partnerships policy, which was dogged by allegations of pork-barrelling.

On the nose in downtown Canberra

12 January 2012 | Rowan Dean

PRINT: 12 January 2012 | PAGE 41 | On the nose in downtown Canberra

New arrivals to Parliament need to be better taught how to fit in, particularly as regards such issues as personal hygiene and joining the queue.

Pokies deadline dilemma looms for PM

22 December 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 22 December 2011 | PAGE 5 | Pokies deadline dilemma looms for PM

One of the PM’s key backers has raised doubts the government will meet a May deadline to introduce new poker machine rules, which would break an election deal with independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

Clubs turn up heat on vulnerable PM

20 December 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 20 December 2011 | PAGE 5 | Clubs turn up heat on vulnerable PM

Clubs will announce a multi-million dollar ‘stage three’ campaign against mandatory pre commitment on poker machines as they release an 18-month study into identifying and treating problem gamblers.

NBN shielded from audit move

08 December 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 08 December 2011 | PAGE 5 | NBN shielded from audit move

NBN Co, the company charged with building the government’s $35.9 billion broadband network, has been shielded from the full force of sweeping new investigative powers for the Auditor-General.

NBN delays irk Oakeshott

05 December 2011 | David Ramli

PRINT: 05 December 2011 | PAGE 48 | Oakeshott irked by NBN delays

Key independent MP and national broadband network supporter Rob Oakeshott has expressed frustration over the regulatory delays that have dogged the NBN.

Public service takes the pain

02 December 2011 | Verona Burgess

PRINT: 02 December 2011 | PAGE 58 | Public service takes the pain

It’s the same old song – but with a different feeling since John Howard’s been gone.

Canberra briefs

02 December 2011 | Verona Burgess

PRINT: 02 December 2011 | PAGE 58 |

The Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin, produced by the Australian Public Service Commission, is the State of the Service report’s sister publication.

Muted reply to university cuts

02 December 2011 | Joanna Mather

PRINT: 02 December 2011 | PAGE 13 | Muted reply to university cuts

Representatives of Australia’s three major university groupings say the cuts in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook could have been worse.

Oakeshott wants health contingency plan

02 December 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 02 December 2011 | PAGE 12 | Oakeshott wants contingency plan

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott’s support for the $2.9 billion savings from means testing the private health insurance rebate hinges on whether the federal government has a contingency plan if many people drop their insurance.

Oakeshott to fight rise in debt cap

02 December 2011 | Adrian Rollins

PRINT: 02 December 2011 | PAGE 10 | Independent to fight rise in debt cap

Key independent MP Rob Oakeshott has threatened to reject any move to raise the Commonwealth borrowing cap above $250 billion.

Wilkie  may withhold support for mini-budget

01 December 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 01 December 2011 | PAGE 7 | Wilkie  may withhold support

Key independent Andrew Wilkie has joined Rob Oakeshott and the Greens in threatening to withhold support for the federal government’s spending cuts.

Backlash brews as parents hit where it hurts

30 November 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 12 | Backlash brews as parents hit where it hurts

An unpopular move to cut the baby bonus by $34 a fortnight for the sake of a $320m saving over four years risks becoming a headache for the government.

ACCI sees super levy as a bitter pill

29 November 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 29 November 2011 | PAGE 11 | ACCI sees super levy as a bitter pill

The nation’s peak business chamber has accused the Gillard government of denying its members due process in the push to impose new superannuation levies.

Foolish to burn us, says Wilkie

28 November 2011 | John Kerin

PRINT: 28 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | Foolish to burn us, says Wilkie

Andrew Wilkie says the government would be foolish to burn crossbench MPs, despite Labor pulling off a “stunning’’ move in appointing Peter Slipper as Speaker.

No recipe, too many cooks

28 November 2011 | Perry Williams

PRINT: 28 November 2011 | PAGE 45 | No recipe, too many cooks

It wasn’t until last week that the true chaos resulting from Canberra’s lack of strategy was shown up for Australia’s resources industry.

The Slipper’s in!

26 November 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 26 November 2011 | PAGE 44 | The slipper’s in!

Labor has one more vote and the Coalition has one fewer. Small numbers, but they change the game in profound ways.

Abbott fails to draft Oakeshott as speaker

26 November 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 26 November 2011 | PAGE 4 | Flailing Abbott fails to draft Oakeshott

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has confirmed that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott offered the Coalition’s support if he stood as speaker.

Parliamentary scrutiny killed by numbers

25 November 2011 | James Powell

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 63 | Parliamentary scrutiny killed by numbers

According to commentators, there’s only one thing in politics that matters – and that’s numbers. They have played their role in promoting Peter Slipper as Speaker.

Now the Slipper’s on the other foot

25 November 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 67 | Now the Slipper’s on the other foot

In railing against the nomination of Peter Slipper for Speaker, Tony Abbott forgot to mention he also lost an MP and a vote in the House.

The deal stands, independent MPs told

25 November 2011 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 10 | Deal stands, MPs told

Senior Labor officials assured the three key independents the terms of their government-securing deals still stood, even before Harry Jenkins’ resignation.

Umpire calls time on rough and tumble

25 November 2011 | John Kerin

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 12 | Umpire calls time on rough and tumble

There were hints Labor speaker Harry Jenkins had had enough of refereeing Parliament recently as he became increasingly outspoken on gambling reform.

Dirty deal shores up Gillard

24 November 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 7 | Dirty deal shores up Gillard

The minority Labor government has strengthened its grip on power after it installed Liberal defector Peter Slipper as Speaker.

CSG needs a long, hard look

24 November 2011 | Matthew Wright

PRINT: 24 November 2011 | PAGE 59 | CSG needs

The contentious issue of coal seam gas has become a federal government concern in the dying days of the 2011 parliamentary sitting year.

CSG regulation upset states, says exec

24 November 2011 | Peter Kerr

PRINT: 24 November 2011 | PAGE 9 | CSG rules seen as threat to COAG reforms

The federal government’s move to establish a committee to oversee the coal seam gas industry will disrupt federal-state reforms, a COAG executive says.

Row builds up over construction watchdog

24 November 2011 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 24 November 2011 | PAGE 10 | Row builds up over industry watchdog

Talks between the Greens, key independents and the federal government over a plan to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner have stalled.

Gillard digs in to push mining tax through

23 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 23 November 2011 | PAGE 13 | PM digs in to push levy through

The Gillard government reached agreement with the Greens late on Tuesday night to push the mining tax through the House of Representatives.

WA lashes Gillard’s CSG deal

22 November 2011 | louise dodson, sophie morris and peter kerr

Updated | WA Premier Colin Barnett said the state would not sign up to a national push to regulate the coal seam gas industry as it would add another layer of red tape for the mining industry, potentially in other sectors such as iron ore.

Steady up on the mining tax

22 November 2011 |

PRINT: 22 November 2011 | PAGE 62 | Steady up on the mining tax

Editorial | The Gillard government is determined to push the minerals resources rent tax through the lower house this week, but why the rush?

Oakeshott warns against royalty rise

22 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 22 November 2011 | PAGE 10 | Oakeshott warns against royalty rise

States could face new penalties if they increase mining royalties after the federal government agreed its GST Distribution Review should consider the issue.

Katter still undecided on mining tax

21 November 2011 |

Federal independent MP Bob Katter will leave it until the last hour to decide whether he will support the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) legislation.

Mining tax over the line

21 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 22 November 2011 | PAGE 1 | Mining tax over the line

Updated | The federal government is heading for a stoush with the states as it moves to exert more control over coal seam gas development as part of a deal with independent MPs to win support for the mining tax.

Crossbenchers hold out on MRRT

18 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 18 November 2011 | PAGE 2 | Crossbenchers hold out on mining tax

Three of the federal independent crossbenchers are still holding out for assurances over the government’s mining tax as PM Julia Gillard urges them to support its passage through Parliament.

Public service values put on the line

18 November 2011 | Verona Burgess

PRINT: 18 November 2011 | PAGE 50 | Public service values put on the line

An early Christmas gift for secretaries sees new legislation that redefines their roles, responsibilities and employment conditions,

CSG hurdles halt resource tax progress

18 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 18 November 2011 | PAGE 13 | CSG hurdles halt resource tax progress

Tougher regulation of coal seam gas and coal have emerged as the focus of intense negotiations to secure crossbench support for the government’s mining tax.

NSW independent joins pokies stoush

16 November 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 16 November 2011 | PAGE 8 | NSW independent joins pokies stoush

A NSW state independent has urged his federal counterpart Tony Windsor to back the gambling industry’s fight against poker machine reforms.

Junior miners say it in anti-tax ad

10 November 2011 | Peter Kerr,

PRINT: 10 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | Small miners to launch anti-tax ads

Updated | A national ad campaign against the federal government’s mining tax will be launched on Friday, in a last-minute rearguard action by disgruntled small miners.

New leader and voter amnesia Labor’s best bet

05 November 2011 | John Black

PRINT: 05 November 2011 | PAGE 62 | Rudd redux and voter amnesia Labor’s best bet

The fascinating thing about the latest Newspolls is that they show Labor could still win the next election with the support of two previously strong Coalition demographics.

Super shake-up shirks substantial issues

03 November 2011 | Sally Patten

PRINT: 03 November 2011 | PAGE 4 | Shake-up shirks substantial issues

It was smiles all round among superannuation types yesterday as the government finally tabled legislation for a sharp rise in the level of compulsory contributions.

Big miners set to pay lion’s share of mining tax

03 November 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 03 November 2011 | PAGE 3 | Big miners set to pay lion’s share

A huge 90 per cent of the federal government’s controversial $11.1 billion mining tax will be paid by Australia’s biggest miners, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

Age limit for super contributions scrapped

02 November 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 03 November 2011 | PAGE 5 | Age limit for contributions scrapped

Australians will be able to work and receive low-taxed superannuation payments into old age, under a surprise government decision.