David Speers

Despite holding a commanding position, Anthony Albanese knows the global trend of sliding trust in government isn't one to be taken lightly.

The level of the prime minister's reform appetite has been discussed and debated since roughly 9pm on election night in May, when Labor's massive win became clear. 

The ABC has been told the federal government is willing to ensure native forestry complies with tougher new standards within three years if the Greens back the reforms. 

The prime minister, when in opposition, accused the Coalition of "hollowing out" the CSIRO. Now, following the announcement 350 research positions at the organisation will be cut, he is being accused of being "worse than Abbott".

The most authoritative snapshot of where the global energy transition is going has just been released at a most opportune moment for any politician weighing which direction Australia should pursue.

What's at stake for the Liberals if they move to dump their position on net zero? The ABC's Political Lead David Speers analyses the path ahead for the party and Sussan Ley's leadership.

If, as expected, the net zero target is abandoned, the long delay in reaching this point will leave the Liberals looking like they've capitulated once again to the Nationals.

The government can't hide its frustration with Rio Tinto, but at the same time it's preparing to dip deeper into taxpayers' pockets to help the company out. Again.

There was something Donald Trump said that alarmed strategic analysts. And it had nothing to do with disliking Kevin Rudd.

In declaring he won't be recontesting his lower house seat and letting speculation run that he might jump ship for One Nation, Barnaby Joyce is declaring he's had enough with the Nationals under David Littleproud.

Trump may have expressed "shock", but his administration is clearly not surprised at China's willingness to flex its dominance on rare earths. 

The government is determined to avoid wearing any blame for Optus' failure but also needs to be transparent about how it handled early advice from the telco.

Australia and Türkiye are at loggerheads over who will host the massive international event, with insiders suggesting the countries could share the hosting rights.

For the first time since becoming Prime Minister more than three years ago, Anthony Albanese has delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Australia's willingness to take on the social media giants is drawing significant international interest, winning the support of the European Commission president at a forum in New York.

Trump clearly disagrees with Albanese on Palestine and the reality of climate change, but it's not on the scale of the beef he has with other countries.

The US president's itinerary for his 24-hour visit to New York makes no mention of Anthony Albanese, all but confirming a one-on-one will not be happening.

The Federal Opposition leader Sussan Ley has apologised to the Indian Australian community for comments made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price last week.

Anthony Albanese has long argued being serious on climate change is the "entry fee" for credibility in the Pacific. 

Comments about Indian migrants were one thing, but refusing to back in her leader made it impossible for her to stay.

Türkiye rejects Australia's bid to host the COP31 climate summit in Adelaide. 

The sight of neo-Nazis trying to whip up community anger and recruit new followers drove home to all how criticism of Australia's migration program can lead to and even legitimise hate speech, racism, and violence.

There is bipartisan support for expelling the Iranian ambassador and listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, but no end to the political brawl over antisemitic attacks in Australia.

The changes are being announced just days after the government was urged to take action by the Economic Reform Roundtable.

The treasurer's priority in this term has shifted from tackling cost of living to productivity and the unions are yet to score a victory.