Politics news

• Live: Minister says he is willing to speak confidentially to anyone with concerns about Steele-John

  18-10-2026 22:05 via ABC News
  
  Don Farrell says he is willing to speak confidentially with anyone about Greens senator Jordon Steele-John after allegations of inappropriate conduct. Follow live.
  
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• Live: Jordon Steele-John denies being on leave, says Greens leader 'let me and my team down'

  18-10-2026 22:05 via ABC News
  
  The WA Greens senator says he is not on leave and that Greens leader David Shoebridge let him and his team down. Follow live. 
  
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• Live: Hanson defends One Nation cartoon, tells Lambie to 'get over it'

  18-10-2026 22:05 via ABC News
  
  One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has defended a cartoon targeting Jacqui Lambie, saying the Tasmanian senator should "lighten up" and "get over it". Follow live.
  
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• Live: Former A-G named as next anti-corruption watchdog boss

  18-10-2026 22:05 via ABC News
  
  A former attorney-general has been named as the government's pick to take over the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Follow live.
  
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• Hanson defends One Nation cartoon, tells Lambie to 'get over it' — as it happened

  18-10-2026 22:05 via ABC News
  
  One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has defended a cartoon targeting Jacqui Lambie, saying the Tasmanian senator should "lighten up" and "get over it". 
  
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• Queensland's plan for 1 million new homes leaves some feeling squeezed out

  18-10-2026 21:47 via ABC News
  
  As it marks two years in office, the LNP has touted a rise in the rate of homes under construction in Queensland, but it still falls short of what is needed to build 1 million in 20 years. 
  
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• Spender and Chalmers’ reform adviser back GST change to offset tax cuts

  18-10-2026 21:00 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  The Wentworth MP is also backing new budget rules as spending and taxation rise to near-record levels under Labor.
  
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• Labor may hope tax cuts soothe angry voters. They’ll help, but won’t be enough

  18-10-2026 20:00 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  Tax cuts at budget time would have been inflationary and convinced voters Labor was to blame for high prices.
  
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• Greens insiders break cover to demand public findings in Steele-John inquiry

  18-10-2026 19:08 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  Two of the seven Greens who signed a letter to party leader David Shoebridge calling for an investigation into Senator Jordon Steele-John have come forward.
  
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• ‘Nasty political games’: Steele-John claims rumours were weaponised, denies taking leave

  18-10-2026 14:30 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  In a near 2400-word statement posted to social media on Sunday night, the WA Greens senator responded to complaints made about him in a letter by Greens members.
  
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• Best of cartoons, October 19, 2026

  18-10-2026 13:38 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
  
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• RBA’s worst nightmare as oil pushes up inflation threat

  18-10-2026 13:30 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  The Reserve Bank has pushed interest rates to 4.6 per cent. They may have to go higher, especially if oil prices continue their upward spiral.
  
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• Revolt grows over Labor’s $2m cut to lifeline for struggling Australians

  18-10-2026 04:00 via Sydney Morning Herald - Politics / Federal
  
  The Coalition, Greens and independents have united with nearly 200 non-profits to demand the government reverse its quiet withdrawal of support for a $2 million-a-year support finder.
  
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• Assistant treasurer knew about ATO's credit card ban plans months ago

  18-10-2026 01:58 via ABC News
  
  Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino concedes the government knew the Australian Taxation Office was considering banning credit card payments in July, months before the decision was made public.
  
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