Editor's note

The federal government’s troubles of late November last year, brought about by the Angus Taylor controversy, look like a walk in the park next to the mess it finds itself in now, thanks to its inept handling of the bushfire crisis and the “sports rorts” scandal. As Michelle Grattan writes, it’s not just the handling of the fires that has been a problem but the government’s entire attitude to climate change – and now it can add to that deep doubts about the economy.

All of this makes for a large political mess for Scott Morrison to deal with, particularly when parliament returns for the new year next week. And it’s not just the issues itself the government must tackle – it’s the many uncertainties they bring with them. Coronavirus, for example, has tentacles that spread far and wide, with major implications for two key industries in education and tourism.

Finally, then there is the Bridget McKenzie problem, which presents headaches for Morrison whether he sacks her or not. Small wonder government backbenchers will be arriving back in Canberra unhappy, carrying a lot of messages from their displeased constituents.

Amanda Dunn

Section Editor: Politics + Society

Top stories

The number of coronavirus cases in Australia is likely to be quite small, but there could be substantial broader effects. Stringer/EPA

Grattan on Friday: Coronavirus adds to Scott Morrison’s many woes

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Parliament will reopen in the final month of a summer of horror for the country in general and Scott Morrison in particular.

A catastrophic summer has brought climate change into sharp relief – and our media need to have clear policies about how to report on it. Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Media ‘impartiality’ on climate change is ethically misguided and downright dangerous

Denis Muller, University of Melbourne

Given the summer we have had, media acquiescence in climate change denial, and failure to follow the weight of scientific evidence, looks like culpability.

Exposing people to likely disinformation campaigns about bushfire causes will help inoculate them. JASON O'BRIEN/AAP

We have the vaccine for climate disinformation – let’s use it

Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol; John Hunter, University of Tasmania

The best way to inoculate the public against climate disinformation campaigns is to tell them what's coming.

Breathing bushfire smoke can be particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing conditions. Erik Anderson/AAP

How does bushfire smoke affect our health? 6 things you need to know

Emil Jeyaratnam, The Conversation; Phoebe Roth, The Conversation

Millions of Australians far from the bushfires' direct path have been affected by smoke haze. Here's everything we know about the effects of bushfire smoke on our health.

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