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Polling day has been set for May 3. The shadow campaign is over and the real one has begun.
The media plays a crucial role in this process as it determines how the debate proceeds. As journalists, can we live up to our high-minded rhetoric about serving the public? Or will we take the easy road and focus on whatever can attract the most attention?
At The Conversation, we want to report on what matters most: the policies that can make Australia better. That’s why we've launched a policy tracker that lists the key promises across all areas of government. It will be updated throughout the campaign so you can make clear comparisons and informed decisions.
Behind the scenes we have a brilliant team working on our coverage. Our work is led by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn and written by Australia’s leading academics. If you’re looking for scrupulous impartiality and deep knowledge, there’s none better than the University of Canberra’s Michelle Grattan, or our brilliant University of Melbourne Psephologist Adrian Beaumont. Our policy coverage is led by our newly appointed Public Policy Editor Alison Carabine.
This team will be backed up by dozens of experienced editors with subject-matter expertise, and many more academics who will analyse the evidence and help you understand what the politicians are promising to do and whether it’s likely to work.
Finally, one thing we hope can set us apart is our determination to talk about the things that matter most, rather than let politicians frame the agenda to suit their interests.
With that in mind, we are conducting a Set the Agenda survey in which we ask you to help us shape the coverage by telling us what matters most to you. Please fill out the survey as soon as you can.
Thanks for supporting quality independent media. We look forward to providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision on election day, whatever that decision may be.
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Misha Ketchell
Editor & Executive Director
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 Alison Carabine, Public Policy Editor, and The Conversation Digital Storytelling Team Your guide to the major policy issues of the 2025 election
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Valerie A. Cooper, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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