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Something politicians speak a lot about doing, but seem loath to actually do, is electoral reform. The Albanese government has long signalled an appetite to change political donation and spending laws, but with less than a year until the next election, progress appeared stalled.
Enter the special minister of state, Don Farrell. He plans to bring a blueprint of proposed changes to parliament next month. All donations of $1,000 or more would have to be disclosed. The present indexed threshold is more than $16,900. There would also be a cap on how much each donor could give, with figures still being finalised, and caps on election campaign spending per seat.
While many will welcome any movement on this issue, Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan writes in her column, if it was a long time to get to this point, don’t expect speedy reform now.
“When it comes to electoral reform, players start from a position of self-interest. So while there have been extensive discussions with the opposition parties, the Greens, the teals and others, getting agreement – or, at least, agreement from some players on some aspects – is a huge ask.”
Grattan notes given the bill’s introduction late in the parliamentary term, it is hard to see much of it being operational in time for the next election. Political negotiation may also mean the bill that is tabled could look very different to the bill that is eventually passed.
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Erin Cooper-Douglas
Deputy Politics + Society Editor
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The far-reaching electoral reforms, which Farrell aims to bring to parliament in the fortnight sitting. Its seems unlikely to be in place for the coming election, due by May next year.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
Political donations would need to be disclosed in “real time” during elections under reform legislation brought by Special Minister of State Don Farrell.
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Parwinder Kaur, The University of Western Australia
Thousands of years ago, a woolly mammoth died in Siberia. Its fragile DNA underwent a remarkable transformation, and we can still analyse it today.
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Carol Lefevre, University of Adelaide
Loneliness is an enduring theme across art, music and literature. What makes us lonely, and how can we address it as a society?
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Elizabeth Jane Elliott, University of Sydney
Cryptosporidium is not the only cause of gastro, but its spread provides a timely reminder to think about what we can do to manage and prevent this nasty illness.
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Joanna Mendelssohn, The University of Melbourne
MONA has demonstrated the art of thumbing its nose at a humourless male establishment.
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Dante Chinni, Michigan State University; Ari Pinkus, Michigan State University
On issues and policies in which government has a serious role – taxes, immigration, the state of the economy and even abortion – a 2023 survey found a great deal of agreement among Americans.
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Nick Fuller, University of Sydney
When we’re trying to lose weight and the number on the scales drops rapidly, it seems like we’re on the right track. But losing weight too quickly can cause the loss of muscle, as well as fat.
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Shumi Akhtar, University of Sydney
Australia’s progressive tax system is designed to ensure that those who earn more contribute more accordingly. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring it stays fair over time.
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Vanessa Pirotta, Macquarie University
Recent sightings of Bladerunner the humpback and Split Fin the killer whale provide an opportunity to remind everyone to keep their distance and avoid collisions with majestic marine mammals.
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Lisa Asher, University of Sydney; Catherine Sutton-Brady, University of Sydney
Foodstuffs has applied to merge its North and South Island operations. But this move will only further concentrate market power and the biggest losers will be New Zealand consumers.
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Politics + Society
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Tracy Molloy, Auckland University of Technology; Geoff Dickson, La Trobe University; Lesley Ferkins, Auckland University of Technology
A complex and hard-fought battle over how the national game should be governed comes to a head at NZ Rugby’s annual general meeting tomorrow.
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Wayne Peake, Western Sydney University
When it comes to the Olympics, sports like athletics and swimming often spring to mind. But many events have been tried and discarded over the years, including Jeu de paume, polo and tug-of-war.
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Health + Medicine
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Vanessa Letico, Victoria University
By exploiting their victim’s disability, perpetrators increase their power and coercive control, thereby intensifying the abuse.
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Thea van de Mortel, Griffith University
Is it time to cut the men in your life some slack this winter? Here’s what the evidence says.
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Science + Technology
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Daniel Reardon, Swinburne University of Technology
Neutron stars contain some of the universe’s most exotic states of matter – but there’s no easy way to peek inside.
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Environment + Energy
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Liam Davies, RMIT University
The term stroad is portmanteau of street and road. Stroads try to be both a thoroughfare for vehicles, and a place for people. Typically they fail at both, and the result is unpleasant for everyone.
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Education
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Emma Rowe, Deakin University
Australian households contribute way more to the costs of children’s schooling than the OECD average. This is due to the numbers of students attending private schools and paying high fees.
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Arts + Culture
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Kate Hunter, Deakin University
The audience at opening night seemed appreciative and engaged in the story. Yet somehow I felt unsatisfied with various aspects.
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Books + Ideas
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Sarah Polkinghorne, RMIT University; Lisa M. Given, RMIT University
Yes, books are at the heart of libraries. However, books are not the only things that matter in libraries.
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Business + Economy
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Catherine de Fontenay, The University of Melbourne
Most Australians earn more than their parents.
But those born into the poorest families face the biggest barriers to improving their lot.
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