Simon Crean

News briefs

23 May 2012 |

PRINT: 23 May 2012 | PAGE 3 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has used her final address to a summit in Chicago on Afghanistan to urge other countries to follow Australia’s example and provide more cash to sustain Afghan security forces.

MPs show little interest

17 May 2012 | Paul Osborne

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | MPs show little interest

One in five federal MPs have not updated a public register of their financial interests since the 2010 election.

Thomson faces further AEC probe

16 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

Updated | The Australian Electoral Commission needs to investigate four transactions from the ALP or HSU in relation to Dobell MP Craig Thomson, its analysis of the Fair Work Australia report says.

MSO’s fine notes

16 May 2012 | Michael Boyt

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 59 | MSO’s fine notes

Katarina Kroslakova’s “Robertson takes baton at Symphony”, (May 15) says American David Robertson’s appointment as the new chief conductor and artistic director cements the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s pre-eminent ensemble in the region could be arguable.

Arts companies have to change their tune

16 May 2012 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 6 | Arts companies to change tune

The country’s major performing arts companies should be forced to compete for funding under sweeping changes to the federal government funding body, the Australia Council recommended.

Brave new world or great performance?

16 May 2012 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 6 | Is it a move to a brave new world, or just a great performance?

It’s the biggest shake-up in arts funding since the Nugent inquiry in 1999. A rejig aimed at dragging the federal government’s middle-aged arts body into the 21st century.

Arts council faces major overhaul

15 May 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Arts council faces major overhaul

The art form boards that have guided federal arts funding for more than 35 years will be abolished if the Commonwealth accepts a new blueprint for its main cultural bureaucracy.

Robertson takes Symphony baton

15 May 2012 | Katarina Kroslakova

PRINT: 15 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Robertson to take baton at Symphony

David Robertson is the new chief conductor and artistic director of the Sydney Symphony. The 54-year-old American succeeds 75-year-old Vladimir Ashkenazy.

High time ALP cut the union strings

11 May 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 11 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | High time the ALP cut the union strings

Editorial | The long and sordid Craig Thomson saga underlines what should be an obvious point: Labor would be better off without the unions, and the unions would be better off without Labor.

Islamic museum gets $1.5m in budget

10 May 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 23 | Islamic museum gets $1.5m

A museum devoted to Islamic culture, to be built in Melbourne over the next two years, was one of the cultural winners in the federal budget.

Regional cash splash keeps indpendents sweet

10 May 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 10 May 2012 | PAGE 11 | Regional cash splash keeps independents on side

Parks and playgrounds in the electorates of independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are among projects on sweetener list.

Team that teased out the numbers

09 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 09 May 2012 | PAGE 26 | Team that teased the numbers

The clichés about the framing of federal budgets inevitably involve the cabinet locked in the bunker and bureaucrats working late into the freezing Canberra nights. But the final shape of the 2012-13 budget was settled in very different surroundings.

Union links in spotlight

08 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Spotlight on links

The findings of a Fair Work Australia report on allegations of misbehaviour at the Health Services Union by former official turned Labor MP Craig Thomson could re-ignite calls by some in the ALP to sever the party’s ties to trade unions.

New-look Peter Beattie

28 April 2012 | Colleen Ryan

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | New-look Peter Beattie

He’s having the time of his life promoting innovation. But the former Queensland premier laughs off the idea that a return to politics may be on the menu.

Fox trots out a three-day do

20 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | Fox trots out a three-day do

There’s only one party in town this weekend in Melbourne: Lindsay Fox’s three-day extravaganza to mark his 75th birthday.

Former Keating minister to head appeals tribunal

13 April 2012 | Alex Boxsell

PRINT: 13 April 2012 | PAGE 4 | Former Keating minister to head appeals tribunal

Former Keating government justice minister Duncan Kerr, SC, has been named as the next president of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Labor’s loss is Katter Party’s gain

10 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Labor’s loss is Katter Party’s gain

Bob Katter’s Australian Party could command a majority with the Coalition in the Senate if the results of the catastrophic Queensland state election were repeated federally.

Demographics point to Labor bloodbath

10 April 2012 | John Black

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 53 | Demographics point to Labor bloodbath

If the result of the Queensland state election is any guide, the first week or so after the next federal election should provide some interesting lessons in life for Labor’s caucus members.

Hockey has edge over Swan

02 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 02 April 2012 | PAGE 9 | Hockey has edge over Swan

As he prepares to deliver his fifth budget and demonstrate his economic management credentials, Treasurer Wayne Swan has not been able to establish a clear lead over his opposition counterpart Joe Hockey.

Build industry and the people will come

31 March 2012 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 30 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | Build industry and the people will come

Trucking magnate Lindsay Fox says Opposition leader Tony Abbott would make a “good Prime Minister” and that all levels of government have to dramatically increase their spending on infrastructure.

Big Jimmy would have loved this

27 March 2012 | Patrick Durkin

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 52 | ‘Big Jimmy would have loved this’

There has never been anyone like the Irishman who inspired countless people on the football field and beyond, Jim Stynes’s best friend and former Melbourne AFL teammate Garry Lyon told a packed crowd at his funeral.

Liberals seize COAG reforms

26 March 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Liberals seize COAG reforms

Conservative premiers are working to seize control of the federal-state agenda to overcome logjams in the Gillard government’s process and pursue new reforms following the ­election of Campbell Newman.

Floating Opera a hit for Sydney

26 March 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 12 | Floating Opera a hit for Sydney

It was a punt as big and audacious as its signature chandelier and, judging by the response to Saturday night’s gala opening, Opera Australia is set to pull it off.

While Carr flourishes, flak’s flying

14 March 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 14 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | While Carr flourishes, flak’s flying

With a flourish of his pen, Bob Carr signed up to his two new jobs yesterday as a Senator and as a Minister in the Gillard government.

How to win friends and bury hatchets

09 March 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 09 March 2012 | PAGE 51 | How to win friends and bury hatchets

Not only has Labor put aside its divisions to endorse Bob Carr, it has determinedly set about wooing the small business sector.

Carr driven to accept Gillard’s offer

09 March 2012 | Pamela Williams

PRINT: 09 March 2012 | PAGE 49 | Carr driven to accept Gillard’s offer

Bob Carr’s appointment as Kevin Rudd’s successor was preceded by a week of unprecedented political intrigue, writes Editor-at-Large Pamela Williams.

Crean to Latham: get over it

09 March 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 09 March 2012 | PAGE 8 | Get over it, Crean tells Latham

Regional Development Minister Simon Crean has lashed out at another former Labor leader, Mark Latham, who made claims in a newspaper column about the appointment of Bob Carr as the new Foreign Minister.

Labor’s zombie brigade

08 March 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 70 | Labor’s zombie brigade

The party could do without former leaders hanging around in Parliament.

It’s busy at the department of failed policies

08 March 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 67 | It’s busy at the department of failed policies

Here’s a random selection of policies that sounded good at the time but have now been filed under “Great Ideas That Never Happened”.

Arts set on ‘peace of mind pots’

08 March 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 64 | Push for ‘peace of mind pots’

Opera Australia chief executive Adrian Collette knows first hand how useful government matching schemes can be.

Top reviews for arts blueprint

08 March 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Top reviews for arts blueprint

Philanthropists have praised Harold Mitchell’s report into private giving to the arts, although some query how his plan for tax breaks would work.

Tax break to enliven the arts

07 March 2012 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 07 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Tax break to enliven the arts

Cash gifts pledged in wills to arts organisations should attract a full tax break while the donor is alive, a review designed to encourage Australians to give more money to the arts ­recommends.

WA heavyweights get behind push for arts funding

01 March 2012 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | WA heavyweights get behind push for arts funding

Rio Tinto Iron Ore boss Sam Walsh and businesswoman Janet Holmes à Court are spearheading an unprecedented WA-business push to bolster WA’s cultural infrastructure.

Gillard under attack over reshuffle

29 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 5 | Gillard under attack over reshuffle

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was on Wednesday forced to defend her authority over the party amid messy manoeuvring around a cabinet reshuffle that might have involved former NSW premier Bob Carr.

PM’s backers urge caution in reshuffle

29 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | PM’s backers urge caution in reshuffle

Julia Gillard is being advised by some senior supporters to unite the party by avoiding retribution against backers of Kevin Rudd as she contemplates a reshuffle of her ministry.

Furore at Senate faction-fixing

28 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 4 | Furore at Senate faction fixing

Constitutional experts have branded as “totally disgraceful” the NSW Labor Right’s deal-making in trying to find a Senate replacement for the faction’s power broker Mark Arbib.

As Labor self-destructs, Abbott keeps calm and carries on being Tony

28 February 2012 | Andrew Clark.

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 61 | As Labor self-destructs, Abbott keeps calm and carries on being Tony

Since becoming Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has kept to a rigid script, waiting for Labor to fall. But maybe it’s not enough.

First destroy Rudd, then find third man

28 February 2012 | Pamela Williams

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 61 | First destroy Rudd, then find third man

Some of the harder heads in the caucus have already well and truly turned their attention to the question of Julia Gillard’s eventual successor, Pamela Williams writes.

Questions remain on leadership tilt

28 February 2012 | Kris Kempson

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 57 | Queries remain on leadership tilt

While Labor personalities continue to test the records for the number of times “unity” and “unite” can be worked into a statement, two interesting questions remain. Who pushed Kevin Rudd into challenging Julia Gillard? And why did Rudd challenge when it was abundantly clear that he would lose by an embarrassing margin?

Ruddites to be spared axe

28 February 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 9 | Ruddites to be spared axe

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has given her strongest hint yet she may spare some ministers who supported Kevin Rudd in the leadership ballot.

History against a Rudd comeback

28 February 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 63 | History against a Rudd comeback

The numbers suggest that caucus has turned the last sod on Kevin Rudd’s political grave.

Let’s get Kevin: how the plan worked

28 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 28 February 2012 | PAGE 8 | Let’s get Kevin: how the plan worked

The challenger was dead on arrival thanks to the war plan.

Keep Ferguson, urge mining industry execs

27 February 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Keep Ferguson, senior mining executives urge

Special Minister of State Gary Gray and Defence Minister Stephen Smith have been touted as possible replacements for Martin Ferguson in the vital resources portfolio.

Trapped in a nightmare

27 February 2012 | Geoffrey Barker

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 54 | Trapped in a nightmare

Today’s leadership vote, whatever the result, will not rescue Labor from its state of nature.

Drowning in a blood bath

25 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 25 February 2012 | PAGE 43 | Drowning in a blood bath

When Kevin Rudd seized the initiative in his battle of wills with Julia Gillard and declared open warfare on her leadership, he laid bare the ugliest aftermath of his knifing from the prime ministership 20 months ago.

Ministers, not faceless men, driving this campaign

25 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Ministers not faceless men

Wayne Swan is leading a small group of cabinet ministers co-ordinating Julia Gillard’s campaign to retain the prime ministership, while Kevin Rudd is relying on advice from long-time Labor strategist Bruce Hawker.

A different leadership outcome

24 February 2012 | Kris Kempson

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 55 | A different leadership outcome . . .

Given Julia Gillard has foolishly called a leadership spill rather than attempted to restore order and dignity to her wildly out of control cabinet it looks like we are in for two leadership spills. In the first one Gillard will re-contest for the leadership and Kevin Rudd, (lacking the numbers), will not challenge nor will anyone else.

ALP hands Coalition free ammunition

24 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 24 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | ALP hands Coalition free ammunition

Opposition strategists are rubbing their hands in glee over the election material handed to them by Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Both Labor combatants are likely to be hurt in the eyes of voters by the row.

In quotes | Politicians take sides

23 February 2012 |

Politicians and economists give their take on Monday’s leadership ballot.

McClelland joins Ferguson, backs Rudd

23 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

Updated | The Labor leadership battle is increasingly polarising the cabinet, with Housing Minister Robert McClelland and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson publicly backing Kevin Rudd, while other senior ministers stand solidly behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Move will have domino effect on frontbench

23 February 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 3 | Move will have big effect on frontbench

There could be an avalanche of changes on Labor’s front bench after Kevin Rudd’s resignation, with clear winners and losers with or without a leadership challenge next week.

Kevin 747 comes back to earth with a thud

23 February 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 69 | Kevin 747 comes back to earth with a thud

It’s fair to assume Kevin Rudd is now an unhappy little Vegemite. The indefatigable Rudd, who earned the sobriquet Kevin 747 for excessive travel as prime minister, carried it over to the job he said he had always coveted – the role of foreign minister.

Revenge-fuelled and clinging to Kevin ’07

23 February 2012 | John Black

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 71 | Revenge-fuelled and clinging to Kevin ’07

Like the Turkey voting for an early Christmas, our Prime Minister has decided she wants a Caucus meeting to deal with that uppity Queenslander Kevin Rudd and show him who’s boss.

‘I still have a dream . . .’

23 February 2012 | Ben Potter

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | ‘I still have a dream . . .’

Patrons clinking their whiskey glasses in the corner bar of Washington’s Willard Hotel could have had few clues about the drama unfolding in the suite occupied by Kevin Rudd a few floors above.

Labor tears itself apart

23 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 4 | Labor tears itself apart

Updated | Prime Minister Julia Gillard will address media in Adelaide at 9.30am AEDT on Thursday morning ahead of an expected leadership ballot on Monday, sparked by Kevin Rudd’s dramatic resignation as foreign minister.

Showdown looms as Rudd quits

22 February 2012 | Ben Potter

Updated | Kevin Rudd dramatically announced his resignation as Foreign Minister in Washington on Wednesday, saying he could not continue to serve without the support of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Backstabbers robbed Rudd

22 February 2012 | Sriram Gopalakrishnan

PRINT: 22 February 2012 | PAGE 51 | Backstabbers robbed Rudd

Simon Crean or any other Labor MP don’t have any right to question Kevin Rudd’s loyalty. Rudd defeated John Howard’s Liberal coalition returning Labor to power and these frontbench and backbench backstabbers robbed him of his job without allowing him to complete his full term of government. Rudd was the people’s choice.

Calm before storm as PM builds defence

22 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 22 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Calm before storm as PM builds defence

Stop. Take a deep breath. Readjust one’s lines. Assert that everything is all going to plan.

Simon on thin ice

21 February 2012 |

PRINT: 21 February 2012 | PAGE 52 | Simon on thin ice

Regional Affairs Minister Simon Crean has been called a lot of things during his long career in politics and, before that, the union movement.

PM resists calls to confront Rudd

21 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 21 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | PM resists calls to confront Rudd

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is ­dismissing calls to bring on a leadership fight with Kevin Rudd as her supporters warn undecided MPs that a return to the former leader would further depress Labor’s stock with voters.

The myth of Rudd’s non-campaign

20 February 2012 | David Crowe

PRINT: 18 February 2012 | PAGE 53 | The myth of Rudd’s non-campaign

Early on in his quest to regain the Labor leadership, Kevin Rudd would turn to fellow caucus members and dismiss the idea of an outright challenge for the job.

Labor MPs must listen – or be history

18 February 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 18 February 2012 | PAGE 51 | MPs must listen – or be history

Labor’s greatest electoral asset, its Keating-inspired history as a party of growth and productivity, is being squandered.

Carbon copy joust

10 February 2012 |

PRINT: 10 February 2012 | PAGE 56 | Carbon copy joust

Though it was trucking magnate Lindsay Fox and BHP Billiton chairman and former Ford boss Jac Nasser being feted on Wednesday in Melbourne at a gig organised by the American Australian Association, one of the talking points of the evening was the exchange between former prime minister Paul Keating and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Labor needs a third option for PM

06 February 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 6 | Labor needs a third PM option

Mark Latham - Like two punch-drunk heavyweights, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd have battered each other into political oblivion.

Three Stooges: you’ll have to choose one day

04 February 2012 | Rowan Dean

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 63 | Three Stooges: you’ll have to choose one day

Australia now in effect has three prime ministers: the populist, the pragmatist and the politician.

Rudd, Gingrich share talent for alienation

04 February 2012 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 62 | Rudd, Gingrich share talent for alienation

Kevin Rudd and Newt Gingrich share a striking characteristic. They are loathed by their respective party establishments in just about equal measure.

Team Labor in search of a skipper

04 February 2012 |

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 57 | Team Labor in search of a skipper

The Prince can only sign with relief now that it’s all been cleared up. The I-don’t-want-to-be-so-upwardly-mobile Bill Shorten has declared he “never, ever” wants to lead the Labor Party.

Don’t underestimate Rudd’s real job

04 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 63 | Don’t underestimate Rudd’s real job

When Kevin Rudd says he will leave leadership speculation to others and get on with his real job as Foreign Minister, few believe it’s his priority.

Abbott in sights should Gillard fall

04 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 04 February 2012 | PAGE 47 | Abbott in sights should

The Coalition is already talking post-Gillard strategy – 2012 is shaping up as an eventful year.

Desperate Labor MPs turning against Gillard

03 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 03 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Desperate Labor MPs turning against Gillard

The tide has turned with a sharp but silent menace against Julia Gillard, as talk among her colleagues shifts from propping up the PM to who should replace her, writes Laura Tingle.

Challenge inevitable as doomsday nears

02 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 02 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Challenge inevitable as doomsday nears

Updated | Fears within Labor of a wipeout at the next federal election are spurring plans for a leadership challenge while party strategists are looking to sandbag existing seats up to 18 months out from an election.

Abbott backs more social spending

01 February 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 01 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Abbott backs more social spending

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has held out the prospect of tax cuts at the end of a first term of a Coalition government, and $4 billion for dentistry in Medicare as dividends of more frugal government.

Get over Rudd, Crean tells MPs

31 January 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 31 January 2012 | PAGE 3 | Get over Rudd, Crean tells MPs

Updated | Senior cabinet minister Simon Crean has sounded the clearest warning yet to fellow Labor MPs not to return to the leadership of Kevin Rudd, saying that as prime minister he was not a team player.

Security scare: PM details adviser’s role

28 January 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 11 | Embassy here to stay despite protests: Crean

Updated | Prime Minister Julia Gillard says her former media adviser Tony Hodges did not say or suggest that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had called for the Aboriginal tent embassy to be torn down.

Yes minister, your office has moved

25 January 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 25 January 2012 | PAGE 54 | Yes minister, your office has moved

Editorial | There was a time when the acronyms that came with the structure of federal government rolled off the tongue with the certainty they would be there when the next election came around.

Aftershocks rattle public service

24 January 2012 | Verona Burgess

PRINT: 24 January 2012 | PAGE 45 | Aftershocks of reshuffle rattle public service

Federal departments are struggling to detail which staff, programs and other resources are being transferred or what the moves will cost.

Robb backs Joyce on regional funding

17 January 2012 | John Kerin

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | Robb backs Joyce on regions

Coalition finance spokesman Andrew Robb has backed his Nationals colleague Barnaby Joyce over plans to revive direct cash handouts to the regions.

Joyce backs cash splash for regions

16 January 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Joyce backs cash splash for regions

Exclusive | Hundreds of millions of dollars could be doled out to regional councils under a Coalition plan to revive its controversial Regional Partnerships policy, which was dogged by allegations of pork-barrelling.

A dance to the music of money

21 December 2011 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 21 December 2011 | PAGE 44 | A dance to the music of money

The federal government’s main arts funding body, the Australia Council, is about to go under the microscope and there is talk that it’s time for a radical overhaul. But what does that mean?

Critical look at arts body

20 December 2011 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 20 December 2011 | PAGE 7 | Critical look at arts body

The federal government is to review its main arts funding body, the Australia Council (OzCo), ahead of the development of a national cultural policy.

Federal review for Australia Council

20 December 2011 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 20 December 2011 | PAGE 7 | Federal review of arts funding body

The federal government is to review its main arts funding body, the Australia Council, ahead of the development of a national cultural policy.

Why Labor will ignore IR malaise

17 December 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 17 December 2011 | PAGE 63 | Why Labor will ignore IR malaise

The chasm between the views of business and the Gillard government on workplace issues will not be addressed during the term of this government.

Qantas man’s not for turning

17 December 2011 | Joe Aston

PRINT: 17 December 2011 | PAGE 55 | Meet the strike breaker

Takes one to know one. When Qantas grounded an entire fleet to beat a union it was being advised by a man who once worked for the other side.

Crean refines art royalty resale scheme

15 December 2011 | Katrina Strickland

PRINT: 15 December 2011 | PAGE 13 | Crean refines art royalty scheme

The federal government has ditched one of the more unpopular elements of the art resale royalty scheme it introduced only 18 months ago.

PM to bet her future on Shorten

12 December 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 12 December 2011 | PAGE 1 | PM to bet future on Shorten

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is set to unveil a high-risk reshuffle of her ministry today designed to elevate Bill Shorten into the industrial relations portfolio.

Councils encouraged to team up to pay for roads, schools

05 December 2011 | Jenny Wiggins

PRINT: 05 December 2011 | PAGE 17 | local councils encouraged to team up to pay for roads, schools

Superannuation funds will be encouraged to invest in local public-private partnerships under government plans to overhaul infrastructure financing in regional Australia.

ALP must let members back

05 December 2011 |

PRINT: 05 December 2011 | PAGE 54 | ALP warlords exert control

Editorial | At modern ALP national conferences, rank and file members want to vent their spleen, but the government needs to focus on the national interest.

Crean urges cooperation on ALP reform

04 December 2011 |

Former Labor leader Simon Crean says factional bosses need to set aside their differences to reform the party.

Real Julia gets unreal conference

26 November 2011 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 26 November 2011 | PAGE 45 | Real Julia gets unreal conference

The ALP’s 46th national conference, like so many before it, will be a carefully scripted pantomime.

Bond yields rise on ECB impasse

25 November 2011 | Joanna Heath

Before the Bell | The disagreement on how to contain the euro zone’s debt crisis has pushed European markets lower ■ Wall St closed ■ FTSE slips 0.2pc ■ SPI up 4pts ■ Broker Watch: DJs, Westpac.

Let the games begin: Crean

24 November 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 25 November 2011 | PAGE 3 | Let the games begin: Crean

Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean says there is a “strong case” for extending the tax rebate that has saved the local film industry to games.

Dr No follows a presidential precedent

19 November 2011 |

PRINT: 19 November 2011 | PAGE 57 | Dr No follows a presidential precedent

The security in Parliament House wasn’t the only thing on heightened alert during Barack Obama’s visit this past week.

Council funding review eyes super funds, PPPs

18 November 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 18 November 2011 | PAGE 16 | Council funding review

Superannuation funds and public private partnerships could be new sources of financing for local governments under plans being considered by the federal and state governments.

Cash culture: promises are made to be kept

17 November 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 17 November 2011 | PAGE 64 | Promises are made to be kept, says Crean

The government is mindful that a national cultural policy is a commitment it is yet to honour, Arts Minister Simon Crean says. After all, it’s ‘part of the Labor narrative’.

Kelty recalls joy of bargaining

04 November 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 05 November 2011 | PAGE 4 | Kelty recalls joy of bargaining

Former ACTU leader Bill Kelty used to love bargaining in his early years as a trade union official. But he suspects the companies involved did not share his enthusiasm.

Labor tightens leash on construction watchdog

04 November 2011 | Mark Skulley

PRINT: 04 November 2011 | PAGE 11 | Labor tightens leash on construction watchdog

The Gillard government will consider ending the use of royal commission-style investigatory powers in the construction industry two years earlier than planned.

$1 pokies bet limit gains ground among MPs

28 October 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 28 October 2011 | PAGE 11 | $1 bet limit gains ground

The campaign by the gaming industry against the government’s poker machine policy has triggered Labor support for a simpler model of imposing a $1 bet limit.

Wong talks up mining prospects

27 October 2011 |

PRINT: 27 October 2011 | PAGE 16 | Wong talks up mining numbers

Finance Minister Penny Wong brushed aside warnings from the biggest resources portfolio manager that Australia has lost its investment appeal because of the minerals resource rent tax.

Incentives on offer for Norfolk Island airline operator

21 October 2011 | Christopher Jay

PRINT: 21 October 2011 | PAGE 51 | Incentives on offer for Norfolk airline operator

The Australian government is looking for an aircraft operator with modern aircraft to revitalise Norfolk Island’s ailing tourism industry.

Insert coins to save game industry

19 October 2011 | David Ramli

PRINT: 19 October 2011 | PAGE 58 | Insert coins to save game industry

A lack of financial incentives for computer game makers has cost Australia investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Directors make the case for culture

13 October 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 13 October 2011 | PAGE 27 | Directors make the case for culture

With Australia’s first major cultural policy in nearly 20 years looming, governments and artists are scrambling to put their points forward.

PM’s ‘name and shame’ jobs ploy

07 October 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 07 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | PM’s ‘name and shame’ jobs ploy

The government will make it more difficult for miners to win tariff concessions to use imported manufactured products on large resource projects to boost jobs.

Overseas performers in the spotlight

06 October 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 06 October 2011 | PAGE 43 | Overseas performers in the spotlight

The uncertainty created by Actors Equity threats over foreign actors will drive films offshore, the new president of SPAA, Brian Rosen said this week.

Two treasurers but a world apart

06 October 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 06 October 2011 | PAGE 12 | Two treasurers but a world apart

While they share the honour of being named international finance minister of the year, Wayne Swan will never be seen as a match for Paul Keating.

National briefs

29 September 2011 |

PRINT: 29 September 2011 | PAGE 9 |

Former federal Labor leader Simon Crean is the punters’ favourite to oust Julia Gillard from the prime ministership before the next election.

Careful what you wish for

24 September 2011 | John Black

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 61 | Careful what you wish for

It just hasn’t been Julia Gillard’s week. And it ends with her Sportsbet odds to remain leader through to the next election blowing out to $2.60.

Game over: how we lost an industry

24 September 2011 | David Ramli

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 55 | Game over: how we lost an industry

Computer game sales may be booming but a high dollar and a lack of federal funding have devastated local developers.

Libs at odds over work laws

23 September 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 23 September 2011 | PAGE 15 | Libs at odds over work laws

Labor has leapt on the opposition’s debate over whether to return to individual workplace contracts, signalling a reprise of its scare campaign against Work Choices.

Labor Left wrong again

22 September 2011 | Mark Latham.

PRINT: 22 September 2011 | PAGE 70 | Labor Left wrong again

Mark Latham | The lesson for Labor is clear. In its long history, policy compromises with the party’s Socialist Left faction have always been disastrous.

Oil spill regulator to get more power

21 September 2011 |

The regulator of offshore drilling will be given wider powers to manage oil spills under legislation introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

‘Tough, decent’ Gillard urged to purge her team

07 September 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 07 September 2011 | PAGE 6 | ‘Tough, decent’ Gillard urged to purge her team

Julia Gillard is facing calls to overhaul her office and possibly her ministry if she is to survive in power as caucus searches for ways to avoid a wipeout at the polls.

NBN fibre rollout a waste of billions

06 September 2011 | Michael Porter

PRINT: 06 September 2011 | PAGE 55 | Fibre rollout wastes billions

We should not casually accept the NBN fibre rollout in areas where it is unnecessary, given current and potential cable services.

Long odds on Gillard’s ability to stay the distance

03 September 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 03 September 2011 | PAGE 4 | Punters baulk at Gillard leading at next election

Punters will not put money on Julia Gillard remaining Prime Minister through to the next election, say gambling website operators.

Gillard: I’m not going anywhere

03 September 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 03 September 2011 | PAGE 3 | Gillard: I’m not going anywhere

Cabinet ministers say a Labor leadership challenge is not imminent, but there are signs MPs fear they may have to choose a new leader early next year to prevent an electoral rout.

Full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes

27 August 2011 |

PRINT: 27 August 2011 | PAGE 22 | Full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes

It hasn’t been a great week for the written word, beginning with some hurtful criticism the Audit Office levelled at the navy over anti-submarine torpedoes.

Crean makes sound decision

18 August 2011 |

PRINT: 18 August 2011 | PAGE 40 | Crean makes sound decision

All those people complaining Labor can’t get anything done in a hung parliament take note: they’re still more than capable of making the tough decisions.

Policy gives arts a leg-up

12 August 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 12 August 2011 | PAGE 3 | Policy gives arts a leg-up

Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean has unveiled a policy framework that underscores the economic and social impact of Australia’s cultural sector.

At least Rudd gives ALP a dog’s chance

04 August 2011 | John Black.

The odds are on the hospital-bound former prime minister to get the backing of the Labor caucus.

Sherman gallery – watch this space

02 August 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 02 August 2011 | PAGE 6 | Sherman gallery – watch this space

The Sherman contemporary art foundation is set to move into expanded premises paving the way to become Sydney’s third major public gallery.

Steak, Brahman and bones of contention

30 July 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 23 July 2011 | PAGE 51 | There’s steak, there’s Brahman

Indonesian households eat Australian-bred Brahman beef. The cattle we eat here are quite different from those we export and therein lies a tale of strife and disputation.

Odd lots

21 July 2011 |

PRINT: 21 July 2011 | PAGE 41 |

Melbourne Liberal businessman Hugh Morgan is seeking the approval of Labor stalwart Simon Crean to sell his stamp collection overseas.

Gillard’s other struggle

13 July 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 13 July 2011 | PAGE 62 | Gillard’s other struggle

Julia Gillard’s market-based emissions reduction plan could not help but expose the government’s struggle with its anti-market, protectionist self. 

Latrobe future secure, says minister Crean

11 July 2011 |

Regional Development Minister Simon Crean says he's confident jobs can be secured in the long-term for one of the hardest hit areas under carbon pricing, Victoria's Latrobe Valley.

Play fair and protect our jobs: actors

28 June 2011 | Emily Parkinson

PRINT: 28 June 2011 | PAGE 4 | Play straight and protect our jobs: actors

A group of high-profile actors broadcast their outrage at the government’s proposal to loosen guidelines limiting the number of foreigners in locally made TV and movies.

Crean rejects Labor ‘revolving door’

20 June 2011 |

Labor frontbencher Simon Crean has warned a "revolving door" approach to leadership won't solve the party's problems.

Secret passions of politicians

11 June 2011 |

What turns parliamentarians on when they switch off from the relentless grind of national politics. Barnaby Joyce, Laurie Ferguson, Kevin Andrews and Simon Crean reveal their passions.

Broad brush approach sought for arts

06 June 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 06 June 2011 | PAGE 3 | Broad-brush approach sought for arts support

Private sector support for the arts in Australia is working, according to a discussion paper to be released today.

Politics hostage to Canberra syndrome

02 June 2011 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 62 | Politics of destabilisation

Mark Latham | When the media is not destabilising Julia Gillard, it has Tony Abbott in its cross-hairs, using the absurd figure of Turnbull as a potential challenger.

Regional aid schemes ‘don’t produce results’

24 May 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 24 May 2011 | PAGE 7 | Regional aid schemes ‘don’t produce results’

Schemes designed to boost economic growth in regional Australia do not work, according to a report which argues funding should instead go to high growth areas.

Power prices to rise 30pc nationwide

19 May 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 19 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Power prices to rise 30pc nationwide

Household electricity prices are set to jump by 30 per cent in the next three years even without a carbon price and could rise further if a pricing scheme is delayed.

Parties battle over scare campaigns

19 May 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 19 May 2011 | PAGE 8 | Parties battle over scare campaigns

The federal government has given another strong signal that it will prevent its carbon tax from pushing up the price of petrol.

A little loyalty for yesterday’s hero

16 April 2011 |

PRINT: 16 April 2011 | PAGE 12 | A little loyalty for

So, Graeme Samuel is finally stepping down as head honcho of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

We will return tax cuts: Crean

28 March 2011 |

Tax cuts will be delivered as a means of compensating low- and middle-income earners for price rises under the proposed carbon tax, Labor frontbencher Simon Crean says.

Ministers defend taking policy public

11 March 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 11 March 2011 | PAGE 17 | Ministers defend taking policy public

Federal Labor ministers have hit back at criticism of their political strategy on climate change by insisting that their mission to impose a price on carbon would have been much harder if they had waited to finalise more details before announcing their plans.

Labor takes on a greener tinge

08 March 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 08 March 2011 | PAGE 4 | Labor takes on a greener tinge

The Gillard government is braced for a big backlash against it in this week’s opinion polls as voters record disillusion with a broken election promise on imposing a carbon price.

Rebuild must survive future floods: Crean

09 February 2011 |

Parliament has been warned there is no point rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the summer floods only to have it wrecked again by future flooding.

New body to watch over flood funds

08 February 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 08 February 2011 | PAGE 4 | Inspectorate to monitor rebuilding work

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will today outline budget cuts that could be used to fund the recovery from cyclone Yasi and the recent floods.

The fine-spun art of saying nothing

29 January 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 29 January 2011 | PAGE 62 | The fine-spun art of saying nothing

In a week when the country’s political leaders have reached to say something new or different we have had not one memorable line – or, perish the thought, idea.

Wanted: fast-tracked tradies

25 January 2011 | Steven Scott

PRINT: 11 January 2011 | PAGE 3 | Wanted: fast-tracked tradies

The federal government is considering plans to fast-track apprenticeships to make it easier for businesses to fill critical skills shortages as part of a review of Australia’s training system.

Rebuilding costs swirling in murky water

10 January 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 10 January 2011 | PAGE 5 | Rebuilding costs swirling in murky water

Federal disaster relief payments to victims of the floods have more than doubled over the weekend but the huge cost to the commonwealth of rebuilding damaged infrastructure will not be clear for many months.

Bligh seeks federal aid for $5bn toll

06 January 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 06 January 2011 | PAGE 1 | Bligh seeks federal aid for $5bn toll

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh is putting pressure on the federal government to dramatically increase its contribution to the flood disaster funding, as the damage bill escalates to more than $5 billion.

Film industry waits on budget

04 January 2011 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 04 January 2011 | PAGE 8 | Film industry waits on budget

The film industry is pinning its new year hopes on a series of coming releases and what it hopes will be welcome news in the May budget.

Yes, it’s you I’m talking about

29 December 2010 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 29 December 2010 | PAGE 21 | Yes, it’s you I’m talking about

Self-indulgence and self-justification are hallmarks of The Australian, which is spearheading the decline of political journalism, writes Mark Latham.

Crean: Let’s train indigenous staff

14 December 2010 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 14 December 2010 | PAGE 7 | Crean: Let’s train indigenous staff

Regional Development Minister Simon Crean has rejected calls for greater reliance on migrants to plug skills gaps on resource projects in northern Australia and urged instead a focus on training indigenous workers.

In search of a bridge over rising troubled water

11 December 2010 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 11 December 2010 | PAGE 28 | In search of a bridge over rising troubled water

In the worst of the drought in April 2007, then Prime Minister John Howard urged Australians to “pray for rain” as the situation was critical for farmers. Those prayers were answered within months in some regions, although most of the Murray-Darling Basin stayed dry.

Coalition dumps Turnbull’s water legislation

09 December 2010 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 09 December 2010 | PAGE 7 | Coalition dumps Turnbull’s water legislation

The Liberal Party has backed the Nationals’ calls for the Federal government to revise the Water Act to protect communities of the Murray-Darling Basin, in an embarrassing development for Malcolm Turnbull, who wrote the legislation and has defended it.

Wary irrigators think twice about water grants

06 December 2010 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 06 December 2010 | PAGE 6 | Wary irrigators think twice about water grants

A government program to help farmers has been foiled by tax complications.

Tax plea for foreign movies

03 December 2010 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 03 December 2010 | PAGE 18 | Tax plea for foreign movies

A World Cup bid isn’t the only cause Rabbit-Proof Fence director Phillip Noyce and actor Hugh Jackman have been supporting this week.

Burke cautions on water spending

23 November 2010 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 23 November 2010 | PAGE 13 | Burke cautions on water spending

Environment and Water Minister Tony Burke has defended delays in upgrading irrigation infrastructure and pledged the government will still spend more on these projects than on buying water licences.

Dollar dampens local film production

22 October 2010 | Brook Turner

PRINT: 22 October 2010 | PAGE 16 | Dollar dampens local film production

For the first time in recent memory there are no major American films being made in Australia, and none in the pipeline.