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Latest news: Democracy

Democracy's birth almost locked everyday Australia out

Democracy's birth almost locked everyday Australia out

Commemorations and celebrations are under way to mark 125 years since the opening of the first federal parliament and the birth of Australian democracy.

Human Rights roadshow to push for landmark federal act

Human Rights roadshow to push for landmark federal act

Human Rights roadshow to push for landmark federal act

Human Rights roadshow to push for landmark federal act

The federal government still won't commit to a human rights act, but the Human Rights Commission has pledged to keep pushing the barrow out.

Indigenous recognition touted for new electoral map

Indigenous recognition touted for new electoral map

Indigenous recognition touted for new electoral map

Indigenous recognition touted for new electoral map

Tasmania is the sole state without an electorate named after an Aboriginal person or place but many are hoping to change that.

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Myanmar cuts ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence

Myanmar cuts ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence

Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has had her sentence reduced as part of a broad amnesty by the country's new president who ousted her.

Peru election marred by delays as Fujimori leads count

Peru election marred by delays as Fujimori leads count

Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, narrowly leads Peru's national election - a vote hit by delays as it heads to a run-off.

Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake

Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake

Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has lost power after 16 years in office.

Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy

Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy

MPs need to represent the people better and foster a greater sense of inclusion to safeguard democracy, which is under strain, the Grattan Institute says.

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Finnish lessons for Australia to counter Russian threat

Finnish lessons for Australia to counter Russian threat

Finnish lessons for Australia to counter Russian threat

Finnish lessons for Australia to counter Russian threat

Russian misinformation and disinformation remain a threat to Australia as it tries to exacerbate social divisions in the West and spur political distrust.

Political donation disclosure reforms delayed by months

Political donation disclosure reforms delayed by months

Political donation disclosure reforms delayed by months

Political donation disclosure reforms delayed by months

Changes to when politicians need to declare donations have been pushed back by six months but will be in place well ahead of the next federal election.

PM queries priorities as coalition opposes MP expansion

PM queries priorities as coalition opposes MP expansion

PM queries priorities as coalition opposes MP expansion

PM queries priorities as coalition opposes MP expansion

The coalition won't support any push to expand parliament to deal with an increasing population as a major inquiry reviews whether representation is adequate.

The fake political news pages fooling countless Aussies

The fake political news pages fooling countless Aussies

The fake political news pages fooling countless Aussies

The fake political news pages fooling countless Aussies

Foreign-run Facebook pages are masquerading as Australian news publications and spreading false information about politicians to drive engagement.

Corruption body empowered to tap into secret recordings

Corruption body empowered to tap into secret recordings

Corruption body empowered to tap into secret recordings

Corruption body empowered to tap into secret recordings

People who promptly hand over illegally recorded conversations to police or corruption investigators will be protected under new legislation.

Liberal campaign order came from the top: ex-Brethren

Liberal campaign order came from the top: ex-Brethren

Liberal campaign order came from the top: ex-Brethren

Liberal campaign order came from the top: ex-Brethren

The rigid hierarchy of the Plymouth Brethren Church meant any orders for followers to campaign for the Liberals would have come from the top, ex-members claim.

Danes vote in poll clouded by Trump's Greenland desires

Danes vote in poll clouded by Trump's Greenland desires

Danes vote in poll clouded by Trump's Greenland desires

Danes vote in poll clouded by Trump's Greenland desires

Danish voters are casting ballots, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen seeking a third term amid a stand-off with US President Donald Trump over Greenland.

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Media warned to chase truth, not clickbait and outrage

Democracy shouldn't be taken for granted in an age of misinformation and public distrust, a veteran journalist has warned as he urges media outlets to adapt.

Terrorism watchdog cool to political heat over religion

The man tasked with reviewing Australia's terrorism laws amid pressure over a religious clause says any political decision remains with the attorney-general.

'Buggered': emotional Nationals leader makes shock exit

David Littleproud says he hasn't got the drive to continue as leader of the Nationals as the first contender to replace him throws his hat in the ring.

Labor scraps controversial freedom of information bill

The government has backed down on its attempt to reform freedom of information laws after staunch opposition from across parliament and civil society.

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Democracy under threat as social grievances widen gap

Young people and Australians under strain are less supportive of democracy as a royal commission into social cohesion offers an opportunity to address trust.

'Thoughtless offending' blamed for Liberal poll rout

The Liberal Party alienated immigrants, young people and women during its calamitous 2025 election campaign, which a review describes as its worst in history.

Lack of response to parliament reports 'disrespectful'

Crossbenchers are demanding more accountability and transparency as important reports into significant issues of concern gather dust on ministers' desks.

'This is a stunt': Hanson rebuked after Muslim remark

Firebrand senator Pauline Hanson has dismissed a censure against her by the Senate as an attack on One Nation following her rise in the polls.

Fears over Iranian regime's 'tentacles' in Australia

An atmosphere of fear, intimidation and surveillance is pervasive within Australia's Iranian communities as the oppressive regime targets dissidents worldwide.

Calls grow to step back from demonising opposing views

A tone of debate dismissive of other perspectives risks fracturing society, with Australians already reluctant to engage with people with other viewpoints.

Hate speech laws after Bondi attack were rushed: report

Laws to strengthen Australia's security in the wake of the Bondi shootings were rushed, according to a new report from the Centre for Public Integrity.

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