20 May 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Environment, Policy

Voter aspiration delivers for Coalition

Labor was meant to waltz into national government, or least win a workable majority.

17 May 2019

Get with the (political) programming

With candidates dropping left, right and centre (both in the political sense and as the saying goes), you might be beginning to switch off from the 2019 Federal Election Campaign.

15 May 2019 - Politics, Immigration, Election

Protection or punishment for refugees: What are the election policies

Among Australia's political leaders, and members of the major parties, there remains a worrying failure to openly discuss Australia's obligations under the Refugee Convention.

15 May 2019 - Education, Election

Why early childhood education is everyone’s business

Early childhood education and care has received significant attention during the 2019 election campaign, due mainly to major Australian Labor Party announcements about funded three-year-old preschool for all children and a $4 billion overhaul of the childcare subsidy system.

17 May 2019

The last election where anyone cares?

This federal election may be remembered as the climate change election or the battle of the tax cuts. It may even be remembered as the election where the parties learned they need to actually read their candidates’ social media feeds before endorsing them.

16 May 2019

Improving Australia’s health system beyond the election

Australia has one of the best performing health systems in the world.

9 May 2019 - Election, Policy

What you need to know about the major parties’ policies on personal income tax

Personal income tax, the taxes levied on individuals’ income from wages and capital, collected $206 billion in 2017-18. This represents roughly a half of total Commonwealth tax revenue, and 11% of national income.

16 May 2019 - Election, Policy

When it comes to contraception and abortion access, the choice is stark

The Coalition does not see access to sexual and reproductive services as either an election issue, or a priority for their next term; while the ALP is promising to wade into this currently disjointed, uneven and inequitable space.

2 May 2019 - Politics, Foreign Policy, Election, Policy

Australian foreign aid is at an all-time low and should be dramatically increased

In this election campaign, there are some very distinct trajectories for foreign aid: from continuing the policy of cutting and diminishing aid, to rebuilding aid as an asset in Australian diplomacy, trade and security.

13 May 2019 - Politics, Election, Environment, Policy

How do the major parties compare on climate action?

As the federal election approaches, debate over the climate policies of the major parties continues – along with a lot of misinformation over how to evaluate the relative merits and shortcomings of what each party is offering.

16 May 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Election, Policy

How are the major parties responding to misconduct in the financial services sector?

Following 68 days of public hearings, 134 witnesses and more than 10,000 public submissions, the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry in February released 76 recommendations to clean up the wide-ranging and shocking misconduct it had uncovered.

13 May 2019 - Election

What are the top issues on voters' minds?

What are the main issues of concern for Australians in the lead-up to May 18?

15 May 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Election, Policy

Slow wage growth: The deciding factor in Election 2019?

The slow rate of wage growth is one of the most widely talked-about features of the Australian economy in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election.

12 May 2019

Why housing is a major public health issue for Australians with disability

Access to adequate, safe, secure, accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. But in Australia right now, housing disadvantage is impossible to ignore, and the situation is particularly alarming for disabled Australians.

10 May 2019 - Election, Environment, Policy

The opportunities and risks of decarbonising our transport

With the Federal Election campaign now in full swing, the debate on the regulation of transport greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been light on detail and polarised.

13 May 2019 - Election, Policy

Major parties staying silent on social media regulation

In the lead up to the announcement of this Federal election, a white supremacist launched attacks on mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people and injuring another 49.

12 April 2019 - Election, Policy

Vote Compass is a civic engagement application developed by a team from Vox Pop Labs, in association with the University of Melbourne and the ABC.

8 May 2019 - Politics, Immigration, Election

Don’t write off One Nation’s election chances

One Nation is Australia’s own contribution to the growing ranks of nationalist right-wing parties in developed democracies.

6 May 2019 - Politics, Election

The battle of the slogans

The Australian federal election campaign its heading into its end phase and voters have been bombarded by political advertising on their TVs, social media feed, and even texts on their phones.

7 May 2019 - Election

Australia needs fixed four-year parliamentary terms

Australian democracy would operate much more effectively if we had fixed four-year terms at federal level.

30 April 2019

Reforming Our Democracy

Imagine a federal parliament in which MPs don’t bark at their opponents on the other side of the table, but instead address the chamber from a lectern next to the Speaker.

1 May 2019 - Election

Competition policy: An election issue?

Competition policy rarely features at election time.

17 April 2019 - Politics, Election

What key quality should Australia’s next PM have?

There are many characteristics of good political leadership – strength, courage, wisdom, judgment, responsiveness.

24 March 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

Russia’s meddling in the French elections: How and why?

The French people will soon elect their next president. It could be the National Front’s Marine Le Pen, the candidate Russia may actively be trying to get elected.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Social Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

Why France is taking Europe to the crossroad

The future of democracy in Western Europe is rapidly approaching a crossroads.

30 April 2019 - Politics, Election, Policy

Leader sloganising passed off as a debate

The first of what could be three campaign debates between the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor Leader Bill Shorten last night was never going to have a big impact on the May 18 federal election.

2 April 2019 - Politics, Election

Oligarchs, money and religion: Indonesia’s Election

On 17 April, Indonesians go to the polls for the first-ever simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections.

23 April 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Social Policy

Modi’s BJP Faces an Uphill Battle in India’s Most Populous State

In an interview with India’s state-run Doordarshan television network on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I can say this publicly that the BJP will perform better than last time in Uttar Pradesh.”

18 April 2019 - Politics, Election

Jokowi set to win: Experts respond

After a long, bitter, but largely uneventful campaign, counts released on the night of the election suggest that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will be re-elected, with about 55 per cent of the vote.

15 April 2019 - Politics, Election

Indonesia goes to the polls: rematch or replay?

Indonesia goes to the polls on 17 April, with the same presidential candidates as five years ago: the incumbent, Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi), a self-made former furniture exporter and former governor of Jakarta, and Prabowo Subianto, a former general who was once a son-in-law of Soeharto, the authoritarian former president who ruled for three decades until 1998.

20 February 2019

Six things you should know about the Indonesian Elections

The upcoming Indonesian elections will be the single largest election day in the world as up to 193 million Indonesians vote for a president, vice president and legislatures across the country

16 April 2019 - Politics, Election

India’s alliance politics

In 2014, the BJP rode the Modi-wave to come to power. With the Modi magic waning, and no wave in sight, 2019 elections will be a story of alliances and partnerships.

2 April 2019 - Election

A quick guide to India's 2019 election

India is the world's biggest democracy! Indeed, the 2019 election will be the largest democratic exercise in human history.

1 February 2019 - Politics, Election

Could low voter turnout save Indonesian democracy?

Ahead of the Presidential Election on 17 April, many Indonesian voters have begun publicly declaring an intention to not cast a vote, or golput.

5 April 2019 - Politics, Election

Australia Votes 2019: The Budget Reply

Budget replies are traditionally bland bookends to the main event.

3 April 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election

Australia Votes 2019: The Budget

10 April 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Election

Indonesia-Australia trade deal could help sandbag relationship against elections, politics

Announcing the March 2016 reactivation of negotiations on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), Indonesia’s then-Trade Minister Tom Lembong called for the two governments to take bold steps and “rejuvenate the animal spirits that we know drive economies”.

11 April 2019 - Politics, Election

An Australian’s Guide to India’s Elections

“You can’t tell the players without a program,” hawkers used to shout at sports stadiums.

17 May 2018 - Politics, Election

Malaysia’s remarkable election outcome

Against all but the most optimistic expectations, on May 9 voters in Malaysia’s 14th General Election voters emphatically rejected the long-serving Barisan Nasional (BN - National Front) government of Prime Minister Najib Razak in favour of the Opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH - Alliance of Hope) coalition, led by former PM Mahathir Mohamad.

8 November 2018 - Politics, Election

2018 midterms: The suburbs turn

Presidential proclamations of victory aside, the results of Tuesday’s US midterm elections have fundamentally shifted the balance of power in Washington.

4 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, En Marche

Macron and Le Pen clash in ferocious debate

The two remaining candidates in the French presidential election Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen have gone head-to-head in the final televised presidential debate, with just days until the final vote.

1 June 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

What will the British election mean for Brexit?

Britain’s next leader will have the difficult task of deciding on concrete outcomes for populist platitudes in relation to ‘Brexit’.

20 December 2018 - Election, Social Policy, Population Growth

Who can best tackle the housing affordability problem in Victoria?

Main points

9 July 2017

The future of the European Union beyond 2017

This year, European leaders marked 60 years since the Treaty of Rome, one of the foundations of the European Union (EU), by both acknowledging the EU’s achievements and admitting the many challenges facing the EU.

5 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Does Le Pen have a chance of becoming France's next president?

It’s just days before the final vote to decide who becomes the next French President. The result could radically alter the future of the European Union.

25 March 2019 - Politics, Election

NSW election likely to be false hope for Morrison government

Drawing national conclusions from a state election can be a difficult task, especially from a contest in which sporting stadiums was the major issue of debate.

20 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Foreign Policy, Election, Policy

Brexit: How Australia could benefit AND fight European populism

The Brexit process ending the UK’s membership in the European Union has officially started.

4 October 2018 - Politics, Election

US midterms: What you need to know

For the first time since Donald Trump’s election as President in 2016, Americans go to the polls for a nation-wide election on November 6.

9 May 2018 - Foreign Policy, Election

Resolving Timor-Leste's political crisis

The people of Timor-Leste are heading to the polls this week for the second time in ten months.

10 March 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Policy

Brexit: Over and Out

In 1973 the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community, now the European Union.

14 September 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany

Four things you need to know about the German election

The most likely outcome of the German federal election on September 24 is that Angela Merkel – the longest serving leader in the Western world – will win an historic fourth consecutive term as Chancellor.

4 May 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front

Is fear blinding voters to the consequences of Marine Le Pen?

French voters face a stark choice for president on May 7: Do they elect pro-globalist, pro-immigration centrist Emmanuel Macron, or do they elect nationalist authoritarian Marine Le Pen?

20 March 2019 - Foreign Policy, Election

Why Australia needs to understand the 2019 Indian election

Australia’s ability to form a new and deeper relationship with India has long been marred by limited political and cultural understanding.

20 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Social Policy, Policy, Race, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

The French presidential elections will settle whether or not the Brexit-Trump phenomenon is contagious

After the shock Brexit result in Britain in June 2016 and Donald Trump’s unexpected triumph a few months later, in November, what are the chances of the right-wing Front National’s Marine Le Pen completing a populist trifecta in the French presidential elections?

11 March 2019 - Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport, Energy

India is now officially 99% electrified, but electricity remains high on the political agenda

For Indian politicians looking to woo voters, promises to provide ‘bijli, sarak, pani’ (power, roads, water) have long been important.

25 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

The German election result and what it means for Australia

Dr Angela Merkel will lead Germany as its Chancellor for an historic fourth consecutive term.

23 August 2018

The West's Age of Retreat

When future historians look back at our current times how will they define it?

3 September 2018 - Politics

Surviving Australian politics: Four reforms to stop ousting a leader

Australian politics looks increasingly like a reality TV show, so what can be done to bring stability and end the constant Canberra coups?

24 April 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

French voters will chose between wildly different visions for France

It was a divisive and unpredictable campaign, but the first round results are now clear.

16 July 2018 - Politics, Election

Federal By-Elections Quick Guide

On 28 July, five Federal by-elections will be held. We take a quick look at the electorates, the major candidates, and the likely outcomes. Hover or click over an electorate name (in orange) for more information.

6 June 2017 - Politics, National Security, Election, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

The British election: After the terror

The British Prime Minister has confirmed the UK’s General Election will go ahead following Saturday night's terror attack in London that saw three attackers kill seven people and injure 48 others. Speaking outside Downing Street following the attacks, Theresa May said that “violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.”

21 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Will Germany be a stabiliser in turbulent times?

Some have claimed that the German political scene this year is boring. But perhaps we need less excitement and greater predictability in an era of Brexit and Trump.

2 August 2018 - Politics, Election

The international community failed to support the rule of law in Cambodia

This election has seen the most significant subversion of Cambodian democracy since the 1993 UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) launched the country’s electoral system.

21 November 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Election

Business as usual: US midterm elections & Trump’s trade agenda

Many expect the Democrats’ midterm victory in the House of Representatives will give them a powerful tool to oppose some of President Trump’s most unpopular initiatives, from immigration to healthcare, and launch new investigations into foreign meddling in the last presidential election.

4 November 2018 - Politics, Election

2018 midterms: When two tribes go to war . . .

A spectre is haunting America – the spectre of tribalism.

24 August 2017 - Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), Alternative for Germany

Merkel won't be hurt by refugee issues

Angela Merkel, the leader of the Germany’s ruling centre-right CDU/CSU coalition, is widely expected to win a fourth (and final) term as German Chancellor in parliamentary elections on September 24.

9 June 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP)

Disaster for Theresa May and the Conservatives; uncertainty for the UK

No matter how Tory partisans try to spin it, the UK election results are a disaster for Prime Minister Theresa May and the incumbent Conservative government.

23 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Environment, Energy

Energy prices and emissions: Compare policies ahead of the Victorian election

Key points

4 October 2017 - Politics, Election

Catalan independence referendum response challenges unified Spain

In spite of multiple attempts by Spain’s Madrid-based conservative central government to block it, on October 1st Catalonia’s independence referendum went ahead.

25 June 2018 - Politics, Election

Economic inequality, not age, is the real driver behind Hong Kong’s independence movement

Hong Kong will soon mark 21 years since the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China.

15 November 2018 - Politics, National Security, Election, Policy

How will social media shape India’s next election?

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

27 September 2018 - Politics, Election

Elections in Brazil: Is Democracy itself on the ballot?

Brazilians head to the polls on 7 October for a general election unlike any the country has ever seen.

8 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, En Marche

Europe has a chance to save itself and France will play a key role

Democracy has won.

23 November 2018 - Gender, Politics, Election

Gender composition of Victorian Parliament

Women currently make up 39.8 per cent of Victoria’s Parliament – 77 men compared to 51 women.

6 July 2018 - Politics, Election

Mexicans voted overwhelmingly for change. Will they get it?

Sunday’s Mexican general election was not only the biggest in Mexico’s history, with over 3,400 positions at stake, but it may be the greatest shock to the political status quo since the Mexican Revolution ended in 1920.

13 October 2018 - Gender, Politics, Election, Social Policy

October Surprises and the false hope of the midterms

“October surprise” is a an American political term used to describe something – perhaps a natural disaster or a strategically-timed data leak - that emerges in the run up to an election. It’s something that likely impacts polls and possibly even the vote count.

7 October 2018 - Politics, Election

Podcast: A deep look at the most anticipated US midterms in living memory

On 6 November, Americans head to the polls for the first time since President Trump's election in 2016.

19 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Huge challenges face the next German Chancellor

Germany’s newly-elected Chancellor will face significant challenges that will require difficult and divisive choices after the election this Sunday.

1 April 2019 - Politics, Election

Who is Sandiaga Uno?

Multi-millionaire  businessman Sandiaga (“Sandi”) Salahuddin Uno has been the surprise star of the 2019 presidential election campaign.

25 September 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Social Union (CSU), The Left, Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany, Free Democratic Party

Merkel weakened, far right enters German parliament

As the dust settles on the German election, it seems the political instability seen throughout the West has now arrived in Germany

7 April 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

France's presidential campaign: A strategy of fear versus a strategy of opportunity

What a strange election campaign it has been so far.

17 August 2018

Can Imran Khan thaw hostile Pakistan-India relations?

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice) recently became the single largest party in the Pakistani parliament, after disputed elections on July 25.

3 September 2017 - Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Alliance ‘90/The Greens

German-Turkish tensions high ahead of elections

Germany’s special relationship with Turkey - NATO allies, partners in a key refugee deal and major trade partners - is routinely referred to as being in crisis.

12 March 2019 - Election

India’s elections a struggle for the country’s soul

Indian elections are big. Big in numbers and big in significance.  The national election coming up in May will have more than 800 million eligible voters and promises to be a crucial round in a struggle over the soul of India.

9 June 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Could Macron's 'En Marche' win big?

A month after a truly extraordinary battle for the French presidency between centrist Emmanuel Macron and far right Marine Le Pen, the French people are going to the polls again for two rounds of voting in legislative elections.

27 April 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP), UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Q&A: The UK Election and the Brexit big picture

Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that voters in the UK would be going to the polls again for the third time in three years.

23 November 2018 - Health, Election, Policy

Victorian election: What are the major parties offering on mental health?

Main points

25 July 2018 - Politics, Policy

Australian democracy needs a ‘Department of the Opposition’

One of the criticisms that is often made about opposition parties is that they don’t represent an alternative government. Rather, they just criticise whatever it is that the government is trying to do, without actually providing a better alternative. This state-of-affairs has been expressed by the former Labor Government led by Julia Gillard, when it referred to the (then) Opposition as the ‘No-alition’.

20 February 2019 - Education, Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, Population Growth

What Role Will ‘Generation Timepass’ Play in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections?

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

25 February 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Social Policy, Policy

Positive discrimination in relation to caste is a big Indian election issue

It's often said that in India, you don’t cast your vote, you vote your caste.

25 February 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy

Old habits die hard in Indonesia’s presidential clash

Indonesia’s presidential election – Joko “Jokowi” Widodo versus Prabowo Subianto II – is trundling toward its 17 April denouement, an event less exciting for its potential drama and more for its status as the end point of a long and, thus far, insipid contest.

19 April 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

How terrorism is impacting on the French presidential elections

With the recent terrorist attacks in Stockholm and London, and with Syria and North Korea dominating national and international news in France, the forthcoming French elections are bound to take place in a very particular context.

3 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, Race, National Front, En Marche

Explainer: Le Pen vs Macron - What do they stand for?

Political newcomer Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen will go head-to-head in the final vote of the presidential election on Sunday 7 May.

15 September 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche

Four reasons Le Pen probably won't become French President

The National Front's Marine Le Pen has been one of the front-runners in opinion polls throughout the French presidential election campaign and her anti-EU anti-Islam platform has grabbed attention around the world.

20 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Victorian election: Which party has the best slogan?

Every election, political parties create a new slogan to set the tone for their campaigns and attract voters. It's both a war cry and call-to-action and seeks to represent as many constituents as possible.

13 March 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, Immigration, Election, Policy, Race, Party for Freedom, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy

Four things to watch in the Dutch election

This week, on March 15, Dutch voters will be the first in Europe to go to the polls this year.

1 March 2019 - Economy/Jobs, Election, Social Policy, Policy

Can a Minimum Income Guarantee Program deliver better days for Indians?

Recently India’s Congress party, the chief rival to the ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), proposed to introduce a minimum income guarantee (MIG) program should it win power in the April-May 2019 general elections.

1 March 2018 - Politics, Election

Will Berlusconi make a comeback?

It’s anyone’s guess.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy

What you need to know about Germany

When Germany goes to the polls in the second half of 2017, there is a chance that the status quo will prevail.

16 March 2017 - Politics, Election, Party for Freedom, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, Minor Parties

The Dutch election is the opposite of Trump-like populism

The Dutch elections have produced a bittersweet victory for center-right incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his VVD Party.

19 June 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

France clearly ‘On the Move’

Emmanuel Macron launched his political party En Marche! – now La République en Marche! (The Republic on the Move!) – less than 18 months ago.

22 January 2019 - Politics, Election

Both candidates land blows in first Indonesian presidential debate

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his running mate Ma’ruf Amin squared off against Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno last night in the first of five presidential debates.

14 November 2018 - Politics, Election

How India runs the biggest and best elections in the world

This article is the first in the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch project.

19 November 2018 - Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport

Victorian election: Labor has promised to make ‘wage theft’ a crime if re-elected, but is it feasible?

The systematic and serious underpayment of wages or other statutory entitlements is currently not a criminal offence in Victoria, or anywhere else in Australia.

22 November 2018 - Politics, Immigration, Policy, Population Growth

Melbourne's population spike

The pace of population growth in Melbourne is a significant theme in the 2018 Victorian election campaign, with the major parties promising various policies to ease pressure on services, reduce traffic congestion and radically increase public transport capacity.

5 September 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Environment, Policy, Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), Alliance ‘90/The Greens, Alternative for Germany

Merkel's strong stance on climate change is uncontroversial in Germany

All major parties in Germany – except the Euroskeptic, anti-refugee Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) – accept the reality of human-induced climate change.

22 November 2018 - Election, Policy, Law and Order

Victorian election: How are the major parties addressing the law & order paradox?

21 April 2017 - Politics, Election, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Explainer: How is the French president chosen and who’s expected to win

The French Presidential election will be held in two rounds.

5 May 2017 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Immigration, National Security, Election, Environment, Social Policy, Policy, National Front, En Marche

Europe holds its breath as France chooses its President

If Emmanuel Macron becomes France’s new President on Sunday, his victory will give the European Union a reprieve, a chance to reset its priorities after the battering from Brexit and the apparently inexorable surge of xenophobia and economic nationalism.

19 June 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, Conservative Party, Labour Party, UK Independence Party (UKIP)

Why Labour voters didn't become Tories or 'Red-Kippers'

In the space of a few short weeks of a General Election campaign, the British Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Theresa May went from a 17 seat majority and a 21 point lead over Labour in opinion polls; to just scraping over the line to form a minority government.

10 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party

What you need to know about France

In the aftermath of the election of US President Donald Trump and the UK’s Brexit referendum, many observers are keeping a watchful eye on how presidential elections play out in France in late April and early May.

26 October 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election

Heading into the midterms, economic inequality is still shaping American politics

It may not be easy to see in an era dominated by intense culture-war conflict and the controversial actions of President Trump, but the United States is a country that is increasingly struggling with income and wealth inequality, despite its economic might and overall prosperity as a nation.

13 November 2018 - Education, Politics, Election, Policy

What are the main parties promising on education ahead of the Victorian election?

Main points

26 June 2018 - Politics, Election

A political watershed for Mexico?

On 1 July, voters in Mexico head to the polls for what might be the most significant general election in the last century.

2 August 2018 - Politics, Election

Can Prime Minister Khan really deliver a ‘new’ Pakistan?

As the cricket superstar-turned-philanthropist takes the top job in one of the world’s most populous countries, he faces pressing issues both at home and overseas.

2 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Podcast: What will American politics look like after the midterms?

On 6 November, Americans head to the polls for the first time since President Trump's election in 2016.

1 March 2018 - Politics, Election

Understanding Italy's electoral system: It's complicated

15 March 2018 - Politics, Election

The SA Election: Further evidence of the decline of the two major parties

South Australians go to the polls this Saturday and the Liberal and Labor parties may struggle to collectively win 60% of the primary vote.

22 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Policy

We shouldn’t necessarily trust electronic voting and counting

As Victorians vote in another state election, many will again wonder why they can’t vote online. If we bank, shop, and communicate in so many ways online, why can’t we vote online?

10 March 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy

Liberal democracy: Why we may be losing it

Is the election of Donald Trump simply the way democracy works, or is the whole liberal democratic system under threat from a wave of citizen disenchantment?

23 November 2018 - Politics, Election, Policy, Infrastructure/Transport

Victorian election: What the major parties are offering on infrastructure

After decades of under investment in public transport, we welcome the attention that the major parties are giving to new rail projects.

29 July 2018

What we've learned from 'Super Saturday's' federal by-elections

Key points:

12 March 2019 - Immigration, Policy

Bridging the divide on refugee policy

Australia’s refugee policies are rarely outside the political and public discourse.

18 May 2017 - Politics, Election, Policy

PODCAST: Trump, Brexit and the future of democracy

The international political landscape in 2017 is coloured by Brexit, the advent of the Trump administration in the United States, and several elections in Europe.

14 March 2017 - Politics, Immigration, Election, National Front, En Marche, Party for Freedom

Europe looks back, but don't panic (yet)

The European Union stands on the threshold.

31 January 2019 - Politics, Election, Policy

Farm loan waivers: How India’s political parties are racing to the bottom

This article is part of the Indian Election Series – a partnership between the Australia India Institute and the Melbourne School of Government’s Election Watch.

22 January 2019 - Politics, Election

Candidates make unconvincing commitments to human rights in first debate

On 17 January, Indonesia’s presidential candidates faced each other in the first of five televised debates as the country heads toward elections in April.

21 May 2018 - Politics, Election

Timor’s election: free, fair and .. Facebook

The Timorese people and their leaders should feel confident in the professionalism and transparency of their election processes.

23 November 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election, Policy, Population Growth

Victoria’s growing population has economic benefits, but there are downsides

The Victorian economy is performing well, with activities and jobs buoyed by strong population growth.

18 May 2018 - Election, Policy

Video: Melbourne Lord Mayoral By-Election Youth Forum

On 7 May, 2018 the Melbourne School of Government and The Age co-hosted a Melbourne Lord Mayoral By-Election Youth Forum to discuss issues affecting young people studying, living and working in the City of Melbourne.

17 December 2018 - Economy/Jobs, Politics, Election

India’s ruling BJP has major setback in state elections

The results of the recently-concluded state elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh are a massive blow for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

21 November 2018 - Politics, Election

Victorian election: What the opinion polls say

Two Victorian opinion polls were released late Thursday.

30 March 2017 - Politics, Election

Is populism pushing Europe's left-wing parties into long-term decline?

As right-wing populism continues to rise in some European countries, support for social democratic parties in many European countries has been in retreat in recent years.

19 December 2017

Stay tuned for more independent analysis of elections in 2018

We'll be covering the Victorian election, the US midterms and many more in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

27 May 2018 - Social Policy, Policy

Anwar Ibrahim’s political rebirth and Malaysia’s approach to LGBT+ rights

Malaysia’s recent historic election has propelled Anwar Ibrahim – the long-standing political leader who has twice been jailed on sodomy charges – into the political limelight.

26 June 2017 - Politics, Foreign Policy, National Security, Election, Policy, National Front, Republicans, En Marche, Socialist Party, Unsubmissive France

Macron: Europe's new 'strongman'

The overwhelming win by the party of Emmanuel Macron in the French legislative elections has put a definite halt to the wave of populism in Europe and reinforced French commitment to the European Union.