Our political currency has become so devalued that perhaps it’s time for a royal commission into politics. Just look at what it’s done for the banks!

Rodney Tiffen outlines Inside Story’s guide to seventy years of parties, polling and politics.

Cut short by the election, a parliamentary inquiry was beginning to probe the hidden costs of contracting out of government functions.

Faced with the temptations of negative campaigning, can the parties respond to a steep fall in voter trust?

A smaller crossbench and a few surprise wins are the likely result of the new voting system’s first half-Senate outing, writes Tim Colebatch.