TWO forced ministerial resignations in the space of six months doesn’t necessarily drive a government from office. But in New Zealand’s case, the veteran politicians concerned are the leaders of the two minor parties whose support John Key needs for his National Party to stay in government. And despite the resignations, the colourful scandals plaguing...

I AM writing this review on a plane. Everybody around me is immersed in the tiny screens on the back of the seats in front of them. Some are watching movies and TV shows; others are playing games. All of them are consumers of what Stuart Cunningham calls the creative industries. Hidden Innovation sets out...

EXACTLY sixty years ago, at just twenty-two years of age, Rupert Murdoch joined the board of the Adelaide-based newspaper company, News Limited, and set about creating first one powerful media company, and more recently two, in which he continues to play central roles. Murdoch has been in charge of News almost as long as Elizabeth...

READING Australian newspapers, watching TV, listening to the radio or browsing news sites online, the message is the same. Elections are decided by voters’ feelings about the leaders of the big parties. “Preferred prime minister” is the poll result to watch; voters’ liking for a leader will surely shape their votes.

MIDWAY through the election campaign, the focus has yet to swing to health and healthcare. According to the ABC’s policy comparison tool, Vote Compass, health is rating well behind the economy, which is by far the most important election issue for voters. Given the challenges of budget sustainability, workforce productivity and the ageing population –...