There’s no justification for taxpayer dollars being used to fund party political activity by governments, argues Greg Barns.

Norm Kelly, a former Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia and a soon to be member of the Political Science Program at the Australian National University, takes a look at the advantages that follow when minor parties achieve parliamentary party status.

Family First’s preferences helped get Labor across the line, but the party needs a new strategy in this changing electorate, according to Anne Tiernan.

An effective national debut won’t necessarily counter the doubts raised by the party’s origins and backers, writes Haydon Manning in this profile of Family First.

As we face the challenge of an ageing society, John Howard’s promises to older voters are exactly what we don’t need, says Rodney Tiffen.