Parliament ends in disunity and disarray

This week, two of the nation’s highest profile politicians have announced that they will be quitting politics. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the departure of the Health Minister Greg Hunt and former Attorney-General Christian Porter - and the internal division plaguing the Coalition.

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Are rich countries to blame for Omicron?

For months scientists have been warning us that if global vaccination rates didn’t lift - new, potentially more dangerous strains of Covid-19 could emerge. Now it looks like their fears might have been realised, with the emergence of the new Omicron variant. Today, Rick Morton on how vaccine hoarding by rich nations is helping prolong the pandemic.

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The proposed law that could legalise discrimination

The federal government has finally introduced a religious discrimination bill to parliament. And there are concerns that they could make it easier for individuals to discriminate against marginalised communities, like the queer community, without consequence. Today, Karen Middleton, on what the religious discrimination bill actually entails, and why Scott Morrison is so desperate to pass it.

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The takeover of a green energy company by an oil giant

Powershop’s focus on renewables investment and political advocacy is responsible for its rapid rise in popularity in the Australian energy market. In a shock announcement to its customers, Powershop announced it had been sold to one of the world’s biggest polluters. Today, Mike Seccombe on the sale of Powershop, and what it tells us about the future of green energy in Australia.

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The disappearance of a Chinese tennis star

Earlier this month, Peng Shuai, one of China’s most successful tennis stars posted a statement on social media, detailing allegations of sexual harassment. Half an hour later, the post, and her entire feed disappeared. Then she did too. Today, Linda Jaivin on what happened to one of China’s biggest sports stars.

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How Pauline Hanson fractured the Coalition

The Coalition government has fractured on a number of issues this week, most significantly in response to a bill introduced by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.

As parliament enters its final fortnight of the year, a number of Coalition senators crossed the floor to vote against the government, in favour of One Nation’s legislation - which aims to oppose vaccine mandates.

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Inside Australia’s most dangerous hotel

As Australia wraps up its hotel quarantine program, one group of people remain confined in hotel rooms indefinitely: people seeking asylum. A recent outbreak of Covid 19 at a hotel detention facility in Carlton has raised serious questions regarding the safety and treatment of those inside. Today, Elle Marsh on who is responsible for protecting the detainees, and why the government should have seen this outbreak coming.

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The historic reforms to sexual consent laws

On Tuesday the NSW Parliament passed historic reforms to sexual consent laws. Now, similar laws are being introduced in Victoria, and advocates are calling for national reform. Today, campaigner and contributor to The Saturday Paper Saxon Mullins, on the push to update Australia’s laws around sexual assault, and why it’s taking so long.

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