Tegan George
Tegan George is a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades of experience reporting on the events and policies that shape Australia. From the halls of Parliament House to the frontlines of natural disasters, she brings clarity and insight to complex issues and is passionate about making politics accessible and engaging for all audiences.
Hanson-Young backs Wildlife Recovery call for urgent funding to save injured native animals
Australia’s struggling wildlife rescue sector is calling for the Albanese government to fund a national system for treating injured and orphaned native animals.
Australia hands fossil fuel companies $31,000 a minute in subsidies — more than it spends on the Air Force
New research has revealed that Australian governments are providing the equivalent of $31,020 a minute in fossil fuel subsidies as households continue to struggle with rising petrol and electricity prices.
Varoufakis: ‘Fascism is darkening our doorsteps’
Former Greek finance minister and economist Yanis Varoufakis has warned that fascism is re-surging in global politics, with extremist ideas gaining influence even in countries where the far-right is not in power.
Economists warn war will push up energy bills unless Australia ends gas giveaway
Economists are warning the Albanese Government must act immediately to end “Australia’s enormous gas giveaway” as households begin to see – and feel – the economic fallout of war in the Middle East.
No ‘passengers’: AUKUS pulls Australia into Trump’s war on Iran
Australia’s AUKUS agreement has dragged the country into the Trump administration’s war on Iran with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused of obfuscating the country’s involvement.
CGT discount back in focus as housing debate intensifies
A fresh political battle is brewing over how Australia should fix the housing crisis, with Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson arguing against changes to the capital gains tax (CGT) despite criticising the scheme in the past.
'Gobsmacked': threatened bird habitat cleared under Australia’s new nature laws
Environmentalists have accused the Albanese Government of making a “mockery” of Australia’s new nature laws, saying they’re “gobsmacked” by its decision to greenlight the destruction of threatened bird habitat in the Northern Territory.
'Deeply disturbing' fallout feared as US–Israel attack ignites regional conflict
The Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs advisor Allan Behm said the “decapitation of the regime” in Iran marks the beginning of “massive instability bordering on long-term chaos”.
Tasmanian Greens push to permanently ban fracking as state moratorium nears end
A permanent ban on fracking is back on the agenda in Tasmania with the Tasmanian Greens planning to introduce a bill to ban the harmful practice in the opening days of parliament.
Japan’s rise as an LNG trader driven by resale of cheap Australian gas, reigniting calls for gas export tax
New analysis shows Japan is emerging as a major player in global gas trading, despite producing no liquefied natural gas of its own – and it’s all thanks to Australia.
Failure to tax extreme wealth will fuel far-right surge, warns Gary Stevenson
British economist Gary Stevenson, known as 'the People's Economist' has delivered blunt advice to Australian politicians during his tour of Australia, warning that living standards will continue to deteriorate unless they start taxing the “super-rich elite.”
As fears of US-Iran war grow, experts call for a return to first principles
Donald Trump’s escalating military build-up in the Middle East has raised fears that the United States is on the brink of a new war with Iran.
Pressure mounts on Federal Government to end political party intrusion in postal vote applications
Electoral reform advocates are calling for the Albanese Government to follow the lead of state Labor governments and remove political parties from Australia’s federal postal vote process.
Endangered black cockatoos at risk after years of illegal forest destruction
A leading conservation organisation has sounded the alarm over the ongoing destruction of critical black cockatoo habitat in Western Australia.
Otway Basin gas proposal rejected, as calls grow to end ‘death-by-consultation’
Marine conservationists say it’s time for governments to put an end to 'death-by-consultation' traps, arguing they only serve to stall decisions on controversial proposals.
Alcoa wins 18-month clearing approval following illegal bauxite mining
A US aluminium company, penalised $55 million for illegally destroying native forest in Western Australia to mine bauxite, has been given approval to carry out further “limited land clearing” for another 18 months.
AUKUS, Alliances and a world sliding back toward nuclear brinkmanship
A leading US national security expert has warned “nuclear weapons are back with a vengeance”.
Kumi Naidoo: Australia must abandon fossil fuels or lose climate credibility
The Australian Government has been urged to leverage its leading role in this year’s United Nations climate conference to start reversing the world’s “suicidal trajectory”.
Climate change is exposing coffee-growing regions to dangerous heat
If worsening natural disasters and soaring energy and insurance bills haven’t been enough to raise the alarm about climate change – its threat to the world’s coffee supply just might.
As a fourth coral bleaching crisis begins, scientists warn reefs are being hit harder each time
As a fourth global bleaching crisis unfolds, an international study has found more than half of the world’s reefs experienced significant damage during the last marine heatwave.
Record loans, soaring house prices, another windfall for banks: new housing policy did exactly as expected
The Commonwealth Bank has delivered a staggering profit update amid a surge in first home buyers trying to crack the property market.
Calls grow to end unpaid ‘placement poverty’ for nation's healthcare students
A chronic shortage of healthcare workers has intensified calls for the Albanese Government to end unpaid “placement poverty” and extend government financial support to include medical and allied health students.
Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz: Australia ‘seems foolish’ not to properly tax gas giants
Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz has advised Australia to “auction off your resources for the highest value. Get the highest value from whoever can extract your resources.”
Government accused of ‘climate vandalism’ after approving coal mine expansion
The Albanese Government has drawn fierce criticism after approving the extension of a Queensland coal mine that conservationists say will destroy crucial habitat for koalas and greater gliders.
What the Washington Post cuts mean for democracy, and Australia
As American democracy teeters on the brink, there’s been a significant setback for journalism with the Washington Post slashing a third of its staff, including 14 climate change journalists.
Government accused of "failing to meet the moment" on consultancy ethics after PwC scandal
The Albanese Government has been accused of being a “government of gestures” that has “failed to meet the moment” after responding to two parliamentary inquiries into the consultancy sector and its ethics.
Australian high schools ranked the most expensive in the developed world
Australian high schools have topped an unenviable global ranking, with new research showing they’re the most expensive in the developed world.
Report lifts lid on Japan’s influence over Australia’s gas policy
The Albanese Government is being accused of prioritising Japanese gas industry profits over Australian households and climate goals, with a new report lifting the curtain on corporate Japan’s influence over Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) policy.
Tasmanians warned they may foot the bill for new logging deals
Tasmania’s Liberal Government is being warned against rushing to lock in long-term logging contracts, with critics cautioning the state could be forced to pay millions to tear them up.
Frontline services ‘trapped in crisis mode’ as housing emergency deepens
Frontline community services are being pushed to breaking point as Australia’s housing crisis deepens, with new findings showing demand for help has surged and staff burnout is rising.
OECD joins calls to rethink Capital Gains Tax discount
Australia’s Labor Government has found an unlikely ally as it considers scaling back the 50% capital gains discount for property investors.
MAGA will outlive Donald Trump, experts warn
The MAGA movement is synonymous with Donald Trump, but experts say it’s become so “battle-hardened” it’s likely to endure long after the US President leaves office.
Welfare advocates urge Government to suspend Mutual Obligation requirements during extreme heatwaves
Welfare advocates are imploring the Australian Government to suspend mutual obligation requirements during dangerous heatwaves, arguing it is unnecessarily putting people’s lives at risk.
Australia spends more on property investor tax breaks than on social housing and homelessness services combined
The 2026 Report on Government Services (RoGS) shows 41% of people waiting to get into public housing are homeless or at risk of homelessness – up from 26% in 2015.
$5 billion in incorrect pension payments prompt calls to end “shoddy” automation system
Advocates are urging the government to prioritise recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, including transparency about how automated decisions are made.
How Australia can chart its own course in an uncertain world
International relations experts are calling on more world leaders to stop “sanewashing” what’s happening in the Trump era.
UN Human Rights review calls on Australia to act on youth incarceration crisis
40 countries urged the Albanese Government to raise the age of criminal responsibility from ten to 14 years, bringing it into line with internationally recognised standards.
“Living within a lie”: Carney’s eulogy to the international order
Mark Carney's speech has drawn international praise, as well as quick retaliation from Donald Trump. It’s a scenario Australia has been desperate to avoid.
As heatwaves worsen, Australia remains a climate laggard
As the nation’s south-east languishes through another heatwave, new data has revealed what millions already know: more Australians are feeling the heat. The OECD has released its Economic Surveys for 2026 and it makes for sobering reading.
“Europe won’t be blackmailed”: Trump’s Greenland threat shakes NATO
European leaders have pushed back against Donald Trump’s tariffs threat, declaring they won’t be “blackmailed” into surrendering Greenland, as the future of NATO hangs by a thread.
"Chaotic cruelty": Trump administration escalating violence at home and abroad
As US President Donald Trump threatens military intervention in Iran and ramps up rhetoric around “conquering” Greenland, experts are questioning whether it’s a sign of a “cornered animal” lashing out.
QLD government accused of exploiting summer holiday lull to avoid scrutiny of contentious electoral laws bill
Queensland’s LNP government has been accused of exploiting the summer holiday lull to avoid scrutiny of a contentious bill, which would lift the state’s ban on developer donations to political parties and candidates.
State governments warned against “overreaching” and rushing to legislate “easy solutions” in the wake of Bondi terror attack
The NSW Government is yet to address whether it will extend its temporary ban on public gatherings in designated areas, with police working on contingencies for mass rallies against Australia Day.
Senate inquiry told Labor's proposed gun laws “would have significantly reduced the chances” of the Bondi massacre occurring
Gun Control Australia president Tim Quinn has told a snap Senate inquiry he believes the Albanese government’s proposed gun control legislation “would have significantly reduced the chances” of the Bondi massacre occurring.
Reluctance to look at US with "clear eyes" becoming increasingly untenable: US expert
As Europe grows increasingly alarmed by the Trump administration’s fixation on Greenland, the Albanese government is being urged to reassess Australia’s blind loyalty to the United States.
New modelling suggests non-government parties would see greatest increase in seat share from expanded parliament
Labor is canvassing support for the addition of more senators and MPs to better reflect the country’s growing population.
Lifting ban on political donations by developers could increase corruption risk: QLD corruption watchdog
As Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has warned the Crisafulli government against lifting the ban on political donations by property developers.
Unchecked climate heating is greatest threat to human security, says former ADF Chief
As United States President Donald Trump ramps up rhetoric on his oil-driven military intervention in Venezuela, a former Australian defence chief is urging world leaders not to lose sight of the far more dangerous conflict that climate change could create.
"Like walking into an oven". Australians warned to brace for more extreme weather
Australians are being warned to brace for more extreme temperatures as weather records tumble across the country in what’s been described as the “most significant heatwave” since the Black Summer bushfires.
Experts say Trump’s abduction of Maduro is about oil, not drugs
Experts say the insertion of US special forces into Caracas and the abduction of President Maduro was a precision tactical operation.
Federal Government urged to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate disasters
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is being urged to make coal and gas corporations pay for Australia’s rising cost of climate disasters.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres “deeply alarmed” by the United States’ attack on Venezuela
The United Nations (UN) Security Council will hold an emergency meeting in New York with UN Secretary-General António Guterres “deeply alarmed” by the United States’ attack on Venezuela.
Australia’s parliament could expand for first time in four decades
Australia’s parliament appears set to expand for the first time in four decades with election experts backing a reform they say is well overdue.
Funding for Centrelink payment cancellations ignores rot at the heart of welfare compliance: Anti-Poverty Centre
Welfare advocates have criticised the Albanese government’s response to a second damning report from the Commonwealth Ombudsman that links stigma against welfare recipients to unlawful suspensions of Centrelink payments.
Australia’s oldest public library axes controversial restructure plan
The State Library of Victoria (SLV) conceded it had “created unintended concerns” with its proposal to cut 39 jobs and reduce services to focus on more “digital experiences”.
New research shows that oil and gas exploration isn't creating value - it's destroying it
It comes as the Albanese Government announced it was opening new areas in Commonwealth waters for offshore gas exploration.
The RBA ruling out interest rate cuts demonstrates that they continue to prioritise controlling inflation over unemployment
Markets are predicting two interest rate rises in 2026 but the Australia Institute’s chief economist has urged cash-strapped mortgage holders not to panic just yet.
“Maximum lethality”: the US military under the Trump administration
Australia’s allegiance to the US is being tested as the Trump administration faces accusations of illegal military action and escalating national security recklessness.
‘We call it rip it and ship it’: Canadian leaders slam Woodside’s pipeline projects
Canadian Indigenous leaders have warned Australian gas giant Woodside that pipelines in British Columbia (BC) are driving illegal land seizes, violent police raids and the destruction of pristine ecosystems.
ACCC: private health insurers’ $4.8 billion covid windfall returned
Private health insurers have returned almost $4.8 billion to Australian customers after pledging not to profit from reduced access to health services during the pandemic.
Queensland Museum urged to axe Shell deal after study finds distorted climate education for students
The Queensland Museum is being urged to terminate its partnership with Shell’s QCG gas business following claims its branded teaching materials are misleading students on climate change.
FOI documents reveal extent of unreported corruption in Commonwealth agencies
The nation's corruption watchdog has warned federal agencies and departments that gross misconduct may be more prevalent than previously thought.
"Terrible, irresponsible pronouncement”: alarm over Trump’s push to resume nuclear testing
As Japan marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, concerns are mounting over a new nuclear arms race with the US and Russia seemingly putting testing back on the table.
Greens say new gas won’t fix shortages as research links exports to soaring prices
The Greens have put the Albanese Government on notice, warning they’ll block any gas-shortage response that includes funnelling more public money into new gas fields.
While the rest of the world rushes to hire US scientists that Trump has cut, Australia follows in his footsteps
"They’re choosing to do less science at the very time when we should be doing more science, when we’re talking about productivity.”
Gough Whitlam's former assistant speaks out on US involvement in the dismissal
"I walked down Collins Street and I handed it to a CIA agent up on the steps of the Hotel Australia."
Government legislation a 'dangerous departure from the Rule of Law'
The Albanese Government is facing mounting criticism over a last-minute legislative amendment that could see thousands lose social security payments before being found guilty of any crime.
'Anti-achievement' Democrats let pressure off Trump
The Democrats have been criticised for “caving” to Donald Trump to end the longest government shutdown in US history, but political pundits believe the move may be part of a deliberate long-game strategy.
Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever
Soaring costs of living and the nation’s longest government shutdown have fueled fierce voter backlash against US President Donald Trump with the Democrats being handed sweeping victories in multiple state elections.
Bob Brown: when the law is wrong you have a duty to stand up against it
Dr Brown discusses crackdowns on environmental protestors, his multiple arrests, and the importance of civil disobedience.
Economists are pressing the RBA to prioritise unemployment data more and stop operating in “continual fear of inflation”
Indicators suggest that unemployment is going to keep going up, and the RBA's decisions aren't helping.
Broken university system is letting Australians down
Australian universities are facing calls for greater scrutiny and to implement standardised reporting on their financials results as more institutions cry poor while continuing to bank large surpluses.
Labor's nature law overhaul draws criticism from across Parliament
The Albanese Government’s new environmental laws have managed to bring unlikely allies together with the Coalition, Greens and Independents all united in their broad opposition for the reforms.
"Everything is uncertain": Trump-Xi meeting leaves the world on edge
As Donald Trump boasts about his newly renovated marble bathroom and its chandelier over the toilet, Australians are growing increasingly concerned and confused about the nation’s $386 billion investment into the AUKUS nuclear-submarine deal.
Poverty is not inevitable, it’s a policy choice, social sector leaders tell Canberra”
Anglicare Australia has described the nation’s $7 billion employment services program as a waste of money, arguing the funds would be better used to create secure, lasting jobs.
Sophie Scamps: Ministerial 'turf wars' are stalling critical policy reforms
Independent Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps has blamed 'ministerial turf wars' for stalling critical reforms, warning the gap between departments is where “sensible reform proposals go to die”.
The Government is taking action on housing. It's just exactly the wrong kind of action
The Government spends an estimated $13 to 15 billion per year on housing, it's all directed to the capital gains tax discount, the negative gearing deductions and the Commonwealth rent assistance.
Fortescue: Fuel Tax Credit makes diesel 'artificially cheap', overhaul needed for climate
A Fortescue executive has called for a major overhaul of Australia’s $11 billion fuel tax credit scheme, arguing it undermines the nation’s climate goals by making diesel “artificially cheap”.
The gas industry is ripping us off, and 'it’s been an open secret for years': ACTU
ACTU calls for a 25% tax on gas exports to help fix Australia's housing problem
'If it's a priority, we can always afford it. Anything less is just an excuse'
Australian governments have been urged to stop crying poor and hiding behind the excuse that “we can’t afford” meaningful social progress.
Steven Miles: 'the pathway we took to deliver new revenue into the Queensland Budget a lesson for other states'
Former Queensland Premier, Steven Miles has detailed how his government turned a record deficit during Covid into “the state’s biggest ever surplus”, while also sparing households from extra financial strain.
"You can't trust Donald Trump, but you can trust Trump to be Trump"
As Donald Trump presses on with his self-declared ‘peace president’ tour through Asia, the United States is sliding deeper into political chaos as its self-imposed government shutdown nears the one-month mark.
Supply is not the only cause of the housing crisis, says leading economist
“House prices have massively increased at a time when we’re building houses faster than the population is increasing.”
How the instability and unpredictability of Trump has affected rare earths and gold
Gold has become a "something like a memecoin"
Albanese visits Trump as US democracy circles a golden drain
"We tend to measure success in Australian diplomacy as something going very smoothly and nothing really changing.”
Pots and kettles: Trump trades barbs with China over trade
The global economic outlook remains “dim” as President Donald Trump’s tariff chaos continues to cloud financial forecasts.
No peace without accountability, says former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Dr Navi Pillay has expressed concern about a lack of accountability for genocide in Gaza.
In a step backwards for the climate, Labor is close to a deal with the Coalition on environmental laws
Australia’s environment laws are so “broken” they now scrutinise more solar farms than coal mines.
What is Australia risking? These are the future impacts of our climate change policies
“What’s worse? Denying the science or denying the need to act on the science? Because I don’t think history is going to remember either very favourably.”
Housing affordability is about to get worse as demand grows quicker than supply
Confidence in the housing market has surged to a 15 year high, amid concerns the Federal Government’s expanded first-homebuyer scheme will further fuel price growth.
Australia is a rich country that taxes like a poor one
Big companies are paying little or no tax, which limits the Government’s ability to fund essential services like healthcare, housing, and education.
Trump's ‘decision first, diplomacy later’ approach warrants Australian security rethink
Australia is being urged to stop outsourcing its foreign policy to the United States or risk being dragged into Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic and aggressive approach to world affairs.
Lulu, the Middle East's "hypermarket", could be coming to Australia - but it's unlikely to have an impact on the duopoly
The Prime Minister has urged a prominent Middle Eastern billionaire to bring his global retail empire down under to challenge Australia’s supermarket duopoly.
Why is everyone talking about ANU and what does Julie Bishop have to do with it all?
Between a 'financial crisis', the vice-chancellor's resignation, and bullying allegations, it can be hard to keep up.
The housing market just got more cooked
The Federal Government’s new first-home buyer policy has been criticised as another housing hand-out that fuels competition rather than construction.
ANU 'cooking the books' on financial crisis: new analysis
Audited accounts show ANU is accumulating large surpluses. The claim of crisis is not supported by the evidence.
Andrew Hastie's comments on Charlie Kirk echoes MAGA - and he's not the only one doing it
The Coalition has been accused of toying with cut-and-paste Trumpism because it’s “desperate” and politically adrift.
"He’s going to have to prepare for anything": How will Albanese approach his upcoming meeting with Trump?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been warned he risks 'significant political danger'
Policy without politics: the cost of centrist consensus
Australia’s two major parties are being warned they face electoral wipe-out at the polls if they continue to pander to pragmatism.
Follow the Money: Government still ignoring climate reality
More than half a million Australians could be at risk from rising sea levels yet the Federal Government continues to approve new fossil fuel projects.
Militarism gone mad: Albanese urged to abandon AUKUS
Doug Cameron has delivered a comprehensive critique of the Albanese Government’s defence policy, warning Australia risks becoming a nuclear target if it continues to partner with the United States on buying AUKUS submarines.
