Explainers
EXPLAINER
How to make a submission to a parliamentary inquiry
Making a submission to a parliamentary inquiry is much more straightforward that you may think and is a great way to participate in our democracy. Here is a handy guide of what you need to know to make a public submission and tips on how you can make your submission more effective.
EXPLAINER
Why Australia needs more politicians (yes, you read that correctly)
Although politicians are not popular, there are good reasons to want more of them. The Australian population has grown by 11 million since the last increase in the number of politicians, leaving local members stretched thin.
EXPLAINER
The core case for gas plummets into a screaming death spiral - Part 2
In Q4 2024, the average wholesale earnings [RC5] of batteries discharging was higher than gas. In Q4 2025, that has flipped.
EXPLAINER
The core case for gas plummets into a screaming death spiral - Part 1
For decades, fossil fuel advocates have been pushing the line that we “need” to burn methane as a ‘vital component of the energy transition’. It is an ancient talking point, predicated on the idea that integrating wind and solar power can only be done by using fossil methane-fuelled turbines, which can be turned up and down with some degree of flexibility and adjustability.
EXPLAINER
Five things you may not know about Timor-Leste
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting Timor-Leste this week. Here are five things you may not know about one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
EXPLAINER
What are the proposed gun control reforms and how did we get here?
The Albanese Government’s omnibus ‘Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill’ includes the most significant reforms to Australia’s gun control laws since 1996.
EXPLAINER
Local governments in Australia – how they work and the inquiry into their future
Collectively, local government is responsible for about one-third of all Australia’s public infrastructure assets. But how do they work? How do they raise money? And what is their future?
EXPLAINER
The public pool versus the real estate developer
The longer days of summer offer desk jockeys like me a seasonal opportunity for direct sunlight. After work, I like to go swimming. But my local pool, like too many others across Australia, has fallen into a dire state of disrepair.
EXPLAINER
What you need to know about Trump administration's abduction of Nicolás Maduro
As is always the case with Trump, it’s hard to separate the signal from the noise. Here are the basics.
EXPLAINER
Decommissioning oil and gas: The fossil fuel industry’s gift that keeps on taking
Taxpayers wear a significant share of the cost of cleaning up old mines