Michelle Grattan

Michelle Grattan is one of Australia's most respected political journalists. She has been a member of the Canberra parliamentary press gallery for more than 40 years

She was the former editor of The Canberra Times, was Political Editor of The Age and has been with the AFR and The SMH.

Michelle is currently an academic at the University of Canberra and as Associate Editor (Politics) and Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation.

AI/Machine Learning

Around 3 in every four Australians see AI has a threat to people, business and national security, ANU survey reveals

- December 8, 2025 2 MIN READ

Threats relating to technology, disinformation, economic security and foreign interference are overshadowing traditional security concerns in Australians’ minds, according to data released by the Australian National University National Security College. More than 12,000 people were asked across two surveys, in November last year and July this year, to rate the seriousness of 15 potential threats… Read more »

Bitcoin ATM
Cryptocurrency

The Australian government is cracking down on cryptocurrency crimes with new regulatory powers over Crypto ATMs

- October 16, 2025 2 MIN READ

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Thursday will outline new powers to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and crime risks associated with cryptocurrency and Crypto ATMs. AUSTRAC, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator, estimates 85% of the transactions sent by the top users of Crypto ATMs comes from the proceeds of scams or money-mule… Read more »

Cyber security

U16s social media trial ban given green tick, but it’s clear that it’s plagued with serious issues

- September 1, 2025 2 MIN READ

The government’s trial has found age-assurance for its under-16 social media ban can be done effectively and protect privacy but there is not a one-size-fits-all model. The report, from an independent company and released in full, also warns continued vigilance is needed on privacy and other issues. It found some providers, in the absence of… Read more »

Business

Treasurer Jim Chalmers evokes Hawke-era consensus as ‘political footballs’ are tossed around his economic roundtable

- August 19, 2025 3 MIN READ

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday will give the diverse collection of participants at the economic roundtable their riding instructions, as he seeks to wring as much substance as possible out of the meeting. The success or otherwise of the three-day summit will reflect on Chalmers, who will not only lead it but has driven the… Read more »

Politics

Trump bump: Tax cuts for all in Labor’s 4th budget ahead of the election

- March 25, 2025 3 MIN READ

The Albanese government’s fourth budget is a pitch for the votes of a sour and alienated electorate, framed against a background of extraordinary international uncertainty. US President Donald Trump isn’t mentioned by name. But he is the colossus in the background of this budget and indeed the imminent election campaign. While the opinion polls and… Read more »

baby with iphone
Politics

The Australian government is cracking down on kids using social media

- September 10, 2024 3 MIN READ

The Albanese government will introduce legislation this term to enforce a minimum age for children to access social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make the formal announcement on Tuesday. This follows a discussion at last Friday’s national cabinet meeting, at which all states and territories, as well as the Commonwealth, committed to tackling what… Read more »

Bill Shorten
Cyber security

A new digital ID system planned by the federal government will keep personal info in your phone’s myGov wallet

- August 13, 2024 2 MIN READ

The minister for government services, Bill Shorten, will unveil a new initiative that would allow people to have more control over the personal information they share. The scheme, called the Trust Exchange (TEx), would allow people to verify their identities and credentials based on official information already held by the federal government. The plan is… Read more »

Jim Chalmers
Politics

Budget 2024: The key points – what you need to know

- May 14, 2024 2 MIN READ

The third Chalmers’ budget will deliver a surplus of $9.3 billion for this financial year – the second successive surplus of the Albanese government. This will be the first time there have been back-to-back surpluses in nearly two decades. But the forecast surplus is less than the $22.1 billion last financial year. Tuesday’s budget will… Read more »

Cyber Security
Cyber security

The Australian government is ramping up its cybersecurity response after the Optus and Mediback hacks

- February 27, 2023 2 MIN READ

The federal government is further stepping up its efforts to improve Australia’s protection against increasing cyber threats, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday announcing the establishment of a Coordinator for Cyber Security. The aim is to “ensure a centrally coordinated approach” to the government’s cyber security responsibilities. This would include coordinating and “triaging” action… Read more »