Several so-called 'teal' independents are in advanced discussions about the potential formation of a new political party. Responding to growing distrust for the major parties and surging support for One Nation, some independent MPs say Australia needs a more sensible opposition.

SBS speaks with independent MP Allegra Spender to discuss the recent federal budget

The Coalition has vowed to support the small business sector as consternation grows over tax changes affecting capital gains. In his budget reply, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson accused Labor of an attack on aspiration, and laid out the Liberal vision.

Pauline Hanson has spoken with SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson in a wide-ranging interview following the federal government’s 2026/27 budget announcement.

The contest continues over the future of Australia's tax system following last week's Federal Budget. The Coalition has flagged its own bold policies on tax and housing, while the Treasurer is working to sell a trio of changes affecting negative gearing, capital gains and trusts. Two new opinion polls suggest his federal budget has been poorly received by voters - but Jim Chalmers has declared the long-term gains from controversial housing tax changes are worth the short-term political pain.

The Federal Government says it's investing $1.2 billion in First Nations communities and Closing the Gap over five years as part of Tuesday's budget. Headline measures include new funding for remote jobs, community controlled health infrastructure, and programs to combat gendered violence. Despite these investments, some community leaders have told NITV they feel the budget left First Nations people behind.

SBS chief political correspondent Anna Henderson quizzes the Prime Minister about the budget, broken promises, a gas tax, and more

Cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are the largest source of savings in the federal budget, leaving many in the disability community angry and anxious about what's to come. The details of which participants will lose their supports, and whether state governments will fill those gaps, are still being worked out.

The government has finally filed its formal response to the gambling inquiry chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy. But their response has drawn sharp criticism from advocates, who say it was dropped the day of the federal Budget - and that it doesn't go far enough.

Speculation was rife in the lead up to this year's budget about what it would contain for housing investors. Now we know what Treasurer Jim Chalmers has planned for the capital gains tax discount, and negative gearing regime, both of which have been blamed for favouring investors over first home buyers and inflating prices. What do the changes mean for renters and potential buyers in the housing market?