The Latest Breaking News from Helen Haines

Politicians are calling for all rural phone towers to be "unlocked", to let anyone use their signal regardless of what carrier they are with.

Australia’s long-awaited National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has become a legislative reality, after the House of Representatives today accepted a final amendment imposed by the Senate on Tuesday.

For many voters despairing about the gridlock and lack of integrity in Australian politics in recent years, the success of the teal independents in the May 2022 federal election was an exhilarating moment. They won six formerly safe Liberal seats, returned four independents - Zali Steggall in Warringah, Helen Haines…

Minor party resolves to support a crossbench amendment instead of Coalition on key appointment

While some still have faith in politics’ ability to self-correct, others hope greater disruption will bring stronger trust

Legislation on federal anti-corruption body has passed lower house without amendments to strengthen its powers

Historically conservative but now highly marginal, the north-east Victorian electorate of Benambra — enveloped by firmly independent federal seat Indi — is one to watch on Saturday.

The commission must have the scope and definition of corruption to adequately investigate, prevent and stop corruption.

Australia’s patchwork of whistleblower protection laws has many holes – this week’s developments must be the beginning, not the end, of a changed approach

The federal government is being urged by the crossbench to ensure its anti-corruption watchdog is as strong as it can be, with a push for public hearings.

The Albanese government's national anti-corruption commission is on track to pass the federal parliament by Christmas, fulfilling a Labor election promise.