Centrelink’s flawed system of debt recovery has proved a debacle for the government and a tortuous struggle for those wrongly accused of owing money.

Despite promising there would be no sniping or wrecking, Tony Abbott’s year has been a litany of episodes that undermine his successor.

With wage inequality at record highs and technology plundering jobs, a universal basic income is being championed. But how to foretell the problems, let alone possible solutions?

As the Coalition fractures over climate policy, the follies and waste of the demobilised Green Army have become clear.

As staff revolt against programming changes, ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie struggles to describe her vision for the broadcaster.

As calls intensify for a recount in key states, the impact on the American election of post-truth ‘news’ is becoming clearer.

SA’s citizen jury, which rejected the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission's pro-storage stance, reveals the democratic tension when governments open decision-making to the people while seeking a predetermined outcome.

Feeding on the power of negativity, opposition parties are able to win over the electorate. But, as former Liberal opposition leader John Hewson points out, it means no one is rising to power with a clear policy agenda.

Recent attacks on those who receive social security payments – and on the welfare system itself – are born of manipulated statistics and the government’s philosophy of a carrot for the rich and a stick for the poor.