Scott Morrison operates on well-tried “whatever it takes” principle - “what it takes” in the COVID era is never-ending public money and policy flexibility, writes Michelle Grattan
Ministers Stuart Robert, Angus Taylor and Prime Minister Scott Morrison arriving at question time.
Lukas Coch/AAP
There are many reasons to criticise China, but a Camp David pile-on is the last thing Morrison needs to associate himself with given the tenuous state of Sino-Australian relations.
After 12 months as prime minister, Morrison looks the strong leader, clearly in charge, with few constraints. But will he make a substantial entry in the history book of Australian prime ministers?
Jacinda Ardern and Immanuel Macron will head up the Christchurch Call meeting, aimed at coordinating international regulation of harmful online content.
Ian Langsdon / AAP
Being seen to lead is clearly an important political aspect of managing online content. But internet regulation must focus on creating policy that is clear, accountable, balanced and open to appeals.
China and Italy’s presidents shake hands.
EPA-EFE/Alessandro Tarantino / Pool
Italy is neither the first, nor will it be the last European economy to follow its own national interest and look for Chinese support.
Is Donald Trump a pawn of Russia? A mini-blimp floating during anti-Trump protests in London depicts the president as a giant baby – just as he prepares to meet with Vladimir Putin.
(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
As Donald Trump prepares to meet with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, here’s a detailed explanation of how one goes about subverting democracy via a stooge.
Heads of state attended the G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, on June 9, 2018. Top row: European Council president Donald Tusk, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde. Bottom row: Seychelles President Danny Faure, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. US president Donald Trump’s recent protectionist moves were at the top of the agenda.
Ludovic Marin/AFP
After the G7 fiasco, it’s clear that a trade war is in the making. US justifications of “national security concerns” for its tariffs suggest a legitimate target for EU countermeasures: coal.
Trump against the world?
Jesco Denzel/German Federal Government via AP
International trade policy requires three traits to be successful and lead to mutual prosperity. Trump’s is missing all three, as he showed at the G-7 summit.
Trump answers questions before departing the White House on his way to the G7 in Quebec.
Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
Millions of tonnes of plastic garbage winds up in our oceans each year. Voluntary pledges haven’t worked. It’s time for Canada to advocate for an international plastics treaty.