Watching the election from afar, I can’t help but wonder – is this really the best Australia can do? | Hugh Riminton

With neither leader offering any serious structural reform, Australia is on a path that leads ultimately to the malaise that has befallen the USElection 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaignPolls tracker; election guide; full federal election coverageAnywhere but Canberra; interactive electorates guideListen to the latest episode of our new narrative podcast series: GinaGet our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcastInformed by impeccable sources that the federal election would be held on 12 April, I booked a holiday to Italy, departing on the 14th. Then Cyclone Alfred swung in toward southern Queensland and the election was delayed. Damn it! The tickets were non-refundable but – thank Buddha! – my presence is no longer required on the campaign planes and buses. A nod from the boss, and away I slunk.So it is that, for the first time in decades, I am consuming this election like most voters – intermittently through media, social and otherwise, and only when I can’t avoid it. Continue reading...