Don Farrell’s power extends to every ministerial office. The PM relies on him factionally and strategically – and will benefit from an ambitious plan to expand the parliament.

Australians have an obvious interest in action against global warming. Focusing on gas instead of renewables for the energy transition risks sabotaging our future * Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Sydney’s record October heat; high winds battering both Melbourne and New Zealand, causing death and destruction; the algal bloom caused by South Australia’s marine heatwave wreaking havoc on our marine environment; coral in both the Great Barrier and Ningaloo reefs suffering horrific bleaching. There’s barely an Australian who hasn’t been affected by one extreme weather event or another, some badly. Some have lost their lives, their homes or both. Continue reading...