The government is increasingly using non-disclosure agreements as a condition of consultation on reforms, threatening advocates and social welfare groups with imprisonment if orders are breached. It’s a conundrum for the Albanese government, which campaigned in opposition for greater transparency and attacked the Morrison government for its high level of secrecy.

Today, Karen Barlow on the impact these NDAs have on meaningful consultation and how the government justifies its turn towards secrecy.

Politics was changed at the last election in a way the major parties are still grappling with. Now, the record crossbench it delivered looks set to grow even more, with a hung parliament looking ever more likely.

In the lead up to the next election, Labor is courting the teals, knowing the relationship could be crucial to forming government and keeping Coalition MPs out of inner-city seats.

After spending nine months in a coma at the hands of her former partner, Shenane Hogg discovered her abuser had amassed $56,000 of debt in her name. Her story is just one of many that was heard at a parliamentary inquiry into how the financial system can be used to abuse women.

Today, Karen Barlow on the sharp rise in financial abuse, and why we’re failing to prevent it.

Barely a week goes by when the Department of Home Affairs isn’t under the blowtorch of media or political scrutiny. The question is, should one department have so much power?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the inner workings of the super department.

There’s been a slow but steady reckoning on sexual harassment and discrimination in workplaces across Australia. That reckoning should have already come to the most high-profile workplace in the country – Parliament House. But several years on from the Jenkins report, has the culture really changed?

Today, chief political correspondent The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the challenges of policing parliamentarians and why alcohol is so ingrained in political culture.

Jim Chalmers delivered what could be the most important budget of his political career last night. But how much will it help with the cost of living and how will we feel the impact?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow on the budget that’s attempting to reshape Australia’s response to the living crisis.