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Contrary to popular opinion, Malcolm Fraser's politics never changed - he was a lefty on social issues and staunchly right-wing on economic matters.
Such a combination should not be a relic of the past to be wistfully remembered, but a feature of today's politics.
The sadness of Fraser's death is magnified by his loss as a role model for modern Liberal progressives.
Topics: liberals, government-and-politics
Malcolm Fraser should be remembered as a conviction politician who returned Australia to stability after the Whitlam chaos. His strong hand of leadership served the nation well.
From the creation of SBS to his acceptance of Vietnamese refugees, Malcolm Fraser put his stamp on the nation during his term as PM. Following his death at age 84 we take stock of some of his greatest achievements as prime minister.
Funding uncertainty makes it much harder for Australia to attract and retain research talent. One story of a disappearing job very nearly put me off ever coming to this beautiful country.
The deadly attack in Tunisia appears to be a reaction by Islamist extremists to the country's peaceful move to democracy after the Arab Spring. But if they are trying to tear down the new order then they're failing.
The Prime Minister signalled a new approach to economic management this week that will have an enormous impact on how the Government is regarded by business and economists.
After the murder of teenager Masa Vukotic, a police officer suggested women shouldn't be alone in parks. Once again women were being told the onus was on them to adjust their behaviour.
If Scott Morrison is willing to grasp the nettle of pension reform, he would be better off looking at ways to move those with greater means off the payment altogether - that's where the real savings are.
US senators' open letter to the Iranian leadership over nuclear negotiations reveals breathtaking hubris and reminds us that not all dangerous ideologues reside in the Middle East.
Australia's next great reforms will be of this stagnant polity itself, hopefully delivering politics that frees ideas from the camouflage of endless deflecting rhetoric. But who do we have to lead this change?
The decisions made about remote communities are damaging and a breach of inherent rights. On Close the Gap Day we urge the Government to re-engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It's heart-warming to see Starbucks has solved racism by getting its baristas to talk about race with customers - but why end there? Here's five other hot topics that should be discussed over a caramel macchiato.
Rather than cutting pensions, the Government should look at where super funds are investing our billions. An overhaul in this area could help both retirees and the budget.
Who is Andrew Robb? What is his track record like? (Besides signing four trade deals as trade minister) People might engage more with issues like this if there was more stories about the cabinet instead of just the leaders.
Alex The TPP has the potential for real harm via story comment.
The ease with which Turnbull has shed principles to retain a ministerial seat shows he is no better than Abbott.
Peter Stanton on Turnbull's new pitch as Mr Right via story comment.
Personally I do not think these two should be hanged, not because of religious or moral grounds, but because they have done 10 years, and appear to have been rehabilitated.
Tom1 on Do these death penalty justifications hold up? via story comment.
The Federal Government moves to allow universities to set their own fees without tying the change to a 20 per cent cut in federal funding. [Herald Sun]
Jihadist teens from Australian suburbs raise questions about counter-radicalisation effectiveness. [7.30]
Former AFL star and Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins is reportedly in a mental health facility. [The Age]
Bangladesh erupts with joy after defeating England by 15 runs in the Cricket World Cup. [Herald Sun]