Analysis and Opinion from The Drum

(Note: these articles are only open for comment Monday to Friday)

• The myth of two Malcolm Frasers Opinion

  
  The Drum

  By Paula Matthewson

  Posted March 20, 2015 16:43:06

  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 brought order to chaos Opinion

  
  The Drum

  By Chris Earl

  Posted March 20, 2015 14:49:09 | Updated March 20, 2015 15:16:14

  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.

  Topics: government-and-politics, federal-government

• Malcolm Fraser: his top achievements Opinion

  
  The Drum

  The Drum

  Posted March 20, 2015 13:59:54 | Updated March 20, 2015 15:42:09

  Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser is perhaps best known for the way he came to power, but during his time in office he had a number of achievements.

  From the creation of SBS to his acceptance of Vietnamese refugees, 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 and invite Drum readers to have their say.

  Topics: government-and-politics, federal-government

Fact Check

• Fact check: Did the Government inherit the 'worst set of accounts' in history?

  

  Posted March 18, 2015 17:20:26 | Updated March 19, 2015 10:10:22

  Governments have long blamed their predecessors for the state of affairs they inherit, but Liberal Deputy Leader Julie Bishop says the challenge left for Treasurer Joe Hockey set a record.

  On March 16 she told ABC Radio that "all areas of the budget have to be considered for savings because we inherited the largest deficits in Australia's history from Labor".

  ABC Fact Check investigates how the current government's financial inheritance stacks up.

  Topics: government-and-politics, australia

• Fact check: Does the minimum wage increase unemployment? Fact Check

  

  Posted March 12, 2015 16:09:06 | Updated March 13, 2015 10:21:22

  Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is anticipating a fight with the Abbott Government over the minimum wage. Mr Shorten told ABC radio that the Government believed the minimum wage was killing jobs in Australia, and wanted to reduce it.

  But Mr Shorten said the minimum wage is a job creator. ABC Fact Check investigates.

  Topics: industrial-relations, government-and-politics, australia

• Fact file: 11 facts about the changing face of the Australian workforce

  

  Posted March 19, 2015 14:28:47

  With the Productivity Commission currently looking into Australia's workplace relations system, the future of the way Australians work is again in the spotlight.

  The commission's report is due out toward the end of the year, and issues such as the minimum wage and penalty rates are likely to re-emerge in the political debate before the next election.

  ABC Fact Check has been looking at the changing face of the Australian workplace.

  Topics: industrial-relations, australia