Opinion

ROSS B TAYLOR: Democratic backsliding is a major concern for Indonesia’s 285 million citizens, but worries are mounting inside Australian borders as well.

In tonight’s show, as speculation mounts that Barnaby Joyce will join One Nation, Ben Harvey says the move could turn the former National Deputy PM into Australia’s version of Britain’s Nigel Farage.

EDITORIAL: Historically our Defence programs have been too often beset by costly delays. We need this new structure to get up and running quickly so it can get down to work.

MICHAEL USHER: A generation seasoned with sharing most of their lives online is about to be cut off by the social media ban. Maybe it’s time to ask how they feel about it.

GEORGIE PARKER: The AFL are cheating fans by failing to take the brave step on the one issue most experts agree on.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: If the first Test was a blockbuster, the Gabba sequel could be just as wild and potentially over in two days again if the rain stays away after Ben Stokes’ pointed comments.

Paul Murray: Anyone who has watched Chris Bowen’s career over the past 20 years could hardly say that diplomacy is his strong suit. He’s graceless.

Breakaway rugby competition R360 will not launch until 2028, in a move that could leave NRL stars Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen in limbo.

EDITORIAL: The Prime Minister can’t kick back while the cost-of-living crisis roars back to life.

JASON FALINSKI: Corporate Australia is stuck lobbying like it’s the 1990s.

BEN HARVEY: The Federal Government seems determined to make sure a comfortable retirement eludes us.

JUSTIN LANGER: It’s hard to tell from the outside, but England sticking to their guns is not that crazy and why can’t a bloke play golf?

Ben Harvey outlines a nightmare scenario for recent homebuyers and goes ballistic over feigned surprise by team Albo to the latest inflation data.

EDITORIAL: The move by Labor to subject gas projects to more onerous assessment processes is entirely at odds with Anthony Albanese’s previously stated strong support for the industry.

GEORGIE PARKER: This grand final is another chapter in the fierce battle between these titanic heavyweights and its the best thing that could be happening for the sport.