The changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) announced in the last federal budget have been met with vociferous attacks from both directions – for going too far and not going far enough – which the Albanese government has interpreted as meaning they've got the balance pretty much right. So how are these changes panning out for prospective homeowners?

Last week, while Albo flew around the world trying to secure emergency fuel and fertiliser supplies for Australia, as a result of the international crisis caused by the United States, Acting PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles was in Canberra talking about defence.

Labor recently said goodbye to one of its heroes, Bill Hayden, sometimes referred to as the greatest prime minister Australia never had. He was pushed aside as party leader by Bob Hawke in 1983. Soon after, Hawke was elected to replace Malcolm Fraser as PM. As Hayden memorably put it in a moment of bitterness, 'a drover's dog' could have led Labor to victory at that time, but in the end it was a silver bodgie who took the prize.

Despite former Labor prime minister, Paul Keating, calling the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal the ‘worst international decision’ by a Labor government in more than 100 years, local federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot is promoting the massive increase in military spending as good for the ‘national interest’.

Echonetdaily has a double pass to give away to this landmark Byron event to one lucky subscriber as part of our Free Friday giveaways. Read on for how to win and for a Q&A with Kerry O'Brien about the book and his relationship with Paul Keating.