The Latest Breaking News from Alexander Downer

Tony Abbott to be new federal president of the Liberal Party

Former prime minister Tony Abbott will be the new federal president of the Liberal Party.

The Conversation · May 22

FED:Tony Abbott to be named new Liberal Party president

Former prime minister Tony Abbott will return to active political life when he is named as the Liberal Party's new federal president.

AAP · May 22

Tony Abbott to be named new Liberal Party president

Former prime minister Tony Abbott will return to active political life when he is named as the Liberal Party's new federal president.

AAP · May 22

'Betrayal': former PM condemns Palestine recognition

Australia's decision to recognise Palestine at an upcoming United Nations meeting is reckless, John Howard and his former foreign minister say.

AAP · Sep 4, 2025

PM breaks silence to back US military strikes on Iran

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed the US in its attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, while again calling for "dialogue and diplomacy" not war.

AAP · Jun 22, 2025

Human rights touted despite expected detention backlash

Criticism was predicted as Australia prepared to show off its human rights record while upholding some of the world's most notorious anti-refugee policies.

AAP · Dec 31, 2024

Commonwealth should become a trade bloc and invite Ukraine to join, says new report

Ahead of next week’s Commonwealth heads of government summit in Samoa, a major report recommends a complete overhaul of the organisation with historic links to the British Empire

The Independent UK · Oct 16, 2024

Dutton is demanding Australia resist ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders – and a Howard-era law could help him

Legal experts say a ‘carve-out’ clause in the law relating to extraditions could let the attorney general decline to enforce arrest warrants issued under international law

The Guardian - AU · Jun 1, 2024

Starmer’s Home Office immigration plan does not answer call for safe routes

Plans for head of border security with access to home secretary will not satisfy all critics of Labour’s immigration policies

The Guardian - UK · May 9, 2024

Cabinet papers from Iraq war period show Howard government saw access to Middle East oil as a key national interest

Newly released documents also reveal worries that reducing troop levels in Iraq would squander ‘the benefits’ to US-Australia alliance

The Guardian - AU · Mar 14, 2024