This week, Inq drew on internal ACCC documents to reveal the inside story of Australia’s flawed Takata airbag recall — and how BMW was given special treatment by the authorities.

Elsewhere, Bernard Keane argued that Australia’s political class is no longer fit for purpose, and Ann Deslandes debunked News Corp’s beat-up on Mexican drug cartels. Meanwhile, Charlie Lewis revealed the financial discrimination some of our biggest institutions level at sex workers.

Plus, we want YOU to select Crikey‘s Person and Arsehat of the year. Voting is open now!

As always, we’d love to know what you thought of the week’s news. Write to boss@crikey.com.au and don’t forget to include your full name if you’d like to be considered for publication.

CHARLIE LEWIS 4 minute read

As always, the nominees for our prestigious end-of-year awards are an exquisite mix of arsehats and heroes.

4 minute read

Once a tough talker on China-Australia relations, Kevin Rudd has assiduously rebuilt his ties with Beijing and worked his way back into its good graces.

CHARLIE LEWIS 5 minute read

Australian sex workers are having their accounts cancelled and services blocked without explanation, forcing them into vulnerable or unsafe financial situations. And the industry says it's happening more and more.

ANN DESLANDES 4 minute read

While there is often a core of truth in stories about Mexican drug cartels, the deeper picture is getting swept aside in News Corp's sensationalised reporting.

CHARLIE LEWIS and CHRIS WOODS 2 minute read

Late Labor figure Bill Landeryou has been accused of rape by the daughter of Bob Hawke, Rosslyn Dillon — claims that were allegedly smothered by Hawke.

CHARLIE LEWIS 2 minute read

Talk about self-loathing...

MATILDA DIXON-SMITH 4 minute read

Scott Morrison has labelled protesters “anarchists”. But what about Australians' right to freedom of political communication?

BERNARD KEANE 4 minute read

Australians have less trust than ever in government — they've worked out that it's a system run in the interests of the powerful, not theirs.

CHARLIE LEWIS 2 minute read

A dispute over a planned eco-retreat in the Amazon sees The Australian's environment editor Graham Lloyd in court.

BERNARD KEANE and GLENN DYER 3 minute read

Retail chain Harris Scarfe going into administration — the latest in a long list of shuttered retailers — illustrates the cost of the government's do-nothing economic policy.

CHARLIE LEWIS 2 minute read

George Christensen has inserted himself into a debate about politically contentious art. Crikey takes a look back at the MP's mixed messaging on the issue of free speech.