Something troubling is going on in Victoria. Growing extremism, a more active far right, and now open death threats toward politicians.

Bernard Keane and Cam Wilson have been keeping an eye on the disturbing events in Melbourne this week, and on the increasingly close bonds being forged between the political establishment and those on the fringe. Meanwhile, Amber Schultz examined how Coalition politicians have taken exception to a website that gives transparency over their voting records — funny, that.

David Hardaker took a deep dive into the financial dealings of cabinet minister and Morrison confidante Stuart Robert, and Keane looked at how an inquiry into the ABC’s complaints process has given chair Ita Buttrose the opportunity to blast the government over its serial political interference. Has it made a powerful new enemy? Time will tell.

And don’t forget: our audience survey ends tomorrow. A big thank you to all who have given their feedback already — your thoughts will help shape the next few months of Crikey. We couldn’t do it without you.

BERNARD KEANE 4 minute read

Demonising all protesters in Melbourne as fascists risks overlooking the bigger threat — that various interests will try to exploit a diversity of the discontented for their own goals. And that's what's happening.

CAM WILSON 3 minute read

The bonds between establishment politics and fringe movements in Victoria seem to be increasingly strong.

KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN 3 minute read

With an election looming, both parties are fine-tuning their messaging. Here are some of the three-word slogans to watch out for.

AMBER SCHULTZ 3 minute read

Staff in the Attorney-General's Department have reported high rates of sexual harassment, despite the department being tasked with implementing laws to prevent against just that.

KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN 3 minute read

Even the watered-down version will struggle to pass the Coalition partyroom, let alone the lower house. So why bother?

BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

An inquiry into the ABC's complaints process launched by an alleged 'rogue' Coalition senator has given Ita Buttrose the opportunity to blast the government over its serial interference in the broadcaster.

CHARLIE LEWIS 1 minute read

Who's getting impeached over the Pandora Papers? How did Scott Morrison handle reasonable questions about his latest backflip? And will we suffer through another James Corden musical?

CAM WILSON 6 minute read

Several websites for different anti-restriction and anti-vaccine groups can be linked back to the couple, who have also toured the country running workshops on stopping vaccine mandates.

AMBER SCHULTZ 4 minute read

Coalition politicians have taken exception to a website which lists their voting records, claiming it distorts their stances.

CAM WILSON 2 minute read

A US-based influencer marketing agency is making the PM-related proposal "to help shift the political discourse on TikTok".

DAVID HARDAKER 5 minute read

Is the Coalition's latest offensive simply part of its forever-war against the ABC, or do the complaints stack up?