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Joshua Black

Joshua Black

The Conversation

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Labor came to power promising a big care agenda. Four years on, how has it fared?

Labor came to power promising a big care agenda. Four years on, how has it fared?

The Albanese government has modelled a more caring and inclusive form of leadership, but it’s being reminded that vibes are easier to change than...

30.10.2026 50

The Conversation

Joshua Black

Australian democracy is usually peaceful. But there’s a homegrown history with political violence that bears on the future

Australian history has been relatively free of political violence. But there have nonetheless been some shocking incidents from which we should learn.

20.10.2026 30

The Conversation

Joshua Black

How does unthinkable policy become inevitable? The ‘Overton window’ is one possible answer

It was once deemed crazy to get rid of protective tariffs. Privatising state banks was inconceivable. Both are now commonplace, but how does this...

15.09.2026 20

The Conversation

Joshua Black

Friday essay: Don Watson’s book on Paul Keating ended their friendship – is it our best ever political memoir?

Speechwriter Don Watson’s insider account of the prime minister he worked for, written ‘in tragic mode’, was an instant bestseller – but...

28.08.2026 50

The Conversation

Joshua Black

Paul Kelly’s exceptional history charts the decline and fall of the Coalition – but leaves questions unanswered

The Twilight of Exceptionalism is a story of problems unsolved and potential unfulfilled.

18.08.2026 20

The Conversation

Joshua Black