Bill Browne
@browne90.bsky.social
Director at The Australia Institute's Democracy & Accountability Program. Views posted are my own.
There's a common misconception that preferences explain the thumping majority Labor won at this year's election.
Not true -- as @skyelark.bsky.social explains in @thepointau.bsky.social fact check
thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
Not true -- as @skyelark.bsky.social explains in @thepointau.bsky.social fact check
thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
Factcheck: Does Labor owe its parliamentary majority to preferential voting?
The point.com.au
thepoint.com.au
November 18, 2025 at 3:43 AM
There's a common misconception that preferences explain the thumping majority Labor won at this year's election.
Not true -- as @skyelark.bsky.social explains in @thepointau.bsky.social fact check
thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
Not true -- as @skyelark.bsky.social explains in @thepointau.bsky.social fact check
thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
Reposted by Bill Browne
Australia’s democracy has changed radically since 1975.
So many more women in parliament, but less o in the Colaition
So many more minor party and independent MPs
And each MP now has so many more constituents…
Great article/graphs from @browne90.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
So many more women in parliament, but less o in the Colaition
So many more minor party and independent MPs
And each MP now has so many more constituents…
Great article/graphs from @browne90.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
How Australian democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts
50 years on from the Dismissal, how has Australian democracy changed? Here are six ways that Australian politics looks very different to when Gough Whitlam was PM in November 1975.
thepoint.com.au
November 11, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Australia’s democracy has changed radically since 1975.
So many more women in parliament, but less o in the Colaition
So many more minor party and independent MPs
And each MP now has so many more constituents…
Great article/graphs from @browne90.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
So many more women in parliament, but less o in the Colaition
So many more minor party and independent MPs
And each MP now has so many more constituents…
Great article/graphs from @browne90.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
How democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts:
1/ The crossbench has grown from 3 in the Senate to 20 in the Senate and 13 in the House, making blocking supply much more difficult than it was for Malcolm Fraser.
1/ The crossbench has grown from 3 in the Senate to 20 in the Senate and 13 in the House, making blocking supply much more difficult than it was for Malcolm Fraser.
November 10, 2025 at 11:58 PM
How democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts:
1/ The crossbench has grown from 3 in the Senate to 20 in the Senate and 13 in the House, making blocking supply much more difficult than it was for Malcolm Fraser.
1/ The crossbench has grown from 3 in the Senate to 20 in the Senate and 13 in the House, making blocking supply much more difficult than it was for Malcolm Fraser.
Australia gives parties and candidates generous taxpayer funding, but it comes too late -- after the election has already happened.
@skyelark.bsky.social describes alternatives that make public funding available to new challengers -- when they can actually use it.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
@skyelark.bsky.social describes alternatives that make public funding available to new challengers -- when they can actually use it.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
Australia should take many lessons from Mamdani's incredible victory, including learning from America on how to handle money in politics (yes, really)
New from me on @thepointau.bsky.social 👇
thepoint.com.au/news/251108-...
New from me on @thepointau.bsky.social 👇
thepoint.com.au/news/251108-...
What Australia can learn from the US about money in politics
Zohran Mamdani’s successful campaign benefited greatly from New York’s funding innovations.
thepoint.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Australia gives parties and candidates generous taxpayer funding, but it comes too late -- after the election has already happened.
@skyelark.bsky.social describes alternatives that make public funding available to new challengers -- when they can actually use it.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
@skyelark.bsky.social describes alternatives that make public funding available to new challengers -- when they can actually use it.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
Reposted by Bill Browne
"How Australian democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts" @browne90.bsky.social #OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
How Australian democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts
50 years on from the Dismissal, how has Australian democracy changed? Here are six ways that Australian politics looks very different to when Gough Whitlam was PM in November 1975.
thepoint.com.au
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
"How Australian democracy has changed since 1975, in six charts" @browne90.bsky.social #OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Politics cannot be fixed by removing the politicians.
Reflections on citizens' juries and "mini-publics" from my time as a citizens' juror.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reflections on citizens' juries and "mini-publics" from my time as a citizens' juror.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Serving on a citizens’ jury taught me the value of politicians
Politics cannot be fixed by removing the politicians. Instead, Australians could ask more of the politicians they do elect and participate fully in civic life – protesting, joining political parties o...
thepoint.com.au
November 5, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Politics cannot be fixed by removing the politicians.
Reflections on citizens' juries and "mini-publics" from my time as a citizens' juror.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reflections on citizens' juries and "mini-publics" from my time as a citizens' juror.
On @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Bill Browne
It wasnt our enviro laws that were too weak to protect the Skate or stop the North West Shelf, it was our Ministers.
Thats why Labor is trying to get the Coalition to help them water them down…to save Enviro Ministers the embarrassment of always saying yes #climate
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Thats why Labor is trying to get the Coalition to help them water them down…to save Enviro Ministers the embarrassment of always saying yes #climate
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
It wasn’t the laws that were too weak to stop those projects, it was the ministers
The Prime Minister is betting that by 2028 people will forget the North West Shelf and EPBC backflips, but it would be a brave backbencher willing to make that same bet.
thepoint.com.au
November 4, 2025 at 12:30 AM
It wasnt our enviro laws that were too weak to protect the Skate or stop the North West Shelf, it was our Ministers.
Thats why Labor is trying to get the Coalition to help them water them down…to save Enviro Ministers the embarrassment of always saying yes #climate
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Thats why Labor is trying to get the Coalition to help them water them down…to save Enviro Ministers the embarrassment of always saying yes #climate
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
It would be perverse to change our copyright laws to make life easier for free-riding AI companies.
But copyright reform -- if guided by the needs of humans, not machines -- would encourage human thriving and creativity.
More from me on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
But copyright reform -- if guided by the needs of humans, not machines -- would encourage human thriving and creativity.
More from me on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Loosen copyright restrictions to encourage human thriving, not AI profits
The point.com.au
thepoint.com.au
November 4, 2025 at 12:07 AM
It would be perverse to change our copyright laws to make life easier for free-riding AI companies.
But copyright reform -- if guided by the needs of humans, not machines -- would encourage human thriving and creativity.
More from me on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
But copyright reform -- if guided by the needs of humans, not machines -- would encourage human thriving and creativity.
More from me on The Point: thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Bill Browne
"The fact the Greens want to stop native forest logging and the Nationals want to speed up land clearing is not proof that any legislation Labor drafts must fit in the “sensible centre.” - @richarddenniss.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
It wasn’t the laws that were too weak to stop those projects, it was the ministers
The Prime Minister is betting that by 2028 people will forget the North West Shelf and EPBC backflips, but it would be a brave backbencher willing to make that same bet.
thepoint.com.au
November 3, 2025 at 11:39 PM
"The fact the Greens want to stop native forest logging and the Nationals want to speed up land clearing is not proof that any legislation Labor drafts must fit in the “sensible centre.” - @richarddenniss.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
The Senate is more powerful than prime ministers like to admit, and last week we saw why that matters --
If clash over govt secrecy escalates, Labor may inspire Libs, Nats to question Senate customs that benefit govt.
@thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
If clash over govt secrecy escalates, Labor may inspire Libs, Nats to question Senate customs that benefit govt.
@thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
November 3, 2025 at 11:15 PM
The Senate is more powerful than prime ministers like to admit, and last week we saw why that matters --
If clash over govt secrecy escalates, Labor may inspire Libs, Nats to question Senate customs that benefit govt.
@thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
If clash over govt secrecy escalates, Labor may inspire Libs, Nats to question Senate customs that benefit govt.
@thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
Taking reader questions on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
How many more seats would the Coalition lose if an election were held today?
@skyelark.bsky.social answers --
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
How many more seats would the Coalition lose if an election were held today?
@skyelark.bsky.social answers --
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
November 3, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Taking reader questions on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog:
How many more seats would the Coalition lose if an election were held today?
@skyelark.bsky.social answers --
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
How many more seats would the Coalition lose if an election were held today?
@skyelark.bsky.social answers --
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
The people you elected want to hear what you thought of the 2025 federal election --
JSCEM asks members of the public to appear at hearings; make submissions.
More details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
JSCEM asks members of the public to appear at hearings; make submissions.
More details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
November 3, 2025 at 2:38 AM
The people you elected want to hear what you thought of the 2025 federal election --
JSCEM asks members of the public to appear at hearings; make submissions.
More details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
JSCEM asks members of the public to appear at hearings; make submissions.
More details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/11/the-...
"Australia's smallest jurisdiction is the most courageous — ACT should be proud."
A private member's bill from Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury leads the way, with Vic Labor Govt to follow suit. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
A private member's bill from Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury leads the way, with Vic Labor Govt to follow suit. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
ACT steps up on holding institutions liable for abusers. Why not NSW?
Survivors watched on as the ACT took a historic step on Tuesday in passing a bill to overturn a High Court decision that allowed a church to avoid litigation over the actions of one of its priests.
www.abc.net.au
October 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
"Australia's smallest jurisdiction is the most courageous — ACT should be proud."
A private member's bill from Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury leads the way, with Vic Labor Govt to follow suit. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
A private member's bill from Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury leads the way, with Vic Labor Govt to follow suit. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
After the Govt refused to release report into jobs-for-mates inquiry, the Senate responded by lengthening its Question Time.
But how does the Senate force govts to produce documents, and what are the consequences?
Details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog: live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
But how does the Senate force govts to produce documents, and what are the consequences?
Details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog: live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
October 30, 2025 at 1:09 AM
After the Govt refused to release report into jobs-for-mates inquiry, the Senate responded by lengthening its Question Time.
But how does the Senate force govts to produce documents, and what are the consequences?
Details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog: live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
But how does the Senate force govts to produce documents, and what are the consequences?
Details on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog: live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Without freedom of information, Australians would have no idea of the scale of gun thefts.
On @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
On @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
The Point Live: Coalition still to land a blow on Albanese-less Labor, revenue summit ahead
The Coalition is still looking at a way to land at least sort of notable blow on the government as its back bencher net zero meeting edges closer. While parliament runs, the Australia Institute will ...
live.thepoint.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Without freedom of information, Australians would have no idea of the scale of gun thefts.
On @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
On @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
In the ACT, the Liberal Opposition is now outnumbered by the crossbench: Greens, indies and "suspended" Liberals.
What was the rebel Libs' sin? Voting for an extra sitting week to scrutinise the Labor Govt.
More on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
What was the rebel Libs' sin? Voting for an extra sitting week to scrutinise the Labor Govt.
More on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 11:28 PM
In the ACT, the Liberal Opposition is now outnumbered by the crossbench: Greens, indies and "suspended" Liberals.
What was the rebel Libs' sin? Voting for an extra sitting week to scrutinise the Labor Govt.
More on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
What was the rebel Libs' sin? Voting for an extra sitting week to scrutinise the Labor Govt.
More on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Albanese Govt made sensational claims about freedom of info being exploited by AI bots, criminal gangs, foreign agents.
Those arguments fell apart, but not before doing real damage to eSafety Commission, the stalking horse for this leg - on @thepointau.bsky.social thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Those arguments fell apart, but not before doing real damage to eSafety Commission, the stalking horse for this leg - on @thepointau.bsky.social thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Government’s thin excuse for FOI changes gives win to eSafety Commission foes
The faltering case for FOI restrictions is part of a broader pattern. The Albanese Government lacks confidence to develop and prosecute a reform agenda.
thepoint.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Albanese Govt made sensational claims about freedom of info being exploited by AI bots, criminal gangs, foreign agents.
Those arguments fell apart, but not before doing real damage to eSafety Commission, the stalking horse for this leg - on @thepointau.bsky.social thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Those arguments fell apart, but not before doing real damage to eSafety Commission, the stalking horse for this leg - on @thepointau.bsky.social thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Bill Browne
The Live Blog is up and going full-stem.
@amyremeikis.bsky.social is across everything.
@browne90.bsky.social has the good info on talks about electoral laws
I have a bit of coverage of Michele Bullock's chat from last night
Get on it!
live.thepoint.com.au
@amyremeikis.bsky.social is across everything.
@browne90.bsky.social has the good info on talks about electoral laws
I have a bit of coverage of Michele Bullock's chat from last night
Get on it!
live.thepoint.com.au
The Point Live: Coalition net zero fight looming
The Coalition will hold its first joint party room meeting since the Barnaby Joyce blow up, as it pretends there is a way through its net zero war. Labor to focus on environmental law legislation, bu...
live.thepoint.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 10:52 PM
The Live Blog is up and going full-stem.
@amyremeikis.bsky.social is across everything.
@browne90.bsky.social has the good info on talks about electoral laws
I have a bit of coverage of Michele Bullock's chat from last night
Get on it!
live.thepoint.com.au
@amyremeikis.bsky.social is across everything.
@browne90.bsky.social has the good info on talks about electoral laws
I have a bit of coverage of Michele Bullock's chat from last night
Get on it!
live.thepoint.com.au
Senator Don Farrell points to the Labor-Liberal deal to change electoral laws as evidence of the Govt's commitment to transparency.
But there's a reason no integrity group in the country supported the changes -- on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
But there's a reason no integrity group in the country supported the changes -- on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Senator Don Farrell points to the Labor-Liberal deal to change electoral laws as evidence of the Govt's commitment to transparency.
But there's a reason no integrity group in the country supported the changes -- on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
But there's a reason no integrity group in the country supported the changes -- on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Celebrating Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN's 11th member, on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
Australia's treatment of Timor-Leste has been by turns noble and deeply selfish. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia's treatment of Timor-Leste has been by turns noble and deeply selfish. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Celebrating Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN's 11th member, on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog.
Australia's treatment of Timor-Leste has been by turns noble and deeply selfish. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia's treatment of Timor-Leste has been by turns noble and deeply selfish. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
[email protected] blog - One Nation senator for NSW Sean Bell sworn in. He's a Qlder moving to NSW.
Should candidates live in the electorate? Not unusual for them to move just before running, or to live outside but spend a lot of time in the seat.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Should candidates live in the electorate? Not unusual for them to move just before running, or to live outside but spend a lot of time in the seat.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Australia Institute Live — Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest from The Australia Institute.
live.thepoint.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 2:48 AM
[email protected] blog - One Nation senator for NSW Sean Bell sworn in. He's a Qlder moving to NSW.
Should candidates live in the electorate? Not unusual for them to move just before running, or to live outside but spend a lot of time in the seat.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Should candidates live in the electorate? Not unusual for them to move just before running, or to live outside but spend a lot of time in the seat.
live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Progressive independent wins Irish presidency, continuing Ireland’s embrace of independents --
Over on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog, I write about how Australia and Ireland are unusual in how often they elect independents. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Over on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog, I write about how Australia and Ireland are unusual in how often they elect independents. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
The Point Live: Albanese government vows to pass environment laws, Barnaby keeps the Nats guessing
The Albanese government has returned to parliament determined to do a deal to pass its environmental legislation and wants to do it with the Coalition, which is barely holding it together. All the da...
live.thepoint.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Progressive independent wins Irish presidency, continuing Ireland’s embrace of independents --
Over on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog, I write about how Australia and Ireland are unusual in how often they elect independents. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Over on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog, I write about how Australia and Ireland are unusual in how often they elect independents. live.thepoint.com.au/2025/10/the-...
Reposted by Bill Browne
Westpac Bank gets a lot of good publicity from the Westpac Rescue helicopters.
But you probably didn't know it's actually NSW taxpayers who provide the VAST majority of the funding!
@browne90.bsky.social #auspol
But you probably didn't know it's actually NSW taxpayers who provide the VAST majority of the funding!
@browne90.bsky.social #auspol
October 24, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Westpac Bank gets a lot of good publicity from the Westpac Rescue helicopters.
But you probably didn't know it's actually NSW taxpayers who provide the VAST majority of the funding!
@browne90.bsky.social #auspol
But you probably didn't know it's actually NSW taxpayers who provide the VAST majority of the funding!
@browne90.bsky.social #auspol
Reposted by Bill Browne
That's a lot of people to connect with!
5/ "Australia has a politician problem: not too many, but too few" --
@skyelark.bsky.social shows each of Australia’s 150 MPs must split their attention between more constituents than ever before: 120,659 voters per MP, over six thousand more than in 2022. thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
@skyelark.bsky.social shows each of Australia’s 150 MPs must split their attention between more constituents than ever before: 120,659 voters per MP, over six thousand more than in 2022. thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Australia has a politician problem: not too many, but too few
Each of Australia’s 150 members of Parliament (MPs) must split their attention between more constituents than ever before: 120,659 voters per MP, over six thousand more than in 2022.
thepoint.com.au
October 24, 2025 at 1:30 AM
That's a lot of people to connect with!
Here's ten articles on democracy & governance that you can read right now on @thepointau.bsky.social:
1/ "New research on proposed FOI laws show it would block access to even more documents" --
Going against the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendation. thepoint.com.au/news/251007-...
1/ "New research on proposed FOI laws show it would block access to even more documents" --
Going against the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendation. thepoint.com.au/news/251007-...
New research on proposed FOI laws show it would block access to even more documents
The proposed laws preventing public access to key government documents directly contradict a key Robodebt Royal Commission recommendation.
thepoint.com.au
October 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Here's ten articles on democracy & governance that you can read right now on @thepointau.bsky.social:
1/ "New research on proposed FOI laws show it would block access to even more documents" --
Going against the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendation. thepoint.com.au/news/251007-...
1/ "New research on proposed FOI laws show it would block access to even more documents" --
Going against the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendation. thepoint.com.au/news/251007-...