Former Wallaby player and now independent Senator David Pocock says cuts to cross-benchers' staff will make their job much more difficult. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

Campaign Diary

Down for the count: The race within a race, and why this man is smiling

As everyone looks at the House of Representatives and who will get a majority to form government, Dennis Atkins thinks the race for the Senate shouldn’t be ignored. As always Queensland is in the thick of it.

Campaign Diary

So what are the voters really thinking? You might be surprised by the answer

Today the Coalition is releasing its costings, hoping to revive the “who’s best to manage money” debate. Dennis Atkins has found a new poll suggesting the public really doesn’t care that much.

Campaign Diary

Greetings, earthlings: In the final week, a familiar message from Planet Morrison

A reinvented Scott Morrison has pitched for one last binary choice in his big election gamble. Dennis Atkins wonders if a weary electorate is up for more politics.

Campaign Diary

National security was meant to be a trump card, but it's turned Morrison into a joker

Scott Morrison wanted national security to be one of his three trump cards in this election. So far almost nothing has gone right for him in what is usually a given strength for the Coalition, says Dennis Atkins.

Campaign Diary

There won't be another Work Choices, but still plenty to be learned from Kevin 07

Fifteen years ago Work Choices played a big role in the election of Labor and Kevin Rudd, just the third time the ALP has won from opposition since the Second World War. Dennis Atkins picks over this campaign to see if there are any echoes.