Explainers
Explainer
Indigenous justice
What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart? What needs to happen next?
The PM began his victory speech by committing to landmark action for Indigenous people. This is what that means.
- by Cameron Gooley
Latest
Explainer
Drugs in sport
How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?
Former Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt says there is too much “wiggle room” in the AFL’s drug policy. What does he mean?
- by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
Explainer
Streaming
How does Netflix know what we want to watch?
Choosing what to view from hundreds of options is hard work for humans. So Netflix curates your options for you. How? And should you be grateful or alarmed?
- by Karl Quinn
Explainer
Australia votes
What happens to your ballot once you’ve voted? What happens if there’s no clear result on election night?
Your ballot papers will be counted several times, bagged and tagged, counted again, then kept under lock and key for a few years. Why?
- by Angus Thompson
Explainer
Australia votes
Why do elections cost nearly $400m to run? It starts with 4.5 million pencils
Running an election is a mammoth logistics operation, from the 100,000 temporary staff employed to the handling of the 60 million ballot papers – and all of that costs money.
- by Katina Curtis
Explainer
Australia votes
Our experts answer your burning election questions
Our inbox was flooded with questions. Here are some answers.
- by Elizabeth Redman, Sherryn Groch, Anthony Galloway, Nick O'Malley, Jewel Topsfield, Shane Wright, Katina Curtis, Josh Gordon and Adam Carey
Explainer
Australia votes
If there’s a hung parliament, here’s who holds all the power
If neither major party secures an outright majority to form government they must win the support of the independents or minor party members who have been elected. But how would it work in practice?
- by Rachel Clun and Katina Curtis
Explainer
Coronavirus pandemic
How does Australia’s pandemic response stack up globally?
How does Australia’s pandemic response so far compare with other countries? And who gets to take credit?
- by Sherryn Groch
Explainer
Visual art
Why did this Warhol fetch $281 million? How do you put a price on art?
Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn has become the most expensive American artwork ever to sell at auction. Why?
- by Nick Miller
Explainer
Abortion
What is Roe v Wade, and what happens if it is overturned?
What was this famous US court decision – and what would happen if it were overturned?
- by Nick Bonyhady
Explainer
Coronavirus pandemic
How are doctors unravelling the mystery of long COVID?
They call them long-haulers – people still suffering symptoms long after a bout of COVID-19. But what is the condition exactly? Doctors expect the answer will change our understanding of immunity forever.
- by Sherryn Groch