Stars of the show
They're the ones on the movie poster, the names above the title. They walk the red carpet, or the green, depending on which house they're in. They are the lead actors of 2025, the political leaders that drove the major news stories of the year.
In any year, the prime minster is the show's headliner. In 2025 Anthony Albanese was backed up by a strong supporting case, including Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers and Penny Wong. Peter Dutton started the year strongly but, in a surprising plot twist, failed to retain his seat of Dickson. Sussan Ley was recast in a new role as Coalition leader. Long-time case members David Littleproud, Bob Katter, Cliver Palmer, Adam Bandt and various international leaders all had compelling walk-on roles in the great drama that was 2025.
You may also be interested in...
Cartoonists
Browse all cartoonists featured in Behind the Lines.
Misinformation explained
Your guide to misinformation and democracy.
The history of misinformation and disinformation
False information from ancient times to the present.
1951: Communists and communism referendum
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
Election campaigning in Australia
How parties and candidates campaign for your vote.
Stories
Deep dive into stories about Old Parliament House, Australian history and democracy.
