In the space of a few days, Canberra has shifted from a political vacuum to information overload.
After months without a clear narrative, Anthony Albanese has given us plenty to talk about this week with a series of laws targeting big tech: a social media age ban for children; new powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to combat misinformation and disinformation; sweeping reforms to the Privacy Act; and an expanded remit for the competition regulator to crack down on scammers.
Add to this the deal with the Coalition to rein in the spiralling costs of aged care and the stripping of distinguished service medals from commanding officers who held senior roles during the war in Afghanistan, and it could be argued this was the busiest sitting week in the history of the Albanese government.
The aged care deal is particularly significant, as it will save the government billions over the coming decades, with wealthier older Australians now having to pay larger means-tested contributions in return for more home-care services.
