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Karen Jane Barlow

@kjbar.bsky.social
1.6K followers 532 following 191 posts

Meddling journalist. Chief political correspondent at @thesaturdaypaper.com.au #ausvotes karenb@thesaturdaypaper.com.au

PostsRepliesMedia
Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
As the PM calls for global guardrails for AI, one participant in the copyright consultations covering creatives and journalists tells The Saturday Paper that the “urgency of Covid” is needed to sort out the current stalemate. thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/technol...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: PM’s AI office has fewer than 10 staff
As Labor prioritises a deal on copyright that would water down artists’ protections, Open AI has poached a national security adviser from the prime minister’s department.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Exclusive: I have leaked NSW cabinet advice from 2021 warning of the option of a two-operator model for Crown cemeteries with the Catholic Church had red flags all over it. It also shows the substantial cost to taxpayers over the next few decades. thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/law-cri...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: ‘I wanted to vomit’ at Perrottet ICAC evidence
Revelations during ICAC’s Operation Rosny have raised new questions about cabinet’s handling of the NSW cemetery dispute.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Pauline Hanson exiting the News24 studio at Parliament House just now to the waiting arms of the press gallery #auspol
Pauline Hanson exiting the News24 studio at Parliament House on Wednesday
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
In Anthony Albanese's first comments since Hannah Ferguson announced a run in his long-held seat of Grayndler, the PM welcomes the competition and rejects accusations he is failing his constituents: "I understand the electorate and I’m proud to represent it." thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
The Albanese interview: ‘We don’t want to make Pauline Hanson a martyr’
In an exclusive interview, the prime minister outlines his plans to fight One Nation, his views on Gina Rinehart and his faith in Labor as the only party that can govern in its own right.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
NEW: Pauline Hanson has updated her register fairly promptly, showing her London/Rome/Sicily flights and invitation to the Dolce & Gabbana fashion parade was courtesy of Gina Rinehart. The senator says she personally paid for accommodation, meals and daily expenses. #auspol
An update to Pauline Hanson's register of senators' interest
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Extraordinary yarn to work on. I put several times to Gina Rinehart's people whether she stayed last year at the taxpayer-funded residence and did not get an answer. thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Tracing Gina Rinehart’s relationship with One Nation
Gina Rinehart’s friendship with Pauline Hanson is relatively new – possibly connected to luxury homes outside Noosa – but her links to One Nation go back at least a decade.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
My largely unused X account has been hacked and I am locked out. I am not into crypto. Fun times.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
New: John Bradley has been announced as the inaugural chief executive of Australia’s National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set to start July 1. Most recently he was Secretary of Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. #auspol #environment
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
BREAKING: The inaugural head of the NACC Paul Brereton has resigned. The resignation is to take effect on 6 July 2026. Commissioner Brereton has served three years of a five year term. #auspol
resigned.to
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Seen that poll with One Nation cast as the official opposition in Australia? Labor is expecting to run Pauline Hanson's populist party down well before the 2028 election .. as it has in past state elections. My yarn here: thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
‘Not waiting for the wrecking ball’: Inside Labor’s One Nation strategy
Labor strategists are treating One Nation as the party to beat in the 2028 federal election, with a plan honed for a fundamentally altered political landscape.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Budget Tree is not looking good at all to have leaves by budget day next week. It is raining today, but apparently a lack of recent rain has contributed to this. #auspol #budget2026 #budgettree
Picture of the budget tree at Parliament House
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Oh my, the statement from Kumanjayi Little Baby's family has brought me to tears. RIP Kumanjayi Little Baby
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
PM Albanese announces career public servant Meghan Quinn as the new Secretary of the Dept of Defence. She replaces Greg Moriarty and is the first woman in the role #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
After the post was left vacant for a year and half, former Republican congressman David Brat has been tapped by the White House as the next US Ambassador to Australia. #auspol www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
whitehouse.gov
Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: David Brat, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
I got my start at 2SER. It changed my life, tilting me on my career to journalism .. which now finds me in the press gallery at Parliament House in Canberra. I always recommend community radio and, in particular, 2SER to aspiring young journalists. It must be saved. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04...
abc.net.au
Sydney community radio station faces closure after uni funding dries up
2SER, which was jointly owned by the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University, has given many aspiring broadcasters their start in the industry.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Did you know a child dealing with family violence in Tasmania may become an adult before they get access to specialist support and counselling? No one in crisis is ignored, but wait times around the nation are lengthy. www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/health/... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Wait times for abuse support reach three years
Services across all states and territories report ballooning wait times for gendered, family and sexual violence support, with the well-funded national helpline unable to connect victim-survivors to a...
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
‘Backers of the new Nationals leader Matt Canavan say the “gloves are off” and it is “war”. #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
‘It’s all a bit weird’: Inside Matt Canavan’s ascension
As the Nationals remain puzzled over David Littleproud’s resignation, Matt Canavan prepares the party to fight One Nation.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
We are pretty sure we just felt a #quake in our house in south Canberra. Not strong though. #earthquake
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
BREAKING: Matt Canavan has been elected leader of the Nationals. Darren Chester becomes the new deputy leader. #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
BREAKING: David Littleproud says "I am buggered" as he announces he is to step down as leader of the Nationals #auspol
David Littleproud announces he is resigning as Nats leader
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
PM Albanese has tabled the Liberal party's 2025 election review (the one the Liberal party didn't want the public to see) so everyone can now see it. #qt #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Sussan Ley resigns STATEMENT: "I believe my election as the first woman to ever lead not just the Federal Liberal Party, but any Federal Opposition, is a milestone for all women to be proud of. I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, & succeed in, both these roles." #auspol
Resignation statement from Sussan Ley
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
#Exclusive: The Coalition was planning to launch a childcare policy, at least first principles, back in October, but it was swamped by the Nationals-led net zero implosion #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Jane Hume on Liberal Party ‘misogyny’: ‘Plenty of those blokes supported me’
As her Liberal colleagues criticise the ‘macho ingrained misogyny’ of their party, the deputy leader dismisses the ‘catchcries’ that drew women voters away.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Post-spill views of new Liberal leadership team Angus Taylor and Jane Hume. #auspol
Angus Taylor and Jane Hume at post spill presser in Parliament House
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
View at the Sussan Ley post #Libspill press conference #auspol
Sussan Ley post leadership spill press conference
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
#BREAKING Sussan Ley to retire "comprehensively" from politics. By-election in Farrer #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
#BREAKING: Senator Jane Hume has won the race for Deputy Liberal Leader. She beat Ted O'Brien, Dan Tehan and Melissa Price #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
#BREAKING: Angus Taylor has defeated Sussan Ley in the Liberal leadership ballot 34-17 #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
NEW: Its on for tomorrow. The urgent partyroom meeting to sort out the Liberal leadership will be held at 9am Friday #auspol #libspill
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Very sad news about Jon Kudelka. He wrote this last year about what really matters. www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/life/2025/04...
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Lessons from political cartooning
After being diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma, The Saturday Paper’s editorial cartoonist took time to consider what really matters – and it is not politics.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
What the Coalition's implosion means for #QT. As there are 28 Libs in House & 28 cross-benchers, there will be alternating questions between the Libs & cross-benchers - after the first one from the Libs - for the first 8 questions. Then a 2nd set of 8 questions starting with cross-benchers #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
PM Albanese likens the (currently former) Coalition to relationships on #MAFS. "You know they're going to end badly. You know there's going to be cheating involved. They're going to be not truthful to each other." #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Barnaby Joyce tells Sky News the next One Nation recruit will be announced in "less than 24 hours." Will only say it is not LNP federal member Colin Boyce #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Exclusive: While the Coalition implodes, the path to getting stuff done in Parliament firms in the other direction. My interview with Larissa Waters #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Larissa Waters on the Greens’ pitch to Labor
In an interview with The Saturday Paper, the leader of the Australian Greens outlines her vision for the party as a ‘happy outcome’ of the split between the Liberal and National parties.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
New: Statement from Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie. Hastie states he does not have the support needed to become Liberal leader and he won't be challenging Sussan Ley when parliament returns next week. Over to you Angus Taylor #auspol
Statement from Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie. 

He states he does not have the support needed to become Liberal leader and won't be contesting when parliament returns next week.Statement from Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie. 

He states he does not have the support needed to become Liberal leader.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Imagine having the opportunity to write and publish insightful, worthy words about the crisis in conservative politics in Australia and instead you serve up this heavily gendered bile instead.
Screenshot of an opinion piece by Aaron Patrick titled "Why I wouldn't marry Sussan Ley"
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Still not quite at the afternoon heat peak here in Canberra. #heatwave
Screenshot of BOM advisory shooting it is 42.2c and will soon be 43c
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Breaking: It's on for the Nats. LNP Nats member for Flynn Colin Boyce tells Sky News he going to move a spill motion for leadership of the Nats. #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
In last week's AUKUS yarn, the SatPaper had Greg Moriarty as a front runner for Washington due to his "rare unblemished record on public assessments of the US president." #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
‘Rich dummy’: How the AUKUS deal is set to fail
Defence experts say while Australia keeps meeting downpayments on the promised Virginia-class nuclear submarines, it is getting nothing in return for a deal that shows signs of failure on several fron...
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
PM Albanese announces on #Insiders that the Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty will be the next Australian Ambassador to Washington. #auspol
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
I am very sad to hear of the death of Nationals elder Ron Boswell. I spoke to him so recently regarding how the Coalition should handle One Nation. Wise words www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Libs brace for Price’s defection to One Nation
As Barnaby Joyce announces he will run for One Nation, Liberals are preparing for further defections to the far-right party.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
A handy guide to how the minority senate is working. Labor is mostly working with the Greens and the word is: “It’s a case study in attacking the low-hanging fruit, with a few notable exceptions ... This isn’t big reform." www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Full list: what Albanese has legislated this term
A survey of Labor’s legislative achievements in 2025 testifies to Anthony Albanese’s methodical approach but not to his extraordinary mandate.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
The portrait unveiling for former Liberal PM Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament House. Current PM Anthony Albanese helped do the honours #Auspol
Portrait unveiling for former PM Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament house
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Exclusive: Murray Watt has revealed a clear preference for working with the Coalition over urgent environment law reform #epbc #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Watt on his plans for urgent environment law reform
Environment Minister Murray Watt rejects criticisms that he’s bowing to Western Australian interests on key reform, and wants to seize a window of opportunity to work with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley...
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Exclusive: Environment Minister Murray Watt wants to seize a window of opportunity to work with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for a deal by the end of the year. environment law reform #auspol #nature #epbc www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Watt on his plans for urgent environment law reform
Environment Minister Murray Watt rejects criticisms that he’s bowing to Western Australian interests on key reform, and wants to seize a window of opportunity to work with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley...
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Far bigger in scale than the mission to get the teal seats back, embracing cultural diversity particularly the Chinese diaspora holds the key to the Coalition forming gov't again. That makes the PM's China trip so interesting. www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
‘Thanking their lucky stars’: How the Chinese vote shaped Albanese’s trip
As the Albanese government celebrates the success of the prime minister’s trip to China, it is clear the diplomatic visit has electoral implications in at least 15 seats.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
And here are the new MPs and Senators in the ALP's first Left-majority caucus - part 2 #ausvotes www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Class of 2025: Part II
The prime minister’s ambition to leave office at a time of his own choosing is buttressed by a historically large Left-leaning caucus committed to the Labor agenda.
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Just ahead of the return of parliament, here are the new MPs and Senators in the ALP's first Left-majority caucus - part 1 #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Labor has first Left-majority caucus
A survey of new members and senators shows Labor’s caucus has a Left majority for the first time since national groupings were introduced – and details their home ownership, education and previous car...
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Hard frozen pants #Canberra #handwashing
Hard frozen pants die to Canberra frost
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Karen Jane Barlow @kjbar.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Meet the new members and senators of Labor’s caucus which has a Left majority for the first time since national groupings were introduced #auspol www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politic... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Exclusive: Labor has first Left-majority caucus
A survey of new members and senators shows Labor’s caucus has a Left majority for the first time since national groupings were introduced – and details their home ownership, education and previous car...
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