By focusing on himself, Scott Morrison also made the election a leadership choice, putting Bill Shorten in a spotlight.

Don’t assume the last decade of political chaos is over as the major parties remain drained of authority and purpose.

Far more than previous years, the region is in vogue for both parties with a choice greater than might be assumed.

It is crucial the next government invest in languages, that of Australia’s largest neighbour the most obvious example.

A long view of the political cycle points not only to a Labor victory but shows a record number of independents already.

<p>Four overseas views from near neighbours to distant friends on whether Australia’s contest&nbsp;much matters.</p>

New Lowy poll figures suggest voters prefer Labor over the Coalition for managing relations with Beijing – just.

The politics of “border control” is at odds with Australia’s successful record of humanitarian resettlement.

Neighbours might roll their eyes in bemusement, yet worry more about their own regional problems with discrimination.

Understanding the “new normal” to protect people’s livelihoods should be at the core of the next government’s agenda.

Labor’s Shorten has a domestic focus, but he has left space for independence in navigating major-power relationships.

<p>If he wins the Australian election, Scott Morrison's evangelical Christian faith may influence foreign policy.</p>

Australia is off to the polls on 18 May, with yet another change of PM in prospect over familiar political battlelines.