Tom Lowrey
Tom Lowrey is a reporter in the ABC's Parliament House bureau. Tom has worked in the media since 2010, in a range of locations including regional NSW and Canberra. He joined the ABC in 2013, and began working in Parliament House in 2021.
Latest by Tom Lowrey
You might soon have the right to 'disconnect' from work. Here's what else may be on the way
If you've ever found yourself replying to a 10pm email, or fielding a phone call from the boss during a Saturday afternoon barbecue, and wondered "should I be getting paid for this?", the answer is … maybe.
Clive Palmer and Anthony Pratt lead the way in political donations as corporations play both sides
Details of the companies and individuals pouring money into the coffers of the nation's political parties last financial year have been published, with some of the country's wealthiest individuals topping the list.
How long will Australia remain a major gas exporter? It depends who you ask
Resources Minister Madeleine King has used a week-long visit to Japan and South Korea to assure both government and business figures that Australia will remain a "reliable supplier" of export gas well into the future.
On New Year's Eve, all of South Australia's power was coming from rooftop solar panels
Rapid growth in renewable generation slashed the wholesale cost of power in the national energy grid late last year, and dramatically reduced reliance on coal-fired power.
'Miracle' man Scott Morrison calls time on political career, new job beckons in US
The former prime minister Scott Morrison was not shy in his dealings with foreign leaders, adversaries or the press gallery. But he has ended his political career quietly, with a simple post on Facebook.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison set to quit politics after 16-year career
Former prime minister Scott Morrison announces he will retire from politics at the end of February, ending a 16-year career in federal parliament, including four served as prime minister.
In the Hunter, offshore wind offers a new life after coal — but some locals see it as a threat
Offshore wind offers great promise for Australia, but the industry will have to win an information war to convince some towns to take it up.
More heatwaves, fewer cyclones: Emergency agencies prepare for hot and dry summer
Recent rainfall may have eased bushfire concerns in large swathes of the country, but emergency services are still warning of substantial fire and heatwave concerns for the summer ahead.
How will the new 'preventative detention' regime for released immigration detainees work?
For weeks now the federal government has been wrestling with what to do about scores of immigration detainees it was forced into releasing. So what's the proposed preventative detention regime?
Australian Tax Office's robodebt-like tax debt recovery scheme under review
The tax office has stopped sending letters warning of sometimes decades-old tax debts, acknowledging the letters were causing "unnecessary distress".
Gas suppliers, government sign deals to shore up domestic supply but Greens' move threatens agreements
The federal government and major gas exporters have signed new deals aimed at shoring up Australia's gas supplies, but the Greens are working to abolish a code of conduct that underpins the agreements.
Ankle bracelets, curfews proposed for people released from immigration detention after High Court ruling
The federal government is proposing the use of ankle bracelets and curfews to monitor 84 people released from immigration detention last week, in emergency legislation rushed into Federal Parliament.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers concedes Australia risks missing its climate targets
The treasurer admits that Australia is on track to fall short of its climate targets without more money invested, quicker construction of renewables projects, and better regulation.
More time and more money for paid parental leave — the big changes being put to the federal government
Government-funded paid parental leave would more than double in length, and the amount paid to parents would jump substantially, under new recommendations handed to the federal government.
How a legal loophole clogged courts and almost broke Australia's asylum seeker system
Lost hope and lives on hold — a flaw in Australia's asylum system allowed "bad actors" to exploit a legal loophole, and it's done more damage to asylum seekers searching for a better life.
Indigenous organisations reject calls for royal commission, slamming 'politicisation' of child abuse
Indigenous children's advocates and medical bodies criticise a call from the Coalition for a royal commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities, arguing the issue should not be politicised.
Solar boom and warm winter sees demand for electricity hit record lows
Cheap coal, hydro and large-scale solar power drive lower prices, but it may not flow through to households for some time.
Australian journalist detained for three years in China was accused of breaching media embargo
Australian journalist Cheng Lei speaks publicly for the first time since landing back in Australia last week.
While Yes supporters remain hopeful, some contemplate what a No vote might mean
With just days remaining until the Voice referendum, some prominent Yes advocates are contemplating what a No vote could mean for Indigenous policy.
Qantas and Virgin asked to bring Australians home from Israel
Official advice to Australians looking to leave is to pursue commercial flights, however while flights out of Israel are available, there have been widespread cancellations.
Federal government overturns Morrison withdrawal from UN Green Climate Fund
After Scott Morrison withdrew Australia from the United Nations-led Green Climate Fund in 2018, the federal government commits to rejoin the scheme, seeking a seat at the table to influence international climate projects.
Childcare workers could be set for a substantial pay rise as multi-employer bargaining begins
A new kind of pay negotiation is underway between childcare workers and their employers, as unions seek 25 per cent pay bump.
Reaching net zero by 2035 would take a 'gargantuan' effort. But these experts say our current 2050 target is just too far away
Some experts are warning Australia's ambitions to have zero carbon emissions by 2050 need to be scaled up dramatically.
World economy forecast to slow further, dragged down by high inflation and a troubled China
New economic forecasts are painting a bleak picture for the world's economy in 2024, dragged down by persistent inflation and ongoing problems in China.
Ukraine, climate change and India's name change: These were the key takeaways from the G20 summit
As the hosts of the G20 tried to steer discussions towards other issues, the Ukraine war still dominated, reinforcing the deep global divisions.