AustraliaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2000
Ownership
Crikey is an Australian online news and commentary outlet started as a daily email by activist shareholder Stephen Mayne in early 2000. In 2005 Mayne sold it to Private Media (then Private Media Partners), owned by former Sydney Morning Herald editor-in-chief Eric Beecher. Crikey is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Private Media Pty Ltd, where Beecher is the largest shareholder (just over 40%); other shareholders include the Fairfax family via Marinya Capital and Cameron O'Reilly's Bayard Capital.
Funding
Almost entirely reader-funded, with roughly 98% of revenue coming from subscriptions, supplemented by some advertising and reader donation campaigns; it takes no government or party money.
Affiliation & stance
Crikey is an independent, privately owned digital publisher with a progressive, watchdog editorial stance and no party or state ties, making it INDEPENDENT. Its commentary tilts left-of-centre, consistent with the site's LEFT lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 101
69/100
Factual
58/100
Objective
102
Articles
102
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s
One Nation, an Australian political party, faces internal criticism over its immigration policy after MP David Farley suggested the party's proposed migration numbers are not significantly different from those of the current Albanese government. Farley attempted to redefine 'net overseas migration' (NOM), stating that while the raw number might be similar to the government's, the focus should be on where migrants are needed, primarily in rural areas for sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. He explained that One Nation's target of 130,000 annual net overseas migrants does not include additional migrant categories such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and aged care nurses, which could add at least 100,000 more migrants annually. This clarification has led to accusations from both the opposition and the ruling party that One Nation lacks consistency and clarity on a central policy issue.
Israel open to compensating Zomi Frankcom's family, ambassador says
Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, indicated that Israel might consider reparations for the family of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who died in a 2024 Israeli airstrike in Gaza along with six others. The Israeli military recently cleared soldiers involved in the strike of criminal liability, a decision that has angered the Australian government, which has demanded an apology and further investigation. During a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Newman refused to apologize but expressed personal sorrow for the family. He stated that any reparations would require a formal request and would be evaluated under Israel’s legal framework. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for greater transparency from Israel, including the release of audio recordings related to the incident. An independent Australian inquiry found serious procedural failures by the Israeli military and recommended both reparations and an apology.
‘There are some sociopaths in the world’: Sitting down with ANU’s new chancellor, Gordon de Brouwer
Gordon de Brouwer, the newly appointed chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), discusses the challenges facing the institution with Crikey. The university has faced significant disruptions including a 2020 hailstorm that damaged its premises, as well as broader issues like fires, floods, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. De Brouwer highlights the most pressing issue as the previous administration's handling of a controversial $250 million cost-cutting initiative known as 'Renew ANU,' which was criticized for being poorly informed, reckless, and ultimately abandoned.
Anthony Albanese, you need to stop doing things
The article discusses Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to criticism over his participation in the 'Bush Deep' podcast, referred to as 'melon-gate.' Albanese acknowledged that he should not have participated in the podcast, calling it an error despite the controversy surrounding it. The piece frames the situation as a misstep by the PM, highlighting public and media backlash while suggesting that his admission reflects a lack of foresight rather than genuine accountability.
The Snoop: Tony Abbott’s silver service, Hanson is hiring and more
The article discusses Tony Abbott's recent trip to Hungary, where he spoke at a conservative conference and received special treatment typically afforded to former prime ministers. Documents obtained via freedom of information reveal that Abbott requested 'airport facilitation,' a common perk for ex-PMs involving embassy staff assistance upon arrival. The piece also mentions a separate report analyzing the decline in popularity of TV host Karl Stefanovic.
A morning with Erin Patterson
The article describes a courtroom scene featuring Erin Patterson during an appeal hearing at the Victorian Court of Appeal. Patterson appears via video link from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, presenting a static and unchanging image on screen. The atmosphere in the courtroom is noted as being subdued, with the procedural nature of the appeal leading some members of the audience to leave. The article draws a comparison between Patterson's presence on screen and Andy Warhol's 'screen tests,' highlighting the eerie similarity in the visual presentation. Notable figures such as Helen Garner and Sarah Krasnostein are mentioned as being present in the media gallery.
Migration panic is Australia’s Pennywise, laying dormant until the time is right
The article uses a metaphor comparing Australia's recurring migration panic to the fictional monster Pennywise from Stephen King's 'It,' suggesting that the country's political and economic systems rely on blaming migrants during times of crisis. The piece argues that migration is essential to Australia's economy, yet politicians exploit public fears to maintain control. The author critiques the cyclical nature of anti-migrant sentiment, noting that while the rhetoric changes, the underlying pattern remains consistent.
Bibi Netanyahu has the answer to your prayers
The headline 'Bibi Netanyahu has the answer to your prayers' appears in an article from Crikey, an Australian news outlet focused on politics and other topics. The article does not provide further content beyond the headline and introductory information about Crikey’s focus areas. No additional details about Netanyahu or the context of the statement are included in the provided text.
The Snoop: The Oz’s blind spot, a rush of Harry and Meghan ‘exclusives’, and more
The article highlights a critical omission in The Australian's reporting on Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn's recent share sales. Crikey founder Stephen Mayne points out that The Australian's 'Margin Call' column failed to mention that Comyn had separated from his wife, Lucy-Ellen, who co-held a trust containing most of the shares he sold. The article notes that Comyn still holds approximately $18 million in personal value through performance rights and restricted shares. This omission raises questions about the depth and accuracy of the reporting on a potentially significant financial decision.
If the US can’t afford to keep China out, can Australia?
The article discusses concerns raised by Australian academics regarding the impact of government policies on international academic collaborations. It references the cancellation of a joint research program between the Australian National University (ANU) and Shandong University in China, justified by the Australian government on national security grounds. Brian Schmidt, a former ANU vice-chancellor and Nobel laureate, expressed confusion over the decision, noting the low risk associated with the collaboration and warned of potential further restrictions on foreign academic partnerships. The piece highlights tensions between maintaining national security and preserving academic freedom and international cooperation.
Australians are paying Trump to fix F-35 fighter jets — and they’re America’s planes, not ours
Australia, as a partner nation in the F-35 program, is contributing $1.44 billion to address maintenance issues affecting the U.S. Air Force's F-35 fleet. These problems have led to a significant decline in the operational readiness of the aircraft, with the 'mission capable' rate dropping from 67% to 44% between 2021 and 2025. The article highlights the ongoing financial burden on Australian taxpayers due to the Coalition government's decision to acquire the F-35 jet, which has had lasting negative effects over the past decade. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported these findings, underscoring the challenges faced by the program.
'Left feeling like a burden': How the government's new NDIS changes may impact you
The Australian government has passed significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which aims to save billions of dollars by shifting from a diagnosis-based model to a functional capacity assessment system. Advocacy groups, including People With Disability Australia, argue these changes risk harming disabled individuals by reducing access to essential supports, leading to increased isolation and a perception of being treated as a burden. The reforms, supported by the Coalition and backed by the Greens' concerns about the emotional impact on disabled communities, face criticism for prioritizing fiscal responsibility over individual well-being. Health Minister Mark Butler defends the changes as necessary for the scheme's long-term sustainability.
‘A costly mistake’: new review finds giving WA billions in extra GST was unfair to other states
The Productivity Commission has recommended reversing the 2018 changes to Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue distribution, which favored Western Australia (WA) at the expense of other states. The reform, implemented under the Morrison government, shifted GST revenue allocation to benefit WA, costing taxpayers an estimated A$23 billion. The commission called the changes a 'costly mistake' and noted they failed to meet their intended goals, making the system more complex and costly. The report highlights that WA would receive approximately A$43 billion more by 2028–29 compared to pre-2018 rules, while other states bear the financial burden. Critics argue the policy creates perverse incentives, such as WA gaining additional funds if another state suffers a natural disaster. The report underscores broader challenges in Australia's federal fiscal system, where centralized tax collection contrasts with decentralized spending responsibilities.