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
- Centerbased on 127
73/100
Factual
62/100
Objective
130
Articles
130
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
Coalition promises deep cuts in migration fight with One Nation, Labor
The Australian Coalition has proposed significant reductions in net overseas migration, aiming to limit it to 100,000 people over two years. This plan includes reforms targeting graduate and bridging visas, which are often used by international students and temporary migrants. The proposal comes amid growing political pressure and debate over immigration policies, with the Coalition positioning itself against both One Nation and Labor on this issue. The changes aim to address concerns about population growth, economic pressures, and national identity. These measures reflect a broader strategy to reshape Australia’s migration framework.
The Snoop: Billionaire’s cheap deal in Tassie, Shoebridge gives News Corp a reason to swear, and more
The article titled 'The Snoop: Billionaire’s cheap deal in Tassie, Shoebridge gives News Corp a reason to swear, and more' from Crikey discusses various news snippets, including a controversial land deal involving a billionaire in Tasmania and potential legal issues involving News Corp. It references local council matters and hints at broader implications related to corporate behavior and regulatory oversight. The piece appears to focus on political and legal developments with potential public interest due to the involvement of high-profile entities.
The media’s deficit fetish harms the ‘people doing it tough’ it claims to represent
The article criticizes modern media coverage of Australia's budget deficit, arguing that it has shifted from data-driven reporting to emotionally driven narratives. This change is seen as moving away from the objective analyses of previous decades toward more subjective 'hot takes' that prioritize emotional appeal over factual accuracy. The piece suggests this trend negatively impacts the portrayal of Australians facing financial hardship, as the media focuses more on sensationalism than on providing balanced, evidence-based information. The author implies that such reporting fails to adequately represent the concerns of ordinary citizens.
With the budget in disrepair, bloated defence spending is an indulgence we can’t afford
The article discusses the significant increase in defense spending compared to other areas of government expenditure in the previous year. It argues that this rise in defense spending is unsustainable given the overall budgetary challenges faced by the government. The piece suggests that while defense spending has grown substantially, there is little likelihood of substantial cuts to this area, despite its potential inefficiency.
Hundreds of documents on controversial aged care algorithm withheld from public
A Crikey investigation reveals that the Australian Health Department failed to meet its legal obligations in releasing hundreds of documents related to a controversial aged care algorithm. The algorithm, which has been criticized for its potential impact on elderly care quality, was the subject of significant public interest. The report highlights concerns over transparency and accountability in government decision-making processes. The failure to disclose these documents raises questions about the openness of public administration and the rights of citizens to access information affecting their welfare.
Which is the real threat: climate or AI? Both — and downplaying either is a risky gamble
The article discusses the debate over whether climate change or artificial intelligence poses the greater existential threat to humanity. It argues that both issues are significant and interconnected, suggesting that downplaying either could lead to dangerous outcomes. The author highlights the potential risks associated with AI-driven climate disasters, emphasizing that while AI itself may not be the direct cause, it could exacerbate existing environmental challenges. The article calls for a balanced approach to addressing these global threats.
‘The system shouldn’t be a maze’: Sweeping mental health review pledged ahead of election
In October 2026, the Australian state of Victoria faces significant challenges within its mental health system, including a backlog in emergency departments due to a mental health bed crisis. The Coalition has announced plans for a 'mental health reset' if elected, proposing a comprehensive review of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy, the sector's independent watchdog, and the implementation of the 2021 Royal Commission's recommendations. These proposals include creating a new strategy to expand the mental health workforce, establishing a Youth Mental Health Centre of Excellence, and funding a new standalone youth mental health hospital. This follows extensive reporting by The Age revealing systemic issues in Victoria's mental health system, despite the government accepting all recommendations from the 2021 Royal Commission. Concerns raised include inadequate oversight, failure to meet patient admission targets, increased workplace violence, and whistleblower claims that reform efforts are being neglected.
The Snoop: Nine’s cancelled review, One Nation lets a neo-Nazi in, and more
The article titled 'The Snoop: Nine’s cancelled review, One Nation lets a neo-Nazi in, and more' from Crikey discusses several topics including the cancellation of a review by Nine, a major Australian media outlet, and the involvement of the One Nation political party in allowing a neo-Nazi individual into their ranks. It also mentions the internal conflicts within Seven West Media, suggesting there are connections between Crikey and the corporate issues at play. The piece appears to highlight controversies surrounding media ownership, political affiliations, and potential extremist influences.
Malinauskas as prime minister? Not if his litany of controversies are anything to go by
The article speculates about potential ambitions of South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas to become Prime Minister, but suggests this is unlikely due to his growing list of controversies. It references his 'Teflon Pete' image, which has been diminishing, implying he may struggle to maintain public support. The piece frames the discussion around his increasing challenges rather than focusing on any concrete political developments or policy positions.
The disability royal commission laid bare violence, abuse and neglect. Three years on, what’s changed?
The article discusses the findings of the Disability Royal Commission, which exposed widespread issues of violence, abuse, and neglect within Australia's disability sector. Three years after the commission's report was released, the article notes that none of its recommendations have been fully implemented. It highlights ongoing systemic failures and calls attention to the lack of progress in addressing these critical concerns.
CALL OUT: We want your data centre questions for Ketan Joshi and Ben Eltham
The article by Crikey calls for public input on questions regarding data centres in Australia, specifically targeting experts Ketan Joshi and Ben Eltham. It highlights the significance of data centres as a critical issue for the country and invites readers to submit their queries. The piece serves as an invitation for engagement rather than presenting new information or analysis.
Climate concerns added to pressures on Albanese government
The article mentions growing questions about Australia's climate record amid ongoing challenges faced by the Albanese government, including poor polling performance. It contrasts this with positive developments such as the NRL grand final and upcoming Brazilian elections. However, the article does not provide detailed information or analysis on the specific climate policies or their effectiveness.
‘People are human’: David Shoebridge on leadership rival tensions, a Labor alliance, and the Greens’ future
The article features an interview with David Shoebridge, a prominent figure in Australian politics, discussing various topics including tensions within political leadership, a potential alliance between the Greens and Labor parties, and reflections on the nature of political conflict. Shoebridge comments on the personal and emotional aspects of political rivalry, referencing Sarah Hanson-Young’s description of politics as 'brutal.' The conversation also touches on the future direction of the Greens party and broader political dynamics in Australia.