Sophie Manning

Sophie Manning is an Australian political analyst and journalist known for clear, evidence-based coverage of federal and state politics. She began her career reporting on parliament and public policy for local metropolitan newsrooms, then moved into national analysis roles where she focused on elections, governance and the practical impacts of legislation. Over the past decade, Sophie has contributed written explainers, live election coverage and background briefings for newsroom teams, helping audiences understand how party strategy, budget decisions and institutional rules shape outcomes. Her work frequently highlights the mechanics of policy—how proposals are negotiated, amended and implemented—rather than just the headlines. Sophie has built a reputation for measured analysis during periods of rapid political change, with particular expertise in Australian federalism, national security debates, and the relationship between economic policy and political incentives. She regularly engages with academic and policy stakeholders to triangulate sources and refine her forecasts.