28 JUN 2024 · Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released from Belmarsh Jail after over five years of incarceration. This marks the end of a prolonged saga that began in 2010 when WikiLeaks released footage showing the US military committing acts that are considered war crimes in Baghdad, though no one has been charged over these actions. Successive Australian governments, regardless of their political leanings, failed to act on Assange’s behalf, despite promises made while in opposition. Despite criticism of the Albanese government for perceived slow action, significant diplomatic efforts behind the scenes have finally borne fruit – Jennifer Robinson, Assange’s legal counsel, praised the work of Albanese and others in securing his release, heralding it as a great day for media freedom. The charges against Assange were always contentious, serving more as a warning to potential whistleblowers than a pursuit of justice. The public’s right to know about government actions, especially in the context of the US military’s actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a central theme. Yet, the whistleblowers Assange and Chelsea Manning faced severe consequences, while the perpetrators of the exposed war crimes went unpunished. The case has also highlighted problems with the US Espionage Act, which needs reform. The nuclear debate in Australia, led by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, appears to have lost momentum – it was never a serious proposition anyway but served as a political tool to position Dutton as a leader with a plan, divert government resources, and amuse the media. Speculation now suggests the announcement was also a strategic move to fend off a potential leadership challenge from Angus Taylor, the Shadow Treasurer. Recent media scrutiny, particularly from traditionally conservative outlets, also indicates underlying leadership tensions within the Liberal Party. In response to the nuclear debate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed Matt Kean, a former NSW Liberal Treasurer known for his climate activism, as the new chair of the Climate Change Agency. This move, while politically clever, aims to foster bipartisanship on climate issues, though it has upset some within both major political parties. Senator Fatima Payman made headlines by supporting a motion in the Senate to recognise the state of Palestine, aligning with historical Labor values. Despite the motion’s defeat, it symbolised a significant gesture of support for Palestine. Prime Minister Albanese indicated there would be no repercussions for Payman, highlighting the complex relationship between international relations and party politics. The genocide in Gaza continues with daily attacks by the Israeli Defense Force against civilians but despite reduced media coverage in recent weeks, anti-war and anti-genocide protests continue across Australia. The conflict threatens to destabilise the Middle East further, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution. Samantha Mostyn, the incoming Governor–General, will begin her term with a notable salary increase, and this has sparked controversy, given the current cost-of-living pressures. However, the increase aligns with legislative decisions and the comparative lack of a military or judiciary pension for Mostyn, distinguishing her from her predecessors. This episode of New Politics – one of the best Australian politics podcasts – explores these complex political issues, providing in-depth analysis and discussion on the implications for Australia and beyond.

21 JUN 2024 · In this week’s episode of News Politics, we look at the latest escalation in the climate wars – the latest chapter has the Coalition turning up the heat by announcing seven proposed locations for nuclear power stations. As we’ve suggested before, these projects will never be built but provide Peter Dutton with a platform to dominate the political agenda with lies and disinformation under the guise of addressing climate change. Nuclear power in Australia faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the high costs involved, and nuclear energy is an expensive option, especially when compared to the more affordable renewable energy alternatives. Six out of the seven proposed nuclear sites are in safe Liberal or National party seats, indicating a strategic choice to avoid backlash in more contentious areas – it might mitigate the “not in my backyard” syndrome but raises questions about the true intent behind the proposal. It’s a high-risk strategy with scant details – the Coalition hasn’t specified the type, size, or cost of the nuclear reactors, leaving the public to wonder about the feasibility of the plan. Even if there were massive public support for nuclear energy, this proposal is filled with so much uncertainty that it’s hard to imagine it gaining traction. Globally, the trend is moving away from nuclear energy. Countries such as Japan and Germany have significantly reduced their reliance on nuclear power, transitioning to renewable energy sources. Despite some nations like France and Slovakia maintaining high levels of nuclear energy, the global supply from nuclear is declining, while renewable energy is on the rise. The Coalition’s nuclear announcement will have local political ramifications, benefiting groups such as Climate 200 – key supporter of the teal independents – and the Australian Greens. Climate 200 has targeted nine extra seats for the next federal election, with several in marginal areas. This nuclear proposal might bolster their chances, as well as those of the Greens in key seats. Peter Dutton’s rise as the preferred Prime Minister in a recent Resolve Poll is another development worth noting. While the margin over Anthony Albanese is slim, and critics argue this could be an outlier, it reflects growing concerns about Albanese’s cautious leadership style. The Albanese government’s attempts to appease News Corporation and its handling of key issues have led to questions about their political strategy. Has this strategy been worth it? We also discuss China Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia, which the media has portrayed with suspicion and their usual anti-China rhetoric. This visit was covered neutrally by international outlets but sensationalised by the Australian media. This anti-China sentiment, leveraged by conservative politics, contrasts with the Labor government’s efforts to normalise relations with China, which could benefit the Australian economy. Finally, we look at the recent pay rise for federal politicians, a quietly implemented increase of 3.5 per cent. In the context of a cost-of-living crisis, this move seems ill-timed and out of touch with the electorate’s struggles, suggesting that solidarity with voters might have been a more strategic choice. Join us as we unpack these developments and explore their implications for Australian politics and beyond.

14 JUN 2024 · In this episode of New Politics, we explore the troubling decision by the National Anti-Corruption Commission to not pursue investigations against six public officials previously involved with the Coalition government’s Robodebt scheme. Despite significant public and political expectations spurred by the scathing findings of the Robodebt Royal Commission, the NACC’s decision is a severe disappointment, a failure at its first major test. We look at the ramifications of this decision, which has not only disillusioned many affected by the Robodebt scheme—a policy that has been linked to immense financial and personal distress—but also raised questions about the effectiveness and independence of the NACC. With over $1.8 billion lost and profound societal impacts, including over 2,000 suicides, the decision to forego investigation into a scheme deemed neither fair nor legal by many scholars and legal analysts has sparked significant public outcry. Further complicating the political landscape are the revived “climate wars,” with Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton’s controversial statements on withdrawing from the Paris agreement and refusing to set new emissions targets unless elected. We unpack the potential political and environmental consequences of such positions, especially in light of the significant electoral shifts in traditionally conservative areas, which now demand greater action on climate change. How will the Liberal Party gain the seats it needs to win at the next election if it just antagonises the electorate? Also, we touch on the ongoing tensions surrounding the King’s Birthday honours and the recent media uproar involving former Liberal Treasurer Peter Costello at Nine Media, alongside global issues such as the continuing dire situation in Gaza. With escalating violence and international diplomatic efforts to broker peace, we examine the broader implications of these conflicts on global politics and humanitarian efforts. Join us as we explore these pressing issues, and uncover the layers of complexity in these governance challenges and the ongoing struggle for integrity and accountability in Australian politics.

7 JUN 2024 · In this episode of New Politics, we explore the reasons behind the significant stir within the conservative mainstream media sparked by rumours of former Liberal Party MP Josh Frydenberg’s potential return to federal politics. Once a key figure as the Treasurer and the representative for Kooyong, Frydenberg’s speculated comeback ignited considerable enthusiasm at News Corporation, almost as though Robert Menzies himself was making the return. However, Josh Frydenberg is no Robert Menzies: his actual influence and the community’s reception starkly contrast with the portrayals on Sky News, which, fortunately, do not represent the views of the electorate. We examine Frydenberg’s decision not to re-enter the political fray despite persistent media encouragement, particularly from outlets such as the ABC and Sky News. There are reasons why Frydenberg lost his seat to independent Monique Ryan in the 2022 election: he is not as effective as the media would have us believe. This episode also highlights broader challenges facing the Liberal Party, marked by internal conflicts and leadership challenges in preparation for the post-Peter Dutton era. The upheavals within the Victoria branch of the Liberal Party, infiltrated by religious zealots, highlights its struggle to re-establish itself, especially in upcoming contests such as the one in Kooyong against Monique Ryan, who appears well-established in the seat. Also, we cast a spotlight on the significant, yet often overshadowed, role of speechwriters in political communication and debate the controversy around the hefty remuneration—$300,000!—for the speechwriter of Minister Bill Shorten. We debate the value of such investments in the context of political efficacy and public perception. We critique the Labor government’s approach to environmental policy, particularly the newly introduced Nature Positive Bill, questioning its effectiveness and alignment with prior promises and the expectations of progressive constituents. “Nature positive”—is this just spin and political marketing, or is there something substantial behind it? And is it enough for the Labor government to be slightly better than the Coalition, which was in office from 2013 to 2022 and was arguably one of the worst governments in Australian history? No, it is not: they need to perform much better and be held accountable when they fail to deliver on the key issues they promised from the opposition.

31 MAY 2024 · In this week’s episode of New Politics, we explore the recent parliamentary session where the Prime Minister informed the Labor Caucus that they are “crafting the offer for a second term.” This statement has been widely interpreted as a preparatory move for an election, though this is unlikely before the Queensland state election in October. Redistribution issues further complicate the timing, but we think the possible election dates are either November or April 2025. Amidst this electoral anticipation, pressing issues from the current term still demand resolution. Economic management remains a concern, and other ongoing issues include housing, the “future made in Australia” program, domestic violence, and energy pricing. These are long-term challenges that require continuous management rather than immediate solutions. Immigration continued to be as a contentious issue for the government, particularly concerning the deportation of non-citizens who have committed crimes – Peter Dutton is expected to capitalise on this topic – as conservatives usually do – a natural territory for him, leading up to the next election. For the Labor government, some supporters on the left believe that a second term will allow for the implementation of more radical social policies. However, there is no clear evidence of what Labor intends to pursue in a potential second term. Historically, second terms of Labor governments have varied in productivity and political stability, as seen in comparisons between the Hawke, Whitlam, and Gillard governments. Speculations about a second term under Prime Minister Albanese suggest it might mirror the first term in its cautious and steady approach. Racism has re-entered the national debate following comments by ABC journalist Laura Tingle at the Sydney Writers Festival. Her remarks about Australia’s racist tendencies sparked outrage from News Corporation, demanding her reprimand, as well as their usual calls to defund the ABC. We examine the broader context of racism in Australia, from historical policies to contemporary issues, and the media’s role in perpetuating or challenging these narratives. The ABC fails to protect its journalists from external attacks – Stan Grant, Yasmin Abdel-Magied, and Antoinette Latouf are prime examples of this – but Laura Tingle, as a senior journalist and ABC board member, represents a tougher challenge for removal. Will she stay, or will she go? The media’s influence on politics is another focal point, with Sky News and News Corporation acting as political activists for the Liberal Party. The Prime Minister Albanese’s more detailed recognition of media issues in the Democracy Sausage podcast highlights this point, though his reluctance to act remains puzzling. Finally, we cover the Australian Greens’ motion to debate the recognition of the state of Palestine, which was swiftly defeated. We also address the duplicity of political statements on Palestine and the broader implications for Australian foreign policy. The reluctance to take a stand on Palestine is linked to fear of backlash from pro-Israel lobby groups, a dynamic mirrored in UK and US politics.

24 MAY 2024 · Welcome to this week’s episode of New Politics, where we analyse the latest events in Australian politics, global diplomacy, and the intersection of law and human rights. We dissect the aftermath of the federal budget and the opposition’s budget reply amidst ongoing political machinations, including the contentious topics dominating the political landscape, including immigration policies, the debate over nuclear versus renewable energy, and the broader implications of these discussions on the next federal election which is now not too far away. We assess the strategic positioning of the opposition’s controversial stance on reducing immigration and promoting nuclear energy – despite expert evidence pointing to the high costs and long timelines associated with nuclear power, as highlighted by recent CSIRO reports, the Liberal and National parties are still pushing ahead with nuclear energy, despite the feasibility and sincerity of these policies. And despite fluctuations in opinion polls, the Labor government still remains favoured to win the next election, especially when consideration perceptions of government performance over the past 11 years. In a major international segment, we discuss the recent developments concerning Julian Assange’s legal battles, including his right to appeal extradition to the United States, the complexities of international law, the potential implications of his case, and broader human rights concerns. Assange should not be in jail and the charges should be dropped and we question whether the government has done enough to secure his release. We also look at the federal government’s considerations to restrict social media usage among individuals under 16, reflecting on the potential impacts and challenges of such a policy. While it’s without question that social media has an impact on young people – all people, in fact – it’s not clear whether the government’s proposals will actually make a difference. There are significant developments in international relations in the Middle East, notably the International Criminal Court’s recent actions against Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and the recognition of Palestine by several European nations. We provide a comprehensive analysis of these events, their implications on global diplomacy, and the varying responses from political leaders, and what this means for politics in Australia.

17 MAY 2024 · In this episode of New Politics, we provide an alternative assessment of the 2024 Budget, exploring its reception across various media outlets, economic assessments, and the underlying political machinations. Of course, most of the reactions from major players in the media landscape, including News Corporation, Nine/Fairfax, the ABC and the Guardian, are mostly negative and it’s their inherent biases that shape public perception. We also look at the underlying priorities revealed in the Budget, such as the $11 billion in fossil fuel subsidies juxtaposed against the $6.5 billion allocated for social housing and homelessness, and the relatively minimal support for the arts and creative industries. What is the significance of the Budget in the context of the next federal election and how does it set the stage for the campaign? Will there even be another Budget before the next election? It’s unlikely: this smells like, tastes like and looks like a pre-election Budget, we don’t think there’ll be another one in this parliamentary term. We also turn our attention to the federal government’s new Future Gas Strategy, which looks very similar to Scott Morrison’s much-derided 2020 gas-led recovery plan – we discuss the environmental and economic ramifications of expanding gas production until 2050 and ask the question: how does pumping more greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere actually decrease greenhouse emissions, as claimed by the minister for resources? It doesn’t – but a bit of gaslighting of the electorate will always reduce the political problem. We then cover the sentencing of whistleblower David McBride, who exposed war crimes committed by Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan. This case raises significant questions about whistleblower protections and the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Why is McBride in jail, when the people who committed the war crimes are still free? And Senator Fatima Payman displays more courage in her little left finger than the entire government and she will probably pay a large price for this courage. That’s Australian politics: courage is always punished, cowardice is always rewarded. Song listing: - ‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper. - Blue Sky Mine’, Midnight Oil. - ‘Everybody Knows’, Sigrid (cover version). - ‘Praise You’, Fat Boy Slim.

10 MAY 2024 · In this in-depth episode of New Politics, we take a closer look at a series of significant events impacting global politics, human rights, and national economic policies. We begin by examining the escalating student-led pro-Palestine protests that have ignited across major university campuses worldwide, starting from Columbia University and spreading across the U.S. and Australia. These protests, fueled by the harsh realities of the conflict in Gaza, demand a reassessment of university investments with Israel and shine a light on the broader geopolitical implications involving major world powers. We also discuss the upcoming United Nations vote on whether to recognise Palestine as a full member state—a topic of intense international diplomacy and contention. We dissect the complexities behind the U.S. and other major powers’ positions on this issue, exploring how past actions and present debates at the U.N. reflect on the broader challenges of achieving a two-state solution in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Could the events in East Timor from 1999 offer any guidance? On the domestic front, we look into the federal government’s pre-Budget announcements, highlighting the proposed changes to the HECS debt system and other fiscal policies including tax cuts, cost-of-living adjustments, and support mechanisms like the Future Made In Australia program. We question the effectiveness and timing of these announcements, considering the broader context of national economic strategy and upcoming electoral considerations. Finally, we revisit the debate on manufacturing in Australia, focusing on the end of car manufacturing by the Coalition in 2013—despite their denials that they weren’t responsible for this—and its long-term impacts on communities. We analyse political narratives and accountability, examining the current government’s efforts to revitalise the sector, against the backdrop of past policy decisions that have shaped the economic landscape.

3 MAY 2024 · In this episode of New Politics, we explore the eternal issue of domestic violence in Australia, exploring the recent headlines and government actions – or lack thereof – that have fueled both media coverage and public discourse. We begin with the No More rally in Canberra, where domestic violence against women and children took centre stage, highlighting the slow governmental response despite numerous reports and increasing public pressure. It’s a critical issue that affects over half of the population and it’s a disaster that the political system doesn’t seem to want to implement the solutions, even though they’ve been available for years. We also look at the political dynamics at play, particularly focusing on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s involvement at the No More rally – should he have been there? Or not been there? Albanese didn’t seem to read the room very well – or the crowd – and the substantial political fallout could have been avoided if he avoided the centre stage. But he would have been criticised anyway, so what should a Prime Minister? As always, the answer is: “just do the right thing”. Implementing the best policies to reduce domestic violence would have avoided the need for a rally in the first place. Despite the announcement of $925 million to aid victims and new bans intended to protect against digital abuses, we question the effectiveness of funding without societal and cultural changes to address the root causes of domestic violence. We then look at the role of the media in shaping public perception and the political narrative and scrutinise how various media outlets negatively reported on the rally and the government’s actions, examining the impact of sensationalism and political bias on the actual issues at hand. We also look at mental health, as highlighted by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s public discussion of his struggles while he was in office and a broader debate on the adequacy of government action and funding for mental health services. Should we feel any sympathy for Morrison’s revelations? His actions in office included attacking asylum seekers, the disastrous Robodebt scheme, cutbacks to mental health services, especially for young adults. Maybe not. Join us as we navigate these political and social issues, seeking clarity on what has been done, what could be done better, and the ongoing impact of political and media narratives on real-world problems.

26 APR 2024 · In this episode of New Politics, we explore Australia’s remarkable economic ascent, now ranking second among G20 nations, a significant leap from its previous positions. We explore the factors behind this growth and the impact of government policies on this turnaround and while this might be good for the economy, it’s not so good for the community if people can’t see or feel the benefits yet. For the government, this is an important factor: the economy doesn’t vote but the people in the economy do. We also discuss the Future Made in Australia initiative announced by the Prime Minister, focusing on renewable energy projects and advanced manufacturing, aiming to boost local job creation. Despite the lack of detailed plans, the initiative has garnered substantial community and industry support, although it faces criticism from conservative figures and media. No surprises there. There’s a controversial debate around free speech and whether Twitter (‘X’ or whatever people wish to call it) should remove a video of a violent stabbing incident in Sydney’s west and the subsequent social media uproar involving global platforms and Australian government responses. It’s a vexed issue: perhaps there should be restrictions on this kind of violence on social media but if is restricted, does that mean we would never find out what’s really happening in Gaza and Ukraine? It might be a case of being careful for what you wish for.  Lastly, we look at the pressing issues in education, from potential relief for graduates burdened by HECS debts to the contentious funding of private schools, which highlights a significant disparity in government support compared to public schools. Join us as we unpack these complex topics, providing insights into Australia’s current economic strategies, the media, and educational policies. Song listing: - ‘The King Is Dead’, The Herd. - ‘Freedom!’, George Michael (Marc Martel cover). - ‘Field Of Glass’, The Triffids. - ‘La Femme d’Argent’, Air. - ‘Praise You’, Fat Boy Slim.