New Politics: Australian Politics New Politics

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.

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.

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.

In a deeply impactful week, the latest episode of New Politics discusses the broad range of events that have not only shaken local communities but also stirred international relations. We begin with the tragic attack at Westfield shopping mall in Bondi Junction, Sydney, where six lives were abruptly ended. This horrific incident prompts a wider discussion on public safety and the effectiveness of weapon control legislation in New South Wales.
We also analyse the high-profile defamation case involving Bruce Lehrmann – he was found to be comprehensive liar, lost the case and was ultimately found to have sexually assaulted Brittany Higgins. The court’s findings and the implications of Lehrmann’s actions illuminate issues of media integrity and the complexities of public perception in high-stakes legal battles.
On the international stage, we look at the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza, examining the motives behind Israel’s controversial military actions and the broader geopolitical chessboard involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the international community’s stance on Palestinian statehood. We explore the volatile dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and what it means for the global balance of power.
We also cover the recent byelection in the seat of Cook, analysing the political strategies at play and the implications for future elections and for the Liberal Party. We also question the Australian government’s fiscal priorities, juxtaposing a massive increase in defence spending of $50 billion against the backdrop of rising homelessness and mental health issues. There’s never enough money for the things that really matter.
Join us for a comprehensive exploration of these critical issues, where we connect dots across continents and communities, offering insights into the effects of policy decisions, social justice, and international diplomacy. 

Song listing:
“The Numbers”, Radiohead. “I Fought The Law”, (cover version) The Clash.“Dayvan Cowboy”, The Boards of Canada. “Unknown Water”, Ella Fence.“Praise You”, Fat Boy Slim.

In this new episode of New Politics, we explore the pressing concerns impacting Australians today. Starting with the grocery and supermarkets sector, we analyse the interim report from the Food and Grocery Code Review which highlights the significant power imbalance favouring major supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. We discuss the implications of their unchecked practices on small suppliers and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the Grocery Code. 
We also shed light on Australia’s housing crisis, focusing on the alarming rate of unoccupied housing and the contentious debate over using superannuation for home purchases. Governments have a habit of exacerbating these kinds of issues: first home owner grants were politically popular but made the problem worse, and restrictive policies on local zoning block the supply of new dwellings. We explore the potential repercussions of these policies on the housing market and the broader economy.
The Institute of Public Affairs is an insidious organisation that is the conduit between the Murdoch empire and the Liberal Party and it has inflicted much damage on the social fabric of Australian society—it’s now running a campaign against fact-checking organisations for what it claims is “left-wing bias” and we look at the broader implications for disinformation and political bias in media. The IPA is all for free speech, but only when that freedom is favourable to its political agenda: for everyone else; it’s sit down, shut up and do as you’re told. The true hallmark of modern conservative politics: just keep lying; the public will eventually believe it.
And finally, we address the new culture war and political uproar surrounding the appointment of Sam Mostyn as the new Governor–General, examining the reactions from News Corporation and other conservative political figures.

In this episode of New Politics, we explore a series of pressing global and domestic issues that have unfolded recently. We start with a development in Gaza, where the killing of Zomi Frankcom, an Australian working for the food charity World Central Kitchen, has sparked international controversy. Initially attributed to Hamas by Israeli forces, evidence later revealed the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions were responsible. This incident has led to criticism of the Australian government's response, or lack thereof, from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Can the Australian government do more about the situation in Palestine? If genocide is being committed, of course there’s more that can be done. Always. Especially when we consider all of the support Albanese offered to the cause of Palestine, earlier on in his parliamentary career.

We also touch on the complexities of proportional representation, spotlighted by the prolonged vote counting following Tasmania’s state election. The Hare-Clark electoral system, while confusing to some, promotes fairer outcomes and coalition governance—a principle we argue should be more widely adopted rather than abandoned.

Our discussion shifts to Australia's domestic front, scrutinising the Labor government’s proposed immigration legislation. These changes, giving the immigration minister increased powers and imposing minimum mandatory prison sentences for non-compliance with deportation processes, have been controversial. They signal a troubling trend towards increasingly draconian asylum seeker laws, perpetuating a cycle of harsh policies regardless of the governing party.

Finally, we critique the Liberal Party’s recent preselection decisions, which continue to sideline women in favour of men, ignoring calls for greater gender diversity in political representation. This episode is packed with insights, expert opinions, and a call for more humane policies and government accountability.