The Mark Pirotta Show

Mark Pirotta

The Mark Pirotta Show is long-form Australian commentary on politics, culture, faith, family, and the ideas shaping our nation in 2026. Unfiltered. No-compromise. Grounded in a Christian Conservative ethos. From Sydney, Australia — husband, father, and everyday Australian who believes our country deserves better than uni-party, woke policies, energy chaos, housing privilege, and attacks on free speech and faith. Every week we unpack the real stories the mainstream media won’t touch and try to apply logic to an emotional world. Stress test the modern political landscape with me on the show!

  1. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    John Ruddick: Has ICAC Become the Independent Commission Against Catholicism?

    John Ruddick MLC joins The Mark Pirotta Show for a wide-ranging conversation about ICAC, Operation Rosny, Christianity in politics, the growth of government and the future of conservatism in Australia. Find more from the Hon. John Ruddick MLC: Listen and subscribe at: Apple and Spotify - http://bit.ly/4mH2zEE Rumble and YouTube - @PoliticalHistoryOfAustralia Please tune in and share. The Hon. John Ruddick MLC is a member of the NSW Legislative Council. johnruddick.com.au https://www.tiktok.com/@johnruddickmlc https://x.com/JohnRuddick2 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnruddickmlc/ https://www.facebook.com/johnruddickmlc https://www.instagram.com/john.ruddick/ At the centre of our discussion is the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and its investigation into Liberal Party figures associated with efforts to recruit thousands of conservative and Christian members. Ruddick argues that Operation Rosny raises serious questions about political impartiality, prohibited political donations and whether ICAC itself has accumulated too much power. We discuss: John Ruddick's libertarian case for conservative values Why he believes smaller government produces a more conservative society Pauline Hanson, One Nation and the future of the Australian Right How political parties become captured by careerists How Canberra accumulated power after Federation Operation Rosny and NSW political donation laws Whether political donations should be treated as free expression Catholics and Christians attempting to reshape the NSW Liberal Party ICAC's structure, leadership and political independence Ruddick's case for abolishing ICAC The Fabian Society and institutional politics Opus Dei and Catholic participation in Australian politics Australia's tax burden and Ruddick's "Freedom Bus" Privatising and decentralising healthcare and education Government funding of charities Childcare subsidies and the modern family Christian schools and the rise of homeschooling The changing political attitudes of younger Australians Energy policy and the retreat from Net Zero Ruddick's sex-selective abortion bill Ruddick's central argument goes considerably further than criticism of one ICAC investigation: the fundamental problem, he says, is the extraordinary expansion of government itself. He argues that replacing the people running government isn't enough if the institutions continue accumulating power—and explains why even a future One Nation government might not permanently solve that underlying problem. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – John Ruddick on libertarianism and conservative values 03:00 – Government subsidies and manufactured culture 04:50 – One Nation, Pauline Hanson and the Libertarians 07:00 – Why successful political parties attract careerists 09:00 – Federation and the original purpose of Canberra 11:00 – How the Federal Government became so powerful 12:40 – Why stronger states matter 13:00 – ICAC and Operation Rosny 15:00 – Should political donations be considered free speech? 17:00 – The battle to control the NSW Liberal Party 19:00 – Conservative Catholics and the ICAC investigation 21:00 – Is ICAC politically compromised? 24:00 – Who actually runs ICAC? 25:00 – The Fabian Society connection 29:00 – Opus Dei, Catholics and Australian politics 31:30 – Ruddick's case for abolishing ICAC 34:30 – The Nick Greiner precedent 36:45 – How do you actually shrink government? 38:15 – Is Australia already a socialist country? 39:40 – Ruddick's "Freedom Bus" explained 41:20 – Could healthcare operate without big government? 44:10 – Government funding and Australia's charities 47:40 – Childcare subsidies, taxation and the family 49:30 – The Fabian Society and education 53:20 – How regulation expands government 55:10 – Government funding of Catholic schools 56:15 – The rise of homeschooling 58:40 – Is the West beginning to turn around? 1:14:45 – Ruddick's sex-selective abortion bill 1:17:30 – Final thoughts

  2. 5d ago

    Sneak Peak: John Ruddick on ICAC: The Independent Commission Against Catholicism?

    John Ruddick MLC joins The Mark Pirotta Show for a wide-ranging conversation about ICAC, Operation Rosny, Christianity in politics, the growth of government and the future of conservatism in Australia. At the centre of our discussion is the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and its investigation into Liberal Party figures associated with efforts to recruit thousands of conservative and Christian members. Ruddick argues that Operation Rosny raises serious questions about political impartiality, prohibited political donations and whether ICAC itself has accumulated too much power. We discuss: John Ruddick's libertarian case for conservative valuesWhy he believes smaller government produces a more conservative societyPauline Hanson, One Nation and the future of the Australian RightHow political parties become captured by careeristsHow Canberra accumulated power after FederationOperation Rosny and NSW political donation lawsWhether political donations should be treated as free expressionCatholics and Christians attempting to reshape the NSW Liberal PartyICAC's structure, leadership and political independenceRuddick's case for abolishing ICACThe Fabian Society and institutional politicsOpus Dei and Catholic participation in Australian politicsAustralia's tax burden and Ruddick's "Freedom Bus"Privatising and decentralising healthcare and educationGovernment funding of charitiesChildcare subsidies and the modern familyChristian schools and the rise of homeschoolingThe changing political attitudes of younger AustraliansEnergy policy and the retreat from Net ZeroRuddick's sex-selective abortion billRuddick's central argument goes considerably further than criticism of one ICAC investigation: the fundamental problem, he says, is the extraordinary expansion of government itself. He argues that replacing the people running government isn't enough if the institutions continue accumulating power—and explains why even a future One Nation government wouldn't permanently solve that underlying problem. Whether you agree with him or not, this is a fascinating discussion about the proper limits of government, political freedom and the future of the Australian Right.

  3. Aug 10

    EP111 - Victoria Is Turning Against Labor it's the Liberals Race to Lose

    Victoria's political landscape is changing fast. Ben Carroll has replaced Jacinta Allan and Labor is hoping a new Premier can reset the government before the state election—but beneath the headline polling, the contest on the Right is becoming much more interesting. In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine the first polling since One Nation announced its Victorian candidates, Warren Pickering's emergence, Jess Wilson's growing profile and why crime could become one of the defining issues of the election. We break down: Ben Carroll's early polling bumpWhy replacing Jacinta Allan doesn't erase Labor's recordOne Nation's growing presence in VictoriaWarren Pickering's reported 16% supportJess Wilson's appeal and tough-on-crime strategyThe Victorian Vietnamese community's response to violent crimeBail laws and youth crimeWhether Labor's leadership change will actually workThe census and the campaign around religious identificationJohn Ruddick's criticism of the NSW ICAC investigationChristianity and political participationGovernment funding and the controversy involving a former churchThe broader cultural argument over Australia's Christian heritageThe central political question is simple: has Labor genuinely changed direction, or has Victoria simply been given a new Premier to defend the same government? The transcript argues that Carroll remains closely connected to both the Allan and Andrews governments and that One Nation's emergence could complicate the electoral mathematics for both Labor and the Liberals. The crime discussion becomes particularly important later in the episode, where the death of a Vietnamese shopkeeper and subsequent community reaction are connected to the wider debate over bail, youth crime and Victoria's political direction. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta

  4. Aug 3

    EP110 - Reality Is Catching Up with the Left

    In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine what happens when political ideology collides with reality. From the extraordinary claim that Aboriginal heritage extends to the Moon, to the Oxford Union debates, Western Australia's political shift, Victoria's struggling Labor Government and Australia's growing defence concerns, the same pattern continues to emerge: ideas are increasingly being tested against real-world outcomes. We break down: The "Sky Country" controversy and the future of Welcome to CountryTommy Robinson's Oxford Union debateWhy universities are losing public confidenceThe Secret Harbour by-election in Western AustraliaOne Nation's growing support across the countryVictoria's new Premier and Labor's reshuffleTim Richardson's appointment despite worsening domestic violence statisticsPauline Hanson's latest polling surgeThe Greens' declining supportAustralia's falling housing marketWhy Defense is openly preparing for a more uncertain worldWe also examine why voters appear to be rewarding parties they see as grounded in practical concerns while losing confidence in ideological politics. If you're interested in Australian politics, culture, housing, national security and the changing political landscape, this episode explores why reality is beginning to reshape political debate. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta 00:00 – The "Sky Country" controversy 03:30 – How ideology enters institutions 05:20 – Tommy Robinson at Oxford Union 07:45 – Why universities are losing trust 09:20 – Secret Harbour by-election 11:30 – One Nation's Victorian candidates 14:00 – The media vs Pauline Hanson 15:30 – New polling shocks Labor and the Greens 17:00 – Australia's housing market turns 19:00 – Defence prepares for an uncertain future 21:20 – Final thoughts TIMESTAMPS

  5. Jul 31

    EP109 - How Great Nations Fall Slowly... Then All at Once

    In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine how small cultural and political changes can gradually reshape an entire society. From Spain's immigration crisis and Australia's border policies to debates over free speech, social media, and the role of government, we explore why seemingly minor decisions often have far-reaching consequences. We break down: Ben Shapiro's concept of "permission structures"Why Spain's immigration system is under pressureAustralia's "Stop the Boats" policy and its legacyThe Sal Grover case and women's-only spacesDavid Shoebridge's criticism of MetaThe debate over content moderation and social mediaJulie Inman Grant and the Online Safety CommissionWhy governments increasingly regulate speechThe importance of free expression—even for unpopular viewsHow small policy decisions can reshape a nation's cultureWe also discuss why protecting institutions, borders, and civil liberties remains central to maintaining a free and stable society, and why today's political debates often begin with issues that initially seem insignificant. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta 00:00 – When did society start changing? 02:00 – Rights versus responsibilities 03:50 – Spain's immigration crisis 05:50 – Sal Grover and women's spaces 07:50 – Why "Stop the Boats" worked 10:10 – David Shoebridge vs Meta 12:30 – Social media and content moderation 15:20 – Julie Inman Grant and online regulation 17:40 – Why small changes matter 19:20 – Free speech and political protest 21:30 – Final thoughts TIMESTAMPS

  6. Jul 28

    EP107 - Jacinta Allan Is Gone. Nothing Will Change.

    In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine the end of Jacinta Allan's premiership—and ask whether changing the Premier changes anything at all. After years of mounting debt, cancelled projects, rising crime, and growing public frustration, Victorian Labor has replaced its leader just months before a state election. But is Ben Carroll offering a new direction, or simply a new face? We break down: Why Jacinta Allan's leadership came to an end The Commonwealth Games cancellation and Victoria's financial crisis Australia's success in Glasgow despite Victoria's withdrawal Gina Rinehart's support for Australian athletes The ABC controversy and public broadcaster accountability Ben Carroll's leadership bid and his previous pledge to support Jacinta Allan Why internal party leadership spills raise democratic questions One Nation's growing influence on Victorian politics Corey Bernardi's push for greater transparency on youth gender medicine Why Labor is increasingly responding to One Nation's agenda rather than setting its own We also examine whether Victoria's problems are the result of one leader—or whether they reflect deeper issues that have developed over decades of government. If you're interested in Victorian politics, government accountability, public spending and the changing Australian political landscape, this episode explores one of the biggest political stories ahead of the state election. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta 00:00 – Why Jacinta Allan is out 02:20 – The Commonwealth Games Victoria lost 04:20 – Victoria's debt crisis explained 05:45 – Gina Rinehart backs Australian athletes 07:50 – The ABC controversy 10:20 – Jacinta Allan's farewell speech 12:40 – Ben Carroll's promise—and what happened next 14:45 – Can a new Premier fix Victoria? 16:40 – One Nation's growing influence 18:15 – Corey Bernardi's transparency campaign 20:00 – Final thoughts TIMESTAMPS

  7. Jul 27

    EP106 - Labor Lies to Your Face | Australians Are Finally Waking Up

    In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine a growing political trend that extends far beyond opinion polls: Australians are increasingly questioning whether they can trust what they're being told. From media reporting on the vehicle attack at a Pride parade in Germany to Victoria's crime debate, Anthony Albanese's latest controversies, and One Nation's continued rise in the polls, the common thread is accountability. We break down: The Germany vehicle attack and media reportingCrime, sentencing and public safetyJacinta Allan's leadership and Victoria's political futureAnthony Albanese's latest controversiesAustralia's trade relationship with ChinaNew US tariffs and Australia's supply chainsPauline Hanson's latest polling momentumWhy the two-party system is under pressurePeter Credlin's latest investigationWhether Australians are reaching a political tipping pointWe also discuss why trust in governments, institutions and legacy media appears to be declining, and what that could mean heading into the Victorian election and beyond. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta 00:00 – Germany's vehicle attack and media headlines 02:20 – Christianity, Islam and public debate 04:30 – Crime, sentencing and public safety 06:50 – Jacinta Allan under growing pressure 08:45 – Albanese's latest controversy 10:30 – The escalator moment goes viral 11:20 – New US tariffs on Australia 13:00 – Pauline Hanson's polling surge 14:45 – Is the two-party system breaking? 16:10 – Peter Credlin's latest investigation 17:45 – Final thoughts

  8. Jul 21

    EP105 - Pauline Hanson Won the Room Despite the Traps

    In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we examine a political shift that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. For years, Pauline Hanson has been portrayed as a fringe figure in Australian politics. But after a series of high-profile media appearances in Australia and the United Kingdom, audience reactions suggest something may be changing. From Spotlight's controversial interview inside an Islamic school to a packed public forum in Western Australia, Hanson continues to dominate debates around immigration, national identity and social cohesion—even as criticism intensifies. We break down: Pauline Hanson's Spotlight interviewWhy the Islamic school segment became so controversialThe audience reaction in Western AustraliaBarnaby Joyce's clash with the ABCJacinta Allan's comments on migration and government spendingVictoria's growing debt crisisImmigration, infrastructure and public servicesWhy more Australians appear willing to engage with One Nation's argumentsThe changing political landscape before the next state electionsWe also examine why trust in the media is declining, how public opinion can diverge from media coverage, and whether Australian politics is entering a new phase. If you're interested in Australian politics, immigration, media, and the rise of One Nation, this episode explores one of the biggest political trends in the country. Support the show: https://patreon.com/TheMarkPirottaShow https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta 00:00 – Pauline Hanson doubles down 01:30 – Spotlight's Islamic school interview 04:00 – Did Hanson walk into a media trap? 06:20 – Jacinta Allan's migration comments 08:10 – Victoria's debt and public spending 10:00 – Pauline Hanson wins over a WA audience 12:00 – Why public opinion is shifting 13:40 – Immigration and social cohesion 15:30 – Barnaby Joyce vs the ABC 17:00 – Sarah Ferguson put on the spot 18:30 – Final thoughts TIMESTAMPS

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About

The Mark Pirotta Show is long-form Australian commentary on politics, culture, faith, family, and the ideas shaping our nation in 2026. Unfiltered. No-compromise. Grounded in a Christian Conservative ethos. From Sydney, Australia — husband, father, and everyday Australian who believes our country deserves better than uni-party, woke policies, energy chaos, housing privilege, and attacks on free speech and faith. Every week we unpack the real stories the mainstream media won’t touch and try to apply logic to an emotional world. Stress test the modern political landscape with me on the show!