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The best analysis and discussion about Australian politics and #auspol news. Presented by Eddy Jokovich and David Lewis, we look at all the issues the mainstream media wants to cover...
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The best analysis and discussion about Australian politics and #auspol news. Presented by Eddy Jokovich and David Lewis, we look at all the issues the mainstream media wants to cover up, and do the job most journalists avoid: holding power to account. Seriously.
/ Twitter @NewpoliticsAU
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/ www.newpolitics.com.au
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/ Twitter @NewpoliticsAU
/ www.patreon.com/newpolitics
/ newpolitics.substack.com
/ www.newpolitics.com.au
New Politics: Australian Politics
New Politics: Australian Politics
Trump chaos in US politics and beyond
19 JUL 2024 · In this week's episode of New Politics, we analyse the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump. This surreal event, with a lone shooter on a rooftop at a Trump rally, has sparked a whirlwind of conspiracy theories and highlighted significant lapses in Secret Service protocols. We discuss the political fallout, including Trump's dramatic appearance at the Republican Convention with a conspicuous bandage, and draw comparisons to historical events like the Reichstag fire of 1933.
We also explore reactions from global leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the broader implications for American democracy. We examine how Trump's frequent public lies since 2015 have eroded trust, leading many to question the authenticity of this assassination attempt. Is it also time to reassess the US–Australia alliance and how the alliance affects Australian politics?
We then focus on the declining respect for political processes in Australia, as highlighted by a recent Essential poll. With dissatisfaction levels reaching nearly 50 per cent, we discuss the persistent problems within the political system, the lack of incentive for change, and potential solutions such mixed-member and proportional representation.
There are allegations corruption within the CMFEU, and we explore the media's portrayal of these issues, and the political ramifications for the Labor Party. We also analyse the latest Resolve Poll, which presents a challenging outlook for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government. With a significant drop in primary votes and Peter Dutton emerging as the preferred prime minister, we discuss the electorate's shifting priorities and the impact of recent political events.
Finally, we look at the upcoming royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla and speculate on the potential discussions about Australia moving towards becoming a republic and the broader significance of their visit.
Song listing:
- “Connected”, Stereo MC’s.
- “Dead Already”, Thomas Newman.
- “Catcher and The Rye”, Cabins.
- “Wild”, Spoon.
- “Praise You”, Fat Boy Slim.
Islamophobia, the last refuge of the scoundrel
12 JUL 2024 · This week on New Politics – one of the best podcasts on Australian politics – we look at the troubling rise of Islamophobia in Australian media, sparked by opposition leader Peter Dutton's comments linking minority government, the teals, Australian Greens, and Muslims. Following Senator Fatima Payman's resignation from the Labor Party to sit as an independent, mainstream media outlets including Seven West Media, Nine Media, Network 10, and ABC have engaged in thinly veiled racist analysis, while News Corporation has been more blatant in its attacks. Notably, Andrew Bolt has claimed that Australia's safety is compromised by Muslims, further stoking fear and prejudice.
Our discussion focuses on the persistent failure of Australian politics and media to embrace the country's diversity. Despite having the most diverse federal parliament elected in 2022, both the political system and media lag behind in representing the true multicultural reality of Australia. We critique the mainstream media's tendency to exploit anti-Islam sentiment, illustrating a broader reluctance to accept diversity in politics and media.
We also explore the emergence of The Muslim Vote, a new group aiming to educate and mobilise voters around issues related to the Middle East. This movement draws parallels with Climate 200 and has already provoked mainstream media outcry, highlighting the double standards in Australian politics where certain religions are deemed acceptable while Islam faces constant scrutiny.
As we navigate the complex interplay between religion and politics, we question why some forms of religious influence are tolerated while others are demonised. The appointment of a special envoy to combat antisemitism by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, contrasted with the lack of similar attention to Islamophobia, exemplifies these double standards.
Lastly, we consider the leadership of Peter Dutton and the potential impact of his divisive tactics on the upcoming election. While his hardline stance on issues like nuclear energy and Islam might appeal to certain factions, it risks further alienating the broader electorate.
Join us as we unpack these critical issues, challenge the status quo, and advocate for a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Australia.
Song listing:
- “Rain”, Turya.
- “Back To The Crossroads”, Little Axe.
- “Praise You”, Fat Boy Slim.
The battle for the heart and soul of Labor: from local tensions to global trends
5 JUL 2024 · Welcome to New Politics, as we unravel the intricate nature of global and national politics, reflecting on how the past shapes our present and future and deliver insightful analyses and expert commentary that keeps you informed and engaged.
In this episode, we explore the unfolding drama within Labor Party, highlighting the controversial suspension and subsequent resignation of Senator Fatima Payman. Her departure raises critical questions about party policies, internal democracy, and the broader implications for representation of diverse communities in politics. We look at her stance on Gaza, and the repercussions of crossing the floor to support a motion by the Australian Greens. Why should a Labor politician remain a member of Caucus if they refuse to follow the actions they supported when they were in opposition?
We look the educational funding strategies under the current Labor government, critiquing the increasing financial support for private schools at the expense of public ones. This discussion opens up a broader conversation about the values and priorities of modern Labor policies and their impact on Australia’s educational landscape.
Crossing continents, we analyse the recent UK election, where the Labour Party’s massive victory under Keir Starmer signals a new direction for Britain post-Brexit: he doesn’t have a choice. We discuss the historical parallels and the strategic silence that might have contributed to their win, alongside a forecast of potential policies and international stances.
We also look at the broader spectrum of international politics, including the rise of far-right movements in Europe, particularly in France, and significant judicial decisions in the United States that could redefine the scope of presidential powers and the 2024 US election.
Join us on New Politics as we navigate the complexities of these issues, offering a platform for critical thought, diverse perspectives, and a pulse on the shifts that shape our world.
Song listing:
- ‘My Friend’, Groove Armada.
- ‘Blue Monday’, New Order.
- ‘The Last Goodbye’, Odesza.
- ‘Praise You’, Fat Boy Slim.
Julian Assange free, the nuclear debate continues and the GG payrise
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.
The nuclear mirage and Dutton’s losing climate gamble
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.
The failure of NACC and the return of the climate wars
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.
The Frydenberg failure, Shorten’s expensive speechwriting and what’s behind Nature Positive?
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.
Labor’s crafty offer for a second term and News Corp in a Tingle
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.
The battle over nuclear and immigration, free Assange now and the ICC case against Israel
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.
The big 2024 Budget analysis, gaslighting gas and a whistleblower goes to jail
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.
The best analysis and discussion about Australian politics and #auspol news. Presented by Eddy Jokovich and David Lewis, we look at all the issues the mainstream media wants to cover...
show more
The best analysis and discussion about Australian politics and #auspol news. Presented by Eddy Jokovich and David Lewis, we look at all the issues the mainstream media wants to cover up, and do the job most journalists avoid: holding power to account. Seriously.
/ Twitter @NewpoliticsAU
/ www.patreon.com/newpolitics
/ newpolitics.substack.com
/ www.newpolitics.com.au
show less
/ Twitter @NewpoliticsAU
/ www.patreon.com/newpolitics
/ newpolitics.substack.com
/ www.newpolitics.com.au
Information
| Author | New Politics Australia |
| Organization | New Politics Australia |
| Categories | News , Politics , News Commentary |
| Website | www.newpolitics.com.au |
| info@newpolitics.com.au |
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