Australian Politics Nerdjacking

By Kym Tidswell

News & Politics

What's Australian Politics Nerdjacking about?

A podcast to provide for Nerdjacking; and for other purposes

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Australian Politics Nerdjacking episodes:

10.08.2017
Episode 67 – Vote if you want to
In this episode Malcolm and I discuss that pesky requirement to have your name checked off the electoral roll every 3 years – compulsory voting. Which countries have it? What are the pros and cons? Listen and find out! Stuff we discussed:...
10.02.2017
Episode 66 – September in review
In this mini episode I reflect on what happened in Australian politics for the month of September. We’ll look at elections around the world, what the High Court has been up to, and whether any legislation was debated. Enjoy!
09.24.2017
Episode 65 – The curious case of a UK Senator
In this episode I discuss the recent High Court case of a Senator who thought he was definitely an Australian citizen and not a dual citizen of another country, because you know, the vibe. Have a look at the case...
09.17.2017
Episode 64 – Hansard 1976 media reform
In this mini episode I read Hansard from 1976. With the government managing to do something unexpected, like pass a media reform bill, I thought we should all have a look at what media reform sounded like in the 70’s. If you’d...
09.10.2017
Episode 63 – Electio Terminus Distributus
In this episode I’m joined by Ben as we discuss electoral boundary redistributions. Why do they happen? Who gets to decide? And what will it mean for the next election? Also enjoy my made up Latin term Electio Terminus Distrubutus (thanks Google...
09.03.2017
Episode 62 – August in review
In this mini episode I’ll summarise what happened in Australian politics for the month of August 2017. We’ll take a closer look at all the crazy things that went on in parliament, what legislation was debated, and whether anything was actually achieved. Things...
08.27.2017
Episode 61 – Disqualified and disgraced
In this episode I’m joined by Matt as we discuss part 4 of Good for your constitution. We look at what will go down as Australia’s most well known and bizarre section of the Constitution – Section 44. We’ll find...
08.20.2017
Episode 60 – Hansard 1977 a national song
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1977. With all this talk about plebiscites why not have a look at one that actually went ahead. It was a question so burning and so important...
08.13.2017
Episode 59 – A Bill for an Act to conduct a voluntary postal survey
In this episode Annie and I discuss what a plebiscite is, how it differs from a referendum, and why everyone keeps talking about them? Without getting too deep into the debate itself, we’ll discuss how we ended up with a postal...
08.06.2017
Episode 58 – July in review
In this mini episode I’ll summarise what happened in Australian politics for the month of July 2017. We’ll take a closer look at how many senators were kicked out for being foreigners, and why no legislation was passed at all. Some of your...
07.30.2017
Episode 57 – Keeping it in the family
In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm where we discuss political dynasties and families of influence. Who has been running this joint for generations? Who hands over their electorate like it’s an inheritance? Listen to find out.
07.23.2017
Episode 56 – Hansard 1975 Qualification of a Senator
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1975. That dastardly Constitutional Section 44 – disqualification to be a member or senator has been troublesome of recent times, so how did they deal with it...
07.17.2017
Episode 55 – Censucising part 2
In this episode Annie and I discuss the results of the 2016 Census. Did enough people complete it to get any statistics? Listen to find out. Stuff we discussed: Get the low down directly from the ABS. And some more analysis...
07.09.2017
Episode 54 – From little bills big laws grow
In this episode Ben and I discuss how our laws are made. From the introduction of a bill, through the debate, until it’s finally passed. It’s a central aspect of our parliament, so how does the magic happen? Stuff we discussed: Why...
07.02.2017
Episode 53 – June in review
In this mini episode I’ll have a go at summarising what happened in Australian politics for the month of June 2017. We’ll look at the Finkle energy review, the curious case of Ministers vs the court, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party,...
06.25.2017
Episode 52 – Podiversary
Happy Podiversary! In this episode I’ll reflect on 12 months of podcasting by going back to where it all began. I’ll pick out a few of my favourite moments, and let you know what’s in store for the future. Thanks...
06.19.2017
Episode 51 – Hansard collection
In this mini episode I take a trip down memory lane, back to episode 3 to be precise, when I discussed why I have a Hansard collection. In fact I discuss the very person who was the original owner of said...
06.12.2017
Episode 50 – Happy birthday Mrs Windsor
In this episode I’m joined by Kate as we discuss today’s public holiday, the Queen’s Birthday. Why is it in June? Why do we celebrate it? Listen to find out! Stuff that we discussed: All the details of the Order of Australia...
06.05.2017
Episode 49 – Treaty yeah
In this episode I’m joined by Annie as we discuss that great 90’s Yothu Yindi song, Treaty. Or more to the point we’ll discuss the substance of that song – a treaty. What is it? And why is it still such an...
05.28.2017
Episode 48 – Hansard 1967
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1967. The moment 50 years ago when the Australian parliament granted a referendum to count Aboriginal people as part of the Commonwealth. The referendum ultimately received an overwhelming...
05.21.2017
Episode 47 – Committee as you are
In this episode Kate and I discuss parliamentary committees, what they are, why they exist and who gets to be on one! Why aren’t they more widely known in society? Things we discussed: Are committees in the Constitution? It turns out...
05.14.2017
Episode 46 – Mummy why is that man nerdjacking?
In this episode Kate and I discuss some of the politics and laws relating to mothers and families. What are ‘women’s issues’ and why do we care what dress she wore? What does any of that have to do with raising a family?...
05.07.2017
Episode 45 – Hansard 1973 free university
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1973. One of the Whitlam Government’s signature pieces of legislation was the Student Assistance Act 1973. This gave Australians (for a short period of our history) access to...
04.30.2017
Episode 44 – Getting high on the taxpayer supply
In this episode I discuss the parliament’s night of nights – The Budget. Well more specifically the appropriation bills, why they are needed and how the parliament passes them. With all the glitz and glamour on budget night (Tuesday 9 May if...
04.25.2017
Episode 43 – Party time
In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm as we discuss political parties, particularly the ones that don’t exist anymore. How easy is it to register a party? How many have come and gone? Listen to find out. This will be part of...
04.17.2017
Episode 42 – Hansard 1962 and a correction
In this mini episode I am joined by Ben as we read Hansard from 1962. To round off our voting systems series, we find a significant turning point in Australia’s electoral system with an historic bill to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...
04.09.2017
Episode 41 – Pass the votes part 3 range and approval
In this episode I’m joined by Ben as we discuss part 3 of our voting systems series (listen to part 1 and part 2 if you haven’t already). What on earth is range voting? And who would you give your ‘tick’...
04.02.2017
Episode 40 – To 18C or not to 18C, that is the question
In this episode I’m joined by Matt as we discuss Sections 18C and 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and try and work out why it’s such a hot topic. Stuff that we discussed: The Jewish community weren’t too happy...
03.26.2017
Episode 39 – Hansard 1975 … and chips
In this mini episode I am joined by Lauren and Anthony as we read Hansard from 1975. With all this talk about Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, we delve into the history books to find out some of the...
03.19.2017
Episode 38 – Diversity part 2
In this episode Kate and Joanna continue their discussion with part 2 of diversity in politics. What would happen if our parliament was truly representative of all our cultures and religions? Stuff that was mentioned: The term “Tyranny of the...
03.12.2017
Episode 37 – Diversity part 1
In this episode Kate and Joanna take over Nerdjacking and discuss diversity in politics. What would happen if our parliament was truly representative of all the groups in Australian society? Of the 226 members in both houses: 113 would be...
03.05.2017
Episode 36 – Hansard 1975
In this mini episode I am joined by Malcolm as we read Hansard from 1975. With all this talk about energy policy, what did our forebears do to fix the rising demand for power? Find out the history of Australia’s greatest engineering feat,...
02.26.2017
Episode 35 – Dirty coal done dirt cheap
In this episode I’m joined by Matt as we discuss energy policy, renewables and blackouts. There was so much wind energy bellowing from everyone’s mouths that we had to record an update to the podcast before it went to air. Stuff that we...
02.19.2017
Episode 34 – Pass the votes part 2 multimember electorates
In this episode I’m joined by Ben as we discuss part 2 of our voting systems series (listen to part 1 if you haven’t already). What is proportional representation? What about multimember electorates? And why are we forced to vote at every...
02.12.2017
Episode 33 – Hansard 1978
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1978 – Minister for a day edition. Imagine this – Malcom Fraser wins the election, he’s just given you a call to give you the good news...
02.05.2017
Episode 32 – Shine ya boots guvna
In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm as we discuss part 3 of Good for your constitution, specifically the Governor-General. How are they appointed? What role do they play? Listen to find out. Some fun facts: There have been 4 times...
01.29.2017
Episode 31 – Because I got High (Court)
In this episode I’m joined by Matt as we discuss part 2 of Good for your constitution. We look at some of the aspects of the Constitution in more detail, such as the High Court and the separation between the Commonwealth...
01.22.2017
Episode 30 – Hansard 1955
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate and Annie as we read Hansard from 1955 – Hansard Roulette edition. Kate reads about child endowment, Annie reads about foreign affairs and defence, and Kym reads a motion to shut the speaker...
01.15.2017
Episode 29 – Pass the votes to the preferential side
Nerdjacking is back for 2017, bigger, better and jam packed full of nerdy and politicky goodness. In this episode I’m joined by Ben as we discuss different voting systems. What are their advantages and disadvantages? Where are they used? Why do we...
12.18.2016
Episode 28 – Good for your constitution
In this episode I’m joined by Matt (an actual law-knowing-guy) as we discuss the highest law in the land – the Australian Constitution. Why is it important? Listen to find out. Plus we find a few constitutional quirks and some High Court cases happening...
12.11.2016
Episode 27 – Hansard 1973 Christmas
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1973 – the Christmas edition. As the last sitting day of the year draws to a close, Gough Whitlam and Billy Sneddon put down the gloves and give...
12.06.2016
Episode 26 – Working hard for the money
In this episode I’m joined by Kate as we discuss whether we get value for money out of our politicians. Could you survive on a poultry $199,040 salary? What about a lifetime of free domestic travel once you retire? Fancy having...
11.28.2016
Episode 25 – Captain Trump
In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm as we discuss Captain Trump, he’s our hero, he’s going to take Mexican immigration down to zero. Do we have an equivalent in Australia? Can we Frankenstein ourselves a leader out of all...
11.20.2016
Episode 24 – Hansard is still alright with me
In this mini episode I am joined by Malcolm as we read Hansard from 1973. We discover what caused 1980’s television and when solar panels were invented. Do you have a pocket on your bib?
11.13.2016
Episode 23 – We’re not in ANZUS anymore Toto
In this episode I discuss the treaties that make a difference. Well one treaty anyway: the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty – ANZUS. As usual I said a bunch of things on the podcast that should be properly...
11.06.2016
Episode 22 – Murika f*ck yeah
In this episode I’m joined by James as we discuss the US election. Who will win, Trump or Clinton? Why should we care? What does it have to do with Australian politics? Listen to find out!
10.30.2016
Episode 21 – Hansard or not
In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we rant about the week in politics. Who can afford a house? Who can afford smashed avocado? Who can afford to buy an insolvent Senator? Well listen and find out!
10.24.2016
Episode 20 – Moving houses
In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm as we discuss moving from the Senate to the House. Why would anyone want to do that? If it’s anything like actually moving house, it sounds like too much effort. Music credits to...
10.16.2016
Episode 19 – I saw the (parliamentary) sign
In this episode I’m joined by Kate as we discuss symbolism in parliament. What traditions have been around for hundreds of years and why do we still have them? Does your workplace have a black rod? And no that wasn’t...
10.09.2016
Episode 18 – Hansard 1950
In this mini episode I am joined by Malcolm as we read an eclectic mix of readings from 1950 – the earliest edition of Hansard in my collection. Parliament is fighting about immigrants, pensioners and there is an important announcement from Prime...

What's Australian Politics Nerdjacking about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Australian Politics Nerdjacking episodes:

Episode 67 – Vote if you want to

Episode 66 – September in review

Episode 65 – The curious case of a UK Senator

Episode 64 – Hansard 1976 media reform

Episode 63 – Electio Terminus Distributus

Episode 62 – August in review

Episode 61 – Disqualified and disgraced

Episode 60 – Hansard 1977 a national song

Episode 59 – A Bill for an Act to conduct a voluntary postal survey

Episode 58 – July in review

Episode 57 – Keeping it in the family

Episode 56 – Hansard 1975 Qualification of a Senator

Episode 55 – Censucising part 2

Episode 54 – From little bills big laws grow

Episode 53 – June in review

Episode 52 – Podiversary

Episode 51 – Hansard collection

Episode 50 – Happy birthday Mrs Windsor

Episode 49 – Treaty yeah

Episode 48 – Hansard 1967

Episode 47 – Committee as you are

Episode 46 – Mummy why is that man nerdjacking?

Episode 45 – Hansard 1973 free university

Episode 44 – Getting high on the taxpayer supply

Episode 43 – Party time

Episode 42 – Hansard 1962 and a correction

Episode 41 – Pass the votes part 3 range and approval

Episode 40 – To 18C or not to 18C, that is the question

Episode 39 – Hansard 1975 … and chips

Episode 38 – Diversity part 2

Episode 37 – Diversity part 1

Episode 36 – Hansard 1975

Episode 35 – Dirty coal done dirt cheap

Episode 34 – Pass the votes part 2 multimember electorates

Episode 33 – Hansard 1978

Episode 32 – Shine ya boots guvna

Episode 31 – Because I got High (Court)

Episode 30 – Hansard 1955

Episode 29 – Pass the votes to the preferential side

Episode 28 – Good for your constitution

Episode 27 – Hansard 1973 Christmas

Episode 26 – Working hard for the money

Episode 25 – Captain Trump

Episode 24 – Hansard is still alright with me

Episode 23 – We’re not in ANZUS anymore Toto

Episode 22 – Murika f*ck yeah

Episode 21 – Hansard or not

Episode 20 – Moving houses

Episode 19 – I saw the (parliamentary) sign

Episode 18 – Hansard 1950