Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny

By The Australian National University

What's Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny about?

Mark Kenny takes a weekly look at politics and public affairs with expert analysis and discussion from researchers at The Australian National University and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny episodes:

04.16.2024
Calming tensions with Bob Carr
Former Foreign Minister and New South Wales Premier Bob Carr joins us to talk about the recent stabbing attacks in Sydney, escalating tensions in the Middle East and Penny Wong's move to recognise Palestinian statehood. What can leaders do to...
04.10.2024
The face of the nation
Elise Stephenson from the ANU Global Institute for Women’s Leadership joins us to ask who gets to represent Australia on the world stage? Governor-General has caused backlash in some quarters of the media, which raises the question, who gets to be...
04.02.2024
Population panic
Demographer Liz Allen and migration expert Alan Gamlen are talking migration and population, and the fear-based discourse that often surrounds it. Last week we saw an attempt at rushing through immigration legislation, but creating a sense of panic around immigration and population...
03.26.2024
Advance Australian elections fair with Zali Steggall
Independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall discusses her unusual path to politics and election integrity. Among all the commentary about the ‘teal wave’ in the 2022 federal election, how has the presence of more independent candidates in Australia’s chambers of power changed...
03.19.2024
The danger of lost hope
International relations scholar Charles Miller joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and Putin’s ‘re-election’. Are Ukraine’s international supporters in the United States and Europe losing hope in holding off Russia’s advances and achieving peace? If Trump is elected,...
03.12.2024
The United States’ election year ahead
Dennis Quinn and Paul Pickering join us to cast their early predictions on the 2024 US election. What can Australia expect from this year’s US election, and how may their campaigns infiltrate our own political landscape? What do economic polling models suggest and...
03.06.2024
Having it both ways
Strategic studies expert Hugh White talks Australia's defence situation, arguing our political leaders are out of step with the rest of the region. How can we best spend our tax dollars to ensure that Australia's defence capabilities are 'fit for purpose'?...
02.27.2024
Saving the Australian dream
Mark and Marija discuss Scott Morrison's exit from politics, before housing affordability campaigner Maiy Azize joins us to propose solutions to Australia's housing crisis. Will Australia's political leaders have the ambition and ability to sell substantial housing policy changes to the...
02.20.2024
Israel, Gaza and the crisis in the Middle East
Middle East expert Ian Parmeter joins Mark Kenny to explain what is going on in Gaza – including the context for the current conflict and where to next? In light of the recent Israeli declaration of a 10 March deadline for...
02.13.2024
Do unto others
Historian Paul Pickering joins Mark and Marija to break down what can be learnt from the leadership merry-go-round of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison years. What do the insider accounts from the Coalition governments of 2013 to 2022, captured in the ABC series Nemesis,...
01.30.2024
Dangerous allies
Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison years, stage three promises and the risk of a regional conflict erupting in the Middle East. Will the government see any major electoral backlash after its decision to change the stage...
12.19.2023
The fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards
Dust off the tux and bring out your ballgown – it’s the fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards. Who performed the most flagrant and self-interested political backflip? What was the risible explanation for a government or political failure? And who shone brightest at home...
12.12.2023
Media reform and hate speech on campus with Brian Schmidt
Outgoing ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt joins Mark Kenny to discuss media reform, hate speech on campus and the expansion of the universe. How can Australia have a functioning democracy when public trust in media – an institution that exists to keep...
12.05.2023
Troubled waters
On this Democracy Sausage, Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the trajectory of the Albanese government after a challenging year at the helm. Why is immigration such a treacherous issue for Labor politically? Will there be any imminent relief from the economic...
11.27.2023
Divided nation – the Voice vote explained
Researchers Nicholas Biddle and Valerie Cooms join the show to discuss new research on the referendum and why it was rejected at the polls. Why did so many Australians vote against the Voice to Parliament referendum? How did people’s perceptions change...
11.21.2023
Hurry up and wait – negotiating the climate crisis
Climate negotiator George Carter and climatologist Janette Lindesay join us to discuss the upcoming COP28 discussions in Dubai and a joint Australia-Pacific bid to host the 2026 conference. The climate is in dangerous territory as the globe prepares to meet in Dubai...
11.14.2023
Bob Hawke’s complex legacy
Author and columnist Troy Bramston joins us to talk about the legacy and government of Bob Hawke, 40 years after his rise to the prime ministership. Why does Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regard the Hawke government as a model for modern...
11.07.2023
Responsibilities to protect
Newly appointed United Nations rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul joins Mark and Marija to discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict. How does international humanitarian law apply to the Israel-Gaza conflict? What responsibilities do all parties have to protect...
10.31.2023
Who runs the world?
Journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald joins us to discuss the stories behind some of the world’s most influential leaders. Who's the most powerful woman in the world right now? Can Joe Biden be an effective antidote to populism and demagoguery in...
10.24.2023
Failure to launch
Political communications expert Andrea Carson joins Mark and Marija to discuss the performance of the media during the Voice referendum and why the ‘yes’ campaign struggled to get off the ground. How did support for the Voice fall 20 per...
10.17.2023
Where did it all go wrong for the ‘yes’ campaign?
On this episode, referendums expert Matt Qvortrup and social researcher Nicholas Biddle join us to examine the Voice referendum result. How important was the lack of bipartisanship to the outcome of the referendum? Could the government have done more...
10.10.2023
Learning to listen
Julian Leeser and Bridget Archer join us on this episode to discuss the media’s performance during the Voice referendum and the “dishonourable” argument underpinning the ‘no’ campaign. What impact will the Voice to Parliament have on the gaps in...
10.03.2023
Saying yes to change with Pat Dodson
On this episode, Senator Pat Dodson joins us to talk about the Voice, why it’s important for improving outcomes for First Nations people and the consequences for the country if the amendment fails. Why is a Voice to Parliament,...
09.27.2023
Daniel Andrews, the master of lounge room politics
We discuss the resignation of Daniel Andrews and boundaries for bureaucrats on this episode of Democracy Sausage. How did former Victorian leader Daniel Andrews gain a national profile like few premiers before him? Where should the line be between bureaucrats and politics?...
09.21.2023
The “horrible irony” of the Voice campaign
Author and academic Julianne Schultz joins Mark and Marija to discuss the media coverage of the Voice campaign and the importance of understanding Australia’s history. What impact has the Coalition’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament had on...
09.12.2023
Is Putin losing his grip on power?
Russia expert Derek Hutcheson joins us to discuss the reasons for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political longevity and whether his power is finally on the slide. What impact did the economic chaos in Russia in the decade leading up...
09.05.2023
Hangovers and hard landings
Researchers Nicholas Biddle and Intifar Chowdhury join us to discuss the impact of the inflation crisis on Australians’ wellbeing and their attitudes to politics. What impact is inflation and rising interest rates having on the financial and psychological wellbeing of Australians?...
08.29.2023
The echidna strategy with Sam Roggeveen
Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute joins us on this episode of Democracy Sausage to discuss Australia’s search for power and peace in the Indo-Pacific. What is Australia’s biggest asset when it comes to defending against a rising China? Have the...
08.24.2023
The Voice with Megan Davis and George Williams
Megan Davis and George Williams join Mark Kenny live on campus to talk about Australia’s constitution and their new book, Everything you need to know about the Voice. Some critics of the Voice argue it would “introduce race” into the constitution,...
08.22.2023
Saying the quiet part out loud
Frank Bongiorno and Liz Allen join us to discuss the political challenges facing the Labor Party in the wake of its national conference and the upcoming Intergenerational Report. How damaging is internal criticism within the Labor Party around the leadership’s positions...
08.16.2023
Labor’s AUKUS moonshot with Bob Carr
Former foreign minister Bob Carr joins Mark Kenny to talk about AUKUS, Julian Assange and the Australian government’s language around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ahead of the Labor Party’s national conference. Is Australia acting against its own national interests through the AUKUS...
08.08.2023
Cartel country
Independent Member of Parliament Kate Chaney joins us to discuss how to make Australian politics more transparent and ways to level the playing field for new and independent political actors. Are political parties writing the rules to protect their own interests...
08.01.2023
Mugged by reality: climate denial in retreat
Climatologist Janette Lindesay joins the show to discuss whether climate denial is finally on the decline and the science behind our increasingly severe weather. With unprecedented wildfires in Europe and another hot and dry summer likely in Australia, what’s causing the...
07.25.2023
Dutton’s cul-de-sac
Global referendums expert Matt Qvortrup joins us to bust some referendum myths ahead of this year’s Voice vote and to discuss the political implications of the campaign. Is Peter Dutton piling pressure on the government through the Voice campaign or racing...
07.20.2023
A non-aligned movement
Andrew Leigh joins Mark and Marija to discuss breaking up the Labor Party’s factional ‘duopoly’ on this episode of Democracy Sausage. Are Labor’s factions helping or hindering the party’s ability to attract young members? Why is factional power at an all-time...
07.11.2023
Getting the message
Former Attorney-General George Brandis joins us to discuss the geographic challenges facing the Liberal Party, referendum politics, and Anthony Albanese’s attendance at NATO. Can moderates regain a foothold in the Liberal Party after the 2022 election defeat? Would releasing an early...
07.04.2023
Trump’s Australia with Bruce Wolpe
Bruce Wolpe joins us to discuss Donald Trump’s impact both in the United States and Australia, and what it would mean if he was re-elected in 2024. How did Trump’s time in the White House change global politics? What has been...
06.27.2023
Smashing the status quo
David Speers and Senator Barbara Pocock join us at the barbecue to discuss the PwC scandal, Julia Gillard’s political legacy and the Labor-Greens relationship. Why has the scandal surrounding the misuse of information about multinational tax avoidance measures by some at...
06.20.2023
Breaking the housing deadlock with Allegra Spender
Independent member for Wentworth Allegra Spender discusses how a citizens’ assembly might help parliament break through its housing policy impasse. Could bringing a group of regular citizens together to talk through the issues help politicians find common ground on housing policy?...
06.13.2023
Out of the shadows
We discuss the Trump indictment and Australia’s intelligence services with John Blaxland and Clare Birgin on this episode of Democracy Sausage. Why is the Australian Signals Directorate, a secretive and seemingly esoteric part of the Department of Defence, becoming increasingly important...
06.06.2023
Rorting the system
Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss dodgy grants, a hollowed-out public service and what the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation ruling means for journalism. What impact are ‘sports rorts’ and this week’s revelations about community health grants having on public trust in policy-making?...
05.30.2023
Does Australia need a new COVID-19 strategy?
On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Brendan Crabb and Chris Wallace join us to discuss whether Australian governments have dropped the ball on COVID-19 prevention. With winter approaching and infections likely to rise, what will the human cost of Australia’s current...
05.25.2023
The Queen is dead with Stan Grant
On this special episode of Democracy Sausage, Stan Grant discusses the importance of speaking truth with love, his decision to step away from media and his new book, The Queen is dead. Following his decision to step down as host of...
05.23.2023
Can Labor be a long-form government?
Peter van Onselen joins our discussion on the first year of the Albanese government on the 250th episode of Democracy Sausage. How does the first year of the Albanese government compare to that of its predecessors? Can Labor build a case...
05.16.2023
Running to stand still
Demographer Liz Allen and social policy expert Ben Phillips join us to discuss the budget's impact on struggling Australians and the politics of the population debate. What impact will the modest increases to the JobSeeker payment and other benefits have on...
05.10.2023
The politics of a promise
Miranda Stewart and Peter Martin join Mark Kenny to fire up the barbecue for a sizzling post-budget Democracy Sausage special. The budget may be back in black - albeit briefly - but with a $40 per fortnight JobSeeker increase falling far...
05.02.2023
Is Labor’s long honeymoon over?
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins the show to discuss coronations, consecrations and policy cremations. Poised to deliver its second budget in under a year, is the Albanese government’s post-election honeymoon period finally coming to an end? Can the Liberal Party be a...
04.26.2023
A budget under fire
Chief Executive Officer of the Grattan Institute Danielle Wood joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the pressures facing the Australian economy and to preview the May budget. How can the federal government manage the significant pressures on the budget while at the...
04.18.2023
The Liberal Party’s greatest challenge with Trent Zimmerman
Former Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman joins the show to discuss the current direction of the Liberal Party, the demographic challenges the party faces and how it can engage younger voters. With younger Australians now less likely to become politically...
04.11.2023
What now for the Liberal Party?
On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Kos Samaras joins Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga to discuss how the Australian electorate is changing and the Liberal Party’s declining fortunes at the ballot box. Out of government everywhere bar Tasmania, is the Liberal...

What's Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny episodes:

Calming tensions with Bob Carr

The face of the nation

Population panic

Advance Australian elections fair with Zali Steggall

The danger of lost hope

The United States’ election year ahead

Having it both ways

Saving the Australian dream

Israel, Gaza and the crisis in the Middle East

Do unto others

Dangerous allies

The fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards

Media reform and hate speech on campus with Brian Schmidt

Troubled waters

Divided nation – the Voice vote explained

Hurry up and wait – negotiating the climate crisis

Bob Hawke’s complex legacy

Responsibilities to protect

Who runs the world?

Failure to launch

Where did it all go wrong for the ‘yes’ campaign?

Learning to listen

Saying yes to change with Pat Dodson

Daniel Andrews, the master of lounge room politics

The “horrible irony” of the Voice campaign

Is Putin losing his grip on power?

Hangovers and hard landings

The echidna strategy with Sam Roggeveen

The Voice with Megan Davis and George Williams

Saying the quiet part out loud

Labor’s AUKUS moonshot with Bob Carr

Cartel country

Mugged by reality: climate denial in retreat

Dutton’s cul-de-sac

A non-aligned movement

Getting the message

Trump’s Australia with Bruce Wolpe

Smashing the status quo

Breaking the housing deadlock with Allegra Spender

Out of the shadows

Rorting the system

Does Australia need a new COVID-19 strategy?

The Queen is dead with Stan Grant

Can Labor be a long-form government?

Running to stand still

The politics of a promise

Is Labor’s long honeymoon over?

A budget under fire

The Liberal Party’s greatest challenge with Trent Zimmerman

What now for the Liberal Party?