New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary

The WA election delivered another massive win for Labor, securing a third term – despite a 10 per cent swing against Labor, votes shifted to Greens, independents, and One Nation, signaling dissatisfaction with the Liberals rather than enthusiasm for their return. With a federal election looming, the Liberal Party’s lack of readiness for government could impact key seats, while poor gender representation remains a challenge for them. A Climate 200-backed candidate achieved a massive swing in Fremantle, highlighting voter demand for climate action, questioning Climate 200’s focus on Liberal seats as Labor expands fossil fuel projects. Cyclone Alfred brought scrutiny to disaster politics, as Peter Dutton faced backlash for attending a $25,000-a-ticket fundraiser instead of aiding his flood-hit electorate. Is he starting to unravel? Meanwhile, the exposure of a hoax terror plot raised concerns over political fear-mongering, as Dutton continued to exploit the false narrative and NSW’s rushed anti-Semitism laws drew criticism for favouring pro-Israel groups while ignoring rising Islamophobia. Opinion polls show Labor slightly ahead, despite media efforts to boost Dutton, whose missteps, from disasters to fabricated threats, continue to erode voter trust. As the federal election nears, WA’s results suggest a national trend – voters are frustrated with Labor but see the Liberals under Dutton as unelectable.

Support New Politics, just $5 per month: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com 

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Bonnie And Clyde’, Serge Gainsbourg (French Accent remix)
3. ‘Dayvan Cowboy’, Boards Of Canada.
4. ‘Wild’, Spoon.
5. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

This episode explores Australia’s emerging economic recovery from a per capita recession under both the Morrison and Albanese governments, spotlighting improved interest rates, lower inflation, and rising employment and wages that bolster Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ positive narrative ahead of a potential federal election. The show then shifts to international affairs, examining Donald Trump’s Oval Office encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President JD Vance’s controversial remarks, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, before highlighting Australia’s muted stance on an evolving US alliance—including the AUKUS deal and Pine Gap. We wrap up with a discussion with Dr Victoria Fielding about the University of Adelaide research on News Corporation’s coverage of the 2023 Voice to Parliament campaign which uncovers seven tactics of conservative media manipulation, emphasising the urgent need for a more transparent and diverse media landscape to safeguard Australian democracy from misinformation and disinformation.

Support New Politics, just $5 per month: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com 

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Stranger In Moscow’, Tame Impala.
3. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this episode, we question whether Australia should remain aligned with an increasingly unpredictable United States and explore how this sudden shift in American foreign policy, after years of condemning Russian aggression, is forcing Australia to reconsider its security ties under ANZUS and the AUKUS agreement. We also explore the domestic fallout from AUKUS, including the lack of public transparency and the precedent of spending billions on cancelled defence deals and examine the media’s overhyped fears of China compared to a US displaying fascist tendencies. We highlight the global rise of right-wing populism and question how progressive parties can counter this wave of extremism. Locally, we scrutinise Peter Dutton’s record, the government’s proposed Medicare boosts, and the Coalition’s matching promises, assessing whether centrist parties’ caution could pave the way for reactionary leaders in the next federal election. Finally, we consider how Labor’s anticipated victory in the upcoming Western Australia election might influence Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s timing for a national poll.

Support New Politics, just $5 per month:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Let Me Entertain You’, Robbie Williams.
3. ‘Dātura’, Tori Amos.
4. ‘The Hard Road’, Hilltop Hoods.
5. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this episode, we examine the influence of Zionist groups in Australian media and politics, exposing how News Corporation and right-wing activists manipulate public sentiment and suppress criticism of Israel. A failed Daily Telegraph stunt at Cairo Takeaway in Sydney reveals the media’s role in fueling Islamophobia. We also discuss the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices in academia, the arts, and politics, and the broader threat to democracy. We then analyse the Reserve Bank’s interest rate cut and the media’s hypocritical response, as well as the controversial YouGov/MRP poll predicting a Peter Dutton-led government. With Labor facing messaging challenges and the Liberal Party struggling with economic coherence, will right-wing media continue to shape the narrative?

Support New Politics, just $5 per month:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘La Femme D’Argent, Air.
3. ‘Pretty Vacant’, Sofia.
4. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

This episode examines Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s phone call to President Donald Trump over looming US steel and aluminium tariffs, the AUKUS agreement and its US$500 million payment, and the potential political fallout ahead of the federal election. It also explores the Closing the Gap report and the need for structural reform on Indigenous issues, the failed 2023 referendum, Victoria’s by-elections, and how the rise of independents might reshape the electoral landscape – culminating in a look at Albanese’s controversial deal with the Coalition on electoral funding reform and its broader implications for Australian politics.

Support New Politics:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘This Land is Mine’, Kev Carmody & Paul Kelly.
3. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

We examine the return of Parliament in 2025, the government’s shelving of the Environmental Protection Agency, and stalled gambling advertising legislation that may never advance. There’s a lot of announcements but drawing parallels to Morrison-era inertia, we question whether the government is stuck rehashing old plans rather than delivering genuine reform, highlighting stalled measures like truth in advertising legislation. We then explore the Liberal Party’s push to revive business lunch tax deductions and whether this signals complacency or overreach. We also focus on the ABC’s disproportionate coverage of Peter Dutton and assess how this conservative tilt erodes public trust, and consider how the broadcaster might engage younger audiences. Finally, we address the Lattouf v ABC unfair dismissal case, illustrating how lobby groups are silencing journalists and threaten free expression.

Support New Politics:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Stonecutters’, Dope Lemon.
3. ‘Familiar’, Agnes Obel.
4. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this first New Politics podcast episode of 2025, we examine conservative calls to celebrate Australia Day (Invasion Day) despite widespread ambivalence, Sussan Ley’s bizarre comparison of the First Fleet to an Elon Musk Mars mission, and highlight Grace Tame’s “Fuck Murdoch” T-shirt controversy. We also look at the start of Donald Trump’s second term – marked by grandiose threats to seize the Panama Canal, claim Greenland, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico – as well as the Albanese government’s cautious response to Trump-like tactics from the Liberal and National parties. Finally, we discuss the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, questioning whether a sustainable peace is achievable amidst ongoing political strife, global struggles over narrative control, and human rights concerns.

Support New Politics, just $5 per month: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com 

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Let Me Entertain You’, Robbie Williams.
3. ‘Off The Grid’, The Beastie Boys.
4. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this episode of New Politics, we explore the key issues that will shape Australia’s 2025 federal election, from economic challenges and leadership struggles to the growing influence of independents. As Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton prepare for a high-stakes battle, we analyse their strategies, the shifting political landscape, and what it all means for the nation’s future. #auspol

Support New Politics:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Feels Right’, Biig Piig.
3. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this episode, we explore the key issues that shaped Australian federal politics throughout 2024, examining the highs and lows, the moments that truly mattered, and those that didn’t. The state of the economy, the role of the media, the ongoing housing crisis, the conflict in Palestine, Indigenous affairs, and the performances of political leaders Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton. Join us for a comprehensive analysis of the events and decisions that defined the year in Australian politics. #auspol

Support New Politics: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘All I Need’, AIR (feat. Beth Hirsch)
3. ‘Dead Already’, Thomas Newman.
4. ‘Dātura’, Tori Amos.
5. ‘Silver Lining’, First Aid Kit.
6. ‘Humiliation’, The National.

In this episode, we explore the media's exaggerated reports of a rift between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek—a conflict that appears more fiction than fact that was triggered by yet another failed approach to the environment. We look at the Australian Greens' proposal for a progressive alliance with the Labor Party, a move that has sparked dissatisfaction within Labor ranks. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party's efforts to win back voters from the teal independents take a confrontational turn, with tactics that risk alienating the electorate even further. Finally, we discuss why it's time to abandon outdated neoliberal economic policies and embrace a more equitable and sustainable future. #auspol

Support New Politics: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

1. ‘Good Stuff’, The B-52s.
2. ‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.
3. ‘Dope Lemon’, Stonecutters.
4. ‘Wild’, Spoon.
5. ‘Dayvan Cowboy’, The Boards Of Canada.
6. ‘Humiliation’, The National.