New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary

In this episode, we delve into the latest happenings in Australian politics and society. Parliament has returned to Canberra, with industrial relations taking the spotlight. Changes for gig economy workers are on the horizon, promising better job security, fair pay, and safer workplaces. We explore the provisions for equal pay, criminalising wage theft, and setting minimum standards for penalty rates, superannuation, and insurance. But as with any political discussion, there are opposing voices, with employer groups and critics voicing concerns.
We also examine the curious case of Warren Mundine, the leader of the No campaign in the Voice To Parliament, potentially being installed as a Senator in NSW with the imminent departure of Senator Marise Payne. The dynamics of this situation, involving a moderate retiring senator and a conservative-leaning politician, are intriguing.
The departure of Alan Joyce as the CEO of Qantas is another topic of interest. We discuss the challenges facing the airline and its CEO’s legacy, which includes a substantial payout and leaving behind a successful airline corporation in ruins.
We address the broader question of why Australia appears hesitant to embrace change, particularly evident in discussions about the Voice to Parliament referendum and industrial relations reforms. Is it a fear rooted in history, conservatism, or something else entirely?
We also look at the Legalising Cannabis Bill, anti-poverty commission proposals, and challenges in Western Australia politics. Why do some positive social reforms struggle to gain traction, when they are so desperately needed?
Lastly, we analyse the latest opinion polls, highlighting shifts in public sentiment and the approval ratings of key political figures. Is it too early for the Labor government to be concerned about these numbers?
Join us as we dissect these pressing issues and strive to understand the currents shaping Australian politics and society.

Join us in this week’s episode as we dive into the latest political controversies and developments in Australia. First up, we discuss the concerning trend of politicians aligning with corporate interests, exemplified by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent fashion choice of a hi-viz vest with the Rio Tinto logo prominently displayed, a nice bit of product placement. We explore the implications of government officials wearing corporate logos and the importance of maintaining a clear separation between corporate interests and the government.
The date for the Voice to Parliament referendum has been announced – October 14 – a proposal that has been in the works for nearly a decade and holds significant implications for race relations and Reconciliation in Australia. This historic moment challenges the nation to truly commit to Reconciliation beyond mere rhetoric, and try to wade through the campaign of misinformation from the No case, which offers nothing except negativity, division, and a healthy dose of racism.
In addition, we look at the perennial issue of tax reform in Australian politics, exploring why meaningful change remains elusive (hint: politics gets in the way, but the government could always brush the dust off from the cover of the 2010 Henry Tax Review and implement all of its recommendations). We examine how political considerations often overshadow the need for effective revenue generation and the resulting inefficiencies in the tax system.
And, of course, we can’t ignore the recent 4 per cent pay rise for federal politicians, a topic that always seems to garner clear and consistent bipartisan support. We dissect the arguments for and against this pay increase and discuss the need for a more transparent system for assessing such salary adjustments.
Finally, we shine a spotlight on allegations of political favouritism in New South Wales, where the Transport Minister faces accusations of appointing a friend to a high-paying position within her portfolio. We explore the implications of such actions and the ongoing challenges of political behaviour in the state which has a long history of corruption within politics, the police force and the judiciary.

In this episode, we look at all the recent political events, media dynamics, and questions of political favouritism. Last weekend marked the end of the national Labor conference, the first from a Labor government since Julia Gillard’s tenure as Prime Minister. These conferences have long been criticised for their stage-managed nature and lack of open discussion but it does offer a chance to review the Labor Party Platform and offer members a chance to voice concerns on diverse issues, from AUKUS and nuclear weapons to asylum seekers, tax reform, and workers’ rights.
The conference held a surprise: a Labor Prime Minister supporting nuclear submarines. Who would have thought it 40 years ago! This development raises questions about the evolving stance of the Labor Party and Anthony Albanese’s statement about the preference of long-term governance stability over short-term implementation of policy. Gough Whitlam’s strategy was to “crash through or crash”, and that resulted in only three years in office but at least a lot was achieved. What’s better: a long-term in office implementing a slow pace of reform, or a shorter-term doing as many things as possible?
Interestingly, the Conservative Political Action Group held a conference simultaneously. This American-style event, now making its way to Australia, focuses on climate change denial, libertarianism, racism, and opposition to the Voice To Parliament proposal. It’s not true conservatism, it’s not true liberalism: just a culture of complaint that offers no solutions and just says “no” to everything.
Shifting to the economic sphere, notable corporate profits have been reported recently. While these profits benefit shareholders, not everyone owns shares, leaving a significant portion of the population without direct benefits. This disparity highlights the need for a balanced economic structure that benefits everyone.
In the political arena, controversies continue. Peter Dutton’s appearance on ‘Kitchen Cabinet’ sparked debates about politicians’ media presence, particularly his potential prime ministerial suitability: is a national television program the right place to announce that you’ve got post-traumatic stress disorder?
Ita Buttrose’s impending departure from the ABC chairperson role triggered expectations of changes in how the ABC presents news and politics. The ABC’s challenges trace back to the late 1990s, and as media landscapes evolve, the ABC’s role and structure must adapt accordingly.
Recent revelations involving Anthony Albanese’s son’s internship and a Qantas VIP pass prompted discussions on political ethics. Consistency in reporting these matters across parties and unbiased media coverage is crucial for maintaining public trust in the political system.

In this episode, we look into the ongoing discourse surrounding nuclear energy policy in Australia, tracing back to the Coalition’s push for nuclear power from opposition, and its incongruous approach to the issue while in government. We dissect statements from National Party leader David Littleproud and Peter Dutton, shedding light on their mutual political point-scoring tactics. We explore how this recurring topic is driven by vested interests and examine the feasibility of nuclear energy in Australia as repeatedly assessed by government reports and industry experts.
Do sport and politics mix? Of course, and we look at this intersection, focusing on the recent debate over a potential national holiday in the event of a Matildas World Cup victory. We scrutinise statements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, uncovering how media framing can impact public perception. But it’s all moot: the Matildas are out of the tournament, which at least will keep the sad sack conservative anti-woke nihilists happy: can’t have a sports team supporting the Voice or same-sex marriage.
National Cabinet met during the week, and we detail recent decisions made, including the expansion of the National Housing Accord and the introduction of consistent rental rules. We address criticisms from the Australian Greens and explore their political motivations.
There’s also the media conniptions about branch stacking in Victoria, centred around Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio but, yet again, it’s another attempt by News Corporation to make it seem that Premier Daniel Andrews is a bad man, and a corrupt one as well. We assess the significance of these allegations in the political landscape and their portrayal in the media.
We also analyse recent opinion polling data, highlighting the Labor government's electoral strength, contrasting it with the falling approval ratings for Albanese and the correlation with the fall in support for the Voice. Is it time to drop the referendum and start all over again? Senator Lidia Thorpe thinks it is: it’s time for Treaty, truth-telling and reparations, but it’s impossible to implement these when there is so much resistance from the conservative side of politics and the mainstream media.

In this week’s episode, we delve into the latest developments and controversies in federal politics. The Voice to Parliament has consumed parliamentary discussions throughout the week, with Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton sowing seeds of division, contrasting with the recent goodwill exhibited at the Garma festival in Arnhem Land. The festival, a platform for cultural exchange, was a backdrop for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s call for Dutton’s participation, and Dutton’s negative response that raises serious questions about his leadership credentials.
His actions are solely geared towards securing his leadership position and catering to the ambitions of his party in the upcoming federal election but his reluctance to engage directly with Indigenous communities and preference for certain right-wing media outlets brings up concerns about his commitment to representing diverse interests – essential for a leader who wishes to become prime minister.
The Sofronoff report was released during the week, and it was meant to shed light on the mishandling of the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, exposing various missteps in the criminal justice system. From the involvement of Liberal Party Ministers to the Australian Federal Police’s actions, and the poor treatment of the complainant Brittany Higgins, we uncover a web of errors that has shaken public trust. The report seems more like a hit-job on Public Prosecutor Shane Drumgold, and the outcomes contained within the report led to his resignation. KC Walter Sofronoff’s communication with a News Corporation journalist and the subsequent report release added another layer of complexity to this ongoing saga, and we may need to hold another inquiry, into the inquiry.
We look into recent the media scrutiny surrounding politicians’ family members. The case of Nathan Albanese, the son of the Prime Minister, receiving a Qantas Chairman’s Lounge VIP has triggered discussions on the boundaries between politicians and their families. Drawing comparisons with past instances, we reflect on media portrayals of similar situations involving politicians from different parties – for example, there was little scrutiny when the Tony Abbott’s daughter became a brand ambassador for BMW, so why is there so much scrutiny on the son of a Labor prime minister?
We explore the television series “Kitchen Cabinet”, which blends culinary endeavours with political discussions, seeking to humanise politicians beyond their public personas. There have criticisms raised against the concept, questioning whether this attempt to present politicians in a personal light is necessary or if their actions in the political arena should speak for themselves. One episode from 2015 featured Scott Morrison preparing a Sri Lankan fish curry at a time when he turned back Sri Lankan asylum seekers, glossing over serious issues in favour of more light-hearted banter. Politicians should be judged on their political actions, not on whether they can cook up a curry or not, and “Kitchen Cabinet” is a reflection of the sad state of political coverage in Australia.

In this episode, we explore the pressing matters facing the Parliament this week. First up, the aftermath of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, its impact on the political landscape, and the responses from key figures such as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who is in state of denial over his role in this saga – and current Minister Leader Bill Shorten. We analyse the findings of the commission and the implications it may have for the government.
Another leader under pressure is the Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton, as calls for a Royal Commission into immigration detention gain momentum. We discuss the recent revelations surrounding a major contract with a corrupt businessman and comments made by Dutton, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
We look at the latest environmental news, examining UNESCO’s decision to defer listing the Great Barrier Reef on the “in danger” list. While the Labor government’s efforts to address climate change and greenhouse emissions are acknowledged, there are concerns about the approval of coal mines and gas exploration licenses. Are these actions are enough to protect the environment adequately? No, there needs to be more action to reduce global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
This episode also delves into the three-day Senate inquiry into sexual consent laws in Australia, its significance in reducing sexual violence against women, and the need for consistent laws across jurisdictions. But, as usual, more needs to be done.
Finally, we explore the potential impact of the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill on the political landscape and the likelihood of an early election and the historical context of double-dissolution elections in Australia. As much as the mainstream media is agitating for an early election, we just can’t see it happening any time soon.

Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of New Politics as we delve into some of the most pressing political and economic issues facing Australia today.
In the spotlight is Peter Dutton, the leader of the Liberal Party, who finds himself entangled in a web of questions surrounding his knowledge of contracts for offshore processing services in Nauru, made with a businessman who was convicted of corruption and bribery. We’ll trace back to Dutton’s time as Minister for Home Affairs – it’s alleged the Australian Federal Police briefed him about an investigation into the businessman’s possible corruption yet, despite this knowledge, the Department of Home Affairs proceeded to enter into contracts with the businessman’s company, Radiance International. We look at the implications of this controversial decision and why Peter Dutton needs to address these very concerning events.
We also analyse Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ announcement of the first-ever wellbeing budget. Termed the Measuring What Matters national wellbeing framework, this budget promises a new perspective on economic decisions. We’ll explore how this budget links national finances to the social wellbeing of the community, challenging the conventional focus on abstract concepts like a budget surplus or deficit. However, not everyone is on board with this innovative approach, as critics, including the usual suspects News Corporation and Sky News, seek to discredit the wellbeing budget. Discover why this framework has received both praise and skepticism from different quarters of society.
The CFMEU has put forward a bold proposal to fund public and affordable housing through a tax on corporate super profits. Zach Smith, the secretary of the CFMEU, unveiled this campaign at the National Press Club, outlining how a permanent 40% tax on excess profits could generate a substantial $29 billion annually. This significant revenue could then be used to build 53,000 new homes each year, contributing to addressing the estimated shortfall of 750,000 homes by 2041. We’ll contrast this with the Labor government’s housing proposal, which pales in comparison and has been met with criticism for its lack of ambition. We also examine the history of the resource super profit tax and why it failed to achieve its potential in the past.
Of course, there’s political implications and opposition surrounding the super profit tax proposal, and we look at Bill Shorten’s stance against considering a super profit tax and the potential media and Coalition backlash – there are merits and drawbacks of such a tax but it could be a game-changer for funding various public projects.

In this action-packed episode, first, we look at the aftermath of the Fadden byelection. Although it may seem like business as usual for some, we look into the federal implications and significance of the result in this conservative seat of Gold Coast (hint: there are not many implications). The mainstream media has depicted this as a massive win for Peter Dutton and the negative impact it has had on the Labor Party – also supposedly ending Anthony Albanese’s political honeymoon – even though the opinions polls are showing the opposite: the Labor government is still way ahead of the Liberal and National parties.
Next, we shine a spotlight on one of the Big 4 consultancy firms, Deloitte, which is under scrutiny for conflicts of interest and misuse of government information during federal government consultancies. Drawing connections with previous breaches by PwC, we explore the revelations unveiled through Senate Estimates, thanks to the meticulous questioning by Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock and Labor Senator Deborah O’Neil. We also look at the calls for stronger legislation and even a potential Royal Commission into government outsourcing, given the staggering sums involved in federal government outsourcing – $21 billion.
We then turn our attention to sport and the recent decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. The reasons behind this move by Premier Daniel Andrews relate to major cost blowouts and dwindling public interest in the Commonwealth Games – certainly, this is not good news for professional athletes, but if the cost is becoming unaffordable, it’s best to cancel the games. This is what the conservative media had been calling for – cancelling the games – but now the games have been cancelled, they’re attacking the Victoria government for doing exactly what they asked for. Duplicity!
We also look into the contentious issue of government funding for private schools versus public schools and the alarming revelation that government funding for private schools has doubled over the past decade, resulting in one of the least equitable schooling systems among OECD countries. We discuss the historical context and the neoliberal kick-start provided by the Howard government in 1996, under the banner of ‘choice’ for parents – when effectively, the choice was just a grant illusion – emphasising the need for reform to achieve a fairer distribution of public funds in the education sector.
We then analyse the latest opinion polls and unravel the contrasting interpretations offered by conservative media outlets versus the actual poll numbers. We provide a nuanced analysis of the polls, which show support for the Labor government remaining steady – or increasing – debunking claims of a waning honeymoon for the Prime Minister and the Labor Party.
Lastly, we examine of the Voice to Parliament campaign’s decline in support. Drawing parallels with the 1999 Republic referendum, we explore the patterns of shifting public opinion and the challenges faced in sustaining momentum for such initiatives. We also look at the complexities of controlling political agendas and the role of prominent conservative figures like Senator Jacinta Price, Warren Mundine, and Peter Dutton in shaping the negative campaign’s narrative.

In this episode, we delve into the ongoing fallout from the Robodebt Royal Commission report. Despite waning media interest, the problem persists, and the call for former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s resignation from Parliament grows louder. However, removing Morrison from politics won’t solve everything; other ministers involved, such as Stuart Robert, Alan Tudge, and Christian Porter, might face repercussions as well. Moreover, there are concerns about other Coalition Cabinet ministers and certain members of the public service implicated in the scandal.

Shifting our focus to international affairs, we discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s attendance at the crucial NATO Summit in Lithuania. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, both Ukraine and Sweden express their desire to join NATO. Although Australia is not a member, there have been talks of potential expansion into Asia – former Prime Minister Paul Keating has criticised this idea, warning against importing European militarism to the region.

Turning closer to home, we examine the campaign of misinformation surrounding the federal government’s Combating Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. Sky News and News Corporation have launched a campaign against it, employing misinformation to sway public opinion. Unsurprisingly, the Liberal Party aligns with this opposition, as their interests align with spreading falsehoods. The effectiveness of the Bill in combating misinformation through media platforms remains uncertain, but action is necessary.

We also touch upon the upcoming byelection in Fadden and the lack of interest surrounding it. Unlike the Aston byelection, which garnered significant media attention, Fadden seems to have a subdued atmosphere. Both sides of politics manage expectations, with Peter Dutton suggesting the Liberal–National Party will lose ground while the Labor Party claims they have no chance of winning. This cautious positioning allows for easier explanations regardless of the outcome.

And finally, Philip Lowe will not be reappointed as the Reserve Bank Governor. Michelle Bullock, currently the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank and with the Bank since 1984, will take up the position in September, becoming the first woman to hold the job.

Join us as we explore these topics, unravel the complexities, and provide insights into the latest developments shaping Australia's political landscape.

In this podcast episode, the National Anti Corruption Commission has finally opened its doors and already received 44 referrals regarding potential corruption cases, most of which will involve the former Morrison government: secret ministries, questionable land deals, non-existent reports by Barnaby Joyce, Angus Taylor – land, water and forgeries – Bridget McKenzie, Michaelia Cash, Alan Tudge, Linda Reynolds, and Stuart Robert – just to name a few. The new Commission is spoiled for choice, and expected to be busy for a very long time.

The Robodebt Royal Commission report was released, consisting of 990 pages and 57 recommendations – and a ‘sealed section’ containing referrals for civil and criminal prosecution, which will go to the new National Anti Corruption Commission. The report vindicates those affected by the Robodebt system and highlights the failures of the system over the past five years. It was a scandalous program and should never have been implemented.

There is also a significant focus on interest rates, with speculation and debates about their impact on the Australian economy. The Reserve Bank decided to leave interest rates at 4.1%, raising questions about the political motivations behind the decision. And, as usual, the Liberal Party claims credit for the stable rates – even though they’ve been out of office for 14 months – while criticising Labor when rates go up. They can’t have it both ways.

The Voice To Parliament campaigns continue, with misinformation, lies, and racism characterising the “no” campaign. Peter Dutton, one of the most nefarious leaders ever of the Liberal Party, faces a crucial byelection in the Queensland seat of Fadden. A poor performance in the byelection may result in the end of Dutton’s leadership so, of course, he has made outrageous claims, attacked mining companies and retailers supporting the Voice to Parliament campaign, and criticised Anthony Albanese and the Labor government for their focus on the issue. Apparently, it’s also the cause of the rise of the price of milk.

These naysayers are hard on the ears, with all of their outrageous lies, racism and misinformation. If only they could sit down, shut up, and listen to Indigenous Affairs minister, Linda Burney, who provided one of the all-time great speeches at the National Press Club.