New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary

Israel and the United States have launched another attack on Iran, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising serious questions about international law, global stability and the credibility of the so-called rules-based international order. In this episode, we examine the latest developments in the Israel–Iran conflict, including the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel and US military bases across Western Asia.   We also analyse the legal and political implications of the attack, Australia’s response under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and the broader strategic context – from the legacy of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and Donald Trump’s “peace through war” rhetoric to ongoing calls for regime change in Tehran.   We discuss why military analysts consider Iran one of the most difficult countries in the world to invade, and what Australia’s alliance with the United States and Israel means as the Middle East crisis deepens.   #AUSPOL  

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• Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  

Song listing: 

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this episode, we examine Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” and what it means for Gaza, Palestine, Israel and the future of international law. Promoted as a reconstruction and peacekeeping plan after the devastation of Gaza since October 2023, the initiative raises serious questions about privatised rebuilding, geopolitical power, and the exclusion of Palestinian self-determination. Drawing parallels with the Iraq War and the terrible legacy of Tony Blair, we explore concerns about corruption, global governance, Australia’s foreign policy, and whether this is truly peace in the Middle East – or a new model of war and reconstruction politics.   #AUSPOL  

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing: 

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.
• ‘Dayvan Cowboy’, Boards Of Canada.

In this episode, we examine the new Shadow Cabinet and ask whether the Liberal Party’s latest leadership change represents genuine renewal or simply a rebranding of the same conservative messaging that led to heavy defeats in the 2022 and 2025 federal elections. Promising lower taxes, smaller government and tougher immigration settings, Taylor’s rhetoric echoes the Dutton and Morrison era, raising questions about whether the Coalition has learned from its electoral collapse. We look at the early stumbles, the return of culture-war politics, and looming battles over immigration, negative gearing, capital gains tax and housing affordability – and consider whether Labor will resist a rightward shift in Australian federal politics or continue playing it safe while the agenda is set by its opponents. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 

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

• Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

Today on New Politics, we explore the escalating crisis inside the Liberal Party following the leadership elevation of Angus Taylor and ask whether the Coalition can recover from its devastating 2025 federal election defeat. With internal splits over gun control after the Bondi attacks, the breakdown between the Liberals and Nationals, mass shadow ministry resignations under Sussan Ley, and Barnaby Joyce’s defection to One Nation, Australia’s conservative movement is facing its most serious instability in decades. As Pauline Hanson’s One Nation surges in the opinion polls and the Liberals slump to historic lows, we examine whether this is a repeat of the 1990s leadership turmoil or something far more structural. We also analyse the rise of right-wing populism, the influence of Gina Rinehart, and what this fragmentation means for the Albanese Labor government and the future of Australian federal politics. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics:

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

This today’s episode of the New Politics podcast, we explore the political firestorm surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney and why it became a nationwide flashpoint over Gaza, free speech, protest rights and Australia’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of “social cohesion”, tens of thousands protested in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and more than 30 cities, opposing Australia’s bipartisan support for Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. We examine allegations of war crimes, apartheid and genocide raised by international organisations, the rapid expansion of hate speech laws – including proposed bans on phrases such as “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada” – and concerns about political influence, lobbying, defence ties and democratic rights in Australia. Is criticism of Israel and Zionism being conflated with antisemitism? And has Australia compromised its commitment to human rights and free expression in pursuit of alliance politics?   #AUSPOL  

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this episode, we examine Australia’s newly passed anti-hate speech laws and ask when protecting communities crosses the line into criminalising dissent. Rushed through parliament after the Bondi terror attack, the legislation introduces the vague concept of “psychological harm”, raising serious concerns about free speech, the right to protest and the ability to criticise foreign governments.

Will accusing the Israeli government of genocide, war crimes or apartheid against Palestinians now be deemed unlawful if offence is claimed? And what this means for journalists, activists, podcasters and ordinary citizens?

We also look at the political pressure behind the laws, including lobbying around the IHRA definition of antisemitism, selective enforcement against pro-Palestine protests, the cancellation of cultural events such as the Adelaide Writers’ Festival, and growing fears that subjective feelings are being elevated over democratic rights as Australia moves toward policing dissent rather than defending it. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing: 

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this episode, we examine growing global concern over the United States as political instability and erratic leadership under President Donald Trump increasingly undermine the post-1945 international order. From the future of the United Nations, NATO, the IMF and the World Trade Organisation, to flashpoints such as the removal of Venezuela’s president and threats to seize Greenland, we ask whether the world is being forced to imagine a geopolitical future without reliable US leadership. Placing Trump’s second term within a broader pattern of populist strongman politics, and reflecting on Mark Carney’s warning at Davos, the episode argues that the greatest threat to America’s power may now be internal – and the consequences are global. #AUSPOL  

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this long-read episode, we revisit Australia’s anti-Semitism report from July 2025 and the growing politics of fear surrounding protest, free speech, and criticisms of Israel. As new federal anti-hate and anti-Semitism laws are rushed through parliament following the Bondi attacks and high-profile incidents in Melbourne, this episode asks whether these measures are genuinely about protecting communities or about silencing dissent. We explore the Segal report, the proposed adoption of the IHRA definition, and the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, drawing on recent Federal Court rulings to challenge media narratives, selective outrage, and the expansion of police powers. With Gaza at the centre of global protest over war crimes and genocide, this episode argues that criminalising political speech, protest, and solidarity with Palestinians undermines democracy itself – because opposing apartheid, state violence, and genocide is not hate, but an act of political conscience. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

Donald Trump’s second presidency has exposed the United States’ rapid slide into authoritarianism, with chaos, corruption and unchecked executive power now defining American politics. In this long-read episode, we examine how Trump’s return to the White House has accelerated democratic collapse, normalised fascistic policies and reshaped global power – and what this means for Australia. As the US declines under political instability and imperial overreach, and China rises in the Indo–Pacific, we ask whether Australia should remain locked into ANZUS and AUKUS or finally pursue an independent foreign policy aligned with its region and national interests. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this holiday episode, we cut through the noise surrounding calls for a Royal Commission into the Bondi attack and ask whether the process is truly about accountability or has become a vehicle for political pressure. With an independent review already underway, led by respected former diplomat Dennis Richardson and examining the actions of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police, we question whether a Royal Commission is necessary or risks becoming a highly politicised inquiry with unclear objectives. We explore how Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been placed in an impossible position – where any decision is framed as weakness – particularly given his past support for Palestine and his government’s recognition of the Palestinian state, while noting that past tragedies such as Port Arthur and the Lindt Café siege, along with ongoing crises like domestic violence against women and media ownership in Australia, have never prompted Royal Commissions. The episode also examines the growing influence of pro-Israel and Zionist lobby groups, the use of antisemitism accusations to shut down debate, and the broader implications for free speech, democratic accountability, and Australian politics. #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 

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

Song listing:

• ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.