The Five Minute Advocate Podcast

Michael Walker examines how fear-driven politics have led powerful nations down self-destructive paths. Drawing on the words of the Roman historian Livy, Walker reflects on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and their human and economic toll, arguing that a desire for security has led to policies that ultimately weaken the state. He compares this trajectory to past U.S. military interventions, particularly in Iraq, and questions Australia’s increasing militarization in response to the so-called “China threat.” With sharp critique and a call for rational policymaking, Walker challenges listeners to consider who benefits from these cycles of fear — and who pays the price.

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In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict.

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This week on The Five Minute Advocate Julie Macken reflects on a week of seismic national revelations — from findings of systemic racism and genocide against First Nations people to questions surrounding the timing and motivations behind Gillian Segal’s controversial antisemitism report. She also warns of the dangerous implications of Australia militarising its economy under U.S. pressure, calling urgently for reform to the nation’s unchecked war powers.

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In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker unpacks the rising global backlash against overtourism—from Everest traffic jams to angry locals in Europe and Japan. With environmental damage and housing crises mounting, he asks: is it time to rethink how, and where, we travel?

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With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rare chance to shift power and ownership to Indigenous communities in the green transition. 

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In this powerful episode, Julie Macken delivers a scathing critique of global warmongering and questions Australia's undemocratic war powers. She urges listeners to hold their leaders accountable before we're dragged into yet another foreign conflict.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Walker explores how Australia's car-dependent suburbs are failing residents—driving up costs, limiting mobility, and eroding health. He makes the case for better public and active transport options that reconnect communities and reduce our reliance on cars.

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In this episode of A Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox reflects on the significance of the King’s birthday honours — and uses the moment to ask broader questions about the state of the world. Drawing on her own experience as a Jewish refugee born before World War II, Eva examines the erosion of postwar optimism, the impact of power and technology, and the urgent need to reclaim our shared humanity. 

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Julie Macken reflects on moral courage in the face of Australia’s muted response to the crisis in Gaza. Drawing on legal commentary and historical parallels, she argues that ignoring international law erodes national trust, damages our global standing, and inflicts deep moral injury. In just five minutes, she makes a compelling case for why silence is not an option.

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With renewable energy surviving Australia’s election, in this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the challenges ahead—including the environmental cost of lithium mining on Indigenous land. Michael also highlights the little-known First Nations Clean Energy Strategy as a rare chance to shift power and ownership to Indigenous communities in the green transition. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.