AI shownotes again. I'm sure they are totally accurate.

Recorded: ANZAC Day (Australian Public Holiday)

Hosts: Jack the Insider & Hong Kong Jack

Introduction & ANZAC Day Reflections (00:00:01 - 00:01:17)

• Jack the Insider welcomes listeners to Episode 111, recorded on ANZAC Day.
• Mention of an interruption at the Melbourne Dawn Service involving neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant.
• Introduction of Hong Kong Jack.

Hong Kong Update & Australian Politics (00:01:17 - 00:10:05)

• Hong Kong Exodus: Hong Kong Jack notes 2.2 million people left Hong Kong over Easter.
• Jacob Hersant Incident: Further discussion on the neo-Nazi escorted from the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Rise of Neo-Nazism & Fringe Candidates: Jack the Insider discusses the history (Jim Sallium) and current state of far-right politics, including candidates with criminal convictions (Rod Culleton, Dixon candidate) potentially running despite Section 44 eligibility issues.
• Section 44 Cases: Mention of Phil Cleary and a Greens candidate ("secret New Zealander").
• YouGov Poll Analysis:
• Labor: 33.5%
• LNP: 31%
• Greens: 14%
• One Nation: 10.5% (up significantly from ~5% in 2022)
• TPP: 53.5% (Labor) / 46.5% (LNP)
• Preference Flows: Discussion on One Nation's decision to preference LNP and historical preference flows to Labor. Challenges for minor parties getting How-To-Vote cards distributed (comparison to Democrats).

Election Analysis & Predictions (00:10:05 - 00:20:42)

• Declining Two-Party System: Combined Labor/LNP primary vote down from the last election.
• LNP Strategy Critiqued: Jack the Insider criticizes the LNP for not adapting post-2022 election, particularly regarding teal seats and climate change.
• Campaign Trail: Albanese campaigning in Liberal marginals; Dutton's comments on Melbourne safety.
• Election Outcome Predictions:
• Jack the Insider: Labor majority (around 76-80 seats).
• Hong Kong Jack: Labor minority.
• Liberal Campaign Issues: Comparison to Latham's 2004 campaign, social media mishaps ("muppet heads"), vehicle emissions policy backflip.
• Betting Odds: Discussion on the shift in betting markets, favoring Labor.
• Early Voting: Debate on the merits and drawbacks of pre-polling, referencing Darren Hinch and Imre Selizynski's comments, and accessibility issues.

Politics, Religion & Geopolitics (00:20:42 - 00:41:55)

• Preference Deals & Jewish Community: Discussion on Labor's preference deals with the Greens in McNamara (open ticket for Josh Burns) vs. Isaacs (Mark Dreyfus), causing concern in the Jewish community. Mention of the Adas Israel synagogue firebombing and surrounding uncertainties/rumours.
• Pope Francis's Passing: Reflections on his papacy. Hong Kong Jack prefers John Paul II; Jack the Insider defends Francis and criticizes JP II over handling scandals. Discussion on potential successors and the slow pace of change in the Catholic Church.
• Easter & Religion: Easter memes, the role of the Catholic Church (charity vs. criticism), changes in Ireland, Catholics selectively following doctrine (e.g., contraception).
• India-Pakistan Tensions: Escalation following a militant attack in Kashmir. India threatens to cut off water supplies to Pakistan. Historical context, nuclear capabilities, and the danger of water rights disputes. Brief mentions of Pakistan's internal issues and conditions in Bangladesh.

US Politics & Global Affairs (00:41:55 - 00:55:28)

• Trump & Trade: Trump walks back China tariff threats after meeting retail executives concerned about Christmas stock. Discussion on Trump's understanding of trade.
• US Courts & Executive Orders: Judge Kollar-Kotelly's ruling striking down parts of Trump's order requiring citizenship proof for voter registration, while upholding other sections. Discussion on the proper role of courts, checks and balances, and Congress's inaction leading to increased reliance on executive orders.
• Russia-Ukraine Peace Proposal: Details of a proposed deal involving US recognition of Russian control over Crimea/Eastern regions, no NATO for Ukraine, lifting sanctions vs. European security guarantees for Ukraine, return of some territory, etc. Criticism from Boris Johnson; seen as unfavourable to Ukraine. Trump's tweet urging Putin to stop strikes on Kyiv.

Anniversaries & Culture (00:55:28 - 00:58:31)

• Saigon Evacuation: 50th anniversary of the Australian Embassy evacuation, noting local staff left behind.
• Crocodile Dundee: 39th anniversary. Paul Hogan's comments, investment success stories (Dennis Lillee).
• Yahoo Serious: Mention of a current court case.

Sports: Cricket, AFL & More (00:58:31 - 01:29:28)

• Keith Stackpole (RIP): Tribute to the former Australian cricketer. Discussion of his career as a player (opener, aggressive batsman) and commentator. Anecdotes involving Bill Lawry, Kerry O'Keeffe, Harsha Bhogle.
• AFL Send-Off Rule Debate: Sparked by the Nash/Miers incident. Arguments for/against a red card, implementation challenges (timing, concussion protocols), historical examples, Lee Matthews' view.
• MCG Security & SCG Fan Ban: Increased security for ANZAC Day game. Discussion on the SCG Trust's two-year ban on a 16-year-old fan for throwing/dropping a record near Aliir Aliir – deemed excessive by the hosts.
• Noah Balta Controversy: Richmond player playing before being sentenced for assault. Criticism of Richmond's handling, the AFL's stance, player's curfew impacting availability, and political commentary surrounding the issue.
• Tom De Koning Contract: Rumoured huge offer from St Kilda. Discussion on his value, the Gawn/Grundy comparison, implications for both clubs, and the changing role/importance of elite ruckmen.
• NRL: Broncos defeat Bulldogs; several Bulldogs players facing bans. Roosters vs Dragons ANZAC match preview.
• Rugby & Cricket Updates: James O'Connor's late-game heroics; Cameron Green's century on County debut for Gloucestershire; IPL viewing challenges.

Final Thoughts (01:29:28 - End)

• Meat Consumption Trends: Rebound in meat buying over plant-based alternatives.
• Unnecessary Technology: Comparison of plant-based foods and internet-connected fridges.
• ANZAC Day AFL Game: 30th anniversary of the Essendon vs Collingwood match, origins involving Kevin Sheedy and Gabby Allen.
• Wrap-up & Sign-off.