The Five Minute Advocate Podcast

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox takes a sharp look at the post-election landscape: Labor’s win in the House, their lack of control in the Senate, and what that means for getting things done. With new faces in power, shifting party dynamics, and some unexpected moves, Eva unpacks the political puzzle and asks—what kind of change can we really expect?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken unpacks the aftermath of the election. Labor may have won big on paper — 92 seats — but Julie asks: what does that win really mean? As the second phase kicks off, it’s no longer about votes — it’s about narrative. Julie dives into how the Albanese government is framing their victory, from pinning part of their success as vindication for their moderate stance on Gaza to Ed Husic’s quiet political exile, Julie challenges listeners to stay alert to the stories politicians tell — and the ones they silence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 federal election is done and dusted but the full extent of the fallout from Labor’s landslide victory still remains to be seen. Join Julie Macken and Michael Walker as they return for the final installment of ‘This Is Not A Horse Race’ to unpack what exactly transpired along the election trail, what issues were explored and ignored and ask the Community Radio Network’s Political Reporter Noah Secomb - where to from here. Let us know your thoughts by emailing fma@cbaa.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker unpacks the meaning behind Australia’s recent election results, highlighting public disillusionment and the silence on foreign policy. Drawing on the “Stockdale Paradox,” he calls for clear-eyed advocacy grounded in hope and realism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, host Eva Cox explores how politics often overlooks the unpaid labor—especially by women—that sustains our communities. With the election approaching, Eva challenges us to rethink progress, focusing on care, connection, and equity over monetary measuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Julie Macken explores how our society has collectively normalised human rights abuses — so much so, they barely register as atrocities anymore. From Trump’s praise for El Salvador’s brutal prisons to Australia’s own offshore detention regime, she shares the harrowing story of refugee Benham Sattar and connects it to the urgent need to name atrocities clearly, including the ongoing devastation in Gaza. Julie implores us to rediscover our capacity to be outraged by the human rights abuses Australia is committing or is complicit in and to call out these abuses in clear honest language —because if we can’t even name the injustice, how can we ever hope to stop it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker digs into why Australia isn’t following the global trend of political polarisation. He unpacks fresh research showing that Aussies are actually becoming more tolerant of differing views—thanks in part to things like compulsory voting and a general disillusionment with party politics. Plus, he looks at why young Australian men haven’t jumped on the anti-diversity bandwagon seen in places like the US and UK, with housing and cost of living emerging as the real issues shaping the political divide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox explores how the shifting global landscape, fueled by America's current policies under Trump’s administration, could impact Australia's upcoming federal election. With the US stepping back from its role as a global leader, Eva discusses how this uncertainty could shape Australia's future and its relationship with the Western world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal election is fast approaching and it got the FMA team thinking about the way in which campaigns are often treated as if they were horse races, with the mainstream media often framing the parties as either winners or losers depending on polling and who “won” the media that day. But this is not a horse race, it’s an election with very high stakes for people across Australia and what happens during the campaign and its outcome really matters to all of us. For the very first extended Fifty-Five Minute Advocate special, join Julie Macken, Eva Cox and Michael Walker as they speak with industry and policy experts to decipher what it is we need to see from the candidates during this campaign that will truly enact real positive change on the issues that matter most. Let us know your thoughts by emailing fma@cbaa.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken discusses the federal election campaign, highlighting how international instability and disillusionment with politics shape public sentiment. She explores how political campaigns use imagery and slogans to tap into the collective imagination, urging listeners to stay grounded in reality and avoid falling into fantasy or conspiracies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia faces an existential threat from climate change, yet unlike a rogue asteroid, which mobilises immediate global action, the government has no transparent strategy to tackle the crisis. In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker highlights how despite possessing a secret climate risk assessment described as “frankly terrifying,” leaders continue to keep the public in the dark. Michael argues that what Australia truly needs is a national peace and security strategy shaped by its citizens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox challenges us to rethink what truly matters, emphasizing that civility—our ability to trust and care for one another—has been lost in political agendas focused on money and power. She calls for a return to valuing our shared humanity, reminding us that a good society is built on connection, not just economic gain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken introduces our upcoming extended special series that will focus on the looming federal election campaign. Entitled ‘This Is Not A Horse Race’ Julie and the team will be amplifying community voices and looking at policies over political theatrics. They’ll be asking experts: what should we look for in the candidates' policies on climate change, housing, energy, and cost of living? Plus, Julie discusses the role honesty and trust will play in this election, especially in light of global events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five-Minute Advocate, Michael Walker takes us on a journey through the history of Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout and its lasting impact on the country's digital future. From Tony Abbott's decisions to scale back the NBN, to the surprising connection with Rupert Murdoch's Foxtel, Michael explores how political choices delayed Australia's entry into the digital revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox, born in Austria during Hitler's fascist regime, reflects on how the world seemed to improve over time, but now faces a shift toward power and profit, sidelining community and human connection. In these uncertain times, Eva says we must remind ourselves that society is built on relationships, not just control and money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken challenges the growing influence of corporate power in politics and its impact on everyday Australians. As key decisions favor big business over the public good, she calls for greater accountability and stronger advocacy. With an election on the horizon, now is the time to demand leaders who put people first.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With January 26 just passed, Michael Walker kicks off our first episode for 2025 with a reflection on the divisive and awkward phase the country finds itself in and argues that it is no longer a national day of celebration but is instead an annual exercise in culture wars and division. Michael also examines Australia’s suppression of any recognition or commemoration of the Frontier Wars and calls for the formal acknowledgement, ownership and accountability of Australia’s violent colonial past. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of The Five Minute Advocate for 2024, the brilliant Eva Cox reflects on the year and challenges us to reconnect with the essence of humanity: our need for connection, fairness, and belonging in a society that values people over power. Amid global uncertainty, she calls us to cherish relationships, rethink our collective future, and build a world rooted in care and respect—because thriving democracies and shared humanity depend on it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker visits the Narara Ecovillage, an intentional community near Gosford focused on sustainable living. He explores its eco-friendly homes, strong sense of community, and innovative practices like sociocratic decision-making and an internal exchange economy. While praising its low-carbon lifestyle, Walker discusses financial sustainability challenges and reflects on whether eco-villages like Narara could represent the future as more people seek alternatives to urban living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the holiday season approaches, Eva Cox reflects on the importance of human connection over economic consumption. Eva argues that our social relationships—friendships, family ties, and community bonds—define our humanity far more than economic measures ever could. She urges us to reclaim the joy and meaning found in these emotional connections, especially during times like Christmas, when the focus should be on togetherness rather than material concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken reflects on a year of upheaval, from global politics to the challenges of democracy and humanity. Drawing inspiration from Vaclav Havel's ‘The Power of the Powerless', Julie reminds us that in dark times, small acts of decency—looking one another in the eye, saying hello, and refusing to give in to lies—are revolutionary acts that sustain our shared humanity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker unpacks the real story behind the U.S. election results, pushing back against the media's tendency to overhype shifts in voter sentiment. He explores why economic struggles in Middle America drove support for bold promises and how Australians often misunderstand the full picture of the U.S.  He then draws some important lessons for Australian politics, warning Labor against just attacking Peter Dutton. With voters now leaning more toward minor parties, Labor will need to step up with bold, practical ideas—like a stronger housing strategy—to stay ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox breaks down the troubling shifts in democracy, social care, and economics, as nations worldwide—from Australia to the U.S.—increasingly prioritise profit over people. With democracy under threat and communities disconnected, she calls for a return to values of care, social connectivity, fairness and true citizenship to restore societal balance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate Julie Mackin critiques Australia's $400 billion submarine deal with the US, arguing that funds are urgently needed to address domestic issues.  She highlights the crisis in NSW's mental health sector, where psychiatrists face burnout and low pay, risking mass resignations. Mackin questions why the government prioritizes defense spending over essential services like healthcare, infrastructure, and climate action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker reflects on a historic moment as Britain announces its decision to return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius after over 200 years. While Diego Garcia will remain a military base, this victory highlights the power of persistence and international law, offering hope to advocates everywhere who face an overwhelming disparity in power that they can still achieve their goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox reflects on the complexities of identity, religion, and nationality. Drawing from her own life as a Jewish refugee from Austria, she questions the meaning of patriotism, religious identity, and the labels society places on individuals. Eva advocates for tolerance and understanding, emphasizing that humanity and respect for others should transcend religious and national boundaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken dives into the views of the influential psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott on democracy as laid out in his work Home Is Where We Start From. Winnicott argues that democracy thrives not just through conscious efforts, but also through our unconscious actions and maturity as individuals. Whilst our current political landscape may seem discouraging, Julie argues if we engage in internal work of self-reflection and development we can rebuild a thriving democracy.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1930s, British Philosopher Bertrand Russel said, that 'the whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.' This phrase still applies to so much to our world today. As Michaell explains, If you want to convince people of your idea or fight for a cause you believe in, you will need to hold your ground and fight for your cause with courage and conviction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate Eva Cox shares her thoughts on the Productivity Commission's latest inquiry report on the future of Australia's Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. Whilst there are several recommendations and findings outlined in the report that Eva agrees with, she does express her concern as to the lack of action recommended to reduce the privatisation of the sector as well as the continued reference to the sector as a “market” which she argues again underpins the need for the government to shift its perception of the ECEC from an avenue for profit but as part of community services. Now that the report is to hand, Eva implores the government to enact real change – we have the pathway, it's time to follow it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken critiques a recent amendment passed by the Albanese government that exempts Border Force officers from workplace laws protecting asylum seekers during boat interceptions. She argues that this dangerous exemption, supported by both major political parties, dismisses concerns from the Human Rights Committee and undermines basic human rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker explores the concept of negativity bias and argues that the media's exploitation of this bias has led to an overemphasis on negative news which has in turn skewed worldviews, our perceptions of other societal challenges and thus our active citizenship.  Michael does introduce two initiatives aimed at countering negativity bias: Amplify, which seeks to provide constructive political discourse, and The Australian Peace and Security Forum, which focuses on envisioning and discussing a peaceful and secure future, rather than just avoiding war. Michael argues that our collective health is being undermined by our negativity bias and urges us to be more intentional about the information we consume and the real world challenges we tackle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Eva Cox revisits the issue of Australia's chilcare sector, specifically reflecting on its shift from being community led and controlled services, to what it is today – overwhelmingly privatised. Eva calls for the government to assume greater responsibility in the sector, to view and provide childcare as community service and to prioritise accessibility over profit as a means to rebuild trust between citizens and policy makers.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie McCann delves into the controversial AUKUS deal, a $400 billion decision that could redefine Australia's role on the global stage. With a focus on the implications of nuclear-powered submarines, Julie explores how this agreement might shift Australia from a defensive to an offensive military stance, and the potential consequences for our nation's future. Drawing parallels to Canada's failed submarine program in the 1980s, she questions whether this investment is truly in the best interest of the Australian people—or if the money would be better spent on pressing domestic needs like healthcare, infrastructure, and climate adaptation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker explores the alarming rise in cyber insecurity and its impact on Australians' wellbeing where new data reveals a sharp increase in online harm and hate and recent events that have seen this translate to real world violence. Michael delves into what's fuelling this uptick in unrest and calls on the Federal Government to update their wellbeing dashboard to provide more clarity on exactly why online behaviour has taken a turn for the worse.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken highlights two stark examples of leadership in action that we've seen over the last week. The first an example in accountability with NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy's sincere apology at Garma Festival for the historical and ongoing harms committed against Indigenous Territorians. The second, Julie argues, is an example of the real and destructive impact of Australia's leadership in divisive anti-immigration policy and the “stop the boats” rhetoric that we have now seen fuel the deplorable actions of far-right groups in the UK.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker draws inspiration from Taiwan's Gov Zero and imagines a reformed, user-friendly digital government platform that would allow citizens to engage more effectively with the democratic process through curated updates and participatory tools, enhancing transparency and accountability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent resignation of Joe Biden and the developing support for the populist and divisive Donald Trump, critics are suggesting this election could change the shape of American politics. Now, the democrat's presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, could provide the clarity and direction needed to restore stability and fairness to America. Eva draws parallels to the current political climate in Australia, and what the next election could mean for Australia's political future in our changing world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken unpacks the aftermath of Senator Fatima Payman's decision to cross the floor in support of urgent action for Palestine and critiques Labor's dismissal of the Australian public's concerns over international issues. Julie challenges the Prime Minister's warning about single-issue parties threatening social cohesion, arguing that true social cohesion requires national leadership, a respect for diverse perspectives and an understanding that the Australian public is concerned about more than just energy and the cost of living crisis.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker commemorates NAIDOC Week by emphasizing the vital importance of celebrating Indigenous Australia. Michael calls for non-Indigenous Australians to collectively reject the distorted colonial narratives that have long shaped perceptions of Indigenous Australia.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox explores the unsettling trend away from social democracy and trust in government, emphasising the importance of fairness and inclusivity in maintaining a healthy democracy. She argues for a return to these foundational principles to ensure governments prioritise citizen needs and foster genuine democratic engagement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken revisits the nuclear power debate in Australia. She critiques former Prime Minister John Howard's 2006 plan to make Australia a nuclear hub, which failed due to high costs, safety issues, and community opposition. Julie also takes aim at Peter Dutton's recent push for nuclear reactors, highlighting the lack of details and community consultation. She criticizes the media for giving Dutton's plan undue credibility and emphasizes that nuclear power is not a viable solution for Australia's energy needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Five Minute Advocate, Michael Walker delves into Australia's housing crisis, highlighting the grim realities renters are facing. Michael shares insights from renters' forums where many, including himself, express the direct impacts of skyrocketing rents and negligent property management. He calls for urgent reforms to address these pressing issues in the rental market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Eva Cox reflects on the state of Australia's childcare sector specifically its shift from a community led and controlled service to what it is today - just another avenue for privatisation. Eva calls for a return to the government's responsibility in providing childcare as a community service and urges the Labor government to prioritise accessibility over profit.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken again plays with the idea of imagination being a tool in nation building and this week asks us to envisage a society where bullying is no longer a part of the culture in our corporate and media landscape. Julie implores us to take courageous action and accountability to shift towards a society where harmful narratives are challenged, corporate interests align with the common good, and workplaces are safe and respectful for all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate Michael Walker unpacks the recent Happy Planet Index report which revealed that those of us who burned the most CO2, particularly the wealthiest 10%, are in fact scarcely happier than those living more modest lifestyles. Michael argues that this finding challenges the notion that addressing climate change requires sacrificing living standards, suggesting that modest lifestyles can be as fulfilling while significantly reducing environmental impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Five Minute Advocate, Eva Cox criticises the Labor government's 2024 Budget for prioritising economic concerns over addressing pressing social issues. Eva laments the budget's lack of impact on social improvement and its failure to instill optimism in its citizens for a fairer society. Eva advocates again for a shift towards prioritising citizens' wellbeing over profit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Five Minute Advocate, Julie Macken deep dives into Irish sociologist Benedict Anderson's most famous theories – that nations are imagined political communities. This idea reminds us to take the role of imagination in nation building seriously, because it is what makes this country what it is, for better or worse. So, in this edition Julie plays with the tool of imagination and applies it to the 2024 federal budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.