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South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas is predicted to win this Saturday's state election by a landslide – but that's not why this poll is attracting so much interest. Analysts and politicians alike are watching because this will be One Nation's first real test since its surge in opinion polls. Can this rightwing populist party translate those eye-opening numbers into seats? Chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy went to Adelaide to find out. He speaks to Reged Ahmad about what One Nation voters told him, and why the major parties are seeking to learn lessons on how to counter the party's rise
As Australia risks becoming entangled in Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu's war on Iran, Guardian Australia columnist Paul Daley questions whether refusing to challenge the White House at all costs indulges a US-Australia relationship that no longer exists
Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to new shadow minister for the digital economy, science, innovation and cybersecurity Aaron Violi, who was promoted to the frontbench in a reshuffle by opposition leader Angus Taylor. Prior to politics, Violi worked in the digital economy and says the government has been unprepared for the disruption of AI. Violi also discusses the Coalition's policy challenge of balancing concerns about immigration and the cost of living, as the opposition tries to rebuild trust after months of internal conflict over their leadership
Matt Canavan has emerged as the leader of the National party. But, ask Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry, is he the right person to take on One Nation? And will the upcoming South Australian election be an extinction-level event for the Coalition? They also discuss how it took just two weeks for Australia to become involved in Trump's war on Iran, and why it may just be the thin edge of wedge Email the Barries: backtobackbarries@theguardian.com
In this episode of Socially Democratic:
The National party in Australia has a new federal leader as senator Matt Canavan emerged as the winner of a tight party-room ballot on Wednesday. The change at the top of the Coalition partner comes after David Littleproud announced his shock resignation from the leadership on Tuesday. Senior political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about how the Queensland rightwinger won the vote and whether this now means he will pull the Nationals, and the Coalition, further to the right
On Tuesday morning, the prime minister announced Australia is sending aircraft, missiles and personnel to the Gulf as war rages in the region. But Anthony Albanese says it doesn't mean we're involved, or officially at war.Reged Ahmad speaks to Josh Butler about whether Australia is being entangled in Trump's ‘war of choice'
Are you into trivia? Calling all connoisseurs of the cryptic to the only quiz played live, all around Australia. Join the host of Nightlife Philip Clark for The Mighty Challenge!
This year, the Australian federal government will spend billions on a scheme that makes it cheaper for miners and other industries to use diesel and petrol. It's known as the fuel tax credit scheme, and there are growing calls for it to be wound back. With the federal budget under pressure, Nour Haydar speaks with Adam Morton about the most costly anti-climate policy in the Australian government budget, working against efforts to cut emissions
When the Liberal party received a copy of the scathing assessment of its 2025 election loss, the federal executive decided to bury it. The attempt to hide it, however, was short-lived, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, tabling the troubling report in parliament this week. Nour Haydar speaks to political reporter Krishani Dhanji about why some wanted the findings to stay secret and if the party will learn from its mistakes
When the United States and Israel began bombing Iran over the weekend, they set in motion a war that has engulfed the region. In Australia, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has firmly backed the strikes by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu despite saying his government does not know if there is any legal basis for them. Professor Ben Saul speaks to Nour Haydar about why law experts say it's crystal clear the attacks on Iran were illegal and unprovoked, and why the military action sets a dangerous precedent
Not long after the US and Israel launched a deadly attack on Iran, the Australian government came out swiftly to express total support for the action. It was a position starkly at odds with other countries such as the UK and a majority of European nations, which instead expressed caution and a need for diplomacy. The US and Israeli bombing of Iran has been deemed illegal by experts around the world. So where does this leave Australia on the international stage and why is the prime minister so staunch in his support for his US ally? Political editor Tom McIllroy speaks to Nour Haydar
In this lively Garage Edition, Jeremy Cordeaux covers everything from global politics and Australian economic concerns to cost-of-living pressures and the future of banking. He reflects on major cultural and historical milestones, discusses rising political movements in Australia, and shares his thoughts on freedom, inflation, government spending and technology risks in modern life. Jeremy also explores global developments, including the ongoing situation in Iran, and offers his take on community, security and social change in today’s world. This episode blends commentary, humour and history in Jeremy’s unique style, keeping listeners informed and engaged with current affairs and everyday issues affecting Australians. Topics Discussed; Weather forecasting and Bureau of Meteorology criticism Tribute to music legend Neil Sedaka Passing of Australian icons including Makybe Diva Global politics and developments in Iran Regime change and geopolitical consequences Protests and global freedom movements Social media growth and audience engagement Pauline Hanson and One Nation polling surge Sydney Gay Mardi Gras and cultural commentary Core inflation and cost-of-living pressures Interest rates and economic outlook Government spending and electricity costs Capital gains tax and negative gearing debate Property investment among politicians Political hypocrisy and housing affordability Banking scams and mobile phone security Concerns about internet banking and digital risk Future of traditional banking and customer service AI versus human service Historical and cultural milestones Technology and society See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Craig Laundy joins me in Las Vegas for a direct conversation on business, politics and legacy, from the Bulldogs’ resurgence to the Laundy family’s investment in 2GB. We unpack the future of Australian politics, the role of AI, economic pressure points and what it takes to build long term impact across generations. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The federal government has released the business case for a bullet train between Sydney and Newcastle, promising funding in hopes of getting the $60bn project ‘shovel ready' within two years. Commuters would be able to travel between the cities in a single hour, cutting the journey by more than half. But we have been here before, with Anthony Albanese joining a long line of prime ministers who have announced grand plans for the train line before putting them back on the shelf. Senior reporter Tory Shepherd speaks to Reged Ahmad about the many broken promises in the long journey to high-speed rail and asks: could we really get it this time?
Hardline exchanges over the 34 Australian women and children stuck in Syria have continued this week, with the opposition saying the group should be blocked from returning due to their ties with Islamic State. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to shadow minister for home affairs and immigration Jonno Duniam, who argues that the government has had a ‘hands-off' approach so far. In the lead-up to next week's return to parliament with a new shadow frontbench, the Tasmanian senator also discusses the Coalition's plan to propose laws that would make it an offence to help people linked to terrorist hotspots and organisations
Since October, the Guardian Essential poll has been following the rise in support for One Nation but this month's results might also ring alarm bells for Labor. This is because nearly half of Labor voters said they would be open to voting for One Nation at the next federal election. Political reporter and chief of staff Josh Butler and Essential Media executive director Peter Lewis discuss why One Nation's surge is more than just a ‘noisy' protest about the Coalition, and why Pauline Hanson's party is attracting voters across the political spectrum
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine the divisive political debate over the future of the 34 Australian women and children languishing in a Syrian detention camp. They also discuss why capital gains tax is becoming a real pressure point for Labor, Anthony Albanese's careful words for One Nation voters and why there's a proliferation of polls
Hey Social Democrats. It's that time again!
In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux explores a wide range of controversial and thought-provoking topics, from paid parental leave and workforce participation to the ethical challenges of genetic engineering and the future of “designer babies”. Jeremy questions proposals to extend paid parental leave to 12 months, arguing that policymakers should focus on encouraging employment and supporting families through tax reform rather than increasing costs for businesses. He suggests income splitting and tax-deductible childcare as alternative ways to boost both birth rates and workforce participation. The episode also examines emerging genetic screening technologies, raising ethical concerns about embryo selection and the possibility of genetic engineering. Jeremy asks whether society is prepared for the moral and social implications of choosing traits such as intelligence, height and physical characteristics, and whether this could lead to dangerous unintended consequences. The discussion then moves to national security and social cohesion, including tensions during Ramadan, the challenge of identifying extremism, and threats directed at religious institutions. Jeremy highlights the importance of tolerance and public safety in a multicultural society. Other topics include the rise of illegal tobacco, the Laffer Curve and tax policy, the Hindmarsh Island controversy, government spending and historical debates around Indigenous heritage claims. This wide-ranging episode delivers Jeremy’s signature blend of economic commentary, ethical debate and strong opinion on the issues shaping Australia’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reserve Bank of Australia deputy governor Andrew Hauser speaks to economics editor Patrick Commins and business and economics reporter Luca Ittimani about the 2025 surprises that led to the first interest rate rise in two years. Hauser also responds to last week's criticisms by Tim Wilson, the newly appointed shadow treasurer, that the RBA has not down enough to curb inflation. And we put to the deputy governor your audience questions about house prices, economic inequality and how shoppers can respond when they think companies are ‘taking the p'
Australia's Prime Minister was evacuated from his official Canberra residence on Tuesday. Anthony Albanese was moved from The Lodge to another location around 6pm, as the police investigated a bomb threat. He was able to return once a search has been concluded, after 9pm. Australia Correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking information is currently limited, but he's never heard of an Australian Prime Minister being evacuated from an official residence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his first comments after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Anthony Albanese says that the ex-prince has had an extraordinary fall from grace. And while the prime minister is a firm republican, this disgrace will not prompt another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia's political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM hits back at Pauline Hanson's comments about Muslim Australians. He also discusses what would happen if the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters stuck in Syria made their back to Australia
In his first comments after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Anthony Albanese says that the ex-prince has had an extraordinary fall from grace. And while the prime minister is a firm republican, this disgrace will not prompt another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia's political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM hits back at Pauline Hanson's comments about Muslim Australians. He also discusses what would happen if the 34 Australian wives and children of Islamic State fighters stuck in Syria made their back to Australia
This week on Socially Democratic, Stephen is joined by policy expert and Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, Emma Dawson.Emma joins the show to talk about what Labor's clear majority actually means, what they can still achieve in their second term, and whether this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for structural reform.Emma brings her wealth of knowledge to the vital questions of 2026, including:
Did Australian politics just take a little topple off a glass cliff, or is the ‘rolling’ of Liberal leader Sussan Ley much more complicated than that? We’ve got the TLDR. And, Wuthering Heights is everywhere and so is criticism of just what kind of “greatest love story” it is. A very sexy one, or a downright irresponsible one? Also, looksmaxxing. What is it? Who’s doing it? And why does it have to involve 17 different tablets every morning and a whole lot of money? Oh, and a little round up of scurrilous gossip for you. What do Celeste Barber, Ada Nicodemou and the Beckham family all have in common? They’re all trying to navigate some big emotional moments via social media. And look, for the Beckhams, it’s not going well… Listen to Amelia Lester, Holly Wainwright and Jessie Stephens get into all that and other stuff too, on today’s Mamamia Out Loud. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: "Uh-Oh, I'm A Finger Princess" Listen: Jessie and Clare Stephens' Weird Twin Shit Just Got Weirder Listen: An Affair Confession Live On Air Listen: The Best (And Worst) Generations Of Parents. A Leaderboard! Listen: The Most Bizarre Celebrity Profile We’ve Ever Read Listen: Do I Matter? & The Bathroom Taboo Listen: The Female Emaciation Era — Holly & Jessie Weigh In Listen: An Urgent Theory About Kim Kardashian & Lewis Hamilton Listen to The Quicky: “Outrageous & Provocative” Holly Wainwright’s Surprising Review of Wuthering Heights Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read: A brutally honest review of Wuthering Heights, a movie that will force you to scream. Marty Supreme is a perfect film, except for one distracting detail. Emerald Fennell was talking to her male friends when she came up with Promising Young Woman. Australia's favourite comedy couple Celeste Barber and Api Robin have separated. THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloudBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abbie has some thoughts about the rise of what she is calling 'performative conservatism' in the wake of responses to the ABC's comedy special 'Always Was Tonight'. Plus, Pauline Hanson made a movie and Amy and Oscar had no idea, so the team breaks down the bizarre trailer together. LINKS Check out @itsalotpod on IG at https://bit.ly/itsalot-instagram Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ial-review Follow LiSTNR Entertainment on IG @listnrentertainment Follow LiSTNR Entertainment on TikTok @listnrentertainment Get instructions on how to access transcripts on Apple podcasts https://bit.ly/3VQbKXY CREDITS Host: Abbie Chatfield @abbiechatfield Executive Producer and Editor: Amy Kimball @amy.kimballDigital and Social and Video Producer: Oscar Gordon @oscargordon Social and Video Producer: Justin Hill @jus_hillIt's A Lot Social Media Manager: Julia ToomeyManaging Producer: Sam Cavanagh Find more great podcasts like this at www.listnr.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Protesters around Australia, including Nick McKim and other Greens MPs, gathered to express opposition to the visit of the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, this week. The Greens senator tells political editor, Tom McIlroy, that the confronting scenes of police aggression towards protesters in Sydney was a “massive overreach”. McKim is the Greens spokesperson for economic justice and treasury, and is now leading a parliamentary inquiry into the 50% capital gains tax discount. Labor has not ruled out possible changes to the generous tax breaks for investors ahead of the May budget. The Tasmanian senator argues that, with Greens' support, the government can “marry up the politics and the policy” to meaningfully addressing the housing crisis
After weeks of speculation, a Liberal leadership spill is set for 9am on Friday when Angus Taylor will challenge the opposition leader, Sussan Ley, for control of the party. Political editor Tom McIllroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about why Taylor is making his move now, whether he has the numbers to win, and what it all means for the future direction of the Coalition
Protesters around Australia, including Nick McKim and other Greens colleagues, gathered to express opposition to the visit of the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, this week. The Greens senator tells our political editor, Tom McIlroy, that the confronting scenes of police aggression towards protesters in Sydney were a ‘massive overreach'. McKim is the Greens spokesperson for economic justice and treasury, and is now leading a parliamentary inquiry into the 50% capital gains tax discount. Labor has not ruled out possible changes to the generous tax breaks for investors before the May budget. The Tasmanian senator argues that, with Greens support, the government can ‘marry up the politics and the policy' to meaningfully addressing the housing crisis
The federal Liberals have dumped Sussan Ley - but is little-known new leader Angus Taylor going to be himself rolled by Andrew Hastie? Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Coalition is back together again after the Liberals and Nationals struck a deal over the weekend to end their second break-up in less than a year. But with a leadership battle looking more likely for Sussan Ley, are the Coalition's deep-seated issues any closer to being resolved? Guardian Australia's chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether this reunion will stick – and what it all means for Ley.
After the Reserve Bank's first rate hike in more than two years, Guardian Australia's political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to the economics editor, Patrick Commins, and Lea Jurkovic, the economics correspondent at the Australian Financial Review, about the indicators that informed the central bank's decision this week. They also discuss the ongoing vulnerabilities in the economy, the missed opportunities when the RBA doesn't comment on government spending and the maturity lacking in the political debate about interest rates
In this wide-ranging interview with Nour Haydar, federal Labor MP Ed Husic voices his opposition to an upcoming visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog and cautions against attempts to clamp down on protests. He also criticises the finger-pointing by politicians after the Bondi attack and the relative silence following the bomb threat at an Invasion Day rally in Perth
Parliament returns today and the benches might look a little bare on the opposition's side of the chamber, with the Liberals left with only 28 votes after last week's split from the Nationals. Political editor Tom McIllroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether the Liberals and Nationals can get back together, and if the prime minister can use this distraction to push through big reforms
How has the preferential voting system masked the decline of the major parties and why is the decline worse for the Liberals and Nationals? Can One Nation capitalise on the trend? How does ‘voter softness' play out amongst the ‘aggrieved',and what lessons are there from similar democracies?Social and political data scientist, Shaun Ratcliff joins Democracy Sausage to discuss new polling on the realignment of the Australian political landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The messy fallout of the Coalition's breakup continues this week with Sussan Ley and David Littleproud attempting to weather criticisms of their leadership after the Bondi terror attack. LNP moderate Andrew Wallace speaks to political editor Tom McIlroy about his support for Sussan Ley, and describes her as ‘principled' and ‘tough' under very difficult circumstances. The shadow attorney general also says that he is ‘relatively comfortable' with the hate speech legislation that divided the Coalition, which was passed last week. Politics aside, Wallace talks about volunteering as a surf lifesaver on the Sunshine Coast and is candid about the challenges of being a father of four while serving as a MP
Leader of the Australian Greens and Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters is here to help unpack the hate speech laws that were just passed in Parliament. What is actually changing, and why is everyone so confused about them? Why did the Greens AND One Nation vote against them? Plus, why did the recent attempted attack on the Boorloo/Perth Invasion Day Rally get so little attention in the days following? LINKS Follow Senator Larissa Waters on IG @larissawaters Follow the Australian Greens on IG @australiangreens Check out @itsalotpod on IG at https://bit.ly/itsalot-instagram Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ial-review Follow LiSTNR Entertainment on IG @listnrentertainment Follow LiSTNR Entertainment on TikTok @listnrentertainment Get instructions on how to access transcripts on Apple podcasts https://bit.ly/3VQbKXY CREDITS Host: Abbie Chatfield @abbiechatfield Guest: Senator Larissa Waters @larissawaters Executive Producer and Editor: Amy Kimball @amy.kimballDigital and Social and Video Producer: Oscar Gordon @oscargordon Social and Video Producer: Justin Hill @jus_hillIt's A Lot Social Media Manager: Julia ToomeyManaging Producer: Sam Cavanagh Find more great podcasts like this at www.listnr.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first Guardian Essential poll after the Bondi terror attack, both Anthony Albanese and Sussan Ley have fallen in their approval ratings. Meanwhile, One Nation's support continues to rise and now disrupts the traditional two-horse race in Australian politics. Guardian Australia political reporter Josh Butler speaks to Essential Media director Peter Lewis about why both major parties need to pay attention to One Nation's popularity – despite the minor party currently having little policy offerings
In the first Guardian Essential poll after the Bondi terror attack, both Anthony Albanese and Sussan Ley have fallen in their approval ratings. Meanwhile, One Nation's support continues to rise and now disrupts the traditional two-horse race in Australian politics. Guardian Australia political reporter Josh Butler speaks to Essential Media director Peter Lewis about why both major parties need to pay attention to One Nation's popularity – despite the minor party currently having little policy offerings
The Muslim community must keep the wolves from their flock, says Scott Morrison in a sweeping new proposal to crack down on antisemitic hate speech. We analyse the big new idea from the former Prime Minister - and explore how it fits into his feud with Anthony Albanese. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Crafted in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, Labor's hate speech laws are designed to give the government a raft of new powers to combat racial hatred, but have faced strong criticism from across the political spectrum. The NSW Council for Civil Liberties president, Timothy Roberts, speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether the new laws go too far, and why he says they risk undermining democracy in Australia
In an eventful start to parliament for 2026, MPs came together with condolences for the victims of the Bondi terror attack and passed hurried reforms on guns and hate speech. And then, on the national day of mourning on Thursday, the Coalition split for the second time and Sussan Ley's leadership is now all but over. Guardian Australia political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to the independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, about why she thinks politics can often stand in the way of community safety. She also discusses her concerns that migrants could become a political target during this time of fear and grief
In an eventful start to parliament for 2026, MPs came together with condolences for the victims of the Bondi terror attack and passed hurried reforms on guns and hate speech. And then, on the national day of mourning on Thursday, the Coalition split for the second time and Sussan Ley's leadership is now all but over. Guardian Australia political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to the independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, about why she thinks politics can often stand in the way of community safety. She also discusses her concerns that migrants could become a political target during this time of fear and grief
It was the bill that the prime minister hoped would bring people together, but instead, Labor's hate speech legislation and the Liberal party's decision to endorse it, has torn the Coalition apart. The entire Nationals front bench has quit Sussan Ley's shadow cabinet leaving the Coalition to come to terms with its second split in less than a year. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about how this happened and whether Sussan Ley can hold on to the leadership
The Coalition has split again and Sussan Ley’s leadership is hanging by a thread. So, how long has she got – and will she jump or wait to be pushed? Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with family members of the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack following the opening of an extraordinary parliamentary sitting. Plus, European leaders hit back over Trump’s Greenland tariff threat and One Nation surges in the polls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Conceding that his hate speech and gun law omnibus bill was friendless and unable to pass parliament, Anthony Albanese announced over the weekend that he would split the legislation in two. It was a move the PM said he needed to make if he wanted to get his post-Bondi reforms through. As parliament returns for a special sitting, political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether the prime minister can get his reforms over the line and why the Coalition is being accused of hypocrisy
Over the summer break, calls for a royal commission into the Bondi beach massacre saturated headlines across parts of the media. And last week the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, bowed to the pressure, launching a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Nour Haydar speaks with political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy on the political reverberations from the Bondi attack and the tests that lie ahead for Labor in 2026