Political system of Australia
POPULARITY
Categories
Pauline Hanson says former politicians said she should face a firing squad and be burnt at the stake. Now Tim Fischer’s widow Judy Brewer says she wants evidence or an apology and fears her late husband is being posthumously defamed. Read more: Andrew Forrest inks mining deal with Juukan Gorge traditional owners Apologise or prove ‘witch’ claim: widow Catch all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She dishes out freewheeling critique of just about everyone - but Pauline Hanson isn’t being directly attacked by the parties who should fear One Nation’s spectacular rise the most. Chief political correspondent Greg Brown is here. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Newspoll: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in front of Labor, Anthony Albanese gets worst ever rating Pauline Hanson hit: the truth’s been costed as One Nation in disarray Commentary by Janet Albrechtsen: Memo, Mr Albanese: serious money talks – and listens – to Hanson Editorial: One Nation has shown no real expertise on economics or defence This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeremy Cordeaux returns to the Garage Edition of The Court of Public Opinion with a wide-ranging commentary on politics, healthcare, taxation, government spending and the growing pressures facing everyday Australians. Jeremy questions Anthony Albanese's collapsing popularity, attacks South Australia's hospital ramping crisis, examines whether government subsidies are driving up healthcare and childcare costs, and argues that excessive taxation is fuelling Australia's booming illegal cigarette market. He also discusses union demands for shorter work weeks amid the rise of artificial intelligence, concerns about wage-price inflation, South Australia's growing debt burden, controversial tree removals for major events, speculative investment in artificial intelligence companies and the increasing visibility of homelessness on Adelaide streets. As always, Jeremy combines political commentary, economic observations and historical reflections in another thought-provoking Garage Edition. Topics Discussed Anthony Albanese's declining popularity Opinion polls and political trends South Australia's hospital ramping crisis Medicare and healthcare affordability Private health insurance rebate changes Childcare costs and government subsidies Illegal cigarettes and tobacco taxation The Laffer Curve and tax avoidance ACTU and Sally McManus comments on AI Productivity versus shorter work weeks Fair Work wage increases Wage-price inflation concerns South Australia's Aboriginal Voice election State budget debt blowout Government bureaucracy and spending Anti-Slavery Commissioner role AI investment boom and market speculation Adelaide tree removals for major events Economic development versus event spending Homelessness in Adelaide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeremy Cordeaux returns to the garage with a fiery critique of the Albanese Government, examining plunging Newspoll numbers, controversial tax changes, housing affordability, and what he sees as serious failures in economic management. Jeremy argues that proposed tax reforms and attacks on investment are already hurting Australia's housing market, warning of rising rents and lower auction clearance rates. He also takes a deep dive into the AUKUS submarine program, comparing it to the abandoned French submarine deal and questioning whether taxpayers are getting value for money from Australia's largest-ever defence procurement project. Jeremy reflects on billions already spent with little to show for it and calls for greater transparency around defence spending. Along the way, he shares stories from Australian history, famous birthdays, political intrigue, and memorable moments from the past, delivering the unique mix of opinion, commentary and nostalgia that listeners have come to expect from The Court of Public Opinion. Join Jeremy Cordeaux and friends for The Court of Public Opinion LIVE every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ACST), streaming from the dining room table at jeremycordeau.com and via Auscast Radio at auscastnetwork.com. Download the podcast anytime on your favourite podcast app via Auscast Network. Source: Basic Topics Covered Anthony Albanese's collapsing Newspoll ratings One Nation's growing popularity Labor's proposed tax changes Housing affordability and rising rents Falling auction clearance rates Economic management and government spending AUKUS submarine controversy The cancelled French submarine contract Defence procurement and taxpayer costs Government transparency and accountability Victorian Labor politics and Jacinta Allan Historical anniversaries and events Margaret Thatcher Michael J. Fox Charles Dickens Tony Bennett Miscellaneous historical stories and oddities See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When news broke that Australia will buy only secondhand nuclear submarines from the US, it signalled a major shift in the Aukus deal. It's made Emma Shortis, the director of international and security affairs at the Australia Institute, ask: what's a few secondhand subs between friends?
The Albanese government's announcement that Australia will now receive three used US Virginia-class submarines, rather than two used and one new, has put the spotlight back on the Aukus commitment. One of the strongest advocates for the $368bn agreement is defence industry minister Pat Conroy and he hits back at its critics – including the Labor MP Ed Husic. Speaking with political editor Tom McIlroy, the minister for Pacific Island affairs also discusses this week's visit by new Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale and responds to speculation that Tony Abbott could run as the Liberal candidate in Conroy's seat of Shortland at the next election
Josephine Tovey speaks with Gabrielle Jackson, Patrick Keneally and Jonathan Barrett about why Labor is damned if they do and damned if they don't when it comes to the diabolical political conundrum of trying to solve the housing affordability crisis without bringing down house prices
In this episode of Socially Democratic, your Australian Labor politics and campaigns podcast, host Stephen Donnelly is joined by senior Democratic consultant and former Obama field organiser Katie Parsons for a deep dive into the state of the Democratic Party.The DNC finally released its post-mortem of the 2024 Harris presidential campaign. It was, to put it diplomatically, not great. Neither the campaign, nor the post-mortem. So what do we actually know about what went wrong, and is the party any closer to having answers?With the US midterms six months away and the 2028 presidential primary already taking shape, Katie and Stephen unpack it all:
Old enemies on one side - critics on the other - that’s life these days for Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister, defence minister and the man in charge of driving through the biggest military investment Australia’s ever made - the nuclear powered AUKUS submarines. So - is the deal falling apart? Can Marles stare down the haters? Greg Sheridan is here. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hanson finally turns up to Estimates to grill brass Watch our submarine documentary: The Flood Episode 1 Xenophobia makes us less safe: Marles This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeremy Cordeaux delivers a fiery Garage Edition focused on the Albanese Government's latest budget, questioning claims that it is "aspirational" and arguing it punishes ambition, investment and hard work. Jeremy takes aim at negative gearing changes, unrealised capital gains proposals, Australia's growing tax burden and what he sees as Labor's drift away from working Australians. He also discusses ISIS brides appearing in court, whether justice is truly being served, and reflects on political hypocrisy, government spending and taxpayer-funded perks. Plus, Jeremy explores things Australians don't see anymore, from phone boxes and trafficators to Mr Whippy vans, before wrapping up with a fascinating journey through history, including Dunkirk, D-Day, Henry Ford, Tiananmen Square and Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A.Thanks To Rossdale Homes Topics Discussed Things Australians don't see anymore Mr Whippy vans and phone boxes Trafficators and anti-static car straps ISIS brides appearing in Australian courts Terrorism charges and legal representation Federal Budget criticism "Aspirational" budget claims challenged Anthony Albanese and investment properties Negative gearing changes Capital gains tax debate Unrealised capital gains tax proposal Paul Keating's comments on wealth and greed Government spending and debt The Laffer Curve and taxation Australia's growing tax burden Share ownership and superannuation concerns Labor's relationship with working Australians Battle of Dunkirk D-Day preparations Tiananmen Square anniversary Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. anniversary Join Jeremy Cordeaux and friends for The Court of Public Opinion LIVE every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ACST), streaming from the dining room table at jeremycordeaux.com and via Auscast Radio at auscastnetwork.com. Download the podcast anytime on your favourite podcast app via Auscast Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former environment minister Peter Garrett will lead an independent inquiry into the Aukus defence pact, launched by a group of Labor veterans and public figures concerned proper scrutiny has never been applied to the $368bn defence plan. The group argues there has never been a more critical time to examine the cost and potential risk associated with our increasingly close ties with the United States military. Peter Garrett joins Nour Haydar to discuss whether Aukus will make us safer – or turn us into a nuclear target
Jeremy Cordeaux returns to the garage with a blistering critique of the Albanese Government, questioning everything from energy policy and housing affordability to AUKUS submarines and the latest federal budget measures. Jeremy examines new polling that suggests Pauline Hanson and One Nation have become a major political force, discusses fears of falling property values and negative equity, and asks why Australians continue paying more for electricity despite promises that renewables would reduce costs. He also questions Australia's submarine deal with the United States, attacks what he sees as excessive public spending, and explores the legal battle surrounding the North West Shelf gas project. Plus, Jeremy takes listeners through this day in history, celebrating notable events and personalities from around the world. Topics Discussed: Pauline Hanson becoming Australia's most popular politician in recent polling One Nation's surge in voter support Housing market concerns and negative equity risks Falling property values in Sydney and Melbourne AUKUS submarine controversy and second-hand Virginia-class submarines Richard Marles and Australia's defence strategy North West Shelf gas project legal challenges Friends of Australian Rock Art court action Australia's energy crisis Renewable energy and electricity prices Federal Budget criticism Jim Chalmers and economic policy Tax offsets and bracket creep Public service growth Join Jeremy Cordeaux and friends for The Court of Public Opinion LIVE every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ACST), streaming from the dining room table at jeremycordeaux.com and via Auscast Radio at auscastnetwork.com. Download the podcast anytime on your favourite podcast app via Auscast Network. Government spending and economic uncertainty Queen Elizabeth II and the Platinum Jubilee Alexander Graham Bell and the first sound transmission Marconi and wireless telegraphy Tiananmen Square anniversary Bruce McLaren and motorsport history This Day in History segment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott didn't exactly disappear from the limelight after he lost his seat in the ‘teal' wave of 2019, but his new role as Liberal president has many asking: why is the party bringing him back now? Chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about how Abbott's appointment could change the party – and shape conservative politics in Australia
It's been more than two weeks since the Albanese government handed down the federal budget and the criticism has not stopped. Guardian columnist and chief economist at the Australia Institute, Greg Jericho, argues despite Australians with disabilities copping the biggest cuts in the budget, hearts bleed only for the wealthy
In his new role as director of the Greens' think-tank, Max Chandler-Mather argues that the major political parties and parts of the media often limit policy debate – which, on issues such as housing and wealth inequality, shuts down real alternatives to the status quo. The former Greens MP and housing spokesperson speaks to political editor Tom McIlroy about returning to policies that improve the lives of Australians in material ways – and why he thinks political nihilism defines One Nation
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine the government's struggle to sell its ambitious tax changes as the legislation hit parliament this week. The Barries also look at the pros and cons of a ‘teal' party and dig into new Redbridge polling that shows One Nation could overtake the Liberals as the official opposition
Jim Chalmers says his fifth federal budget is the ‘best budget for young people', but in the latest Guardian Essential poll voters are unconvinced that the proposals will make for a fairer housing system. Political reporter Josh Butler and Essential Media's executive director Peter Lewis discuss the political challenges that Labor faces on its proposed reforms to housing and tax policy
This episode of Socially Democratic covers the May federal budget: the politics, the comms, and what it means for Labor heading into the next Victorian election.David Feeney is away, so Stephen Donnelly and Jessie McCrone are joined this month by Lissie Ratcliff, former Andrews Chief of Staff and regular Mailbag guest, for a cracking Feeney Files sans Feeney.They cover:
There has been a whirlwind of speculation about whether the ‘teal' independents could come together to form a new political party. According to independent MP Zali Steggall, the time is ripe for a strong push from the progressive side of politics, as new polling predicts One Nation could overtake the Coalition as the leading opposition party. Independent senator David Pocock says he is open to the idea but that it is not without risks. He speaks to Reged Ahmad
Nour Haydar speaks with Christopher Knaus about the BHP files – the cache of internal documents leaked to the Guardian and the ABC's Four Corners – which show that the world's biggest miner has war-gamed ways to massively delay decarbonisation
After the death of the Warlpiri girl Kumanjayi Little Baby, the Northern Territory government announced a sweeping review of its child protection system. The terms of the inquiry, however, have been heavily criticised by First Nations and justice organisations. Prof Marcia Langton reads a piece she co-authored with Prof Fiona Stanley in which they argue that authorities are repeating mistakes of the past and failing Aboriginal children Warning: This episode contains references to Indigenous Australians who have died
In his biggest address so far, shadow treasurer Tim Wilson described the federal budget as an ‘economic earthquake' at the National Press Club this week. He speaks with political editor Tom McIlroy about Paul Keating's criticism of the Coalition's response to Labor's tax reforms, and defends Angus Taylor's controversial migration policy – which links housing completion and restricts access to welfare support
In this special recording of the Barries in front of a live audience of 600 at the Sydney Writers' festival, Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry discuss why budget criticism is hurting Labor more than many anticipated. They also examine the Coalition's many leadership changes and ask who could take the reins next Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
This episode of Socially Democratic discusses the UK local, Scottish, and Welsh election results, and what Labour's historic collapse means for social democracy.Reform UK surged across England, Scotland, and Wales. Labour lost its 115-year dominance in Wales. And inside the Parliamentary Labour Party, calls for Keir Starmer to stand down are growing louder.Host Stephen Donnelly is joined by two insiders who know British Labour politics intimately:
One Nation's historic win in Farrer has drawn conservative politicians into yet another harmful debate about immigration. Author Sisonke Msimang says blaming migrants won't ease the pain disillusioned voters are feeling
Political editor Tom McIlroy and economics editor Patrick Commins speak with Jim Chalmers about the criticisms that his ‘reforming' and ‘ambitious' budget, while historic, stands to benefit only a relatively small number of Australians. The treasurer also explains why the budget didn't include an increase in tax for gas exports, and how this government is putting forward an economic strategy to address the anxieties that lead voters to turn to populism on the right
The political editor, Tom McIlroy, and the economics editor, Patrick Commins, speak with Jim Chalmers about the criticisms that his ‘reforming' and ‘ambitious' budget, while historic, stands to benefit only a relatively small number of Australians. The treasurer also explains why the budget didn't include an increase in tax for gas exports, and how this government is putting forward an economic strategy to address the anxieties that lead voters to turn to populism on the right
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry deliver their verdict on the federal budget – including opposition leader Angus Taylor's targeting of migrants in an effort to solve the housing crisis. They also discuss Pauline Hanson's soon-to-be released energy policy and why dissatisfaction with Labor isn't translating into more votes for the Greens
In a big gamble, Labor broke a big promise. In this week's budget, the government announced changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, is suggesting it's the broken promise we had to have, in order to tackle intergenerational inequality and make the tax system fairer. Reged Ahmad speaks with Mike Ticher, Patrick Keneally and Sarah Martin about when broken promises matter in politics
This episode of Socially Democratic discusses the 2026 Federal Budget — Jim Chalmers' most ambitious yet — with Emma Dawson, Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, and economist Adam Triggs, Partner at Mandala. Is this really the most significant tax reform package in a quarter of a century? Stephen, Emma, and Adam think so. Here's why.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down what he calls the most important budget in decades. As Donald Trump's war on Iran continues to cause chaos around the world, and support for One Nation surges in Australia, the treasurer insists this is a budget that will ease economic pressures. But does the bold rhetoric stack up? And will this budget be enough to stem the rise of the populist right? Nour Haydar speaks with Tom Mcllroy and Patrick Commins, who break down a budget that comes with big reforms and big questions
Reporting from Parliament House in Canberra, The Quicky's Taylah Strano is bringing you 2026–27 Budget For Basic B*tches. Last night the Federal Budget officially dropped and Treasurer Jim Chalmers says it is Australia's most important and ambitious budget in decades. But if the mention of capital gains tax makes you want to stare blankly at a cube cheese platter, don't worry, we’ve translated the jargon into Basic B*tch English.
One Nation has just made history by securing its first-ever federal lower house seat. With Pauline Hanson eyeing the Lodge, the message to Canberra is loud and clear: Australians are fed up. But is this a genuine endorsement of hard-right policies, or a protest against the cost-of-living crisis and housing stress? Today, we’re joined by The New Daily’s Political Editor Amy Remeikis to unpack whether the old 'blue vs red' era of Australian politics is officially over. Plus, we speak with Charlotte Mortlock, founder of Something Better Australia, about her grassroots mission to build a new political force that moves beyond the fringe.
On Saturday, the right wing party won a lower house seat for the first time as voters registered their fury in the New South Wales Farrer byelection. And while newly elected MP David Farley may have been on the ticket, many are saying this is very much Pauline Hanson's victory. Senior correspondent Sarah Martin and political reporter Sarah Basford Canales speak to Reged Ahmad from Albury the morning after the seismic result.
The criticisms of Tuesday's federal budget have already started. Labor is facing allegations of broken promises over changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. And there is frustration in the electorate about the government's $50bn increase in defence spending over the next decade, while also significantly reducing the growth in NDIS spending. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to finance minister Katy Gallagher who, along with treasurer Jim Chalmers, is leading the decision making on a budget that claims to address intergenerational fairness – while also being responsible and resilient in an uncertain global environment
This Saturday's byelection in Sussan Ley's former seat of Farrer is expected to be a tight two-horse race between a community independent and a One Nation candidate – with none of the major parties in serious contention. The independent candidate, Michelle Milthorpe, speaks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, about her second time vying for the regional seat, why she resists being labelled as a ‘teal' and her position on climate and environmental policies in her electorate
This Saturday's byelection in Sussan Ley's former seat of Farrer is expected to be a tight two-horse race between a community independent and a One Nation candidate – with none of the major parties in serious contention. The independent candidate, Michelle Milthorpe, speaks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, on the Australian Politics podcast about her second time vying for the regional seat, why she resists being labelled as a ‘teal' and her position on climate and environmental policies in her electorate
In this topical, fully-loaded episode of Socially Democratic , Stephen, Todd, and Lissie convene to answer our most pressing Mailbag questions - and add a few thoughts of their own. Our listeners asked:
If you've noticed the men in your life repeating talking points from Andrew Tate or Joe Rogan, you're likely seeing the real-world impact of the ‘manosphere’. Research suggests these digital echo chambers are doing genuine damage to the lives of boys and men, but how do we combat an algorithm? Today, we are joined by Australia’s first-ever Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi. The Labor MP and five-time Olympian is heading off on a national listening tour to tackle the crisis in men’s mental health, respect, and the rising tide of online misogyny. We investigate what it actually takes for men to stay well and why the solution has to start with men talking to men.
The first Monday in May has arrived, and with it, the most exclusive red carpet in the world. This year, the Met Gala’s Costume Art theme pushed the world’s biggest stars to move beyond pretty gowns and turn themselves into literal living sculptures. While some celebrities like Emma Chamberlain and Heidi Klum fully embraced the assignment, others found themselves under the watchful, discerning eye of Anna Wintour. Mamamia's Head of Entertainment Laura Brodnik joins us to break down all the looks, drama and the celebrity story you might've missed yesterday. For more on The Met Gala make sure you check out the full run through on Mamamia's entertainment podcast The Spill here
When Annastacia Palaszczuk led a Labor opposition to win government in the 2015 Queensland election, she was labelled an ‘accidental premier'. She later became a three-term premier who ended on her own terms. In conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy, she speaks about how her resilience was formed by profound personal loss through miscarriage and IVF treatments – which she describes in her new memoir. Palaszczuk also discusses how ‘heartbreaking' it is to watch David Crisafulli's government reverse her renewable energy policies and attributes Pauline Hanson's long political career to being ‘relatable'. Note: This interview was recorded before police charged Palaszczuk's partner, Vahid Reza Adib, with rape, sexual assault and deprivation of liberty. Adib was granted police bail and will face court at a later date. He made no comment outside the police station on Friday afternoon
The Farrer byelection is just days away and the former prime minister has stern words for his party: ‘Echo the hateful policies of One Nation and risk becoming a recruiting agent for extremist groups' Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
The One Nation leader now has a higher job approval rating than Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor, and for the first time in the Essential poll – the right wing populist party is outperforming the Coalition. After Anthony Albanese confirmed on Wednesday that the upcoming federal budget will not include a tax on existing gas export contracts, political reporter Josh Butler and columnist Peter Lewis examine voters' support for taxing profits on gas exports. They also discuss the government's challenge of preparing a budget for an electorate that is increasingly pessimistic about the country's economic future this year
There were ugly scenes at Anzac Day dawn services when a small handful of people booed during the welcome to country in several cities. Most politicians condemned the behaviour, including opposition leader Angus Taylor, but he nevertheless said the next day that he thought the ceremonies were ‘overused' and that he understood Australians' frustration with them. In the same interview, he also said in relation to immigration there was a higher risk ‘that some bad people' come from ‘bad countries'. Jo Tovey sits down with Mike Ticher, Patrick Keneally and Krishani Dhanji to discuss the risks of chasing One Nation to the right
The One Nation leader now has a higher job approval rating than Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor, and, for the first time in the Essential poll, the rightwing populist party is outperforming the Coalition. After Anthony Albanese confirmed on Wednesday that the upcoming federal budget will not include a tax on existing gas export contracts, political reporter Josh Butler and columnist Peter Lewis examine voters' support for taxing profits on gas exports. They also discuss the government's challenge of preparing a budget for an electorate that is increasingly pessimistic about the country's economic future