Blue Red Green and Everything in Between

Available Episodes

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Swing Voters, Political Branding & Community Independents | The Election Landscape
In this episode of our Australian politics podcast ‘Blue, Red, Green and Everything in Between', we dive into the evolving 2025 election campaign. From the impact of swing voters and the power of political branding, to the rise of community independents and growing concerns about the cost of living, our hosts unpack the shifting political landscape. Learn how policy changes, leadership dynamics, and election strategies are shaping voter sentiment and political engagement across the country with special guest Kylea Tink, Independent Federal Member for North Sydney. Connect with us:Annie O’RourkeDr. Rachel HowardLarissa Brown Kylea Tink Links:89 Degrees EastPolitiv Key Takeaways: Campaign season is heating up with significant backflips on major policies. Swing voters are increasingly influenced by a leader’s perceived trustworthiness. A leader’s personal brand is a key factor for major political parties. Greens voters tend to prioritise party branding over individual leadership. High-profile policy reversals can shift momentum in an election campaign. The cost of living crisis is emerging as a defining issue for voters. Community independents are reshaping traditional party politics. Strategic collaboration among independents boosts their electoral influence. Boosting voter engagement is critical to the future of democratic participation. Timing of election launches is often driven by budget and media strategies. Chapters:00:00 – Campaign Season Insights02:06 – Swing Voters and Leadership Dynamics04:40 – Brand Importance in Political Parties06:14 – Policy Backflips and Election Strategies10:28 – Cost of Living as a Central Issue17:20 – Community Independence and Political Engagement24:27 – Collaboration Among Independents28:44 – Future of Community Independents30:16 – Election Launch Strategies #AustralianPolitics #ElectionCampaign #SwingVoters #PoliticalBranding #CommunityIndependents #CostOfLiving #PolicyBackflip #LeadershipDynamics #VoterEngagement #ElectionStrategiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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32:31
"The one thing we agree on” | The Election has been called - heres what happens next!
In this episode, three ex-political staffers talk into the fast-moving landscape of Australian politics, unpacking the key themes shaping the current election campaign. From political advertising and campaign messaging to the growing influence of voter sentiment, we break down how the major parties—Labor, Liberal, Greens, and Teal independents—are positioning themselves. We explore the role of protests, the international ripple effects of the Trump factor, and how hot-button issues like climate change and the cost of living are dominating the conversation. Whether you're a seasoned political watcher or just tuning in, this episode provides a timely lens on the forces at play in the lead-up to the polls. References: Biggest Ads this week: https://polidashboard.org/ Ad spend this week: https://favstats.github.io/au25/ All the Ads this week: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library 📌 Key Takeaways Election campaigns evolve quickly—what’s true one week may shift the next. Political advertising offers a glimpse into internal polling and party priorities. Opposition parties often capitalise on government blunders to gain traction. Public protests affect media coverage but don’t always shift undecided voters. Renewable energy is front and centre, appealing to cost- and climate-conscious voters. Labor is zeroing in on cost of living pressures in its campaign messaging. The Greens are championing renters’ rights and positioning against Peter Dutton. Teal independents are disrupting the traditional two-party narrative. Global politics—especially Trump’s influence—are shaping local voter sentiment. One wrong move can derail a candidate—campaign missteps are costly. 🗂️ Chapters 00:00 — Election Season Heats Up02:05 — Campaign Strategies and Tactics03:40 — Political Advertising Insights06:32 — The Role of Media in Campaigns10:33 — Protests and Political Climate14:48 — Energy Policies and Voter Sentiment17:29 — Labor's Campaign Focus20:38 — The Greens' Positioning23:18 — Teal Independents and Their Impact28:51 — Voter Sentiment and the Trump Factor39:55 — Campaign Missteps and Public PerceptionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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44:31
Budget Week Unpacked: Insights and Implications | Winners and Losers
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Budget Week in Australian politics, discussing: The budget as a democratic tool The unexpected announcement of tax cuts The evolving role of media and influencers in political discourse Opposition strategies and youth-focused budget allocations The implications of Dutton’s budget reply Full disclosure: This episode was recorded on Thursday, 27th March at 8 AM, just 24 hours before the election was called on Friday, 28th March. Don’t worry—our next episode will cover the announcement in full from all three major parties’ perspectives! Connect with us:Annie O’RourkeDr. Rachel HowardFleur Anderson Links:89 Degrees EastPolitiv References: Coalition to halve fuel excise Fact-check: Is the Coalition Australia’s second-highest taxing government? Key Takeaways: ✅ The budget serves as a tool for democracy, showcasing government priorities.✅ Unexpected tax cuts can shift political dynamics significantly.✅ Media strategies for budget coverage are meticulously planned in advance.✅ Influencers are increasingly shaping political discourse.✅ Opposition strategies must align with public sentiment on economic management.✅ Youth-focused budget allocations reflect shifting voter demographics.✅ Traditional media is adapting to the rise of digital platforms.✅ Budget decisions often have a fleeting impact in public discourse.✅ Dutton's budget reply is crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming election. Chapters: ⏱ 00:00 – Introduction to Budget Week Dynamics⏱ 03:12 – The Significance of the Budget in Democracy⏱ 06:01 – The Unexpected Tax Cut Surprise⏱ 08:53 – Media Strategies and Budget Night Coverage⏱ 12:08 – Influencers and New Media in Political Discourse⏱ 14:51 – Opposition Strategies and Economic Management⏱ 17:53 – Youth Focus in Budget Allocations⏱ 21:03 – The Role of Traditional Media vs. Influencers⏱ 24:07 – Dutton's Budget Reply and Future ImplicationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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30:12
Hot Albo? The BIG Mo and Tealy Dutton?
In this episode of Blue, Red, Green and Everything in Between, our hosts discuss the current political landscape in Australia, focusing on the momentum of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (‘Albo’), the strategies of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and the shifting voting trends among young men. They explore the complexities of political campaigning, the importance of leadership diversity, and the often-overlooked role of staffers in shaping political narratives. The conversation highlights the challenges and dynamics of modern politics, particularly in the lead-up to an election. Connect with us:Annie O’RourkeDr. Rachel HowardLarissa Brown Links:89 Degrees EastPolitiv References: Musk: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHMG9LSKBSo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Lad Vote: https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/the-lad-vote-surprise-polling-trend-shows-young-aussie-men-moving-to-the-right/news-story/64421a75c7c4748ed36b4ed0fd8f7078 OmniCompass: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/20/australians-have-lost-hope-in-the-fair-go-with-profound-implications-for-the-election Key Takeaways: Momentum is crucial in politics and can shift quickly. Dutton’s strategy focuses on suburban swing voters. Minor parties face unique challenges in gaining traction. Campaign teams often need to create a narrative of winnability. The role of staffers is vital in political campaigns. Young men are increasingly leaning towards conservative leadership. Political messaging must resonate with current economic concerns. Diversity in leadership can prevent echo chambers. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Political Dynamics02:37 – Momentum in Politics06:51 – Understanding Dutton’s Strategy10:54 – The Complexity of Political Campaigning15:43 – Shifts in Young Male Voting Trends21:44 – The Role of Leadership and Diversity27:05 – The Importance of Staff in Politics30:52 – The Luffy Award and ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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32:07
Labor, Liberal or Trump? Election Strategies in a Changing Political Climate
In this episode, our hosts Annie O’Rourke, Rachel Howard, and Larissa Brown discuss the current political landscape in Australia, focusing on the impact of Donald Trump on local politics, public sentiment towards the established political system, and the strategies political parties are employing to engage voters. They delve into the significance of the upcoming election, the challenges of budget preparation, and the role of Senate estimates in holding the government accountable. The conversation emphasises the importance of open dialogue across political divides and the need for a nuanced understanding of voter demographics and issues. Connect with us:Annie O’RourkeDr. Rachel HowardLarissa Brown Links:89 Degrees EastPolitiv References: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/dutton-understands-labor-voters-better-than-albanese-20231019-p5edjm https://trends.whotargets.me/dashboard/countries https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/one-ally-has-turned-on-trump-will-albanese-and-dutton-dare-to-take-a-swing-20250313-p5lj7x.html https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/australia-reacts-us-steel-tariffs-poor-friend-partner/105040948 https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/steven-ciobo/media-release/australia-welcomes-us-steel-exemption Key Takeaways: The political landscape in Australia is heavily influenced by external factors, including the US political scene. Cost of living remains the top concern for Australian voters in the upcoming election. Political parties are targeting specific demographics to maximise their electoral chances. Trump’s influence is felt in Australia, with some viewing him as a cautionary tale. The dynamics of political engagement are shifting, with more Australians discussing politics than before. Budget preparation adds pressure to political staffers during election campaigns. Senate estimates serve as a crucial tool for political accountability in Australia. Open dialogue across political divides is essential for a healthy democracy. Public sentiment is increasingly critical of the established political system. 🔖 Australian politics, Trump impact, election strategies, voter demographics, budget preparation, Senate estimates, political engagement, public sentiment, political accountability, political discourse. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Political Landscape Overview03:06 – Impact of Trump on Australian Politics05:59 – Public Sentiment and Political Engagement09:07 – Targeting Voter Demographics11:50 – Election Strategies and Campaign Dynamics14:51 – Budget Preparation and Political Pressures18:11 – Senate Estimates and Accountability20:50 – Conclusion and Reflections on Political DiscourseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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28:50