New Politics: Australian Politics

The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith on five counts of alleged war crimes has reignited a fierce debate in Australian politics over military accountability, the rule of law and the legacy of the Afghanistan war. We look at the political, legal and cultural fallout, as reactions from Pauline Hanson, Gina Rinehart and Kerry Stokes expose deep divisions in how Australia understands war, justice and national identity. With millions spent on his defence and a media narrative shaped by nationalism and the Anzac legend, we examine whether the country is willing to confront allegations of civilian murders, the case of whistleblower David McBride and the broader questions around transparency, accountability and whether exposing wrongdoing is being punished more harshly than the alleged crimes themselves. 

www.newpolitics.com.au 

#AUSPOL 

Support New Politics:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:
‘War’, Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

A fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran has paused one of the most dangerous conflicts of 2026, but beneath the headlines lies a deeper question: who profits from war? In this episode, we examine the economics of war, the military-industrial complex and how defence contractors, energy companies and investors benefit from instability across West Asia, with surging share prices revealing conflict as a lucrative business model. We follow the money from military expos in Australia to lobbying in Washington, explore Donald Trump’s political influence, and look at Australia’s energy security crisis, oil supply scramble and delayed transition to renewables – connecting war, markets and political power in a system that increasingly rewards chaos.
www.newpolitics.com.au

#AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com 

Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.
‘Satellite Anthem Icarus’, Boards Of Canada.

The first cracks in the façade of neoliberalism are emerging in Australian politics, as Andrew Hastie breaks ranks to criticise an economic model driving inequality, stagnant wages, and Australia’s worsening housing crisis. In this episode, we examine why this rare intervention from within the Liberal Party matters, how it reflects growing public frustration with free-market economics, and why Angus Taylor moved quickly to shut down the debate – highlighting the deep entrenchment of neoliberal policy across both major parties, including Labor.

We explore the broader implications for economic reform, Australia’s alliance with the United States, and criticism of Donald Trump, alongside shifting global power dynamics from John Curtin to the rise of China and blocs like BRICS. As Australia faces declining manufacturing and structural inequality, this episode asks whether neoliberalism is finally unravelling and what it means for Australia’s economic future, political leadership, and role in a changing global order.   #AUSPOL

Support New Politics:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  
Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

As tensions escalate across the Middle East and Western Asia, rising petrol prices, economic uncertainty and growing political pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are hitting Australia, with this episode looking at how the war against Iran, US foreign policy and shifting global alliances are reshaping the geopolitical landscape and Australia’s economic future, energy costs and political independence.

We also examine how Albanese’s support for US military action has left him politically exposed as fuel prices surge and cost-of-living pressures intensify, forcing a $2.6 billion fuel excise cut, while deeper questions emerge about Australia’s sovereignty, its alliance with the United States and a renewed “deputy sheriff” mindset.

The episode also explores the impact of Israel–Palestine debate restrictions, free speech concerns, censorship, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and the role of the media, including the National Press Club, asking whether Australia is maintaining an independent path or drifting towards a US-style political identity.   #AUSPOL

Support New Politics: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

In this episode, we examine whether the political fragmentation that has transformed Australia’s right could eventually spread to the progressive centre-left, and whether the Australian Democrats could play a role in that shift. David Lewis speaks with Australian Democrats President Leonie Green about the party’s push to return to Parliament, its strategy for the Victorian election and the Senate, and the structural barriers facing minor parties in Australian politics. We also explore the dominance of Labor, the decline of the Coalition, the rise of independents and One Nation, and the continuing debate over whether there is room for a pragmatic centrist party focused on accountability, electoral reform, and keeping the bastards honest in a volatile new era of Australian democracy. #AUSPOL  

Support New Politics: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  
Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.