New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary

China's latest missile test triggered familiar warnings of an escalating security crisis, but was the reaction driven more by geopolitics than by the launch itself? This episode examines Australia's response, the role of the United States in shaping regional strategy, AUKUS, the growing contest for influence across the Pacific, and why China's primary audience was Washington rather than Canberra. We also explore the legacy of nuclear testing in the Pacific, Australia's relationship with Fiji, media narratives about China, and whether Australian politics has become trapped in a cycle of strategic alarmism instead of sober analysis. #AUSPOL  
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au  
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Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

The NSW Labor Conference exposed a deeper question confronting Australian politics: what does the modern Labor Party actually stand for? As delegates debated gambling reform, housing affordability, civil liberties and Gaza, controversy over the removal of members displaying a Palestinian flag highlighted growing tensions between Labor’s leadership and its grassroots. We examine Premier Chris Minns’ warning about the rise of One Nation, Labor’s identity crisis, the widening gap between its platform and its record in government, and whether Australia’s dominant political party is using its electoral success to deliver meaningful reform – or simply to remain in power. #AUSPOL
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au 
Support New Politics: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com
Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.
‘Bagi-la-m Bargan (Fighting Boomerang)’, Birdz.

The politics of outrage has become one of the most powerful business models in modern media, with podcasts, social media and algorithms increasingly rewarding anger, conflict and culture wars over evidence and public interest. We examine how journalism is being reshaped by the creator economy, and how billionaire-backed influence, digital platforms and outrage-driven media are transforming democracy in Australia and around the world. #AUSPOL  
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au  
Support New Politics: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  

Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.
‘Rise’, Public Image Limited

Why is the Liberal Party struggling to reconnect with Australian voters? This week, we examine Angus Taylor’s leadership, the Liberal Party’s identity crisis, and why rebranding cannot reverse decades of political decline. From the loss of moderate and younger voters to the rise of the teal independents and One Nation, we explore how the Coalition lost its political narrative and whether it can redefine its purpose for modern Australia. We also revisit Robert Menzies’ "Forgotten People" speech, assess the future of conservative politics, and ask what the Liberal Party’s decline reveals about the broader state of Australian democracy, political leadership and the future of Australian politics. #AUSPOL
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au 
Support New Politics:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics

Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com

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

Keir Starmer's resignation after just 18 months as British Prime Minister raises important questions for centre-left governments across the democratic world. We examine the striking parallels between Labour in the UK and Labor in Australia, exploring why governments elected on promises of transformational reform often revert to cautious incrementalism, and how this has fuelled the rise of Reform UK and One Nation. As voters increasingly judge governments against their promises rather than their predecessors, Anthony Albanese faces the same challenge: deliver meaningful political and economic change, or risk creating the conditions for insurgent political movements to flourish. #AUSPOL
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au 
Support New Politics: 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpolitics
Substack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  
Song listing:
‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.