New Politics: Australian Politics

In this episode, we examine the new Shadow Cabinet and ask whether the Liberal Party’s latest leadership change represents genuine renewal or simply a rebranding of the same conservative messaging that led to heavy defeats in the 2022 and 2025 federal elections. Promising lower taxes, smaller government and tougher immigration settings, Taylor’s rhetoric echoes the Dutton and Morrison era, raising questions about whether the Coalition has learned from its electoral collapse. We look at the early stumbles, the return of culture-war politics, and looming battles over immigration, negative gearing, capital gains tax and housing affordability – and consider whether Labor will resist a rightward shift in Australian federal politics or continue playing it safe while the agenda is set by its opponents. #AUSPOL

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

Today on New Politics, we explore the escalating crisis inside the Liberal Party following the leadership elevation of Angus Taylor and ask whether the Coalition can recover from its devastating 2025 federal election defeat. With internal splits over gun control after the Bondi attacks, the breakdown between the Liberals and Nationals, mass shadow ministry resignations under Sussan Ley, and Barnaby Joyce’s defection to One Nation, Australia’s conservative movement is facing its most serious instability in decades. As Pauline Hanson’s One Nation surges in the opinion polls and the Liberals slump to historic lows, we examine whether this is a repeat of the 1990s leadership turmoil or something far more structural. We also analyse the rise of right-wing populism, the influence of Gina Rinehart, and what this fragmentation means for the Albanese Labor government and the future of Australian federal politics. #AUSPOL

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

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

This today’s episode of the New Politics podcast, we explore the political firestorm surrounding Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney and why it became a nationwide flashpoint over Gaza, free speech, protest rights and Australia’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of “social cohesion”, tens of thousands protested in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and more than 30 cities, opposing Australia’s bipartisan support for Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. We examine allegations of war crimes, apartheid and genocide raised by international organisations, the rapid expansion of hate speech laws – including proposed bans on phrases such as “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada” – and concerns about political influence, lobbying, defence ties and democratic rights in Australia. Is criticism of Israel and Zionism being conflated with antisemitism? And has Australia compromised its commitment to human rights and free expression in pursuit of alliance politics?   #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 Australia’s newly passed anti-hate speech laws and ask when protecting communities crosses the line into criminalising dissent. Rushed through parliament after the Bondi terror attack, the legislation introduces the vague concept of “psychological harm”, raising serious concerns about free speech, the right to protest and the ability to criticise foreign governments.

Will accusing the Israeli government of genocide, war crimes or apartheid against Palestinians now be deemed unlawful if offence is claimed? And what this means for journalists, activists, podcasters and ordinary citizens?

We also look at the political pressure behind the laws, including lobbying around the IHRA definition of antisemitism, selective enforcement against pro-Palestine protests, the cancellation of cultural events such as the Adelaide Writers’ Festival, and growing fears that subjective feelings are being elevated over democratic rights as Australia moves toward policing dissent rather than defending it. #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 growing global concern over the United States as political instability and erratic leadership under President Donald Trump increasingly undermine the post-1945 international order. From the future of the United Nations, NATO, the IMF and the World Trade Organisation, to flashpoints such as the removal of Venezuela’s president and threats to seize Greenland, we ask whether the world is being forced to imagine a geopolitical future without reliable US leadership. Placing Trump’s second term within a broader pattern of populist strongman politics, and reflecting on Mark Carney’s warning at Davos, the episode argues that the greatest threat to America’s power may now be internal – and the consequences are global. #AUSPOL  

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

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