New Politics: Australian Politics

We expose the hypocrisy behind the National Press Club’s cancellation of Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Chris Hedges, silenced for planning to speak about the collapse of journalism and the genocide in Gaza. We reveal how corporate sponsors like Raytheon, BAE Systems and Thales – all supplying weapons to Israel – help shape media censorship in Australia’s so-called home of free speech. We also examine the Optus Triple-0 outage, which blocked hundreds of emergency calls and caused three preventable deaths, highlighting the failure of neoliberalism and the dangers of outsourcing essential public services. And as the Liberal Party descends further into chaos, with Andrew Hastie’s aborted leadership challenge, Jacinta Price’s infighting and Peter Dutton’s factional damage, we ask whether Australia’s conservative movement is now ideologically bankrupt and politically finished. #AUSPOLSupport New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.comSong listing:‘All I Need’, AIR (feat. Beth Hirsch).‘Ameno’, +eRa+.‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.

Anthony Albanese is back from his international tour, pitching stability and steady progress – but is “slow and steady” enough, or just political stagnation? We unpack the prime minister’s speeches at the UK Labour conference, his meeting with King Charles, and what his cautious style means for Australia’s future. Labor may have the advantage of a fractured Liberal Party, but with Andrew Hastie pushing a hard-right agenda and Sussan Ley struggling to hold her party together, the opposition’s leadership battles could shift quickly. We also examine Labor’s $790 million Nauru contract with a US private prison company, concerns over the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the so-called Gaza peace plan backed by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu – a deal that looks more like forced surrender than genuine peace. #AUSPOLSupport New Politics, just $5 per month:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: Song listing: ‘Atomic Moog 2000’, Cold Cut.‘Crooked River’, Richard Pleasance. ‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.

America’s democratic decline under Donald Trump’s second term is reshaping global politics – institutions are undermined, conspiracy theories drive policy, and US credibility is collapsing on the world stage. As China, Russia, India, and Brazil strengthen BRICS alliances, Australia faces tough choices on AUKUS, tariffs, and its role in a fractured order. While the media obsesses over Anthony Albanese’s “date” with Trump, the bigger story is Australia’s recognition of Palestine at the UN, a symbolic but historic shift signalling cracks in decades of Western obstruction and reshaping global debates on justice, sovereignty, and accountability. Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.comSong listing: ‘Living In America’, James Brown (Mixerm8’s dub version).‘Satellite Anthem Icarus, Boards of Canada.‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.

Australia’s first national climate risk assessment warns of rising seas, deadly heat, and collapsing ecosystems, raising doubts about whether Anthony Albanese’s 2035 emissions target is bold enough. Meanwhile, the Royal Children’s Hospital caves to Zionist lobby pressure, cancelling a Gaza-related health panel as the UN declares Israel guilty of genocide. Abroad, Albanese falters in Papua New Guinea, Richard Marles unveils $1.7 billion Ghost Shark drones, and the Coalition sinks further into political chaos. #AUSPOL #ClimateEmergencySupport New Politics, just $5 per month:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing: ‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.‘Wherever We Go’, Vera Blue. ‘Hungry Face’, Mogwai. ‘The Hard Road’, Hilltop Hoods. ‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.

In this bonus episode of the New Politics podcast, host David Lewis unpacks Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) – once dismissed as fringe but now at the centre of global economic debate. We explore its intellectual roots, from Georg Friedrich Knapp and Abba Lerner to modern voices like Warren Mosler, Bill Mitchell, L. Randall Wray and Stephanie Kelton, and examine how MMT shapes today’s policy battles over climate change, unemployment and inequality. From Japan’s record debt levels to US COVID stimulus, Canada’s healthcare experiments and China’s infrastructure spending, real-world tests are mounting, sparking fierce clashes between advocates who see MMT as a tool for resilience and critics who warn of runaway inflation. Is it the future of economic management or a dangerous illusion?#ModernMonetaryTheory #MMTExplained #EconomicsPodcast #FiscalPolicy2025 #GreenNewDeal #GlobalEconomyReading list:Kelton, S. (2020). The deficit myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the birth of the people’s economy. PublicAffairs.Knapp, G. F. (1905). The state theory of money. Macmillan.Lerner, A. P. (1943). Functional finance and the federal debt. Social Research, 10(1), 38–51.Levy Economics Institute. (2025). The rise of the modern monetary system (Working Paper No. 1234). Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. https://www.levyinstitute.org/publications/the-rise-of-the-modern-monetary-systemMitchell, W. (2025, August 8). The failure of austerity and the construction slowdown in the UK [Blog post]. Bill Mitchell – Modern Monetary Theory. https://billmitchell.org/blog/?p=62704Mitchell, W., Wray, L. R., & Watts, M. (2019). Macroeconomics. Red Globe Press.Murphy, R. P. (2025). MMT: Dead wrong [Audio podcast episode]. Mises Institute Podcast. Mises Institute. https://mises.org/library/mmt-dead-wrongPalley, T. I. (2019). Modern Monetary Theory (MMT): A policy polemic for depressed times. Real-World Economics Review, 89, 147–160. http://www.paecon.net/PAEReview/issue89/Palley89.pdfPhys.org. (2025, May 15). Economist: Modern Monetary Theory could benefit Canada. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-modern-monetary-theory-economist-canada.htmlTcherneva, P. R. (2020). The case for a job guarantee. Polity Press.Wray, L. R. (2015). Modern Monetary Theory: A primer on macroeconomics for sovereign monetary systems (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.

This week, we expose Australia’s latest media hysteria: Xi Jinping’s speech to commemorate defeating fascism in 1945 mistranslated into a China scare campaign, recycled “Dictator Dan” attacks on Daniel Andrews, Jacinta Price’s divisive immigration comments sparking outrage and more Liberal Party chaos, the Zionist intimidation at Bondi Beach, Lachlan Murdoch’s takeover of News Corporation, and Victoria’s historic Indigenous Treaty.  #AusPol #ChinaRelations #JacintaPrice #LiberalParty #FreePalestine #MurdochMedia #VictoriaTreaty #NewPoliticsPodcast  Support New Politics, just $5 per week.   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Arion [Nothing Changes Under The Sun]’, Blue States.‘A Stranger In Moscow’, Tame Impala.‘Kya Kyana’, Flewnt.‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.

The “March for Australia” rallies claimed to be about housing and migration, but quickly exposed themselves as platforms for white nationalism, racism, and neo-Nazi activity. We break down how politicians, right-wing media, and even the Prime Minister’s weak response helped legitimise extremism, while also exposing the pro-Israel propaganda behind the Gold Coast Mayors Summit and Labor’s growing secrecy on FOI, asylum seekers, and whistleblower protections. What kind of democracy does Australia really want?Support New Politics, just $5 per month:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  #auspol #MarchForAustraliaSong listing:   ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Global Reach’, Alec Williams & Chieli Minucci.‘All Along The Watchtower’, Afterhere (Bob Dylan cover).‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

Housing affordability dominates the headlines as the Albanese government repackages its 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers, but with global evidence showing such policies push up prices without fixing supply, is this just more political spin? We examine why restrictive zoning, slow planning, and the lack of social housing remain the real barriers to affordable homes, and the government needs to understand that housing is a human right, not just an investment. Australia has expelled Iran’s ambassador, but it raises questions about the credibility of ASIO, double standards on Israel’s war crimes, and whether this move is linked to Australia’s upcoming recognition of Palestine. And the Coalition’s climate wars are tearing the party apart yet again, with Nationals MPs, Gina Rinehart, and conservative media undermining net zero while corporate Australia and voters demand action – leaving Sussan Ley’s leadership on the brink and Labor with a political gift that just keeps on giving.  #AusPol #HousingCrisis #ClimateChaos #MiddleEastPoliticsSupport New Politics:   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing:   ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Man of Constant Sorrow’, Skeewiff.‘The Last Goodbye’, Odesza.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

We unpack the government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, where Anthony Albanese brought together business, unions, and welfare groups to debate productivity, equity, housing, and workplace reform – but with predictable demands and little real change on offer. We examine the growing push for a four-day working week, a reform once dismissed as radical but now backed by evidence of higher productivity, better wellbeing, and lower emissions.On the international stage, Benjamin Netanyahu’s attack on Albanese over Palestine recognition backfired, exposing his crumbling authority while highlighting Australia’s potential shift towards sanctions and accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Back home, Labor consolidates power despite Albanese’s low personal popularity, the Liberals under Sussan Ley remain stuck in negativity, and Tasmanian Labor tries to arrest its chaos under new leader Josh Willie.#AusPol #NewPoliticsPodcast #TasPol  Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing:   ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.‘Whisper’, Coldplay.‘Familiar’, Agnes Obel.‘Wild’, Spoon.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that Australia will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN in September marks a historic foreign policy shift, yet conditions are placed solely on Palestine while Israel faces none. This episode examines the unfinished business of UN Resolution 181, Australia’s role under ‘Doc’ Evatt in 1947, and the urgent need for real action – sanctions, reparations, and accountability for Israel’s war crimes – while exposing double standards in the media over the killing of 240 journalists in Gaza. We also analyse the political absurdity of the Liberal Party’s reaction to the Reserve Bank’s rate cut, the deeper problem of reflex opposition, and the government’s secrecy over its climate risk assessment, which reveals billions in climate damage and counterproductive policies that threaten Australia’s future.Support New Politics, just $5 per month:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.comSong listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Dayvan Cowboy’, The Boards Of Canada.‘Stonecutters’, Dope Lemon.‘Wild’, Spoon.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

In this episode of New Politics, we cover the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge protest where up to 300,000 Australians defied torrential rain to demand justice for Palestine, an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. We examine the political fallout for NSW Premier Chris Minns, growing dissent within Labor ranks, and the Albanese government’s slow, cautious response and vague promises of action. We also unpack a controversial proposal to ban under-16s from social media using invasive ID checks – appeasing Rupert Murdoch rather than protecting children – and explore the overlooked but significant Indigenous economic reforms announced at the Garma Festival. #AUSPOL #MarchForHumanitySupport New Politics, just $5 per month:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘The Hanging Tree’, James Newton Howard, with Jennifer Lawrence.‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.‘Take Me Home’, A.B. Original & Gurrumul.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

AUKUS turns costly as Australia signs a 50-year treaty with the UK – without US backing. The Nationals reignite the climate wars, aged care reforms are delayed, and Gareth Ward remains in Parliament despite a criminal conviction. Plus, we analyse Australia’s tepid response to the crisis in Gaza and growing calls for Palestine recognition.  Support New Politics, just $5 per month:   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com  Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Effloresce And Deliquesce’, The Chills.‘Dātura’, Tori Amos.‘Wherever We Go’, Vera Blue.‘Trouble’, Vox Noir, SATV Music.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

The first sitting week of Australia’s new federal Parliament has begun with a show of strength from the Albanese Labor government, now holding a record-breaking majority. In this episode, we explore what Prime Minister Albanese’s “year of delivery” means for health, housing, education and infrastructure – and whether Labor can meet expectations or fall into complacency. We examine the Coalition’s ongoing crisis under Sussan Ley, with internal chaos, ideological confusion and media sabotage dragging the party further into irrelevance. We also cover the powerful pro-Palestine protests outside Parliament and question why the government, led by Penny Wong, has focused more on silencing dissent than holding Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Plus, we look at the campaign to lower the voting age to 16 in Australia, and what it means for democracy and youth political engagement. And finally, we unpack the result of the Tasmania election and what it reveals about modern power-sharing politics – and Labor’s persistent reluctance to work with the Greens. #AUSPOLSupport New Politics. just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Sign O’ The Times’, Prince, remix by Michael Saxom.‘Talking To A Stranger’, Birds of Tokyo (cover).‘Under The Sea’, Digby Jones.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

In this episode, we break down a big week in Australian politics – from Anthony Albanese’s strategic reset of Australia–China relations through diplomacy and trade, to the Coalition’s continued Cold War-style fearmongering and media hysteria over Taiwan. We examine the fallout from the Jillian Segal anti-Semitism report, which critics argue could suppress dissent on Israel and erode democratic freedoms, and question its links to right-wing lobby groups. We also explore Australia’s continuing housing crisis, with leaked Treasury figures revealing a likely shortfall of up to 460,000 homes by 2030, and ask whether modular, high-density living can shift the culture of oversized McMansions. Plus, with Tasmania heading to the polls amid chaos, independents on the rise, and major parties refusing alliances, is this the future of post-major-party politics in Australia? Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Just Give 'em Whiskey’, Colourbox.‘Bonnie And Clyde’, Serge Gainsbourg (French Accent remix).‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

This week, we expose the real costs of privatisation in Australia’s essential services – early childhood education, health, aged care, and universities – highlighting how deregulation, outsourcing, and profit-driven policies have undermined safety, quality, and public accountability. We revisit the collapse of ABC Learning, rising fees, unqualified staff, and controversies like Julie Bishop’s lavish university spending, asking: has privatisation failed? We also investigate the political response to anti-Semitic incidents following criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza, media misreporting of protests, and the government’s selective protections. Plus: is Australia truly independent within the US alliance? And what does the RBA’s cash rate decision mean for housing, inflation, and working Australians?Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Dayvan Cowboy’, The Boards Of Canada.‘All Along the Watchtower’, Afterhere (Bob Dylan).‘Fall’, Single Gun Theory.‘Get Back’, The Beatles (remix).

In this episode, we dissect the media frenzy over whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet US President Donald Trump, arguing that diplomatic theatre won’t protect Australia from the fallout of Trump’s chaotic trade policies and that Canberra must look beyond Washington to secure its economic future. We cover the police assault on former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas during a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney, exposing how NSW’s “Places of Worship” laws and Australia’s $4.1 billion F-35 program are being used to suppress dissent while protecting weapons manufacturers. We examine the Liberal Party’s deepening gender crisis and propose women-only preselections as a fast-track solution to achieving gender equity in parliament. And we unpack the historic Yoorrook Justice Commission report, which names Australia’s treatment of Indigenous peoples in Victoria as genocide, calling for truth-telling, land returns, and systemic reform.Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Global Reach’, Alec Williams & Chieli Minucci.‘(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang’, Heaven 17 (extended version).‘Bagi-la-m Bargan’, Birdz featuring Fred Leone.

In this episode, we examine the United States’ bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and Australia’s delayed yet predictable support, driven by hollow “alliance obligations” rhetoric. We unpack the media’s biased framing of “Iranian aggression”, the ABC’s platforming of compromised figures like Scott Morrison and Mike Pezzullo, and question whether Penny Wong has abandoned Australia’s national interest. We also probe the illusion of a “rules-based order”, bipartisan hypocrisy on AUKUS and Pine Gap, and the creeping complacency within Labor’s post-2025 majority. Plus, we cover Antoinette Lattouf’s Federal Court victory against the ABC and the continuing influence of the Israel lobby on Australian public discourse.Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Bohannon’, Fat Freddy’s Drop.‘Loose Fit’, Happy Mondays.

In this explosive episode, we unpack the escalating Israel–Iran conflict, exposing the deadly airstrikes, retaliatory missile attacks, and the West’s ongoing hypocrisy around “the right to defend”. We challenge the double standards on nuclear weapons, dissect the real motives behind U.S. and Israeli aggression, and warn against another fabricated “weapons of mass destruction” crisis. Back in Australia, we analyse Anthony Albanese’s non-meeting with Donald Trump at the G7, the media’s “snub” narrative, and the Coalition’s opportunistic attacks. We also look at the federal intervention in the NSW Liberal Party after historic losses, and whether Labor’s economic reform agenda can survive sabotage from a wrecking-ball opposition.Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.Hey! Douglas.‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.

In this episode, we unpack the shocking decision to award former Prime Minister Scott Morrison the Companion of the Order of Australia, despite his disastrous COVID-19 response, economic mismanagement, and culture war legacy – raising serious questions about the integrity of Australia’s honours system. We explore the deepening chaos in the US under Donald Trump, including the National Guard’s shooting of Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, and ask whether it’s time for Australia to reassess its alliance with an increasingly unstable superpower. Back home, Anthony Albanese launches a productivity and economic growth summit amid calls for real reform, not recycled neoliberalism. We also cover Australia’s long-overdue sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, and the farcical state of Tasmanian politics as a billion-dollar AFL stadium sparks yet another snap election.Support New Politics, just $5 per month: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Confessions Of A Window Cleaner’, Ed Kuepper.‘Dayvan Cowboy’, The Boards of Canada.‘State Of The World (AEIOU)’, Jim James.‘The Last Goodbye’, Odesza.

In this hard-hitting episode, we expose the Labor government’s climate betrayal through its approval of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas expansion, locking in emissions until 2070, while new coal and gas projects surge across Queensland and NSW. We question why Australia – despite being the world’s second-largest gas exporter – collects just $1.1 billion in resource taxes compared to Qatar’s $26 billion, and ask whether Labor’s environmental policies differ at all from the Coalition. We also look at the defection of Greens Senator Dorinda Cox to Labor, raising questions about party loyalty, political ethics, and Prime Minister Albanese’s double standards. And in foreign affairs, we dissect the US push for Australia to lift military spending to $100 billion per year to confront China, exposing the contradictions of trading with China while preparing for war against it, and ask whether Australia can ever chart an independent foreign policy path.Support New Politics, just $5 per month!:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/newpoliticsSubstack: https://newpolitics.substack.com Song listing:‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’, A 440 VS U2 instrumental remix.‘Man of Constant Sorrow’, Skeewiff.‘Arion [Nothing Changes Under The Sun]’, Blue States.