Socially Democratic

This week we’re arriving at a moment in political history that arguably casts the longest shadow over everything that follows: the dismissal and the 1975 federal election. Stephen Donnelly is joined by Dr. Stephen Mills, author and election historian, to cover this unprecedented moment in Australian political history. They cover the lead-up to the dismissal and then take us through the day including Whitlam's fiery 'Maintain your rage' speech. Then it's straight into the campaign itself: i...

Australian Labor politics podcast Socially Democratic is back with a special US midterms episode. In just under a week, Americans go to the polls and control of both the House and the Senate is on the line. The outcome will shape the back half of the Trump administration and the race for the 2028 presidential nomination. Host Stephen Donnelly is joined by Chicago-based Democratic consultant, and Senior Vice President of 270 Strategies, Katie Parsons, for a preview of the races to watch on el...

David Feeney and Jessie McCrone join host Stephen Donnelly for a packed episode covering the attack on Helen Haines, federal politics, and a sobering look at where Victorian Labor stands with five weeks to go. They cover: 🕯️The attack on Helen Haines and what it means for the culture of Australian politics. 🌡️ A federal check-in: why David is bullish on Labor federally, and what Jessie would be doing right now if she was in the federal government. Ⓜ️ The Victorian election campaign is underw...

This episode of Socially Democratic covers the politics of energy transition — why renewables are not just good for the planet, but smart economics and a political winner heading into the Victorian state election and beyond. Host Stephen Donnelly is joined by Jono La Nauze, CEO of Environment Victoria, and David McElrea, CEO of the Smart Energy Council. They cover: 🍃 How renewables went from 15% to 45% of Australia’s electricity at half the cost of coal and gas. ☀️ How One Nation voters...

On Monday afternoon, independent federal member for Indi, Helen Haines, was struck by a vehicle outside her office in Wangaratta. She was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she remains in a critical condition. Whatever the circumstances, Monday’s events in Wangaratta have shone a spotlight on something that that many of us have been watching with growing concern - threats against elected representatives are rising, offices are being attacked, and violent language is more common...