In this episode of the New Politics podcast, we get into the complexities of the Australian federal government’s second consecutive surplus, this time amounting to $15.8 billion. What does this surplus mean for the economy, and how does it reflect on Treasurer Jim Chalmers? Despite their inability to deliver a surplus in nine years of governance, the Liberal Party, led by shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, is claiming credit. We dissect the media bias that often paints the Liberal Party as excellent economic managers while depicting Labor’s success as pot luck.
Next, we look at the commencement of the Queensland election campaign, where Premier Steven Miles leads the Labor government, which has been in power for most of the last 35 years. The Liberal–National Party is ahead in the polls, and is trying to distance itself from its unpopular past under Campbell Newman between 2012 to 2015. Will this strategy work, or is history doomed to repeat itself if David Crisafulli’s LNP wins?
We also examine the low-profile appointment of Aftab Malik as Australia’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia. We explore why this appointment has gone largely unnoticed and how it contrasts with the appointment of a similar envoy to combat anti-Semitism. Are both roles being treated with equal importance by the government and the media, or is there a glaring imbalance in attention?
Finally, we report on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, focusing on Lebanon and Israel’s continued and unchecked military actions. We explore how mainstream media and political leaders like Peter Dutton and Bridget McKenzie are spinning this conflict for political gain, and the wider implications for Australia’s Arab and Islamic communities.
Tune in for this insightful discussion on Australia’s economy, politics, and international relations, filled with detailed analysis and fearless commentary.
The surplus, Queensland election and Middle East tensions exploited in Australia