The first sitting week of Australia’s new federal Parliament has kicked off with a show of strength from the Albanese Labor government, which now holds a historic parliamentary majority – 94 seats to the Coalition’s 43. We unpack the opening week of the new parliamentary term and what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise of a “year of delivery” actually means for key policy areas like education, health, housing and infrastructure. With a strong Senate and a fractured opposition, Labor is now in it’s most commanding federal position since Federation. But can it deliver on its promises, or will this political dominance lead to complacency?
We also take a closer look at the Coalition’s ongoing crisis: a record-low primary vote, further polling declines, and internal chaos. Sussan Ley may be the new Liberal leader, but the problems run deeper than leadership – ideological confusion, media sabotage, and outdated attitudes continue to hold the party back. Could the Coalition learn from Albanese’s Opposition leadership between 2019 and 2022? Or are they destined for irrelevance for years to come?
In a week where real global crises demand attention, thousands rallied outside Parliament House in Canberra to protest the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and Australia’s lack of action. While Penny Wong condemned Senator Mehreen Faruqi for holding a sign supporting sanctions against Israel, the government has gone out of its way to avoid offending the state of Israel and Zionist interests. Why is it that more outrage is directed at peaceful protest than at the genocide being carried out in Palestine?
We also cover the growing debate around lowering the voting age in Australia to 16 – following Britain’s decision to extend voting rights before its next election. With independent MP Monique Ryan preparing to introduce a bill in the House of Representatives, could this reform expand democratic participation and help shape fairer policy for younger Australians? And why is the political right so opposed to empowering the next generation of voters?
And finally, we analyse the recent Tasmania election, where a deadlocked result has delivered no clear winner but confirmed the shifting dynamics of modern politics. The Hare–Clark electoral system may frustrate major parties, but it reflects the diverse will of the electorate. The Liberal Party, Labor, the Tasmania Greens, and the independents must now work out a way of forming a stable government – or risk alienating a public already weary of political dysfunction. We also question Labor’s long-standing hostility toward the Greens, and what it reveals about the party’s reluctance to embrace genuine progressive reform.
Photograph: Lukas Coch/AP.
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).
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