Housing with Purple Pingers and an election on the horizon

In this episode of the New Politics podcast, we explore the political narratives and media framing surrounding the upcoming federal budget to be announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, amidst ongoing concerns about budget deficits and economic management. With a critical eye on the media’s portrayal of deficits as “catastrophic” under Labor yet always acceptable under Liberal governments, we dissect the strategies politicians employ to shape public perception.

We discuss the Coalition’s recent attempts to remain politically relevant, notably Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor’s widely disputed claim that Australians now pay an additional $3500 in taxes compared to the Coalition’s tenure (hint: it’s not correct). We analyse the effectiveness of these exaggerated narratives, and when they are so over the top, they lose their meaning.

We further examine the growing debates around the AUKUS agreement, amplified by instability stemming from the second Trump administration in the United States, looking at remarks from Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, scrutinising Australia’s strategic alliances, national security policies, and the broader geopolitical implications. And Peter Dutton’s increasing alignment with the Trumpist MAGA ideology isn’t going to work – we assess the potential impact of these tactics on Australian politics, particularly in light of Gina Rinehart’s influential support.

We also cover the Coalition’s recent dog-whistle politics, including intense but ultimately forgettable attacks against unions and proposals for a referendum on deporting dual-national criminals – criticised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as desperate and indicative of internal Coalition panic ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Our analysis then extends to housing policy, emerging as a key election issue, and of particular benefit (electorally) to community independents and minor parties. This leads to our featured interview with Purple Pingers – Jordan Van Den Lamb – the Senate candidate for the Victorian Socialists and founder of shitrentals.org, discussing solutions to Australia’s ongoing rental and housing affordability crisis.

Finally, we provide an in-depth look at recent opinion polls from Morgan and Essential, highlighting Labor’s improving electoral prospects, voter sentiment shifts, and speculation on the most advantageous date for Prime Minister Albanese to call the upcoming election.