In this episode, we explore the central events shaping Australia’s political landscape, starting with Queensland’s state election where the Liberal–National Party edged into government, led by new Premier David Crisafulli. The LNP’s narrow win by only a few seats, despite media predictions of a landslide, begs the question: did Queensland voters genuinely favour the LNP’s policies, or was this result more a product of media narrative than public choice?
Labor’s celebratory tone despite losing reflects a peculiar post-election sentiment, as Steven Miles addresses the result in a speech that sounds almost victorious. We explore the media’s role in this election, marked by a relentless campaign against Queensland Labor and Steven Miles, while giving LNP policies a surprising lack of scrutiny. Notably, Queensland’s prominent media channels, heavily influenced by News Limited and Sky News, fixated on Labor’s faults and amplify crime concerns, which now mysteriously subsided following the election.
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We then look at the national media spectacle surrounding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Qantas flight upgrades. With accusations over 22 alleged flight upgrades by Qantas between 2009 and 2019, we unpack the mechanics and realities of how MPs receive such offers. Notably absent from much of this media scrutiny is opposition leader Peter Dutton, whose expenses remain unexamined. If the media wants to exploit these issues, at least have the decency to look at all of sides of politics, not just the parties they hate.
Amid these distractions, we address the Covid-19 Inquiry Report—a thorough 868-page examination revealing costly missteps by the Coalition government in securing vaccines. A pandemic that could have united the nation for collective good instead became another battleground for political one-upmanship, resulting in unnecessary economic strain and lives lost.
Finally, we turn to the nearing U.S. presidential election and the reemergence of Donald Trump as an undignified candidate. His controversial past, alongside entrenched, uncompromising party structures, signals ongoing political turbulence for the U.S. and likely repercussions for global allies like Australia.
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