In this episode of the New Politics podcast, we discuss the return of Parliament in 2025 and examine the Labor government’s decision to shelve the Environmental Protection Agency, alongside the stalled gambling advertising legislation that now looks unlikely to proceed before the upcoming federal election – or ever. We also look at the strategic funding moves of the government, such as the recently announced $1.7 billion for Medicare and hospital services, as well as a three-day childcare guarantee, and analyse how these might become key election talking points.
With echoes of Morrison-era inertia, we question the productivity of a government that seems more focused on old announcements rather than genuinely progressive reform, highlighting the frustrations around stalled initiatives such as truth in advertising legislation.
We also analyse the Western Australian government’s role in the demise of the EPA, noting the government’s hesitance to tackle controversial measures if it risks state or federal seat losses. Shifting to the opposition’s missteps, we unpack the Liberal Party’s proposal to reinstate business lunch tax deductions – Paul Keating originally ended these in 1985, and no-one within the business lobby has actually asked for this policy to be returned – and discuss whether this points to complacency and political overreach.
We then feature the increasingly lopsided political coverage by the ABC, observing that its programs, such as ‘Afternoon Briefing’, disproportionately centre on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, underlining the broadcaster’s drift toward conservative bias. We look at how this emphasis on name recognition, coupled with sensationalist coverage, negatively impacts public trust in a once-revered institution. This leads us to debate the broader role of the ABC in Australian politics and the ways it could reinvigorate its content to engage younger audiences – citing examples like 6 News and the podcast revolution exemplified by figures like Joe Rogan and Friendly Jordies.
Finally, we shed light on the Lattouf v ABC unfair dismissal case, highlighting the impact of the Israel lobby and its ability to pressure media organisations into silencing and sacking journalists. Instances of similar media interference highlight a troubling pattern where powerful lobby groups can quash free expression. Join us as we explore these pressing issues, question the short-sightedness of political decision-making, and demand a more courageous and forward-thinking media and government in Australia.
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