S4 | E6 - Aiding and Abetting: How Australia's Government Serves Israel & Washington, Not Aussies

In this episode of Reel Talk, I sit down with Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge to confront one of the most urgent questions facing Australia today:Is Australia still acting in its own national interest, or has it become an extension of Washington's foreign policy agenda?Australia says it supports international law.Australia says it supports human rights.Australia says it supports peace.But while publicly backing these principles, Australia's sovereign wealth fund has increased investments in companies linked to Israel's military operations, signed billion-dollar contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers, and committed tens of billions more to military spending through AUKUS.At the same time, Australians are facing rising living costs, pressure on public services and growing concerns about government priorities.Beneath the headlines lies a much bigger question:Who is really shaping Australia's future — the Australian people, or powerful interests operating far beyond its borders?WHAT WE UNCOVER IN THIS CONVERSATION:– Australia's sovereign wealth fund investments in companies linked to Israel's military operations– Palantir, surveillance technology and concerns over national sovereignty– The Albanese government's contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers– Elbit Systems and Australia's growing military relationship with Israel– The influence of Washington on Australian foreign policy– AUKUS and the multi-billion-dollar expansion of military spending– Why disability support and public services are facing cuts while defence spending grows– The debate over anti-Semitism funding and anti-racism policy– Islamophobia, discrimination and political double standards– The role of lobbying groups in shaping public policy– Palestine, Gaza and the suppression of protest movements– Why governments fear mass demonstrations– Australia's relationship with the United States and questions of national independence– Whether Australia's political system still serves the public interestTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introduction: Australia's Contradictions on Palestine and Israel03:10 — Following the Money: The Future Fund and Weapons Companies08:30 — Palantir, Surveillance and the Erosion of Sovereignty14:45 — Elbit Systems and Australia's Billion-Dollar Military Contracts21:00 — Why Canberra Keeps Backing Israeli Defence Companies27:40 — Anti-Semitism Funding and the $604 Million Budget Allocation35:20 — Islamophobia, Double Standards and Australia's Missing Anti-Racism Strategy43:00 — The Power of Protest and Why Governments Fear It49:15 — Gaza, Palestine and the Battle Over Public Narratives55:30 — America's Influence on Australian Politics1:03:00 — AUKUS and Australia's $53 Billion Defence Expansion1:11:00 — Who Is Australia Preparing to Fight?1:18:00 — China, Fear Politics and Manufactured Threats1:25:00 — Lobbying, Power and Influence in Canberra1:32:00 — Australia's Future: Independence or Dependency?This is not about left versus right.This is about power, influence, sovereignty and who ultimately benefits from the decisions being made in Canberra.Watch until the end.Because the questions raised in this conversation affect every Australian whether they realise it yet or not.If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed:https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeonSubscribe and turn on notifications so you DON’T miss a video:https://shorturl.at/qrjGx