Cut Through

The 2026 federal budget was one of the more “memorable” in recent history. Despite the vast majority of measures having already been aired in the media weeks prior, Jim Chalmers kept one major reveal for budget night: a three-part tax reform, winding back the favourable settings of capital gains tax, negative gearing and private trusts.The mainstream media has been bleating about “broken promises”, but do voters actually care if the government changes its mind in pursuit of better policy? Politics editor Bernard Keane and readers’ editor Crystal Andrews discuss what they liked in the budget, what was disappointing and the missed opportunity of the gas export tax. Plus, does Angus Taylor have any hope of improving the Coalition’s fortunes with his budget reply speech? Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are just three days until the Farrer by-election and – for the first time ever – it looks like voters won’t be electing a National or Liberal MP to represent them in Sussan Ley’s old seat.. Instead, the frustration with establishment politics has seen independent Michelle Milthorpe and One Nation’s David Farly emerge as the frontrunners in a fierce and unpredictable campaignTo help you follow the final days of the by-election campaign, Crikey politics reporter Anton Nilsson and Region Riverina editor Oliver Jacques join this special early episode of the podcast. We discuss the water policy problems that all candidates agree is a top priority for the region, the collapse of the Coalition’s reputation in regional Australia, and how public scrutiny over big donations from the likes of Gina Rinehart has impacted the campaign.Plus, Nilsson and Jacques give their prediction for who will claim Farrer on Saturday.Read more:How One Nation is riding a wave of anger over water towards a federal breakthrough‘You can only sell so many stubby holders’: We asked the Farrer frontrunners about the role of big money in politicsJust how ‘teal’ is independent Farrer candidate Michelle Milthorpe?In the seat of Farrer, candidates are united by their concern for water, and disdain for LaborThe Coalition’s pitch to Farrer voters: only we can topple a Labor government. But can they?Richard Hendrie wants to stop the ‘right-wing slogfest’ in FarrerFarrer could start the duopoly’s downfall — and blare a klaxon horn for the Liberals Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Minister Mark Butler’s “major overhaul” of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will reduce the total cost of the scheme by $15 billion over the next four years. The majority of the savings will come from the 160,000 people who will be kicked off the scheme – a brutal decision given that the NDIS only supports a fraction of the 2 million Australians with a severe disability.The justification for these cuts is the “social licence” that even supporters of the NDIS believe it has suffered from reports of provider rorting and criminal abuse of the system. So why has Butler’s overhaul focused on reducing participant numbers, rather than scrutinising the business-side waste within the scheme?Grace Tame joins the podcast to challenge the corporate media spin that has made disabled people the scapegoats for what she believes is a poorly designed system. Read more:Slashing $15bn from NDIS while giving $53bn to Defence. Anyone’s autistic pattern recognition radar wailing? I’m an NDIS insider. Forget rogue providers — conflict of interest is built into the auditing systemNDIS headlines are turning autistic people into the new dole bludgersBelting the disabled, protecting fossil fuel giants: That creaking sound is Albanese’s project under severe stressGillard’s NDIS vision was a promise she couldn’t keepSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is “free speech” an Australian value? We examine the latest developments concerning two state laws attempting to restrict political expression, and how the people are pushing back.First, the verdict is in on the protest-restricting laws introduced by the Minns government ahead of the divisive visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog: the changes are unconstitutional. Grata Fund founder Isabelle Reinecke explains what this means for the protesters who were arrested under laws that have now been overturned. Next, Queensland’s new hate speech laws criminalising the phrase “from the river to the sea” have been challenged by protesters impersonating… John Farnham. Comedian and Crikey columnist Sami Shah joins the podcast to discuss why banning speech never works. Catch up on our previous episode about the NSW protest laws here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TijjR1SJeFsRead more:Chris Minns is a constitutional vandal. He must apologise for NSW protest laws or resignA view from the ground: As police argued with MPs, Sydney’s protest against Isaac Herzog descended into chaosTry to understand it: John Farnham’s ‘river to the sea’ and Queensland’s war on words by Sami ShahRed flags and ‘the six-word phrase’: Queensland protest arrests are part of an Australian history of crushing dissentOne critical word is missing in Australia’s push to criminalise pro-Palestine phrasesHow Australia became a police stateSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If it walks, talks and quacks like a duck… is it insider trading? Journalist Lachlan Keller joins the podcast to explain the suspicious pattern of behaviour that has lead experts and analysts to believe people within the Trump administration are using insider trading to make huge, lucrative bets on global news events.We discuss the major oil commodities trades made just hours before Trump announced the US-Iran ceasefire, how prediction market platforms like Polymarket could be influencing the behaviour of White House staffers, and why the $TRUMP meme coin is the perfect case study for how the Trump family profiteers off his presidency.Read more:$1.4bn was bet on oil falling mere hours before Trump’s Iran ceasefire. It follows a pattern of suspected insider tradingHas $TRUMP pulled off the world’s most brazen crypto scam?Australia urgently needs a debate about the damage the US is doing to usSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a surprise announcement before the Easter long weekend – the government’s long-awaited proposal for gambling advertising reform was finally ready and intended to come into effect from January 1, 2027. So, where will gambling ads be banned, and how?Crikey media reporter Daanyal Saeed joins the podcast to unpack the proposed gambling ad reforms, including three big recommendations from the Peta Murphy report that the government has ignored, and how “vested interests” from gambling companies, sporting codes and mainstream media broadcasters have slowed down the process. At the end of the day, a proposed bill will not pass without the support of non-Labor senators. Who will they negotiate with to get it through?Read more:‘Really disappointed’, ‘betrayal’, ‘bare minimum’: The reaction to Albanese’s long-awaited gambling advertising reforms‘It’s fucked … most people know that’: Sports podcasters speak out over gambling ad influenceHas Albanese done anything at all on sports betting ads?Here’s how much gambling money is worth to Crikey, and why we won’t take it‘Lost in the product’: How the gambling industry creates problem gamblersThe gambling ad ban isn’t about gambling. It’s about the future of the mediaWhat the media earns from gambling — and what it costs the rest of usSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally labels for a person’s economic perspective, “left” and “right” have been transformed into social markers that are not only wielded as weapons in political discourse, but actually tell us very little about how someone will vote. In fact, most Australians prefer to call themselves “centrist” regardless of their beliefs. So does the left-right political spectrum still apply to Australian politics in 2026?That’s the question debated in today’s episode by Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and RedBridge Senior Insights Adviser Alex Fein. We cover the generational divides, economic transformation and total erosion of trust that has almost all voters, from orange to blue to red, united against the “ruling class”.So, what’s the alternative? And does it even matter? N.B.: The quote at 44:36 is by Nobel Prize winning economist Robert Lucas.Read more:Are ‘left’ and ‘right’ useful anymore or do we need a new political alignment?Left and right, forward and back, in and out: labels for a new political worldThe Political CompassAlex Fein: Polarisation is a MythSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one month since the US began its war on Iran, which means one month that the critical oil passageway the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. As a result, the price of crude oil has shot up, taking the price of fuel with it. At petrol stations across Australia diesel is more than $3 per litre, with unleaded creeping up to $2.50 in metro areas and well beyond that in regional areas.Economics correspondent Jason Murphy joins the podcast to answer some crucial questions: is the rising cost due to price gouging? What can the government do to keep the price of essentials, like groceries, from spiralling out of control? And is Australia actually at risk of running out of fuel altogether?Read more:Do we actually need to panic about fuel?With petrol prices rising, so is Australia’s interest in EVs. We should strike while the iron is hotThe Iran War is costing a lot more than higher petrol pricesPainful as it is, the rate rise was the easy part. Trump has turned economic policy into a lotterySign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 10 years, more than 470,000 wrongly-issued debts, six separate investigations and $2.4 billion in compensation to victims, the National Anti-Corruption Commission handed down its final report into the unlawful debt recovery scheme known as robodebt. Two public servants were found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct, but will not face criminal investigation. The other four individuals – including Scott Morrison – were cleared.The reaction from victims, their families and the advocates campaigning for accountability was one of disappointment and frustration. Rick Morton, the journalist who has followed robodebt most closely, says he was “shocked, but not surprised" by the NACC report. Morton joins the podcast to unpack the NACC’s robodebt report, what the saga reveals about the public service, and why covering this story has changed him forever. Read more:The NACC robodebt report: A heartbreaking work of staggering incompetenceNACC’s robodebt investigation conjures offensive and stupid excuses for letting Scott Morrison offNot ‘newsworthy’: Why the NACC decided not to update the media for 63 daysDoes the NACC have any hope of regaining public trust?Exclusive: Robodebt architect remains employed in a senior governance role in the public serviceSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can “good people” make change in Australia’s political system, or will power always corrupt? That’s the question that Jo Tarnawsky — former diplomat and chief of staff to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles — is answering with her series exploring how power protects itself.Tarnawsky joins the podcast to discuss what it’s like to be “in the room” when big decisions are made, how power is maintained by either weaponising or rewarding silence with gag orders, NDAs and party rules, and the biggest obstacles faced by independent voices attempting to challenge the major parties. Plus, in light of the robodebt corruption report, how do institutions like the National Anti-Corruption Commission hold us back from good governance? Read more:Swimming with narcissists: What power looks like up closeWhy good people leave politics — and what it costs usSetting the standard? Parliament still doesn’t take workplace harm seriouslyPower and silence: The strategy of saying nothingLabor MPs quietly alarmed by Albanese government’s response to US-Israel strikes on IranNACC’s robodebt investigation conjures offensive and stupid excuses for letting Scott Morrison offSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On February 28 the US and Israel launched an unprovoked missile strike on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several Islamic Republic officials and sparking further strikes across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, the pivotal oil shipping route, is closed. Washington’s claim of attacking to provoke “regime change” in Iran is dubious at best.But the Iranian people have been largely left out of the geopolitical discourse. Just last month, huge revolutionary protests saw the regime massacre up to 40,000 people. So when the Iranian diaspora shared their mixed feelings about this week’s strikes, why were they shouted down as “US propaganda agents”?Writer and doctor Hessom Razavi joins the podcast to give his take on the complicated feelings of many Iranians, his own family’s story of persecution in Iran, and explain why calls for adherence to the “rules-based order” are meaningless right now.Read more:US intervention in Iran is not benevolent. But Iranians do not have the privilege of choiceI’m an Iranian doctor in Australia. The eyewitness accounts sent to me of medical brutality in Iran are chillingAs in Iraq, America wants regime change in Iran. It’s a smokescreen for US hegemonyIf you can’t get online in Iran, do you still count as human?The Art of War, with Donald TrumpSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaigning has officially begun for the South Australia state election set for March 21. Peter Malinauskas’ already-dominant Labor government will be returned and increase their representation – the only question is how many more seats will they win?Jo Dyer joins the podcast to give the political background to the election, including how the SA Liberals collapse differs from the federal Libs, and why they’ll be fighting off One Nation for their existing lower house seats. Plus, Dyer gives her hot tip for two independent challengers to watch. Read more:Malinauskas faces a landslide win in SA. But cracks are appearing in his ‘good-time agenda’The Liberals face a drubbing at South Australia’s election next month. But what of One Nation?A South Australian Handmaid’s Tale: Inside the room where a Trumpian abortion bill was narrowly defeatedSouth Australia is now the battleground for the forced-birth movementSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Palantir is in the business of data and surveillance. It is run by key members of the “tech right”, builds the technology that has powered violent and illegal ICE raids in the US, and is accused of providing the AI-assisted autonomous weapons the Israeli military deployed on Palestinians in Gaza.So why does the Australian Future Fund hold a $100 million stake in Palantir? And how has the company secured multimillion-dollar contracts and top security clearance from government departments and agencies?Associate editor Cam Wilson joins the podcast to unpack his reporting on the growing Australian footprint of “the world’s most controversial SaaS company”.Read more:Revealed: Australia’s $100 million investment in controversial tech giant PalantirDefence signs biggest ever contract with Palantir for department’s ‘Cyber Warfare Division’‘Effectively passive’: Future Fund says it didn’t choose to buy its $100m Palantir stakeFrom ICE to Coles: Controversial US tech company Palantir’s links to Australia spark backlashAs top AUKUS official joins Palantir, ethics watchdog warns of lobbying ‘risks’Why do right-wing figures name their companies after Lord of the Rings?Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continued to maintain this week that Israeli President Isaac Herzog was formally invited to Australia by the federal government to help foster “a greater sense of unity” and as a comfort to the Jewish community, still reeling from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. But it was clear from the outset that there was also real anger from people — including Jewish people — over the government hosting an individual cited by the UN Commission as "directly and publicly incited the commission of genocide in contravention of Article III(c) of the Genocide Convention". Nationwide protests against Herzog’s presence kicked off in Sydney, with violent clashes between police and protesters making global headlines.Crikey’s legal correspondent Michael Bradley joins the podcast to explain whether hosting Herzog is a breach of international law, why the Sydney protest was not “illegal”, and how instances of alleged police brutality connect to the special powers granted to NSW Police. If the Albanese government’s goal is to calm public tensions — as he keeps insisting — did Herzog’s visit help or hurt? Read more:A view from the ground: As police argued with MPs, Sydney’s protest against Isaac Herzog descended into chaosNothing says cohesion like a punch in the head: Violence of Minns’ goons exposes the lie of ‘social cohesion’Why people are protesting Israel’s head of state visiting Australia next weekSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest drop of Epstein files totalled a whopping 3.5 million documents. Buried within it were remnants of conversations Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted paedophile and sex trafficker, had about Australian politics — and attempts to destabilise democratic elections made by people in his orbit.Crystal Andrews and reporter-at-large Charlie Lewis discuss why Kevin Rudd and Clive Palmer appear in the Epstein files alongside the likes of Steve Bannon and Peter Mandelson; and why no one should be surprised about the intersection of the abuse of women and girls and the spreading of toxic politics worldwide.Read more:The Epstein files show that Australia, like many nations, is at the mercy of men like himHere's how Epstein broke the internetEpstein, Mandelson, and the conspiracy theories that turn out to be trueSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: Our previous episode scrutinising One Nation’s surge upset made many of the party’s supporters. They took issue with describing what the data says about the archetypal One Nation voter: they tend to be older, live in regional Australia, and have lower levels of education and income.Crystal Andrews and Bernard Keane return to debate whether it’s patronising to describe voters this way, or just stating the facts? And how can you discuss a political movement’s influence on Australia, if you can’t talk about who they are?Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One Nation’s surge in the polls can no longer be denied, now neck-and-neck with the Liberal party at around 20% of the primary voting intention. Combined with a tense social environment and a high-profile joiner in Barnaby Joyce, is “Opposition Leader Pauline Hanson” a real possibility?Party supporters and detractors say the polls are a sign we must take the party seriously. So politics editor Bernard Keane and reporter Anton Nilsson join the podcast to do exactly that — scrutinise One Nation’s policies and prospects.We discuss the strong and weak points of the policy platform, if One Nation can expand its appeal to a broader voting base, and whether there’s any chance of survival post-Pauline.Read more:One Nation is on a roll. So what are the party’s actual policies?No, One Nation isn’t leading the Coalition. The real story is how Albo is undermining the major parties|We went to Pauline Hanson’s cancelled-then-uncancelled propaganda movie premiere so you don’t have to The media’s ongoing amnesia regarding Pauline HansonWhat’s going on with Gen X men and One Nation? I’m sick of being told to feel sorry for themSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has unveiled its National AI Plan, laying out a roadmap to scale up AI infrastructure and adoption that Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres claims will help “create a fairer, stronger Australia where every person benefits from this technological change”.But the plan did not include the mandatory guardrails that many expected would serve as proactive regulations for tech companies.Professor Kimberlee Weatherall, co-director of the Centre for AI, Trust and Governance at Sydney University, joins the podcast to explain the government’s AI strategy, what’s missing from the plan and how Australia measures up against other countries when it comes to AI policymaking.Weatherall’s book recommendations:The Shortest History of AI by Toby Walsh and any from this list by London School of Economics and Political ScienceRead more:Australia’s national AI plan has just been released. Who exactly will benefit?Labor goes hands-off in productivity-focused national AI planCan wise heads fix the hard problem of AI policy?How Australia’s national security chief used AI to write speeches and ‘personnel communications’How data centres are killing Australia’s climate progress How AI is reshaping religion and mental healthSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big year in politics and policy ended with a bang — Labor and the Greens worked out a deal to pass the long overdue reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. What have we learned about how the 48th Parliament does the work of legislating?Politics editor Bernard and political columnist Rachel Withers join the podcast to conduct a “Parliamentary Year in Review”. We scrutinise the policy proposals that made the biggest impact for better or for worse and examine the senate dynamics between Labor, the Greens and the independents. Plus, who gave the standout performances in parliament this year? The answers are not what you’d expect…Nominations for Arsehat of the Year: https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/25/arsehat-of-the-year-nominations-crikey-2025/ Nominations for Shitstirrer of the Year: https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/27/crikey-shitstirrer-of-the-year-nominations-2025/ Read more:The Greens, Labor, and the environment all scored a win today — it’s a lesson in how politics *should* workBehind Labor’s Big Lie about FOISign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new poll has found Australians support the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, despite critics’ warnings of the huge price tag and concerns about US stability. The consistent message from politicians and sections of the media is that China’s “threat” to national security makes the deal essential. But is that threat real?Wanning Sun, Crikey columnist and deputy director of the UTS Australia-China Relations Institute, joins the podcast to explain the impact AUKUS has on Australia’s relationship with China and our reputation in the Asia-Pacific region. While she says Labor is doing a good job of managing competing Chinese and American interests, Sun fears with AUKUS that Australia has given up its power — and become a target.Read more:AUKUS is finding public support despite its many problems. Why?Compromise, not a zero-sum game, has delivered results for Trump and Xi — for nowAustralia’s strategy of denial in engaging with its ‘Pacific family’America wants to sell China as a threat. Should Australia buy it?$800 million AUKUS handout to the US broke internal rules — as bureaucrats rushed to pay TrumpSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So the Coalition has (again) decided to ditch net zero. How much should you care? Very little, according to Crikey climate contributor Ketan Joshi. Far more pressing is the state of climate, environment and energy policy-making by the Labor government — which could pass world-leading legislations with the help of a supportive Senate, but is instead pursuing its own form of climate denialism. Joshi joins the podcast to explain which policies and amendments could change the game for Australia, spill some gossip about the bid to host COP31, and shares how he remains committed to optimism even as the fossil fuel disinformation machine tries to kill hope.Read more:Forget the Coalition, Labor has already abandoned net zero in all but name (and its excuses are absurd)Net zero opponents: Sneering elites who want higher taxes, higher prices and bigger government ‘Pragmatism’ and positivity — two bad ideas helping Queensland’s deadly coal plan How I was targeted and intimidated by information arsonists What Donald Trump taught me about renewable energy The media has given up on climate change. Here’s why the rest of us can’tSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, just became the mayor of New York City. He energised the working class over material issues including cost of living, housing and wealth inequalities, and overcame opposition from the ‘old school’ Democratic elite to show the party how to really scare Donald Trump.Will Mamadani’s win inspire (or force) the Democrats to pick up the pace in the fight against Trump? And how is the Australian left planning to apply Mamdani’s campaign tactics in the next 12 months?Crikey reader’s editor Crystal Andrews and reporter-at-large Charlie Lewis unpack what this singular mayoral campaign changes about the politics of the left, and who remains unmoved.(00:00) Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City(02:11) What Mamdani's win means for the Democratic Party(25:24) What Mamdani's win means for the Australian leftRead more:Live from New York: Mayor Mamdani gives a lesson to the left in How to Win 101The Democrats are failing miserably‘Tax the rich!’: On the ground at Zohran Mamdani’s final rallySwinging from MAGA to Mamdani: Chatting to NYC voters a day before ‘the ultimate clash’On the subway with NYC’s Republican wild card, Curtis SliwaAll the evidence Donald Trump is not planning to leave office at the end of his second termSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 11, 1975, Governor General John Kerr dismissed Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam — creating the biggest scandal in modern Australian history.The dismissal offered plenty of lessons for the nation about political secrecy, the manipulation of democratic rules, how power hungry figureheads can override public will, and Australia’s ultimate deference to the British monarchy. How many have been learned?Professor Jenny Hocking joins the podcast to explain why the political weaknesses exposed by the Dismissal still exist, 50 years later. Plus, does she think the CIA had anything to do with it?Read more:Whitlam dismissal secrets unearthed from the archives of the Canadian governor-generalThe Palace Letters: How one woman’s tenacity exposed an elite boys’ clubThe Palace Letters remind us of the real issue: our democracy is flawedIt's been 50 years since Whitlam, yet the constitution remains unrectifiedSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are currently witnessing the death throes of the Liberal Party. To a good chunk of the electorate that voted for the current government, that doesn’t matter,except that it leaves Labor in full power with no meaningful opposition. Ten years ago former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser predicted this moment would come, and he spent his final years working on the answer: a new political party, built on traditional liberal values but without the now-toxic name.Bernard Keane joins the podcast to revisit Fraser’s plan to replace the Liberal party. The detailed ‘Renew Australia’ manifesto remains remarkably relevant, and takes a surprisingly progressive stance on issues like immigration, our relationship with the US, intergenerational equity and a post-carbon economy.In 2025, could Fraser’s new party accelerate what the community independents movement already started? Read more:Read the full Fraser manifestoMalcolm Fraser’s vision for a new centrist political party could be just what voters (and the Liberals) need‘Fit for purpose’: How a Labor veteran helped create Fraser’s vision of a new political partyChasing One Nation is a dead end for the Liberals — and would guarantee a splitThe Liberals are dead and the rot will kill its moderates. What next?Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What counts as ‘lobbying’? That’s the central question at the core of the Australian Parliament Sports Club saga, the company organising social sport at Parliament House — paid for by sponsors, who in turn get to play alongside politicians and political staffers, building vital relationships during sitting weeks. According to the government’s definition, the Club is not a lobbying organisation and has been removed from the lobbyists register. CEO of the Club Andy Turnbull provided Crikey with a lengthy statement defending his operation… after kicking out former Wallabies captain and Senator David Pocock for questioning the legitimacy of the Club at senate estimates. So does it pass the pub test? Crikey’s media reporter Daanyal Saeed joins the podcast to unpack the Parliament Sports Club lobbying saga, from beginning to end.Read more:Australian Parliament Sports Club de-registered as lobby group amid MP outrage (including Andy Turnbull’s full statement to Crikey)The gambling lobby has infiltrated social sports at Parliament HouseGambling not as serious as cigarettes, PM’s adviser tells reform advocatesOn gambling, Australia is a collection of banana republics — while our cowering government watches onSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a terrible year for corporate incompetence, misdeeds and thievery. But amongst all this bad business behaviour, is there a way to objectively determine which company is the worst of them all? Yes, according to politics editor Bernard Keane. So he devised a scoring system and applied it to 58 of Australia’s biggest corporations.This week we awarded the Alan Bond Award for Corporate Misconduct to [SPOILER!]Keane joins the podcast to explain the logic behind his scoring system, the rationale for Crikey’s final ranking, and why Australia’s economy is so vulnerable to these toxic oligopolies.With Qantas, News Corp, Woodside, Google, Crown, Optus, PWC, Hancock Prospecting and Lockheed Martin all jostling to be the best of the worst, listen to find out exactly how we split the hairs. *According to Crikey!Read more:And Australia’s worst company is…Read about our criteria for the award hereThese are Australia’s worst industriesWho’s responsible for our dud companies? Bad management, bad governments — and usGot a tip about bad business behaviour? Contact us securely.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Blair wants to give Larry Ellison the full NHS data set, to “power AI”. Donald Trump is making trade and tariff threats on behalf of American tech billionaires. And when Mark Zuckerberg wanted changes made to Australian policies, he just called then treasurer Josh Frydenberg direct. Big tech is now inextricable from politics. How did it happen? Crikey's politics reporter Anton Nilsson joins the podcast to discuss his part in the global investigation uncovering exactly how big tech shapes legislation, litigates against governments, and deploys its influence to avoid regulation.Read more:Tony Blair is a tech evangelist with a lot of power. Insiders are worriedRead the draft of Tony Blair’s plan for Gaza, in full‘Australia’s example has spread’: Inside big tech’s global playbook to stop news media bargaining codesInside the US lobby group banking on the $6.7 trillion future of data centresHere’s 20 questions for Google that remain unansweredRead the full Big Tech’s Invisible Hand seriesSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert cancelled. Journalists fired by right-wing media oligarchs. A president — and the institutions that support him — silencing political dissent. The US has indeed returned to the 1950s, when McCarthyism became a nationwide witch hunt for communists and “subversive” ideology.And it’s catching: the Red Scare-esque hysteria over political speech is evident in Australia, with campaigns against critics of Israel, climate activists and progressive voices supported by government crackdowns. Crikey’s reporter-at-large Charlie Lewis joins the podcast to explain the striking parallels between McCarthyism and the fraught political discourse of 2025. Read more:Welcome to the New McCarthyismAlways partisan, the Supreme Court has contorted itself into the shape dictated by Donald TrumpHow the authoritarian playbook creates a far-right media for the Five Eyes worldPaul Robeson, the ‘Last Tour’ and Australia’s lost historyCharlie Kirk’s martyrdom in the US is to be expected. Here, it’s bafflingSegal’s antisemitism plan would be the deepest intervention in Australian universities since FederationSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if we told you that US politics is more transparent than Australian politics? Case in point: we know that Gina Rinehart donated money to Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s legal defence fund. But how much? The Senator doesn’t have to say.Sean Johnson, founder of Open Politics and author of this week’s Rinehart donation scoop, joins the podcast to explain the many ways politicians can hide assets and keep potential conflicts off the register of interests. With so many loopholes, exemptions and no consequences for failing to disclose, the system is best summed up as, “trust me, bro” — but Johnson has ideas for how we can fix it. Read more:The company they keep: Where does your MP invest their money? Search our databaseGina Rinehart among slew of people bankrolling Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s defamation defenceLandlord List: See how many properties your local MP ownsNothing can force politicians to disclose their conflicts and benefits. That’s a problem.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a two year battle, the Murdoch family has settled the biggest question about its future: who gets control of daddy's media empire. Three of Rupert Murdoch's adult children, Prudence, James and Elisabeth have agreed to get out of the game, selling their shares in the family trust for US$3.3 billion. Favoured son Lachlan will buy them out and maintain the legacy of staunch conservatism in News Corp and Fox, just as Rupert planned.Crystal Andrews is joined by Crikey founder Stephen Mayne to unpack who gets what in the deal, and what Lachlan plans to do with the media empire. But the feuding is far from over. If a disgruntled James Murdoch wanted to mess with his estranged father and brother, what are his options now? Mayne has some ideas. Read more:For the secretive Murdochs, the succession drama has been a nightmare. It’s far from overWho are the other Murdoch siblings?Rupert Murdoch’s corporate record over 70-plus years as CEO and chairmanHow does News Corp make its money?The Murdoch Century, our series about the legacy of the family’s media empireProject Harmony, our series about Rupert Murdoch’s succession plan for LachlanSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The “media-baiting” tactics of neo-Nazi groups was on brutal display at the March for Australia rallies last Sunday, with many traditional and new media outlets suckered in to amplifying their hate-filled agenda. How can journalists do responsible reporting without falling into the trap?Cut Through host Crystal Andrews and contributor Scobie McKay discuss the complexities of reporting on the far right and how Australian tabloid media’s obsession with the “freedom movement” is helping neo-Nazis recruit new members. Read more:How neo-Nazi support for a viral anti-immigration rally exposed fractures among ‘freedom’ groupsHow to report on neo-Nazis without giving them what they wantWhy the sovereign citizen movement is no longer a fringe curiosityBefore the horror of Porepunkah, Australia’s media platformed Dezi Freeman for yearsAttack on Camp Sovereignty: How ordinary fears are giving cover to extraordinary hateWhite Rose Society’s 9 Principles for Journalists Reporting On Neo-NazisSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just four months, social media platforms will be forced to ban kids aged 16 and under. How will that work? No-one actually knows.Crikey associate editor and tech journalist Cam Wilson has been closely following the progress of the teen social media ban – from the push for a ban by commercial radio host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, to the rushed legislation, aggressive lobbying by the tech giants, and, now, a trial of age-verification technology that’s not quite going to plan. He joins Cut Through host Crystal Andrews to explain what the hell is going on, and what you can expect when the results from the tech trial are made public.Read more:How Australia’s teen social media ban tech trial was derailed by expert turmoil and secrecy‘No fucking sense’: The secret deal which removed a ‘crucial’ part of the teen social media banSee the leaked teen social media ban tech trial report that has experts worriedFor parents, the teen social media ban doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhileThe Wiggles’ teen social media ban lobbying exposes an uncomfortable truth about young kids and techHow Crikey will report on the teen social media ban (and how we got here in the first place)Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers held his much-hyped Economic Reform Roundtable this week, with politicians and a selective list of experts, leaders and business executives discussing solutions for the challenges facing the Australian economy. Boring? Yeah. But given this three-day meeting will shape the next three federal budgets, it deserves your scrutiny.Economist Jason Murphy joins readers’ editor Crystal Andrews to explain what ‘productivity’ means, why the roundtable was so fixated on this concept and to talk through some of the proposals on housing, tax reform and Centrelink.But patience is the name of this game: Murphy thinks any “success stories” from this roundtable won’t be seen for 10 years or more.Read more:Jim Chalmers wants his economic roundtable to rise above party politics. Good luck!How Jim Chalmers’ ‘boardroom blitz’ roundtable kicked offReader reply: Is it time for a Universal Basic Income?Some taxes are inefficient at any level. Even modest reforms will helpHow the productivity roundtable became a vast gaslighting exercise — and sums up the fatal rot in Australian politicsSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years the Labor government has insisted Palestinian statehood could only come “at the end” of a peace process with Israel. This week, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong announced an abrupt change: the time to recognise the state of Palestine is, apparently, now. Readers’ editor Crystal Andrews and politics editor Bernard Keane discuss what caused the Labor government to shift its position on Palestine. Will Australia ever go beyond symbolic gestures to impose meaningful penalties on Israel? Sanctions aren’t completely off the table — but there’s a reason we won’t lead the way.Read more:Australia sends F-35 jet parts to Israel. Is it legal under international law?NSW Labor MP says he was ‘gagged’ and faced ‘bullying’ after trying to criticise Minns on GazaCould Australia joining the chorus on Palestine tip the balance?The challenge of halting an ally-turned-monster looms larger still for Albanese and WongCash, Joyce, Hastie and co keep pushing Ley’s Coalition (far) right into the marginsSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our new weekly podcast, we’re addressing the biggest criticism of Crikey: that we’re too hard or too soft on Labor… and the Coalition. And the Greens, the independents, One Nation. You get the picture. Cut Through host Crystal Andrews speaks to editor-in-chief Sophie Black and politics editor Bernard Keane about how Crikey plans to cover the 48th Parliament, and how journalists and news publishers should be adapting to Australia’s new political landscape. What does it mean to truly scrutinise the people in power, who decides what is “newsworthy”, and why does the media seem to focus on political antics rather than analysis of policy proposals?Plus is the Coalition now so politically irrelevant that the media should ignore it altogether? Read more:How our newsroom plans to cover the 48th Parliament (1:21)‘Background use only’: How Labor justifies its silence on Gaza to the media (12:17)As Bowen jibes the Coalition on climate, he still lets it dictate his policies. Who’s the real joke? (22:08)The grim reaper of Australian politics is back. Finally (18:10)Oppositions and accountability — or, trying for the least worst of both worlds (30:20)Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of Electioncast for 2025, Crystal Andrews and political editor Bernard Keane dissect the latest political plot twist: the end of the Coalition. While it’s not the first time the Nats and Libs have been on-again, off-again, the effects will be felt by everyone – even those who have never, and would never, vote for them.Plus, Bernard reflects on his journalistic process in the aftermath of a result that proved many commentators’ theories wrong.Make sure you subscribe to this feed for more Crikey podcasts coming soon!Read more:History shows Coalition split a trial separation, not a divorceEnd of the Coalition is a win-win for Sussan Ley and the NationalsAlbanese solved the Trump problem from the orthodox left. So what do the Liberals do now?The departure of the Nats is far from the end of the Liberals’ problems (hint: it’s themselves)Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surprise, Electioncast is back! In this bonus episode, Crystal Andrews and associate editor Cam Wilson dissect the campaign antics of right-wing lobby group Advance, who spent millions in advertising against progressive MPs like the Greens’ Max Chandler-Mather and independent Zoe Daniel. Advance is celebrating the loss of key Greens seats as proof of its influence, but how much of an impact did it really have? We analyse the group’s strategy and spend against the election result. Read all of Cam’s analysis of the Advance campaign:How Advance’s anti-Greens campaign backfired and helped elect a progressive ParliamentTwo sexual assault accusers say right-wing group Advance ‘weaponised’ their claims without their consentAnti-vaccine ‘freedom movement’ stars actively organising for Liberal-backed Advance groupSign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, that sure was something! In this post-election episode, Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and readers editor Crystal Andrews discuss why this resounding Labor win by Anthony Albanese is so unique in Australian politics, review what the polls (and Electioncast!) got wrong, and speculate about what’s next for a dazed and confused Coalition. Then Anton Nilsson  shares the insights he gleaned from voters in Dickson and the deflated Liberal HQ party in Brisbane after witnessing Peter Dutton’s farewell speech, and Rachel Withers takes stock of how the new crossbench is shaping up.Read more:It wasn’t just Trump: Albanese built this remarkable victory himselfLiberals followed Dutton into unfamiliar territory. And he led them off a cliffThe Liberals drowned their sorrows at the wake with a soaring rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. Dickson had sealed their fate.The crossbench has shifted. Our interactive table shows the state of playForget the lower house, the game-changing shift could be Senate’s tilt to the leftThank you for listening to the 2025 season of Electioncast! For full access to Crikey’s independent political commentary and analysis, subscribe now.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re at the pointy end now, and an astonishing poll is predicting a whopping Labor majority. Can that really be right?Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and readers’ editor Crystal Andrews discuss the final YouGov poll of the campaign, and what the growing support of Pauline Hanson and One Nation means for the next parliament – and the future of Australian politics. Then, media reporter Daanyal Saeed catches us up on some juicy tips from Dutton’s campaign bus.Read more:Will Pauline Hanson be a kingmaker?Teals will prevail amid Coalition bloodbath if latest poll bears outJim Chalmers has nuked Labor’s economic credibility — and Wayne Swan’s fiscal legacyFrom ‘hate media’ to ‘lock him up’, Dutton’s Trump tribute act is still reliably playing the hitsTips: Dynasties deluxe, Dutton hates his bus people, and we are all TIREDGot a tip for us? Contact us on Signal CRIKEY.01 or send a tip here.Want to share your thoughts on the election? Send an email to [email protected] up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Underneath the noisy narratives of the big election fight between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton, there are individual, very tight contests taking place in battleground seats. It’s in these electorates that Australia’s next government could be decided. Crikey associate editor Cam Wilson and readers’ editor Crystal Andrews reveal how major parties use your personal data in highly-targeted political ads to sway the election result. Then editor Alisha Rouse and politics reporter Anton Nilsson discuss what’s at play in three key seats: Curtin in Perth, a litmus test for teals and Liberals; Gilmore in NSW, Labor’s most marginal; and the unexpected fight for Berowra, proving there is no such thing as a safe seat. Read more:Parties have a lot of valuable data about you. In fact, they’ve put an actual price on itSmall-business owners, parents, volunteers: Who are parties micro-targeting this election?‘Predicted Chinese’, ‘predicted Jewish’: Liberals accidentally leave voter-tracking data exposedThe 2025 election is our most opaque yet because big tech doesn’t want to be held responsibleCan the 2022 ‘teal’ incumbents ward off their Liberal challengers?Could Berowra be in play? Leeser campaign dismisses any turn to tealGot a tip for us? Contact us on Signal CRIKEY.01 or send a tip here.Want to share your thoughts on the election? Send an email to [email protected] Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labor and the Coalition agree with voters: this is the housing election. But despite making headline-grabbing housing policy a focus of their official campaign launches, both parties' plans have been criticised by... pretty much everyone.Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and readers editor Crystal Andrews unpack the policy promises, and ask why politicians refuse to address the problem at the heart of Australia’s housing crisis (no, it’s not immigration).Then editor-in-chief Sophie Black reveals why Crikey is running for parliament alongside 'Crikey for PM' campaign manager, our own Charlie Lewis. Plus, will women, once again, hold the deciding vote on May 3?Read more:Is this the worst election campaign ever?Struggling renters are all but invisible this electionThe eye-watering numbers that paint a picture of a journalism industry propped up by real estate cashRussia-Indonesia debacle reveals Australia is racist and incompetent in the face of a new global orderIs Peter Dutton aware that women… can vote?Crikey for PMCrikey for PM makes a corfluteGot a tip for us? Contact us on Signal CRIKEY.01 or send a tip here.Want to share your thoughts on the election? Send an email to [email protected] Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Dutton’s flopping, and Labor has surged ahead in the most recent polls. Does this kill the prospect of any kind of minority government?Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and readers editor Crystal Andrews discuss why Anthony Albanese’s fortunes appear to have changed so quickly, and if NSW Labor’s response to the historic NSW doctor’s strike is damaging federal Labor’s health credentials.Despite the polls, our columnist Rachel Withers explains why independents are still the ones to watch, and media reporter Daanyal Saeed reveals the jaw-dropping cost of getting on the campaign bus.Read more:Bernard's controversial article: From the edge of victory to the jaws of defeat, Dutton hits the panic buttonReader reply: I’m a NSW doctor. Striking is our only option in an unsafe hospital systemRachel's columns Forget the Frontbench and Well HungLabor pains: Meet the local independents trying to unseat Labor MPsGreen shoots: Has the return of Trump given the minor party its mojo back?On the campaign trail: How small media players are iced outGot a tip for us? Contact us on Signal CRIKEY.01 or send a tip here.Want to share your thoughts on the election? Send an email to [email protected] Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took six days into the federal election campaign for Donald Trump to throw his first grenade. The US President’s “Liberation Day” tariffs have put the world on the brink of a global trade war and ramped up the pressure on the major parties to pitch a clear path forward.Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane and readers editor Crystal Andrews discuss what the US tariffs mean for the election, Anthony Albanese’s response, and how the announcement has undermined the start of Peter Dutton’s campaign.Then politics reporter Anton Nilsson and Tips & Murmurs editor Charlie Lewis talk pork barreling and campaign gossip.Read more:Dutton has flirted pathetically with Trump. On ‘Liberation Day’, the honeymoon is over.Albanese brings a protectionism popgun to Trump’s trade war trenches. It won’t save usThe who’s who of Australia’s security sector are saying the quiet part out loudThis little piggy: We’re mapping the election’s pork-barrellingCorflutes, Craig Kelly, curry pies: Welcome to our spicy election-edition Tips and MurmursHow to tip-off Crikey: Heard something weird? Seen something amusing? Want to take someone down? We’re here to help!Got a tip for us? Contact us on Signal CRIKEY.01 or send a tip here.Want to share your thoughts on the election? Send an email to [email protected] up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crikey's Electioncast is back! Every Friday throughout the 2025 federal election campaign, we'll bring you political analysis that cuts through the spin. Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2022 federal election is officially in the books. On today's edition of the Electioncast, audience editor Imogen Champagne speaks to Kishor Napier-Raman, Amber Schultz, Bernard Keane and Charlie Lewis about a remarkable result that will change the way we think about Australian politics.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the 2022 election, political editor Bernard Keane talks to associate editor Amber Schultz about how the campaign evolved over the weeks, what issues became the focus and what the legacy of the teal independents will be.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last week of the election has been centred around costings: when will they be announced, what will they show and whether they matter. On today's Electioncast, news editor Georgia Wilkins dissects the electoral tradition of policy costings, along with introducing Crikey's 'Campaign of Lies and Falsehoods' dossier.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

them. Scott Morrison reset his campaign during a speech at the Liberal Party launch on Sunday. On today's Electioncast, federal politics reporter Kishor Napier-Raman debriefs on Anthony Albanese's last-minute pitch at the National Press Club today.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the main ways that political parties get a message out to voters is by paying Facebook. On today's Electioncast, associate editor Cam Wilson speaks with Georgia Wilkins about the different ways the parties are using Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms to win your vote this election.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A promise to let first home buyers dip into their super was the centre of the Liberal Party's campaign launch yesterday. On today's Electioncast, Bernard Keane speaks to Tips and Murmurs editor Charlie Lewis about how this is just the latest example of Scott Morrison creating policy that puts young Australians last.Sign up to Crikey’s free newsletter: https://bit.ly/crikey-newsletterCrikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.