We discuss the Brisbane vibe, then dig into unions and collective bargaining in the workplace. We discuss Victoria's upcoming election, some of the controversy and the fallout it caused, the disunity and public opinion of the Liberal Party, the rise of One Nation and its influence, how public perception and politics have shifted post-lockdown, the role of billionaires in policy, and the risk that long-term government poses to democracy.

We dig into the risks and challenges of a fourth-term government, Australia's political shift to the right, the rise of podcasting and media influence, our predictions and political insights.

We also cover the impact of a Liberal government on workers and renewable energy projects, the role of freedom of speech and platform accountability, the influence of money and sponsorship in podcasting, and the events we're anticipating in the political landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00 Cheers to Brisbane
• 23:23 Victorian State Election
• 29:23 One Nation's Growth and Political Implications
• 38:59 Billionaires, Policy, and Public Opinion
• 46:11 Australia's Political Shift to the Right
• 55:33 Predictions and Political Insights

We cover the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, Pauline's Press Club speech, populist campaign and political risks, immigration and multiculturalism, press club questions, and public perception and political shifts. The impact to the two-party system, media influence, and political positioning on the Australian political landscape. The role of humour and engagement in political communication and predicts future political developments and actions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices
• 10:27 Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Shifts
• 21:21 Populist Campaign and Political Risks
• 27:18 Press Club Questions and Chaos in Politics
• 32:18 Political Insider vs. Outsider
• 37:47 Progressive Politics and Populist Challenge
• 43:04 Challenges of Political Leadership
• 54:29 Kiss of Death Predictions

Guest: Eamonn Fitzpatrick

This week we cover a range of topics including, the impact of Indonesia as an economic and cultural partner, China's role in the region, and the challenges of middle power coordination. The economic impact of global events and the potential disruptions to supply chains. The rise of populism and media disregard, particularly in the context of Trump's approach and its similarities with One Nation's strategy.We also explore the engagement with One Nation's immigration agenda, the role of lobbyists in government, concerns about AI discretion in NDIS legislation, and predictions for NDIS legislation, the World Cup outcome, and One Nation's internal conflict.

Chapters

• 06:12 Indonesia as an Economic and Cultural Partner
• 12:52 Foreign Policy and Security Alliances
• 18:18 China's Role in the Region and Economic Partnerships
• 23:51 Trump's Quoting of The West Wing
• 31:33 Engagement with One Nation's Immigration Agenda
• 38:12 Lobbyists and Access to Power
• 52:33 Kiss of Death Predictions

Guests: Parnell Palme McGuinness and Francis Leach

This week we discuss political tribalism, careers across media and politics. Labor passing budget measures, Allegra Spender’s protest, and AUKUS shifting to three used submarines and long timelines. AUKUS as deeper US integration, deterrence and sea-lane security, changing warfare via drones, nuclear sensitivities, and Australia’s energy and industrial strategy. We unpack Tony Abbott becoming Liberal Party president as potentially useful but risky for overshadowing leadership and demographics. We talk One Nation/Barnaby Joyce policy confusion, outsider vs insider politics, and end with our weekly predictions.

09:12 Tribalism In Politics

12:17 Week In Canberra

13:22 AUKUS

19:56 Defense And Deterrence

22:11 Tech And Future Warfare

27:30 Neoliberalism And Industry

33:08 Tony Abbott Returns

40:37 Abbott As Future Or Folly

43:39 Barnaby One Nation Policy Gaffe

44:15 One Nation Contradictions And Doubts

47:58 Outsiders Versus The System

52:15 Kiss Of Death Predictions

Featured guest: Jacqui Munro MLC (NSW)

Political decisions seen through the lens of the West Wing, House of Cards, and The Thick of It. State-owned development and housing affordability in New South Wales. The challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations in construction, the impact of unions, fire ratings, and excessive paperwork. The data centre inquiry and governance, the lack of clarity in policy making and the potential economic and social opportunities. AI sovereignty and capability development, the need for a sovereign AI model and Australian AI capability, as well as the importance of data training and sovereignty

The budget one week on, CG and the media/political class response, hypocrisy and political posturing. The inaugural enhanced games and what it means for athletes. The impact of data centres and AI .

Takeaways

• Budget and Taxation
• Media and Political Class
• Hypocrisy and Political Posturing Political dynamics between parties
• Impact of AI on society

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Poison Choices
• 06:28 Taxation and Budgetary Measures
• 22:56 Media Bias and Political Hypocrisy
• 30:26 Hierarchy of Disdain for Political Figures
• 58:26 AI Impact

Guests: Fiona Scott, and Fiona Scott.

Budget Week in Canberra, the impact of the budget on Labor and the Coalition, and the issue of trust in politics and broken promises. Housing affordability and the political blame game surrounding it. Dark economic scenarios and homelessness measures.

Takeaways

• Budget Week in Canberra
• Impact of the Budget on Labor and Coalition
• Trust in Politics and Broken Promises Housing affordability is a critical issue
• PRRT and gas tax are topics of public interest Political identity crisis
• Impact of community independents
• Gambling advertising ban

Chapters

• 00:00 Budget Week in Canberra
• 07:03 David Pocock's Influence and Personal Life
• 16:18 Discussion on Family Trusts and Political Impact
• 23:12 Dark Economic Scenarios and Homelessness Measures
• 42:49 Identity Crisis in Politics

We talk about Farrer by-election , First Nations tragedies and political failures, the impact of AI on media, challenges in journalism and media revenue, and predictions for the upcoming budget and its economic impact.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Drink Choices
• 23:05 First Nations Tragedies and Political Failures
• 31:37 The Impact of AI on Media
• 55:05 Budget Predictions and Economic Impact