The Long-Read Essay: Democracy, Power and Australia at the Crossroads

The Long-Read Essay: Democracy, Power and Australia at the Crossroads

2025 was the year the comforting myths finally fell away. In this long-read essay, we trace how democratic institutions – globally and in Australia – proved far more fragile than many assumed, as misinformation, authoritarian politics and media failure reshaped the political landscape. From Trump’s return and Elon Musk’s political interference, to the catastrophic war on Gaza and Australia’s own shallow election campaign, the year exposed a deep crisis of leadership, media courage and moral clarity. Yet amid the disillusionment, there are faint but real signs of renewal: growing scepticism of mainstream media, the rise of independent voices, and a questioning of Australia’s place in a changing world. This long-read episode asks a simple but urgent question: at the crossroads revealed in 2025, will Australia choose to continue to drift, or seek a democratic renewal? #AUSPOL

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Song listing:
  1. ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

Episoder(305)

The Iran Ultimatum, A House Of Cards and Climate Chaos

The Iran Ultimatum, A House Of Cards and Climate Chaos

Housing affordability dominates the headlines as the Albanese government repackages its 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers, but with global evidence showing such policies push up prices without f...

29 Aug 202548min

Reform, Resistance and Netanyahu’s Rant

Reform, Resistance and Netanyahu’s Rant

We unpack the government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, where Anthony Albanese brought together business, unions, and welfare groups to debate productivity, equity, housing, and workplace reform – but ...

22 Aug 202558min

A state of Palestine and the price of fearless journalism

A state of Palestine and the price of fearless journalism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that Australia will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN in September marks a historic foreign policy shift, yet conditions are placed solely on Pa...

15 Aug 202548min

The March For Humanity

The March For Humanity

In this episode of New Politics, we cover the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge protest where up to 300,000 Australians defied torrential rain to demand justice for Palestine, an end to Israel’s genocide ...

8 Aug 202546min

Politics, Palestine and the continuing AUKUS mess

Politics, Palestine and the continuing AUKUS mess

AUKUS turns costly as Australia signs a 50-year treaty with the UK – without US backing. The Nationals reignite the climate wars, aged care reforms are delayed, and Gareth Ward remains in Parliament d...

1 Aug 202543min

A Year of Delivery and Censuring Gaza

A Year of Delivery and Censuring Gaza

The first sitting week of Australia’s new federal Parliament has begun with a show of strength from the Albanese Labor government, now holding a record-breaking majority. In this episode, we explore w...

25 Jul 202548min

China, Censorship and the Great Australian Housing Mirage

China, Censorship and the Great Australian Housing Mirage

In this episode, we break down a big week in Australian politics – from Anthony Albanese’s strategic reset of Australia–China relations through diplomacy and trade, to the Coalition’s continued Cold W...

18 Jul 202552min

Criminalising Dissent and the True Public Cost of Privatisation

Criminalising Dissent and the True Public Cost of Privatisation

This week, we expose the real costs of privatisation in Australia’s essential services – early childhood education, health, aged care, and universities – highlighting how deregulation, outsourcing, an...

11 Jul 202551min

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