Ben Eltham joins SpinProof

In the final SpinProof live podcast for 2024, Denise is joined by our regulars Cheryl Kernot, Noely Neate - and special guest Ronni Salt.  They share their highlights and lowlights of this super election year of 2024 - and also look ahead to 2025.  They also discuss the demise of Twitter/X and the rise of BlueSky. This is yet another wide ranging, worthwhile and at times laugh out loud discussion between four #auspol informed women. 

This week Denise spoke with SpinProof regulars - Cheryl and Noely - about all things #auspol. They spoke about the performance of the major parties focusing on Labor’s timidity on a range of issues from the NACC to whistleblowers to AUKUS to this week’s UN vote on Israel/Palestine. Noely gave us a run down on the upcoming QLD State election where she expects a change of Government despite a strong performance by current Premier Stephen Miles. They also speak about the surreal show of US politics. Yet another worthwhile #auspol catch up.

This Friday Denise is joined by fellow Twitter traveller - Aaron Smith. They discuss the #auspol week from the NSW Liberal local Council election ‘debacle’ to Dutton’s current dog whistle on Gaza - to Labor’s back down on gambling advertising on free to air broadcast channels. As active Twitter users they also discuss the conflict of staying on a platform run by an increasingly concerning Elon Musk. Aaron then speaks about his deep dive into Victorian electoral guidelines and the major Parties using the loophole of nominated entities to fund their election campaigns. This discussion is of course in the context of proposed Federal electoral reform where Aaron points out that the detail of any reforms requires scrutiny as the expectation is that with a declining primary vote the major Parties will protect themselves from independents and minor Parties. Yet another good listen to wrap a busy #auspol week.

This week on the SpinProof live podcast, Denise spoke with Marie Coleman AO. Marie is regarded as a National Treasure having been directly involved in politics for decades, first starting as a writer and journalist and was the first woman in Australia to head a national statutory authority when Whitlam appointed here as head of The National Social Welfare Commission. Marie shares her views on the current state of politics both here and overseas. They discuss the fall in support for major parties, the changing role of media in our democracy and the strides women have made in the last 50 years with more to do particularly in areas such as domestic violence. Marie also reminds us that we’ve experienced upheaval in politics before and our constant vigilance is ever required. Yet another worthwhile listen as we’re joined by this inspirational Australian.

After yet another busy #auspol week, Denise is joined by SpinProof regulars - Noely Neate and Cheryl Kernot.  They start off discussing the morning's breaking news where ASIO and the AFP announced Russian spies in the ADF - and Joe Biden's post NATO press conference which the eyes of the world are anxiously watching. Coming back home, they reflect on that election night in May 2022 and the relief and hope felt Australia wide - and how that hope has faded with a Labor Government which is putting Party over people on a range of issues. Noely then finishes with a very strong message for all Labor Party members and supporters. Yet another worthwhile listen to wrap our #auspol week.

Denise is joined by a very special guest - the great Jon Kudelka. Jon is of course a well known political cartoonist - now working with The Saturday Paper - but his long career means he's worked with most if not all publishers Australia wide.  Jon speaks about his work, how he started as a cartoonist - where changing from right to left handed was key!  They also speak about the politics of the day including LNP and Dutton's latest distraction with their nuclear non-plan - and of course they also touch on Tasmanian politics - as Jon is a long time Tasmanian resident. A truly delightful conversation after yet another busy #auspol week.

This week Denise catches up with theatre, film producer, writer and political commentator Jo Dyer - where they speak about some of the top #auspol stories of the week including yesterday’s late breaking news regarding Nine Chairman Peter Costello pushing a NewsCorp journalist to the ground at Canberra Airport. They speak about Laura Tingle and the predicable textbook NewsCorp pile on and what has sadly also become a predictable textbook and disappointing response from the ABC. They also look overseas with election outcomes in Mexico and India - and the train wreck continues for PM Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives in the UK. Another worthwhile chat for the week.

This week Denise's guest is journalist and author - Ben Eltham where they speak about the big news story of the day with Donald Trump’s felony conviction and what this might mean for the upcoming US election. They touch on the just announced redistribution in Victoria and West Australia - and Laura Tingle’s comments last weekend at the Sydney Writers Festival, the subsequent textbook NewsCorp pile on and the ABC’s response. They also speak about the Labor Government’s performance. A worthwhile listen to wrap a busy #auspol week.

Today Denise is joined by investigative journalist from The Klaxon - Anthony Klan. While they discuss the main news of the week with the 2024 Budget - they also speak about the major parties and why they are captured and incapable of making decisions in the public interest on the issues of our times. A very worthwhile Friday end of week chat.