The 2023 carnival is over: end of parliament, Labor messaging, Gaza protests, Lehrmann defamation

New Politics: Australian Politics

As the curtain falls on another year in federal politics, our latest podcast episode delves into the final dramas that marked the closing sessions of Parliament. At the forefront is the contentious issue of immigration detention, sparked by a High Court decision deeming indefinite detention of asylum seekers and stateless individuals unlawful. The rush to enact legislation before year-end exposes the complex and often polarised nature of immigration policy, with both major parties contributing to the creation of draconian and, at times, unlawful laws.
We navigate through the challenges of communicating political messages, dissecting the common myths surrounding the Labor government's media strategy. Despite similar narratives from different ideological perspectives, the mainstream media's role in shaping public perception remains a significant factor, posing challenges for effective communication by the government.
Amidst this political landscape, we explore the largely unreported positive economic indicators for the government. With interest rates on hold, lower-than-expected inflation, low unemployment, and a budget surplus, the economic picture contradicts media narratives. However, wage increases falling below inflation rates highlight ongoing challenges, illustrating the complex relationship between economic reality and public perception.
Turning our attention to international affairs, the optimism for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is shattered by recent actions from the Israel Defense Forces. The humanitarian crisis intensifies, prompting calls from Young Labor and numerous branches for decisive international action against Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Is protest actually allowed? Removing a pro-Palestine protestor at Albanese’s speech suggest not.
The ongoing defamation trial involving Bruce Lehrmann sheds light on the inner workings of political advisors and the costly settlements paid by media outlets. The trial offers a glimpse into the inexperience of certain political figures, raising questions about the competence of the Coalition government.
As parliament concludes for the year, we reflect on the flurry of legislative activity, including laws related to preventative immigration detention, labor hire firms, wage theft, and other industrial relations changes. The release of the NDIS report and condolences to the late Peta Murphy add emotional weight to the final parliamentary week, underscoring the multifaceted nature of federal politics as we bid farewell to the parliamentary year.