Day 24 cont 🧑‍⚕️👩‍⚕️⚕️🏥

“Just $16.5m of #Labor’s promised $1bn mental health package – or 1.65% – is due to be spent in the next financial year, according to official policy costings that reveal some new care centres might not open until 2029.

Anthony Albanese this month unveiled a major suite of policies to make it easier for the public – in particular young Australians – to access free mental health treatment.

The bulk of the #funding – roughly $878m – is #NotAllocated until the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years, as the services are progressively built and upgraded.”

The fine print.

#AusPol / #MentalHealth / #LaborParty / #Medicare / #access / #PatrickMcGorry <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/22/just-16-million-labor-mental-health-package-spent-next-financial-year>

Less than 2% of Labor’s promised $1bn mental health funding would be spent next financial year

Advocates voice concern that package will roll out too slowly and will not be targeted at services patients need

The Guardian

Day 24 cont 💰🥷🕵🏻‍♂️👻 🖨️

“Allegra Spender has denounced as “false, misleading, and offensive” a pamphlet targeting her that is being distributed anonymously in the #Sydney seat of Wentworth and which the Australian #Electoral #Commission is investigating.

On Monday the #AEC said it had received complaints about “the #distribution of an unauthorised #pamphlet opposing the member for Wentworth which is in breach” of electoral laws which require material to be authorised with the name and address of its source.”

A pretty clumsy move, highlighting motive and at considerable cost. Motive, means, opportunity.

Keep in mind foreign interference briefing by ASIO head earlier in the year.

#AusPol / #Wentworth / #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalition / #Independent / #Labor / #AllegraSpender (Ind) / #NickWard (Grn) / #JamesSternhell (1Nat) / #SavannaPeake (Lab) / #RoanneKnox (Lib) <https://archive.md/pmJKW> / <https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/aec-launches-probe-after-wentworth-flooded-with-anti-spender-pamphlets-20250421-p5lt7w> / <https://www.abc.net.au/dat/news/elections/federal/2025/guide/went.htm>

Day 24 cont ⚕️💉💊

“But speaking of gambling, #gambling is a behaviour where #people don’t think of the #consequences. And what this (#Labor) #government has done is gambled the #taxpayers’ money of Australia”

“We understand that the other side has a good heart, that they want to make #medicines cheaper. But to recklessly, recklessly cut the profits of small business owners, the #pharmacies working extremely hard, some of them have told me they’ve gone down to 30-40%. That gambling-like behaviour is simply not on.” — #ScottYung

Piss off Scotty, leave our Pharma alone.

#AusPol / #Medicare / #pharmaceuticals / #PBS / #Liberal / #Bennalong / #LNP / #Nationals / #CCP / #LiberalPartyChineseYouthCouncil / #JohnHoward / #XiongmingXie <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/22/australia-election-2025-live-pm-leads-tributes-to-pope-francis-pre-poll-voting-begins-ntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6806e3898f089c7bf64d93f3#block-6806e3898f089c7bf64d93f3>

Greens campaign signs defaced with offensive graffiti – as it happened

This blog is now closed

the Guardian

Day 25 🚫☢️

#TradeUnions, #conservationists, #FirstNations groups, #church congregations and #community organisations have launched a coordinated campaign against opposition leader #PeterDutton’s plan for #NuclearReactors across Australia.

The #Coalition has pledged, if elected, to build seven nuclear reactors to replace retiring or retired coal sites naming #Tarong and #Callide in Queensland, #Liddell and #MountPiper in New South Wales, #PortAugusta in South Australia, #LoyYang in Victoria, and #Muja in Western Australia.”

The location of Nuclear power plants is not optimised for safe operation. The Loy Yang location was originally chosen due to coal deposits not geological stability. This area is prone to geological faulting.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nuclear / #NuclearPower <https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/23/peter-dutton-coalition-nuclear-reactors-plan-risks-waste>

Trade unionists, conservationists and church groups unite against Dutton’s nuclear plan

Seven Regions Nuclear Free alliance launches campaign representing groups who oppose Dutton’s proposed nuclear power reactors in their communities across Queensland, NSW, SA, Victoria and WA

The Guardian

Day 25 cont ✋🥷

#Greens election corflutes have been #defaced with #swastikas and #Islamophobic slurs in what the party says is the “tip of the iceberg” of the #racism and #hate it is facing during the campaign.

The #NSW Greens senator, Mehreen Faruqi, and the Greens’ candidate in the inner-west Sydney seat of #Grayndler, Hannah Thomas, have had swastikas drawn on election posters in #Erskineville and #Stanmore respectively.”

#AusPol / #propagand / #elections / #extremism / #FarRight <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/22/australia-election-2025-live-pm-leads-tributes-to-pope-francis-pre-poll-voting-begins-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-68073b208f08195611b6c854#block-68073b208f08195611b6c854>

Greens campaign signs defaced with offensive graffiti – as it happened

This blog is now closed

the Guardian

Day 25 cont 👦👧📰🗞️

“For at least 20 years, #YoungPeople have been moving away from formal #politics – such as #joining a political #party or a #volunteering organisation – and towards “#IssueBased” politics, says Prof #PhilippaCollin from #WesternSydneyUniversity. Collin researches the role of the #internet in the #PoliticalLives of young people.

“It’s pretty common that it has been interpreted as young people not being interested or involved in #CivicEngagement or political #participation,” she says.”

#AusPol
<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/22/moral-panic-about-new-media-influence-on-young-voters-underplays-their-interest-in-politics-creators-say>.

‘Moral panic’ about new media’s influence on young voters underplays their interest in politics, creators say

Young Australians want to change the world – they just aren’t relying on traditional media to help them do it

The Guardian

Day 25 cont 💰💰💰💰⚔️

“The #opposition leader, #PeterDutton, has refused to specify where an additional $21bn in pledged #defence spending would be #allocated, nor where the #money would come from, committing only to releasing the Coalition’s #costings before the 3 May election.”

A reminder the #LNP #Liberal #Nationals have released no policies. This is a “Hail Mary” shot and they bought out 👋-Andy

#AusPol / #Coalition / #AndrewHastie <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/23/dutton-refuses-to-specify-what-coalitions-21bn-of-pledged-defence-spending-would-be-used-on>

Dutton refuses to specify what Coalition’s $21bn of pledged defence spending would be used on

Opposition leader insists costings will be released prior to the election as Andrew Hastie says ‘America-first’ US means Australia’s defence must be prioritised

The Guardian

Day 25 cont 💰💰💰💰🏇🏉⚽️🏟️

“The #Labor MP #JeromeLaxale has expressed his “disappointment” in the #Albanese government’s #failure to restrict #gambling #ads and called on the party to “honour the legacy” of the late #PetaMurphy if re-elected.

Laxale, a left-faction MP who is trying to hold on to the ultra-marginal New South Wales seat of #Bennelong, said he was “sick of seeing betting odds linked to live sport” and told #voters in his #electorate there was “a strong #reform package coming”.

The Albanese government has not taken changes to #gambling #regulation to this election and has faced sustained criticism from #PublicHealth experts and political pressure for shelving plans to restrict gambling ads, in the face of opposition from #sporting codes and #broadcasters.”

#AusPol <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/22/labor-mp-jerome-laxale-albanese-gambling-ads>

Labor MP ‘sick of seeing betting odds’ as he airs disappointment at Albanese government’s record on gambling ads

Exclusive: Jerome Laxale calls on party to honour legacy of Peta Murphy if re-elected, saying ‘there is more to do’

The Guardian

Day 26 🗳️

“Over five decades, here’s how voters have shifted away from the major parties”

#AusPol / #Labor / #LNP / #Nationals / #Liberal / #Coalition / #Greens / #Independent <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-24/election-data-rise-independents-major-party-drift/105144918>

Over five decades, here's how voters have shifted away from the major parties

This triangle is going to help us explain how Australian politics has fundamentally changed over the past five decades.

ABC News

Day 25 cont ☢️☢️☢️

#Nationals ☢️ MP accused of ‘fobbing off’ #Gippsland constituents concerned by Dutton’s nuclear plan ☢️:
#DarrenChester had called for ‘conversation’ around #PeterDutton’s ☢️ #nuclear policy☢️, but several constituents say their attempts to raise concerns have been ignored”

A reminder the Liberals and Nationals have no nuclear ☢️ policy. This includes storage of waste, contamination and natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, fires of cyclones.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Liberal / #NuclearWaste <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/23/nationals-mp-darren-chester-gippsland-australia-federal-election-2025-nuclear-policy>

Nationals MP accused of ‘fobbing off’ Gippsland constituents concerned by Dutton’s nuclear plan

Darren Chester had previously called for ‘conversation’ around Peter Dutton’s nuclear policy, but several constituents say their attempts to raise concerns have been ignored

The Guardian

Day 26 cont ☢️🔥🌊💨🌀

“Sydney residents shaken awake by early morning #earthquake in #NSW Hunter Valley: Preliminary information indicates the 4.6-magnitude #quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km”

“The quake struck at 2.55am on Wednesday near #Singleton in the New South Wales #HunterValley, about 200km north of #Sydney, Geoscience Australia #seismologists said.

The quake’s #epicentre was about 36km from #Liddell, where the #Coalition has proposed to build a ☢️ #NuclearPower ☢️ plant.”

A reminder the LNP and #PeterDutton have no policy for nuclear accidents.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Liberal / #NuclearEnergy / #uranium / energy <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/23/sydney-residents-shaken-awake-by-early-morning-earthquake-near-nsw-hunter-valley>

Sydney residents shaken awake by early morning earthquake in NSW Hunter Valley

Preliminary information indicates the 4.6-magnitude quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km

The Guardian

Day 26 cont ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️

#PeterDutton is avoiding visiting any of the seven sites for his proposed #NuclearReactors ☢️, #AnthonyAlbanese and the #Labor party claim, arguing the issue has become “radioactive” ☢️ for the #Coalition.

The #Liberal leader says he is still committed to ☢️ #NuclearPower, even as he concedes it may not be “politically popular”.

#AusPol / #nuclear☢️ / #NuclearPolicy / #LNP / #Nationals / #NuclearWaste ☢️ <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/24/exclusion-zones-is-peter-duttons-campaign-avoiding-proposed-nuclear-power-sites>

Exclusion zones: is Peter Dutton’s campaign avoiding proposed nuclear power sites?

The opposition leader says he ‘won’t be able to get to all’ of the seven locations earmarked for flagship nuclear policy, while Labor says he has not been within 50km of any during election campaign

The Guardian

Day 26 cont 🥔🤓🇮🇩

#Indonesia’s ambassador met with senior #Australian #diplomats on Tuesday as the nation was thrust into an election campaign debate about a potential #Russian military presence in the region – and on the same day #AnthonyAlbanese accused #PeterDutton of damaging the bilateral relationship.

Indonesia’s ambassador to Australia, Dr #SiswoPramono, met with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (#DFAT) deputy secretary, #MichelleChan, who leads its south-east Asian policy division. One diplomatic source said Indonesia requested the meeting.

The meeting has been described by multiple sources as part of a regular series of engagements between #Pramono and #Chan, who is also responsible for managing the department’s diplomatic relationship with Indonesia.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalition <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/24/indonesian-ambassador-met-senior-australian-diplomats-on-same-day-albanese-accused-dutton-of-damaging-relationship>

Indonesian ambassador met senior Australian diplomats on same day Albanese accused Dutton of ‘damaging relationship’

Exclusive: Meeting with Dfat deputy secretary not specifically about reported Russian military request, diplomatic sources say, but may have been canvassed

The Guardian
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened

This blog is now closed

the Guardian

Day 26 cont 🥔🤓😧🇵🇸🕵🏻‍♂️👻

#PeterDutton has committed to redoing security checks for thousands of Palestinians from Gaza granted visitor visas in Australia as he doubled down on introducing questions on #antisemitism in #CitizenshipTests. In a press conference in Perth on Wednesday, Dutton said Palestinians on #VisitorVisas would be subject to further scrutiny, echoing the #Coalition’s previous claims – #WithoutEvidence – that they are a national security risk”

VS

“The #ASIO chief, #MikeBurgess, has previously said #Palestinians with visas had “gone through the #process” and “part of the process is, where criteria are hit, they’re referred to my organisation and ASIO does its thing”.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal #National <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/23/peter-dutton-reaffirms-support-for-antisemitism-citizenship-test-question-and-re-vetting-gazan-visas>

Peter Dutton reaffirms support for antisemitism citizenship test question and re-vetting Palestinian visas

Coalition leader says he will subject Palestinians from Gaza on visitor visas to more scrutiny, echoing claims – without evidence – they are a national security risk

The Guardian

Day 26 cont 💰💰💰🛢️🛢️🛢️

“Opposition Leader #PeterDutton’s “Australian #gas for Australians” scheme (‘cost impost as a “charge” or “incentive” for producers to flood the east coast market with cheaper gas ‘) risks violating the #Constitution and provoking an expensive #HighCourt battle with #FossilFuel giants as prominent legal experts warn the #CoalitionPolicy appears to be a discriminatory tax regime.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #National / #Energy <https://archive.md/wxwWm> / <https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/looks-and-smells-like-a-tax-dutton-s-gas-plan-flagged-as-unconstitutional-20250416-p5ls5w.html> (paywall)

Day 26 cont 📈📉📊

“The top reasons #voters are hesitant on #Albanese or #Dutton – and it’s worse in #MarginalSeats: An exclusive survey for this masthead, conducted by research firm #ResolveStrategic, reveals the top concerns voters have when considering either of the #MajorParties on May 3.”

#AusPol / #Labor / #LNP / #Liberals / #National / #greens / #Independents <https://archive.md/rNBDk> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-top-reasons-voters-are-hesitant-on-albanese-or-dutton-and-it-s-worse-in-marginal-seats-20250418-p5lst0.html> (paywall)

Day 26 cont 🥷🥷🥷📸🤳🤳

#Kooyong MP #MoniqueRyan had just remarked that the national broadcaster’s annual budget was “about as much as we spend on keeping 100 refugees on #Nauru and #PNG” when a man’s voice suddenly bellowed from the back of the room.

“We’re just here to ask about immigration and crime,” he said.

A meeting of Kooyong candidates led to a heated confrontation between agitators and other attendees.
In a room at the #KewLibrary filled with #CivicMinded locals waiting to hear from the Kooyong candidates about the state of the media, the arrival of the three unexpected men disrupted the calm.

Leading them was a bald man with a #goatee, wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the “#AustralianWorkersAlliance” – a self-described nationalist organisation whose mission includes the “preservation of #WesternCulture and identity”. One of the other men wore a leather jacket and filmed the room with his #phone – a dead giveaway that the goal was to capture a viral “gotcha” moment. The third man, dressed in a grey hoodie and sneakers, loitered nearby with his hands in his pockets as back-up.”

The old LNP, Advance create scene, capture distribute trick.

#AusPol / #Independent / #Kooyong / #FarRight / #extremism / #Advance / #SandraBourke / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals <https://archive.md/V3knV> / <https://www.theage.au/politics/federal/victoria-s-hot-seats-live-updates-federal-election-2025-continues-muslim-lobby-group-rolls-out-attack-ads-against-labor-20250421-p5lt3t.html> (paywall)

Day 26 cont 🚫⚫️🟡🔴

“Nationals leader #DavidLittleproud says one of his “proudest” moments of his #leadership has been to oppose #TheVoice to # parliament.

Speaking to the #NationalPressClub, Littleproud says it wasn’t a decision that was made quickly by his party room.

Within our party room, in a #respectful way we undertook a #committee within our party room to listen [to the] yes and no case, to understand what the machinery would look like, what it would mean for us who represent some of the most #disadvantaged #Indigenous #Australians in remote areas.
Littleproud says the voice would have repeated “mistakes of the past” and was not the way to empower local communities.”

A reminder Littleproud has no tertiary #education, a rarity in leadership teams in #Labor, #LNP, #Greens and #Independents.

#AusPol / #racism <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/24/australia-election-2025-live-labor-coalition-teal-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-policy-cost-of-living-voting-spender-pamphletntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-6809ab7d8f08e65b05d1de6e#block-6809ab7d8f08e65b05d1de6e>

Australia election 2025 live: AEC expects half of votes to be cast before 3 May amid pre-polling surge

Follow live

the Guardian

Day 26 cont 🥔🤓

#PeterDutton has pledged to cut almost two-thirds of Canberra’s federal #PublicServants if elected, in a move #AnthonyAlbanese has criticised as “outrageous”.

In a testy press conference in #Tasmania on Thursday morning, the opposition leader batted away questions about not visiting a single proposed #NuclearPower ☢️ station site, as well as confusion over shifting positions on #migration targets, tax breaks for #ElectricVehicles and #Coalition support for recognising #WestJerusalem as #Israel’s capital.”

“The numbers don’t even stack up, you can’t cut 41,000 public servants from Canberra without touching defence, intelligence and frontline services, and still run the country effectively – it simply isn’t possible,”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals / #Policy <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/24/anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-aps-public-service-cuts-canberra>

Albanese condemns Dutton’s pledge for mass public service cuts ‘only in Canberra’

Opposition leader’s comments suggest close to two-thirds of capital’s public service roles – which include many key agencies – would be slashed

The Guardian

Day 26 cont 🍗🥓🍖🍑🥑🍌🥗🥩🥦🥕🍏🍅🥬

“Around 50,000 people turned away from #FoodBanks each month, as charities struggle to keep up with demand, a new report from #OzHarvest has found.

The survey of frontline #charities reveals 77% have witnessed a surge in people seeking #food in the past year, with an estimated 50,000 people unable to be supported every month by responding charities as services simply cannot keep up.”

#AusPol / #politics / #Election / #issues <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/24/australia-election-2025-live-labor-coalition-teal-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-policy-cost-of-living-voting-spender-pamphletntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-68095a858f08082b6071c7e6#block-68095a858f08082b6071c7e6>

Australia election 2025 live: AEC expects half of votes to be cast before 3 May amid pre-polling surge

Follow live

the Guardian

Day 26 cont 🏡🏘️🏘️🏘️🏠🏠🏚️

“The #HousingCrisis has dominated the #FederalElection campaign, and all sides of politics have desperately tried to #harness or #neutralise it as an #issue.

An analysis by The #AFR of nearly 25,000 data points compiled by research firm Cotality, formerly #CoreLogic, reveals how the property market is playing out at an electorate-by-electorate level, and what this means for #voters – both at the #election on May 3 and into the future”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals / #Labor / #Housing <https://archive.md/g5TZJ> / <https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/these-5-maps-reveal-the-house-price-pain-that-could-sway-the-election-20250421-p5lt63> (paywall)

Day 26 cont 🤐🥸

“Prime Minister #AnthonyAlbanese has defended the #Labor candidate running against Peter Dutton as an “extraordinary Australian” after it emerged she tweeted faked images of the opposition leader wearing a #Nazi uniform.”

Leadership.

#AusPol / #AliFrance / #Dickson / #Labor / #PM <https://archive.md/lQ01i> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-defends-labor-candidate-who-posted-dutton-nazi-meme-20250424-p5ltzq.html> (cont)

Day 26 cont 🏘️🏚️🏠🏡🏡🏡

“Thirty years ago, the average #buyer looked more like the #MedianIncome earner. But over time we’ve seen that shift [to] #households that are in the top two income quintiles, so top 40 per cent of income earners, and shift from being #SingleIncome earning households to #DualIncome households,”

#AusPol / #housing / #HousingCrisis / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals / #Labor <https://archive.md/kbscP> / <https://www.theage.com.au/property/news/how-much-you-can-afford-to-spend-on-a-house-20250423-p5ltn1.html>

Day 26 cont 🥷👨‍💼👨‍💼🤦‍♂️

The LNP has a candidate problem.

#Coalition frontbencher #JasonWood was warned there were “serious integrity concerns” about a #Liberal donor and #MigrationAgent whom he tried to appoint to a government advisory group, two years before he denied knowing any adverse information about the man.

Migration agent #JackTa was exposed in a 2022 investigation by this masthead and #60Minutes for being suspected of repeatedly gaming the #visa system to help more than a dozen #DrugOffenders remain in #Australia – concerns that were substantiated when his registration was cancelled months later.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Crime / #ToughOnCrime / #HomeAffairs / #Leadership <https://archive.md/qjnUF> / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/coalition-frontbencher-shocked-by-allegations-against-a-migration-agent-but-he-had-been-warned-20250417-p5lsia.html>

Day 25 cont 🧍🏽

The LNP has a candidate problem.

“Since I started covering #Bruce in #Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, voters and Labor insiders have raised questions with me about the #Liberal Party’s promotion of its candidate #ZahidSafi as a successful “small businessman”. So I decided to take a look for myself and headed for Merribrook Boulevard in Clyde.”

Update Safi has been found, “We found Safi!” #CharlotteGrieve <https://archive.md/lyfPg>

#AusPol / #LNP / #Coalition / #Nationals / #quality / #candidates <https://archive.md/XtLTQ> / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/fake-reviews-a-bewildered-family-following-the-threads-of-a-candidate-s-business-empire-20250422-p5lthj.html> (paywall)

Day 27 🗣️🔊🎩

“For the first time, #GenZ and #Millennials outnumber #Boomers as the biggest voting bloc. I can’t speak for everyone, but the general mood on the ground is bleak.

Younger generations in particular are, rightfully, increasingly #disillusioned with the two-party system, which serves a dwindling minority of #morbidly wealthy players rather than the general public.

We’re tired of the mudslinging, scare campaigns, confected culture wars and other transparent political theatrics that incite division while distracting the public and media from legitimate critical issues. We don’t need games. We need bold, urgent, sweeping economic and social reforms. There’s frankly no time for anything else.

Last year was officially the hottest on record globally, exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. #Multinational #FossilFuel #corporations continue to pillage our #resources and coerce our elected officials while paying next to #NoTax.” — #GraceTame

#AusPol / #OpEd / #Elections <https://archive.md/G2Txz> / <https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2025/04/26/young-people-must-fight-democracy> (paywall)

Day 27 cont 🗺️📍🧭
“Here's where your political #leaders have been campaigning so far”

Where are they missing?

“Neither of the leaders has set foot in an #Indigenous community. That is despite the #PM's(#Labor) victory speech from 2022 opening with a commitment to the #Uluru #Statement from the Heart.” (NB: Labor was the Party to hold, “The Voice” referendum.)

“Mr #Dutton (#LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals / ##Coalition) has been noticeably absent from sites where ☢️ #NuclearReactors ☢️ would be built under his proposed #power plan, and he has deflected #questions from #journalists about when he might visit.”

#AusPol / #elections / #missing <https://abc.net.au/news/2025-04-24/where-political-leaders-have-been-so-far-albanese-dutton/105196814>

Here's where your political leaders have been campaigning so far

Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese have yet to set foot in an Indigenous community during their election campaigns. However, both have made multiple visits to Melbourne. 

ABC News

Day 27 cont 💰🏡🥩🥔🥕🍠

#PeterDutton said there was “a lot of anger in the #suburbs,” with many families unable to put #food on the table.

“That’s the reality of life for many Australians under #AnthonyAlbanese, and I think there are many Australians in outer #metropolitan areas who feel that this prime minister hasn’t been honest, he’s out of his depth, that he has prioritised the interests of #Greens voters in inner city, #Sydney and #Melbourne, many of whom are quite #affluent.”

The opposition leader said Albanese had abandoned people in regions and in the outer suburbs.

“We see families who are doing it hard, they’re not going to vote for Labor this time, and they may have been Labor voters all their lives.”

#AusPol / #HousingCrisis / #food / #basics <https://archive.md/l3itm > / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-election-2025-live-updates-albanese-dutton-resume-campaign-after-hecklers-disrupt-welcome-to-country-at-anzac-day-services-20250425-p5lucj.html?post=p58jxq#p58jxq> (paywall)

Day 27 cont 🏘️🏚️🏠🏠🏡🏡

A lesson on how to determine political #facts from Politicians on #housing during elections. Opposition Housing Minister Sukkar (#Liberal), Housing Minister O’Neil (#Labor) being fact checked by #ABC730 report Journalist, #SarahFerguson.

#AusPol / #FactCheck <https://youtube.com/shorts/8K3Ax0c0tXI

Before you continue to YouTube

Day 27 cont 🗳️

“Labor’s Murray Watt has accused the #Greens of deliberately #misleading #voters in the tightly-contested #Queensland seat of #Griffith by distributing flyers in Liberal party blue that describe #MaxChandlerMather as an “independent voice”.

The flyers, seen by Guardian Australia, are light blue and read: “If you want a strong independent voice, preference Max Chandler-Mather above Labor”.

Nowhere do they mention that Chandler-Mather is the Greens candidate, though the flyers are authorised by the party’s Queensland state director, #KittyCarra.”

#AusPol / #TheGreens / #corflute <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/26/greens-accused-of-misleading-voters-griffith-max-chandler-mather-flyer-ntwnfb>

Greens accused of misleading voters with flyer in tightly contested Brisbane seat

Incumbent MP Max Chandler-Mather dismisses Labor’s criticism as sign of desperation from a party on the back foot in Griffithh

The Guardian

Day 27 cont ⚫️🟡🔴 Colours 🇦🇺

#PeterDutton 🥔🤓 (#LNP, #Liberal, #Coalition, #Nationals) says he wants welcome to country ceremonies respected even as he reaffirms his push to unite #Australians under “one flag”.

🥔🤓 made the comments after disruptions at #AnzacDay services and the sudden cancellation of a welcome to country ceremony at a major #NRL match in #Melbourne.

The #MelbourneStorm is facing criticism after it informed #Wurundjeri elder #AuntyJoyMurphyWandin she was no longer needed to perform the welcome to country ceremony at the club’s annual #AnzacDay clash at #AAMI Park against South Sydney on Friday night.”

Across the street at the #MCG the welcome ceremony was performed for the #AFL ANZAC clash with Essendon verses Collingwood.

#AusPol / #politics / #TheVoice / #Melbourne <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/26/peter-dutton-urges-respect-for-welcome-to-country-but-reaffirms-stance-on-using-one-flag-ntwnfb>

Peter Dutton urges respect for welcome to country but reaffirms stance on ‘one flag’ only

Opposition leader repeats condemnation of dawn service interruptions but says if he wins election he won’t display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags at press conferences

The Guardian

Day 28 🥔🤓🔊

#PeterDutton moves to close out his speech, telling his supporters *not to listen to* “what you have been told by the #ABC, in the #Guardian and the other #HateMedia#Forget about that.

#Listen to what you hear on the doors. Listen to what people say on the pre-polling. Know in your hearts that we are a better future for our country. Know we stand up for the values that are important more than ever for families and small businesses. If we stay true to our values and have a strength of leadership, if we have the ability to be truthful with the Australian public, to stand up and to fight for what we believe in, to deliver our vision, to make Australians better off with our petrol cut, with our $1,200 back, to make sure they can buy a home, that is so important to us.”

Having no policies, having failed to make any headway, listen to my propaganda instead.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Nationals / #propaganda / #slogans <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/27/australia-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-debate-labor-liberal-cost-of-living-medicare-telehealth-nsw-vic-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-680d82678f08082b6071e9ef#block-680d82678f08082b6071e9ef>

Australian election 2025 live updates: Dutton tells supporters not to listen to ABC, Guardian and ‘other hate media’; Albanese talks up telehealth plan

Follow updates live

the Guardian

Day 28 cont ⛳️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️🏌️🚫🔥🌊☀️🌀

“The only regular meeting of Australia’s #SaltbushClub takes place most Thursday evenings at a golf #club in #FiveDock, in #Sydney’s inner west. The group’s founding members – a collection of the country’s most prominent and avid global heating deniers – include #GinaRinehart, the former Queensland premier #CampbellNewman, former Business Council of Australia head #HughMorgan, and #Coalition MP #ColinBoyce.

At Five Dock, the crowd is mostly #old and mostly #white. They sometimes host contrarian speakers. But about six years ago, this gathering of #ClimateSceptics decided to stop talking publicly about the climate.”

#AusPol / #ClimateEmergency / #weather / #LNP / #Liberal <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/27/australia-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-debate-labor-liberal-cost-of-living-medicare-telehealth-nsw-vic-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-680d7acf8f0848f8750649eb#block-680d7acf8f0848f8750649eb>

Australian election 2025 live updates: Dutton tells supporters not to listen to ABC, Guardian and ‘other hate media’; Albanese talks up telehealth plan

Follow updates live

the Guardian

Day 28 cont ☢️

“Look past all the flip-flopping, all the reversals, all the contradictions and you see a very clear pattern: a risky and expensive #NuclearPolicy☢️ that he doesn’t want to talk about and he certainly doesn’t want to #visit any of the #sites. A defence policy that is little more than a media release and handouts that disappear after just 12 months.

These are #policies with huge price tags but the last thing #PeterDutton☢️ ever wanted to talk about is where he’s going to get the money from. You won’t be surprised that I don’t share his reluctance. He’s going to get it by ripping into health, education and childcare.” — #AnthonyAlbanese

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalition / #propaganda <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/27/australia-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-debate-labor-liberal-cost-of-living-medicare-telehealth-nsw-vic-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-680d8f648f0848f875064a3e#block-680d8f648f0848f875064a3e>

Australian election 2025 live updates: Dutton tells supporters not to listen to ABC, Guardian and ‘other hate media’; Albanese talks up telehealth plan

Follow updates live

the Guardian

Day 28 cont ☢️

“When she (#BridgetMcKenzie) was asked directly by host David Speers whether the #Coalition had any #policies to reduce the emissions responsible for 🔥#GlobalHeating, McKenzie appeared to laugh before moving on to talk about the Coalition’s #Nuclear ☢️ proposal.

This appears to be the first time a Coalition MP has been asked this question directly during the campaign.”

#AusPol / ☢️ #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalition / #ClimateEmergency 🔥 / #EmissionsReduction / #emissions <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/27/australia-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-debate-labor-liberal-cost-of-living-medicare-telehealth-nsw-vic-ntwnfb?page=with%3Ablock-680d85d68f08082b6071e9fb#block-680d85d68f08082b6071e9fb>

Australian election 2025 live updates: Dutton pledges not to ‘lie my way to the Lodge’ ahead of final leaders’ debate

Follow updates live

the Guardian

Day 28 cont 🔋🪫🚗🚙🚕🛢️🛢️🛢️

#Coalition transport spokeswoman #BridgetMcKenzie 🔥has left the door open to working with the states on a road user charge, saying #TaxBreaks for drivers of #ElectricCars are being #subsidised by the #FuelExcise paid by commuters who can afford only petrol-fuelled 🔥vehicles.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #ClimateEmergency 🔥/ #climate 🔥/ <https://archive.md/vFtBG> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/commuters-subsidising-tax-breaks-for-wealthy-kooyong-ev-drivers-mckenzie-20250427-p5luir.html> (paywall)

Day 29 🥔🤓💰💰💰💰🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️ 📹📺 📑👩‍💻👨‍💻

“Opposition Leader #PeterDutton failed to declare for two years his #interest in a #FamilyTrust that operated lucrative #ChildcareBusinesses when he was a #CabinetMinister, a #FourCorners #investigation has found.

Documents obtained by Four Corners and ABC Investigations show that while Mr Dutton's register of interests disclosed his wife #Kirilly's interests in childcare operations at the time, he did not declare between 2014 and 2016 that he was a beneficiary of the #RHTFamilyTrust that owned the businesses, as required by parliamentary rules.

The investigation also analysed more than 20 years of property records tied up in complicated and opaque trust structures and found that the Dutton family, with Peter Dutton's father #BruceDutton, made almost $15 million in profit from #buying and #selling private childcare #businesses as well as dozens of #residential #property deals.”

Remember the quote about not listening to the ABC? The Family Trust issue is a measure of #character according to Judge #MargaretWhite.

#AusPol / #Liberal / #Nationals / #Coalition / #corruption / #LNPCrimeGang / #TrueColours <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/peter-dutton-failed-to-disclose-interest-in-family-trust/105217880> / <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-25/true-colours/105218118>

Peter Dutton failed to disclose he was the beneficiary of a family trust, Four Corners reveals

A Four Corners investigation finds Opposition Leader Peter Dutton failed to disclose his interest in a family trust for two years. 

ABC News
Where do the major parties stand on climate change? Turns out they're worlds apart

As the election campaign draws to a close, it's safe to say both major parties have been quiet on climate change. While Labor policies have made some progress to decarbonise, the Coalition threatens to scrap or weaken them. 

ABC News

Day 29 🗳️

“It’s the election billed as the battle between #Boomers and #Zoomers. By most estimates, it’s the first time #GenZ s and #Millennials outnumber their parents and grandparents as a voting bloc.

The parties have attempted to tailor their #SocialMedia pitches accordingly on issues that disproportionately affect #YoungPeople: the cost of living, HECS debts and housing. A tide of social media #memes, AI ads and several diss tracks have been met with varying levels of enthusiasm from their target audience.”

#AusPol / #Policies / #LNP / #Liberal / #Labor / #Greens / #Coalition / #Independents <https://archive.md/kx6gL> / <https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/not-so-pitch-perfect-young-voice-concerns-and-it-s-not-just-the-cost-of-living-20250421-p5lt4n.html> (paywall)

Day 29 🗳️⚔️

“A dispute over signage between a #Labor staffer volunteering for #Wills MP #PeterKhalil and a #MuslimVotesMatter volunteer at a pre-polling station in #Brunswick led to police being called and the activist being questioned by officers.

The dispute, along with an argument between minor party #volunteers, prompted the #Australian Electoral Commission on Saturday to note “#physical and #verbal #violence” at the pre-poll booth and to warn #candidates and their teams to treat each other with #respect.”

#AusPol / #Labor / #Victoria / #AEC <https://archive.md/kWwLU> / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/victoria-s-hot-seats-live-updates-cost-of-living-in-focus-in-final-week-of-campaigning-20250425-p5lu8k.html?post=p58kh2#p58kh2>

Day 29 🗳️⚔️

“[Singha’s comments] (#VivekSingha, #Liberal) were inappropriate and shouldn’t have been made. He has apologised for them. I won’t take a lecture from the prime minister who has a relationship with the Greens,” he (#PeterDutton) said.

“[Albanese] is preferencing a Green No.2. This is an antisemitic, Jew-hating party.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Coalition / <https://archive.md/oB5sE> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-v-peter-dutton-leaders-debate-reaction-20250427-p5lul8.html?post=p58kgp#p58kgp> (paywall)

Day 29 🗳️⚔️

“Prime Minister #AnthonyAlbanese has had a colourful visit to a polling booth in the southern #Sydney seat of #Banks, held by the #Liberals.

There was representation from across the political spectrum as volunteers handed out flyers to punters arriving to cast early votes — there was an on-the-ground presence from the Liberals, #Labor, #Greens, #MuslimVotesMatter, #independents, Fatima Payman’s Australia’s #VoiceParty and the #Libertarians.

Australia’s Voice senate candidate #EmanieDarwiche heckling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Unsurprisingly, then, the reception that Albanese received was mixed. He was loudly heckled by Payman’s NSW Senate candidate, Emanie Darwiche, who cried: “Anthony Albanese, you are committing genocide.”

Another man in a van driving past yelled out: “You’re the reason we’re broke, bro.” The third heckler was in higher spirits. “Hey Albo,” they shouted from their car window, before using an expletive to give the prime minister a very #Australian compliment.”

#AusPol / #Coalition / #Nationals <https://archive.md/o1wRx> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-election-2025-live-updates-anthony-albanese-v-peter-dutton-leaders-debate-reaction-20250427-p5lul8.html?post=p58kgp#p58kgp> (paywall)

Day 29 🗳️⚔️ 🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♂️🇨🇳

“Volunteers wearing #MoniqueRyan campaign t-shirts have been captured on video saying a community organisation, which has historical links to the Chinese #Communist Party’s #ForeignInfluenceOperation, told them to vote for the teal MP.

In the footage, a woman says the instruction came from #JiJianmin, who is the president of the #HubeiAssociation, an organisation representing people from the Chinese province that has also been accused of working with the #UnitedFrontDepartment, a Chinese government agency that advances #CCP interests internationally.”

#AusPol / #Teals / #AmeliaHamer / #Liberal / #COMPELL / #ThariniRouwette <https://archive.md/n0YRN > / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/watch-group-with-historic-ccp-links-required-chinese-australians-to-vote-for-ryan-20250424-p5ltw2.html> (paywall)

Day 29 🔥🥷🏭🏗️

“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (#ACCC) has been asked to investigate allegedly misleading claims made by #AustraliansForNaturalGas, a pro-gas group with directors who include a #GasIndustryExecutive and a #Liberal candidate running in the federal election.

Lawyers acting for #ClimateIntegrity, a not-for-profit focused on corporate accountability, have filed a complaint with the ACCC. They argue that the website and advertising materials of Australians for Natural Gas have failed to disclose its directors’ links to the gas industry and #LiberalParty, and overinflated the role of gas in the economy and energy transition.

On its website, Australians for Natural Gas describes itself as a “not-for-profit organisation representing the interests of #AussieHouseholds, industries and producers”. The company was registered in January 2025 with #JoelRiddle and #NathanielSmith among its directors, according to information provided to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Riddle is the chief executive of the gas company #TamboranResources, which holds the largest share of acreage in the #BeetalooBasin, according to the company’s website. Smith was installed as the Liberal candidate for the New South Wales seat of #Whitlam after the party’s initial choice was disendorsed, and was a member of the NSW parliament from 2019 to 2023.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Coalition / #Energy / #ClimateEmergency <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/28/pro-gas-group-with-liberal-party-links-referred-accc-over-alleged-misleading-claims-ntwnfb>

Pro-gas group with link to Liberal party referred to ACCC over alleged misleading claims

Integrity organisation claims Australians for Natural Gas overstates role of gas in economy and failed to disclose directors’ links to industry on website

The Guardian

Day 29 🗳️

“A re-elected #Albanese government says it would find a further $6.4bn in savings by continuing to #slash the federal government’s use of #consultants and #LabourHire firms and ensuring #PublicServants do more core #work themselves.

The savings were announced as part of #Labor’s #policy #costings by the treasurer, #JimChalmers, who also downplayed a warning from global rating agency S&P that big #spending election commitments could put Australia’s treasured #AAADebt rating at risk.”

Public servants VS Consultants.

#AusPol / #ALP / #elections <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/28/labor-releases-election-promise-costings-including-saving-of-64bn-from-cutting-more-consultants>

Labor releases election promise costings including saving of $6.4bn from cutting more consultants

A re-elected Labor government would also claw back $760m by increasing the cost of student visa applications

The Guardian

Day 29 ⚫️🟡🔴 ⚔️

#PeterDutton has confirmed he does not believe #WelcomeToCountry ceremonies are necessary at #ANZACDay dawn services and on commercial flights, continuing to stoke a #CultureWar in the final week of the election campaign.”

#AusPol / #Liberal / #Nationals / #Coalition / #RSL <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/28/dutton-claims-majority-of-veterans-dont-want-welcome-to-country-at-anzac-day-ceremonies-ntwnfb>

Dutton claims majority of veterans don’t want welcome to country at Anzac Day ceremonies

Opposition leader says opening of parliament is an appropriate time for ceremonies but that acknowledgment on planes is ‘over the top’

The Guardian

Day 29 👴🏻🧓

#PeterDutton has again refused to say exactly how the #Coalition would make its promised cuts to #migration, declining to say which #SkilledWorker groups would be reduced or whether his target is even achievable given previous carveouts for working holidaymakers and families.

The opposition leader did say cuts to #foreign worker numbers could be dealt with in part by allowing #pensioners to work more hours without reducing their #pensions.”

Retire, then work ‘em till they drop.

#AusPol / #Liberals / #LNP / #Nationals / #Work / #SkilledWorkers <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/28/peter-dutton-still-coy-about-details-on-skilled-migration-cuts-and-ev-policies>

Peter Dutton still coy about details on skilled migration cuts and EV policies

Opposition leader says any migrant cuts could be partly offset by allowing pensioners to work more hours without reducing their pensions

The Guardian

Day 29 ⚕️🚒🏥

“Royal Flying Doctor Service Federation chief executive #EmmaBuchanan said more than 32,000 people across the country did not have access to a #GP within a 60-minute drive.

More than 100,000 people do not have access to #MentalHealth resources.

"We know that people who live in very #RemoteAreas are likely to die 14 years earlier to their urban counterparts and that they're dying from causes that are largely #preventable,"

#AusPol / #medical / #resources / #RFDS / #RuralHealth / #Labor / #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalition <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/gp-shortage-rural-communities-queensland-federal-election-2025/105205838>

Towns with no doctors say election health proposals a 'bandaid' approach

Rural Queensland residents who are travelling up to 180 kilometres to see a doctor say they are disappointed with the lack of focus on health this federal election.

ABC News

Day 30 ☢️🥔🤓

#PeterDutton (#Liberal) has abandoned a planned press conference after trade union #protesters interrupted his appearance at a local football club.

#ArthurRorris, head of the #SouthCoastLabourCouncil, joined with two other union supporters wearing #hazmat suits and holding a fake #GeigerCounter in the back of Dutton’s media appearance at the #StGeorges Basin Dragons #JuniorRugbyLeague club in #SanctuaryPoint.

Dutton was making a local announcement for the footy club and was preparing to hold a #PressConference when the three men entered the ground and called for the media’s attention. Standing in the area where Dutton was to hold his presser, the men played air raid sirens on a phone and held props including #nuclear ☢️ symbols.”

A reminder the LNP leader, Peter Dutton has no nuclear ☢️ policy. In fact no policies at all.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Coalition / #Nationals / #energy / #NuclearPolicy <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/29/australia-election-2025-live-peter-dutton-anthony-albanese-campaign-polls-economy-costing-credit-labor-coalition-ntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-681025be8f08212bfafe13e1#block-681025be8f08212bfafe13e1>

Federal election 2025 live updates: Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton campaign in final week before Australia votes – latest news

Follow live

the Guardian

Day 30 cont 🗳️🇨🇳

“I don’t want there to be any concerns about this, and in the interests of full transparency, I’ve contacted the #AEC and the Department of Parliamentary Services and given them the details that I gave to #TheAge yesterday about my #relationship with those #volunteers and with Mr #JiJianmin I’ve said, look, if you’ve got any concerns, please investigate.”

cont

“[They’re] people who attended a dinner where a community leader [JiJianmin] said that he supported me and he supported my #values, and thought that I’ve been very #supportive of the community in recent years, and for that reason he thought people should #Support me now. I’m grateful for the support the Chinese Australians have given me in the last three years.”

I’ve got the nod from the #CCP.

#AusPol / #Independent / #ASIO / #ForeignInterferenceOperation / #HubeiAssociation / #Teal / #Kooyong <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/29/australia-election-2025-live-peter-dutton-anthony-albanese-campaign-polls-economy-costing-credit-labor-coalition-ntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-681006e58f08212bfafe1327#block-681006e58f08212bfafe1327>

Federal election 2025 live updates: Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton campaign in final week before Australia votes – latest news

Follow live

the Guardian

Day 30 cont 🚫🗳️🥔🤓

#PeterDutton (Liberal) has dodged questions about his labelling of some organisations “hate media”.

At a press conference in #MossVale, a reporter referred to Dutton saying twice that some organisations, including the #ABC and #TheGuardian, were “#HateMedia” and that #journalists were #activists, asking what #questions the opposition leader had #disliked.

“I think what Australians are concentrating on only days out from the election is not the feelings of, you know, with respect, anyone [from the media],” the opposition leader replied.

The journalist interrupted: “You’re the one that’s taken issue”.

Dutton continued his answer, saying families were interested in what’s better for them and #promoted his #FuelExcise reduction and #TaxRebate. Another reporter asked: “Isn’t #blaming the #media just a convenient excuse at this point of the campaign?”

Dutton continued #speaking over #questions, saying the prime minister had no interest in stopping gangs. “I want to keep our country safe and that’s exactly what we’ll do,” Dutton said before walking away. Another journalist yelled about #integrity as Dutton walked off.”

The media has picked up the Opposition leader candidate in the last couple of weeks. Also a reminder that yesterday #ABC #4Corners shown last night, investigated Dutton for misconduct of business Interest declarations while he was a Minister in government.

#AusPol / #media / #questions / #character / #Liberal / #LNP / #coalition / #Nationals <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-election-2025-live-updates-dutton-doubles-down-against-hate-media-labor-to-give-2b-to-states-to-build-more-homes-20250428-p5luxj.html?post=p58kmu#p58kmu>

Federal election 2025 LIVE updates: Dutton denies recruiting Brethren church members after Queensland office vandalised; Welcome to Country debate dominates campaign

Follow live as we bring you all the news from the final week of the election campaign.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Day 30 cont 🤪⛪️🗳️

“A separatist #ChristianSect which tells its members to hate the world and which objects to voting is campaigning for the #Liberal and #Nationals parties ahead of Saturday’s federal election. The #PlymouthBrethrenChristianChurch, formerly known as the #ExclusiveBrethren, has dispatched hundreds of its members to pre-polling booths in #MarginalSeats while instructing them to keep secret that they are members of the controversial #religion.

Workers in five marginal seats in Victoria and NSW told this masthead they had encountered 20 or more Brethren members wearing #Liberal or #National campaign T-shirts handing out how-to-vote cards, some of whom identified themselves as members of the sect. The seats – #Kooyong, #Gorton, #Hawke, #Gilmore and #Calare – are held by #Labor or #independents.

The accounts were backed by #LaborParty campaign sources, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to speak publicly, who claimed the Brethren members were active in seats in #NSW, #Victoria, #Queensland and #Tasmania, including #Bennelong, #Parramatta, #Whitlam, #Macquarie, #Paterson, #Lyons, #Reid and #Blair.”

#AusPol / #extremism / #RightWing / #LNP / #Coalition / #voting <https://archive.md/osEeV> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/exclusive-brethren-don-t-vote-but-are-secretly-campaigning-for-the-coalition-20250428-p5luny.html> (paywall).

Day 30 cont 🤪⛪️🗳️

“Electronic #billboards urging voters to restore Australia’s spirits and put #Labor last have appeared across crucial electorates, echoing a message by a separatist #ChristianSect campaigning for the #Liberal and #National parties.

This masthead reported on Monday that the #PlymouthBrethrenChristianChurch, formerly known as the #ExclusiveBrethren, dispatched hundreds of its members to pre-polling booths in marginal seats where they have used the slogan: “Make Australia smile again.””

“ASIC records show that #AustralianFirebrand was established in April by an #EdwinaBull, who is listed as authorising the ads under electoral #law. Other #PoliticalAdvertisements from #Firebrand include an ad labelling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a liar that aired on Sky News and water bottles with anti-Labor messages.

The signs calling on voters to “Make Australia Happy Again” use slightly different language to that of the #brethren’s catchcry, and there is scant information about who is behind them”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Coalition / #religion / #extemism / #elections <https://archive.md/EIEt7> / <https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/christian-sect-s-catchcry-echoes-on-marginal-seat-mystery-billboards-20250429-p5luzb.html> (paywall).

Day 30 cont 🥔🤓🚫📝🧾📊 📉

“The #Opposition still has not released its #costings, despite being four days out until #election day. Asked about it on the campaign trail, #PeterDutton (#Liberal) says the costings will be provided “IN DUE COURSE”, adding the costings would “#demonstrate that the #BottomLine will always be better under a Liberal #government”.

Wouldn’t have been easier to work on POLICIES?

#AusPol / #LNP / #Nationals / #Coalition / #Costings / #policies <PM takes aim at Max Chandler-Mather while campaigning in Brisbane – as it happened https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/29/australia-election-2025-live-peter-dutton-anthony-albanese-campaign-polls-economy-costing-credit-labor-coalition-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-681048ee8f08c96900e5368a#block-681048ee8f08c96900e5368a>

PM takes aim at Max Chandler-Mather while campaigning in Brisbane – as it happened

This blog is now closed

the Guardian

Day 30 cont 🚫🥔🤓🚶‍♂️

#PeterDutton (#Liberal) has recently been giving all, or nearly all, #journalists a question each day at his press conferences, most recently going around in a circle so everyone gets a turn (and to avoid #journos shouting over each other). But today he took only a handful of #questions, skipping over a number of journalists, in a way he normally doesn’t.”

“‘Why have we been skipped over?’ one journalist asked.

“Well, we’re going to go this way,” he replied.

Dutton was asked about his Sky comments in the last question he took before CUTTING THE PRESS CONFERENCE SHORT.”

#AusPol / #LNP / #Liberal / #Coalitions / #JobInterview / #MickTsikas / AAP <https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/apr/29/australia-election-2025-live-peter-dutton-anthony-albanese-campaign-polls-economy-costing-credit-labor-coalition-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-681051578f082de087ab9a7f#block-681051578f082de087ab9a7f>

PM takes aim at Max Chandler-Mather while campaigning in Brisbane – as it happened

This blog is now closed

the Guardian

Day 30 cont 🚫🪧🙋‍♀️

The Liberals have a candidate problem continued:

“A legal stoush is brewing over the arms race of #corflutes and #signage proliferating at a pre-polling centre on High Street in #Kew, with the #LiberalParty now threatening to take #BoroondaraCouncil to court.”

The number of corflutes? 50. The candidate? Amelia Hamer.

#AusPol / #LNP / #Coalition / #Lawyers / #AmeliaHamer / #Kooyong <https://archive.md/IspsW> / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/victoria-s-hot-seats-live-updates-cost-of-living-in-focus-in-final-week-of-campaigning-20250425-p5lu8k.html> (paywall)

Day 30 cont 🚫🪧🙋‍♀️

Not to be outdone by the Liberals, in #Brunswick #Labor and the #Greens take signs to a new level:

“With election day looming, campaigning has kicked into overdrive in Davies Street in #Brunswick, home to the sole pre-polling booth in the #WillsElectorate.

Volunteers from every party were out in force last week, distributing how-to-vote cards and slapping up signs at the voting-queue entrance.

But on Monday, as the clock ticked down to election day on Saturday, the parties took it to the next level, particularly Labor members.

They plastered 162 #corflutes (I counted), double stacked, on the fence around the voting centre, and inside where #voters queue.”

#AusPol <https://archive.md/IspsW> / <https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/victoria-s-hot-seats-live-updates-cost-of-living-in-focus-in-final-week-of-campaigning-20250425-p5lu8k.html> (paywall)

@peterrenshaw Ahhhh "the gangs" and "some people"... all the convenient non-evidential scapegoats a lazy fuck could want making another appearance in liue of even a shitty policy, let alone any policy at all.

Hopefully Australia hands him a nice big can of dog food very soon.

#auspol