The Australian Greens' newly elected leader, Senator David Shoebridge, has outlined a sharp and aggressive strategy aimed at challenging the political influence of One Nation while positioning the Greens as a viable alternative to the Labor Party. In a recent podcast episode of 'Full Story' hosted by Guardian Australia's political editor Tom McIlroy, Shoebridge emphasized his commitment to confronting corporate power and leading a 'red hot fight' regarding coal and gas approvals. The discussion comes amid internal party tensions following a turbulent week and fractures within the Greens' party room. Shoebridge, who has been described as polarising, faces the challenge of rallying progressive voters without exacerbating existing divisions within his party. The podcast also touched on Shoebridge's stance against the Aukus security pact and his vision for the Greens' future direction. His leadership follows the recent resignation of Larissa Waters due to ill health, marking a significant shift in the party's leadership. The Greens' strategy appears to be focused on capitalizing on the current political climate to expand their influence, particularly in areas where Labor's dominance is being questioned. Shoebridge's approach, which includes a more combative style compared to previous leadership, aims to address key issues such as climate policy, corporate accountability, and energy sector reforms. The podcast provides insight into the Greens' evolving political strategy as they seek to position themselves as a central force in Australian politics, challenging both the Liberal-National Coalition and the Labor Party. This comes at a time when the political landscape is increasingly fragmented, with emerging parties like One Nation gaining traction among disaffected voters. The Greens' ability to maintain unity while pursuing a more aggressive political stance will be critical to their success in the coming years. The podcast serves as a platform for Shoebridge to articulate his vision and address concerns about the party's direction following internal disputes. With the Greens' role in the political arena becoming more pronounced, Shoebridge's leadership will be closely watched as he attempts to balance progressive ideals with pragmatic political strategy.

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As the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a record El Niño will push global heating beyond 1.5 degrees this year, the government still refuses to publicly detail the national security threat.

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Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has firmly denied reports suggesting the Albanese government planned to slash Australia's refugee intake, clarifying that no such proposal was ever discussed in Cabinet. The controversy arose after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly intervened to prevent Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke from reducing refugee numbers by a third as part of broader migration control efforts. Plibersek questioned the origin of the reports, reiterating Labor's commitment to maintaining the current humanitarian program. She emphasized that Cabinet did not discuss any cuts, stating, 'There was certainly no discussion in cabinet.' The dispute follows Labor's defeat to One Nation in the Western Australian by-election for Secret Harbour, a setback for the party. Plibersek acknowledged the need for Labour to reassess its communication strategies with voters, noting that while the by-election focused on state issues, the result highlights the importance of clearly conveying Labour's focus on 'real delivery.' She also critiqued the Liberal Party's strategy of opposing Labor regardless of candidates, suggesting it may not be a winning approach. The article underscores tensions within Australian politics as major parties grapple with shifting voter allegiances and policy priorities.

One Nation has secured a historic by-election victory in a Western Australian seat traditionally held by Labor, marking a significant political shift. Analysts describe the result as a 'historic upset,' with media outlets like the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC highlighting the erosion of Labor's dominance in the region. Luke Herdegen, the newly elected MP, stated there are 'no safe Labor seats' in Western Australia or nationally, signaling a potential realignment in Australian politics. The win comes amid increased Australian support for Nepal's disaster response, underscoring the nation's focus on both domestic and international issues. The article notes the broader implications for Labor's strategy, with critics suggesting the party's grip on Western Australia is weakening. This development could influence future electoral outcomes and party dynamics, reflecting growing challenges to traditional political power structures. The piece also mentions Crikey's subscription model, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in covering such political shifts.

Social services minister says social media was playing a role in the increase of sexual violence among teenagers

In the tightly contested Secret Harbour byelection, One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen has emerged victorious, marking a significant shift in Western Australian politics. With 39% of the primary vote and a two-party preferred margin of 3.9%, Herdegen's win represents a 30.6% swing from Labor's previous hold on the seat. The result signals growing discontent with Labor's performance amid economic challenges, particularly in Perth's south-west mortgage belt. Labor candidate Georgia Tree conceded defeat after final counts confirmed One Nation's historic breakthrough, while Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the electorate's message about cost-of-living pressures. This victory underscores the declining dominance of major parties in outer suburban areas and highlights the impact of One Nation's surge in opinion polls. The seat, previously held by Labor since the 1980s, now faces a new era under Herdegen's leadership, with implications for national politics as similar seats across Australia grapple with voter frustrations over economic hardship.

The article discusses criticism from Victoria's dental industry towards Premier Ben Carroll's election pledge to establish 10 free public dental clinics. Dentists argue the plan risks worsening waiting times for vulnerable patients by expanding funding to all Victorians instead of prioritizing high-need cases. The Australian Dental Association’s Victorian branch president, Dr Carolyn Ng, warns that opening $75 million annual funding to everyone will dilute resources for those most at risk of dental disease. She questions how the government will staff clinics given existing workforce shortages and notes publicly funded dental chairs are already operating at 50% capacity. Dental expert Matt Hopcraft calls the proposal a political ploy to buy votes, arguing it ignores systemic staffing crises and fails to address emergency care needs. Critics highlight that Labor’s plan diverges from established public health models by prioritizing universal access over targeted support for low-income patients. The government claims existing services will continue while details on workforce and clinic locations are yet to be finalized.

The article examines why the Australian Labor Party has not produced another female leader following Anthony Albanese's tenure, despite achieving gender parity within its caucus. Tanya Plibersek, a senior politician with extensive experience in both cabinet and shadow cabinet roles since 2004, is highlighted as one of the most recognizable politicians in Australia. However, she and other women are overlooked as potential successors to Albanese, raising questions about systemic biases within the party's leadership dynamics. The piece discusses the broader implications of this oversight, particularly in a political landscape where women outnumber men in the caucus. Political reporter Krishani Dhanji interviews Rafqa Touma to explore why female candidates remain underrepresented in leadership discussions, despite the party's efforts to promote gender equality. The article underscores the tension between formal representation and informal power structures within Australian politics.

The latest episode of The Guardian’s Back to Back Barries podcast examines tensions within the federal Labor Party over migration policy, following Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s decision to withdraw from a scheduled National Press Club address. The episode explores the political disagreement surrounding possible changes to Australia’s immigration settings and the competing views within Labor about how migration should be managed. Barrie Cassidy returns to the programme and opens the discussion by analysing the internal conflict that contributed to Burke pulling out of his planned speech. The conversation considers the political pressures facing the government, as well as the responses from Labor MPs and business groups to proposals for broad changes to immigration policy. The discussion refers to concerns about what are described as ‘performative reductions’ in migration and the political consequences of pursuing sweeping reforms. Tony Barry also discusses new RedBridge polling, which indicates modest gains for One Nation and the Coalition at the federal level. The polling provides a broader political backdrop to the migration debate and highlights the electoral pressures surrounding the issue. The episode then turns to Victorian politics, where Barry unexpectedly finds himself defending a trade union leader. The presenters also respond to questions submitted by listeners, covering a range of political and public-interest issues. Finally, Tony Barry gives his view on Jetstar’s introduction of new cabin luggage charges, adding a consumer-focused issue to the episode’s broader political discussion. Overall, the podcast combines analysis of Labor’s internal migration debate with polling, Victorian politics, listener questions and commentary on a prominent airline policy change.

Ben Carroll emerged from a meeting of the Labor caucus on Tuesday as the party's new leader, but what the public did not see was a two-hour fight behind closed doors to decide who would run the state.

Jacinta Allan has stepped down as Victorian Labor leader, paving the way for former deputy premier Ben Carroll to become the state’s new premier just four months before a crucial state election. Allan’s departure follows mounting pressure linked to years of controversies surrounding the Victorian Labor government, much of which has been associated with the long period of government led by former premier Daniel Andrews. The article argues that while Allan may have been unfairly blamed for problems inherited from more than a decade of Labor rule, her leadership had become increasingly difficult to sustain. Issues surrounding major infrastructure projects, including criticism of the Big Build program, and broader concerns about government management contributed to a decline in public confidence. Carroll is portrayed as a more centrist and less polarising figure who may attempt to reset the government’s image before voters head to the polls. However, his leadership change also signals a potential shift away from the progressive identity that has characterised Victorian Labor during the Andrews era. The party faces the challenge of defending its record while addressing voter concerns about governance, spending and past controversies. The upcoming election is expected to be highly competitive, with Labor attempting to retain power while opposition parties seek to capitalise on dissatisfaction with the government. Carroll’s ability to rebuild trust and define his own leadership style will be central to Labor’s prospects.

Victoria has undergone a significant political shift with Ben Carroll appointed as the new premier of the state following Jacinta Allan's resignation. The decision came after a chaotic caucus meeting where Carroll, the education minister, was voted in by Labor members. Allan stepped down amid declining poll numbers and challenges from the rising One Nation party ahead of November's state election. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for Victorian politics, as the new premier faces pressure to stabilize the government and improve Labor's prospects in the upcoming ballot. The transition highlights internal tensions within the party and the broader electoral landscape. Analysts suggest that Carroll's appointment could signal a strategic move to reinvigorate support, though success will depend on addressing key issues like economic management and policy reforms. The situation underscores the volatility of state politics, particularly with major parties vying for voter loyalty in a competitive election cycle. This development is likely to have far-reaching implications for both Labor's future and the balance of power in Victoria.