What's Your Poison

We're joined by Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, to talk about protecting Australian wildlife, including when that means culling other animals. We get into feral cats, the Brumby wars, and how a feral horse became a protected heritage item in a national park. We also ask why every conversation about the environment becomes a debate about climate change, and whether conservation should be a natural fit for conservatives. We then take a deep dive into bird flu, what it could mean for Australian wildlife, and how dead birds on beaches might shift the politics of the environment. Damian explains his “inverse pyramid of f!cks given”, and we talk egg prices, pets, tourism, and when an environmental problem becomes everyone's problem. We finish with immigration, housing, and whether a stronger connection to Australian nature could give us something to agree on. Plus our usual Kiss of Death predictions, and Jack gives us a reason to worry about honey bees. Because apparently the cats and horses weren't enough. Chapters 00:00 Introduction, Victorian Potholes and Poison of Choice 03:41 Introducing Jack Gough 06:15 What Does the Invasive Species Council Do? 09:11 What Makes a Species Invasive? 11:31 Cane Toads, Rabbits and Biological Controls 15:52 Feral Cats and Australia's Extinction Problem 19:05 The Brumby Wars: Heritage, Horses and Politics 24:24 Conservation, Conservatives and Climate Change 28:14 Has Climate Change Swallowed the Environment Debate? 30:57 Bird Flu: What's at Stake for Australian Wildlife? 37:39 Preparing for Wildlife Loss and Building Resilience 39:59 The Inverse Pyramid of F!cks Given 42:34 Egg Prices, Beaches and the Politics of Bird Flu 47:32 Why Not Just Let Nature Take Its Course? 51:16 Custodianship and Australia's Changing Landscapes 52:37 Immigration and Our Connection to the Bush 58:46 Population, Nature and a Shared Australian Story 01:02:58 Immigration, Housing and the Skills We Need 01:06:22 Kiss of Death: China, AI and Bird Flu 01:08:44 Culling, Honey Bees and a Live Show Teaser

This week we talk in-depth about the media landscape and the influence of news outlets on political engagement, including the role of news organisations and the impact of media on public opinion and political discourse.The death of humour in politics and the impact of political satire on free speech.We talk pork barrel politics, bureaucratic accountability, digital duty of care, leadership turbulence in the Greens, ICAC revelations and political fallout, and will Josh Frydenberg's return to politics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 01:40 Road Trip Adventures 03:00 Guest Introductions and Poison of Choice 06:48 Reflections on News Corp and Media Influence 15:05 Media Landscape and Political Influence 22:18 Role of News Outlets and Political Engagement 27:35 The Role of Humor in Politics 28:19 Political Satire and Free Speech 48:39 Pork Barreling and Political Funding 53:02 Pork Barrel Politics 54:08 Bureaucratic Accountability 01:00:32 Digital Duty of Care 01:07:22 Leadership Turbulence in the Greens 01:09:05 ICAC Revelations and Political Fallout 01:12:48 Josh Frydenberg's Return to Leadership

We're joined by Dr Nick Coatsworth, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, which means we talk the pandemic. What the public health measures actually did, how governments and the media shaped what people believed, and why conspiracy theories filled the gaps. We get into the geopolitics of the pandemic, and what happens when the argument is happening on someone else's platform. We then exlore social cohesion and why trust in government went up for a while then didn't stay, vaccine disinformation, the tobacco excise, and what the political class does with public health. We also get into how much of what people believe is evidence versus culture, history, and old colonial hangover, whether Dr Nick will take a run at politics, plus a few historical mysteries, because of course we do. You can also catch Dr Nick and Richard Baker on their Conspiracy Cabal podcast here https://open.spotify.com/show/17VXANMDCOpaSwdDRVjTTQ?si=4921fb5c58124607 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/conspiracy-cabal/id1882577385 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison of Choice 01:11 Dinner Salon Discussions 02:02 Bridging Divides and New Polling Methods 03:17 Three-Dimensional Political Landscape 04:04 Digital Duty of Care and Consent Education 06:19 Introduction of Dr. Nick Coatesworth 07:34 Media and Public Perception 08:42 Transition to Deputy Chief Medical Officer 09:15 Path to Deputy Chief Medical Officer 10:07 Formation of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Position 11:27 Public Health Expertise and Media Exposure 12:26 Public Health Crisis Communication 13:31 Media Exposure and Public Speaking 14:09 Government Response and Leadership 15:28 Institutional Response and Public Trust 16:40 Institutional Resilience and Social Media Impact 17:44 Shift in Public Perception and Political Leadership 18:07 Public Health Measures and Economic Impact 19:22 Public Health Measures and Societal Values 20:40 Reflection on Government Response and Policy Shift 22:23 Policy Decisions and Path Dependency 23:44 Public Health Messaging and Communication 25:00 Public Health Messaging and Public Perception 26:19 Evidence-Based Decision-Making and Public Perception 28:49 School Closures and Decision-Making 29:54 COVID-19 Origins and Conspiracy Theories 31:05 Conspiracy Cabal Podcast and Critical Analysis 40:09 Tobacco Excise and Public Health Policies 41:12 Freedom of Choice and Public Health Policies 41:30 Philosophical Differences in Public Health Fraternity 42:16 Conspiracy Theories and Illicit Tobacco Trade 43:15 Disruption to Social Fabric and Public Health Policies 44:03 Bureaucracy and Policy Making 45:00 Influence of Bureaucracy on Policy Making 46:13 Regulated Vapes and Nicotine Content 47:18 Challenges in Accessing Medicinal Vapes 49:33 Political Aspirations and Career Choices 51:01 Shift in Moral and Ethical Foundations 52:09 Conspiracy Theories and Cultural Beliefs 55:27 Conspiracies, Mysteries, and Unsolved Disappearances 01:01:31 Predictions and Speculations

We talk about living wakes and their significance, then take a deep dive into the Bush Summit in Dubbo, where farmers air their grievances and political figures respond. We get into the dynamics between the Nationals and One Nation, and what they mean for regional politics. We cover the challenges facing the agricultural industry, how geopolitical issues ripple through the food supply, including biosecurity, fertilizer and the impact of climate change on farming. We then celebrate Peter's stepping back from Essential media after 30 years and reflect on how politics and activism have shifted over the past three decades. Building alliances, the power of lobbying, what long-term politicians actually change, the value of failure, and the stability of government and the role of public service. Chapters 00:00 The Significance of Living Wakes 03:25 The Bush Summit: Farmer Grievances 17:27 Political Dynamics: Nationals vs. One Nation 25:12 Agricultural Challenges and Food Supply 27:18 Biosecurity and Fertilizer Industry 30:30 Climate Change and Farming 43:47 Changing Landscape of Politics and Activism 52:02 Building Alliances and Social License 52:59 The Power of Lobbying 54:30 Impact of Long-Term Politicians 01:07:31 Value of Failure and Stability of Government

This week we sit down with Elizabeth Lukin, ex-AFL GM Corporate Affairs and Comms, who arrives with an alcohol-free drink and many good stories. We unpack the Sydney Swans scandal, how it's being handled, the culture of sports, the AFL, and the Swans. Francis Leach also joins us as we get into male entitlement and misogyny in sport, how much of the pile-on is genuine accountability versus media sanctimony chasing clicks, the manosphere's grip on young athletes, and the partners who cop the social media fallout. We also ask what would real change at the AFL actually take, beyond just managing the headlines? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:01 Career Journey and AFL Experience 03:19 Scandal and Culture in Sports 32:37 Male Entitlement and Misogyny in Sports 34:20 The Impact of Sanctimony and Media Sensationalism 37:07 The AFL Landscape and Public Perception 48:00 Rebuilding and Brand Damage 49:54 Media's Handling of Serious Issues 50:35 Impact of the Attention Economy 55:22 Influence of the Manosphere on Young Athletes 58:07 Role of Masculinity in Sports Culture

With guest Ryan Heath - Editor of Politico Australia. We cover the week, Ryans story and the changing Australian political landscape. We explore the media's approach to reporting political events and the role of Politico in filling the gaps in political reporting. We also talk political media tactics, diplomatic incidents, party politics, and the impact of populism on political parties.

Guests: Danielle Elston & Caroline Croser-Barlow from the Westminster Tradition podcast. We cover a range of topics, including the Canberra experience, the role of Parliament, the naming of Canberra, whiskey and beer, the Westminster Tradition Podcast, perspectives on staffers and bureaucrats, the role of lobbyists and advocacy, perceptions of the bureaucracy, the impact of COVID on bureaucracy, and understanding public acceptance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to What's Your Poison 01:03 The Canberra Experience 02:14 The Role of Parliament in Canberra 03:29 The Naming of Canberra 04:06 Discussion on Whiskey and Beer 04:38 Reflection on Guardian Essential Report 05:01 Introduction of Guests and Their Poison 07:23 Westminster Tradition Podcast and Public Service 09:40 Perspectives on Staffers and Bureaucrats 24:30 The Role of Lobbyists and Advocacy 26:24 Perceptions of the Bureaucracy 29:04 The Impact of COVID on Bureaucracy 33:53 Understanding Public Acceptance 34:22 The Limitations of Bureaucracy 35:19 Government Decision Making During COVID 42:21 Trust in Government and Public Sector 46:35 The Role of Public Servants and Consultants 56:06 Technology and Public Sector Efficiency You can listen and subscribe to the Westminster Tradition podcast here: https://thewestminstertradition.buzzsprout.com/

Guest - Keith Wolahan (former MP, Menzies) This episode we deep dive into Victorian politics, the future of the Liberal party, the the evolution of political messaging, the impact of historical political strategies, and the role of values in political identity. You can read Keith's article here: https://inflectionpoints.work/articles/liberal-foundations Chapters 00:00 Setting the Scene: Happy Friday, Peter 02:34 Introducing Keith Wolahan 37:03 The Evolution of Political Messaging 41:01 The Impact of Historical Political Strategies 45:19 The Role of Values in Political Identity 46:51 Modernising Political Infrastructure 51:02 The Influence of Digital Technology on Politics 55:01 The Changing Dynamics of Political Alliances 01:01:45 Reforming Parliamentary Practices 01:06:52 The Future of Infrastructure Projects 01:08:17 Predictions and Speculations

Peter is live from the Labor National Conference in Adelaide. The backdrop for discussions on various policy issues. We discuss various issues including the role of the Labour Party, the impact of One Nation, and the significance of the AUKUS alliance. We also touch on the gas export tax, Palestine, and voluntary assisted dying. We also explore Barnaby and his on-air dog yelling, Pauline and her gaffs, and our predictions for the week. Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage in Adelaide 00:26 The Role of the Labour Party 00:55 The Impact of One Nation 01:24 The AUKUS Alliance 02:02 The Gas Export Tax 02:39 Palestine and Voluntary Assisted Dying 03:08 Cost of Living and Housing Affordability 03:38 Labour's Institutional Dynamics 05:19 The Role of Unions 06:11 Labour's Policy Agenda 07:20 The Lack of Major Contentious Debates 08:12 The Future of the Labour Party 09:09 The Conclusion of the Conference 14:10 Labor Conference and Policy Development 15:03 Political Figures and Gaffes 26:21 Billionaires and Athlete Support 34:36 Outdoor Media and Political Advertising Ticket's to Burning Platforms Live in Parramatta on Tuesday 28 July: https://events.humanitix.com/burning-platforms-believe-it-or-not-navigating-the-misinformation-age

Guest: Lizzie O'Shea - Lawyer and Author. This week's conversation we really focus on AI, Data Centres, digital rights, technology, and government policy. We explore the complexities of AI, the role of digital rights, and the impact of technology on society. We debate the challenges of centralising policy-making and the commercialisation of technology, the need for a nuanced approach to AI and the importance of considering the diverse applications and implications of tech. Also be sure to listen and subscribe to Burning Platforms Chapters 00:00 Introduction and AI Developments 00:50 Choice of Poison and Prime Minister's Speech 02:28 Guest Introduction and Digital Rights Watch 06:16 AI Regulation and Libertarian Perspectives 11:15 Context Collapse and Universal Room 12:15 Flattening of Society and Uni Context 20:48 AI and Lazy Tendencies 26:06 Prime Minister's Speech and AI Policy 30:27 The Albo Speech and AI Governance 32:21 The Role of AI in Society and Governance 53:01 The Chinese Approach to AI

Telstra OUT! We cover telecommunications, political media, and Telstra network outage(s), the impact, the fallout, the causes, the handling of it. What does this mean for Australian businesses, data centers, AI regulation, and the impacts on society. We then move onto the complexities of regulating AI and the importance of understanding the practicalities of implementing such regulations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison of the Week 02:12 Guest Introduction and Telecom Discussion 12:35 Political Media and Statements 23:22 Telstra Outage and Network Redundancy 30:59 Challenges in the Telecommunications Industry 36:18 Data Centers and Social License 48:23 Regulating AI and Practicalities 53:25 Impact of AI on Society and Economy

Guest: Ed Coper We discuss the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse and public opinion. The role of anger and outrage in shaping online content and the need for algorithmic reform, including the challenges of educating people on information literacy and the ethical implications of AI-generated content. We talk about Ed's new book 'Angertainment'. And of course the critical analogy of supermarket shopping trolley return behaviour as a way to draw parallels with political voting patterns. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison Sharing 05:35 The Role of Anger in Politics 32:14 Algorithmic Impact on Creators and Users 58:18 The Parallels Between Voting Behavior and Supermarket Shopping

We discuss the Brisbane vibe, then dig into unions and collective bargaining in the workplace. We discuss Victoria's upcoming election, some of the controversy and the fallout it caused, the disunity and public opinion of the Liberal Party, the rise of One Nation and its influence, how public perception and politics have shifted post-lockdown, the role of billionaires in policy, and the risk that long-term government poses to democracy. We dig into the risks and challenges of a fourth-term government, Australia's political shift to the right, the rise of podcasting and media influence, our predictions and political insights. We also cover the impact of a Liberal government on workers and renewable energy projects, the role of freedom of speech and platform accountability, the influence of money and sponsorship in podcasting, and the events we're anticipating in the political landscape. Chapters 00:00 Cheers to Brisbane 23:23 Victorian State Election 29:23 One Nation's Growth and Political Implications 38:59 Billionaires, Policy, and Public Opinion 46:11 Australia's Political Shift to the Right 55:33 Predictions and Political Insights

We cover the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office, Pauline's Press Club speech, populist campaign and political risks, immigration and multiculturalism, press club questions, and public perception and political shifts. The impact to the two-party system, media influence, and political positioning on the Australian political landscape. The role of humour and engagement in political communication and predicts future political developments and actions. Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Drink Choices 10:27 Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Shifts 21:21 Populist Campaign and Political Risks 27:18 Press Club Questions and Chaos in Politics 32:18 Political Insider vs. Outsider 37:47 Progressive Politics and Populist Challenge 43:04 Challenges of Political Leadership 54:29 Kiss of Death Predictions

Guest: Eamonn Fitzpatrick This week we cover a range of topics including, the impact of Indonesia as an economic and cultural partner, China's role in the region, and the challenges of middle power coordination. The economic impact of global events and the potential disruptions to supply chains. The rise of populism and media disregard, particularly in the context of Trump's approach and its similarities with One Nation's strategy.We also explore the engagement with One Nation's immigration agenda, the role of lobbyists in government, concerns about AI discretion in NDIS legislation, and predictions for NDIS legislation, the World Cup outcome, and One Nation's internal conflict. Chapters 06:12 Indonesia as an Economic and Cultural Partner 12:52 Foreign Policy and Security Alliances 18:18 China's Role in the Region and Economic Partnerships 23:51 Trump's Quoting of The West Wing 31:33 Engagement with One Nation's Immigration Agenda 38:12 Lobbyists and Access to Power 52:33 Kiss of Death Predictions

Guests : Parnell Palme McGuinness and Francis Leach This week we discuss political tribalism, careers across media and politics. Labor passing budget measures, Allegra Spender’s protest, and AUKUS shifting to three used submarines and long timelines. AUKUS as deeper US integration, deterrence and sea-lane security, changing warfare via drones, nuclear sensitivities, and Australia’s energy and industrial strategy. We unpack Tony Abbott becoming Liberal Party president as potentially useful but risky for overshadowing leadership and demographics. We talk One Nation/Barnaby Joyce policy confusion, outsider vs insider politics, and end with our weekly predictions. 09:12 Tribalism In Politics 12:17 Week In Canberra 13:22 AUKUS 19:56 Defense And Deterrence 22:11 Tech And Future Warfare 27:30 Neoliberalism And Industry 33:08 Tony Abbott Returns 40:37 Abbott As Future Or Folly 43:39 Barnaby One Nation Policy Gaffe 44:15 One Nation Contradictions And Doubts 47:58 Outsiders Versus The System 52:15 Kiss Of Death Predictions

Featured guest: Jacqui Munro MLC (NSW) Political decisions seen through the lens of the West Wing, House of Cards, and The Thick of It. State-owned development and housing affordability in New South Wales. The challenges posed by bureaucratic regulations in construction, the impact of unions, fire ratings, and excessive paperwork. The data centre inquiry and governance, the lack of clarity in policy making and the potential economic and social opportunities. AI sovereignty and capability development, the need for a sovereign AI model and Australian AI capability, as well as the importance of data training and sovereignty

The budget one week on, CG and the media/political class response, hypocrisy and political posturing. The inaugural enhanced games and what it means for athletes. The impact of data centres and AI . Takeaways Budget and Taxation Media and Political Class Hypocrisy and Political Posturing Political dynamics between parties Impact of AI on society Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Poison Choices 06:28 Taxation and Budgetary Measures 22:56 Media Bias and Political Hypocrisy 30:26 Hierarchy of Disdain for Political Figures 58:26 AI Impact

Guests: Fiona Scott, and Fiona Scott. Budget Week in Canberra, the impact of the budget on Labor and the Coalition, and the issue of trust in politics and broken promises. Housing affordability and the political blame game surrounding it. Dark economic scenarios and homelessness measures. Takeaways Budget Week in Canberra Impact of the Budget on Labor and Coalition Trust in Politics and Broken Promises Housing affordability is a critical issue PRRT and gas tax are topics of public interest Political identity crisis Impact of community independents Gambling advertising ban Chapters 00:00 Budget Week in Canberra 07:03 David Pocock's Influence and Personal Life 16:18 Discussion on Family Trusts and Political Impact 23:12 Dark Economic Scenarios and Homelessness Measures 42:49 Identity Crisis in Politics

We talk about Farrer by-election , First Nations tragedies and political failures, the impact of AI on media, challenges in journalism and media revenue, and predictions for the upcoming budget and its economic impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Drink Choices 23:05 First Nations Tragedies and Political Failures 31:37 The Impact of AI on Media 55:05 Budget Predictions and Economic Impact