One Nation’s meteoric rise in the polls has sparked speculation about them becoming the official opposition. However, history shows the party often struggles to turn hype into seats due to internal dysfunction, scandals, and poor candidate vetting.
Political
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Opinion: How right wing populism is damaging your brain
RK Crosby says right wing populist simple slogans and cheap lines are cognitively easy to process, deliver a nice dopamine hit, and make scared people feel safe. And we have to fight it.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Why backing One Nation is an experiment Australia can’t afford
Watching the rise of Pauline Hanson and the renewed chatter about One Nation as a plausible alternative government, it is worth applying a simple test of reality.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Social
Opinion: We either believe in Human Rights for all or we don’t
Annabel Doherty from Armidale writes: An act of terrorism occurred on Noongar Country in Boorloo on 26 January 2026. The people targeted were supporting a First Nations Invasion Day event.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars, Social
Opinion: Ableism is the ism we refuse to see
RK Crosby says the ableism hides in plain sight, including in the NDIS.
Posted inPolitical, Regional, Regulars
Roy’s Roundup: Lake Cargelligo tragedy, firearms laws & saving greyhound tracks
Roy Butler discusses the tragedy in Lake Cargelligo, efforts to wind back firearms legislation, and support for Warren flood victims. He also highlights “The Big Shout” charity, the inquiry into regional service delivery, and the fight to save greyhound tracks in Broken Hill.
Posted inPolitical, Something to Think About
A major overhaul of NZ’s local government is underway – will it really fix what’s broken?
New Zealand’s “Simplifying Local Government” proposal aims to abolish regional councils for efficiency. However, the plan risks reducing democratic representation, eliminating Māori constituencies, and failing to fix underlying funding issues.
Posted inPolitical
Australia needs to get real about Trump’s changing America
Mark Carney’s Davos speech warns American leadership is no longer a reliable anchor for the US-Australia alliance. Australia must now move beyond comforting myths, hedge with regional partners, and invest in independent capabilities to ensure security.
Posted inPolitical
Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal “handbrake” to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics.
Posted inPolitical
Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party?
Annabel Doherty from Armidale argues the National Party should have split from the Liberals earlier to stop the drift to One Nation. She questions if it is now too late for their survival or if they will bank on a One Nation implosion.