Denise says there are few things more predictable in Australian politics than Barnaby Joyce putting on the hat, rolling out the country bloke routine, and warning Australians that someone else is coming for their money.
Denise McHugh
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: The economy isn’t the problem – the story about it is
Denise says Australia is navigating a difficult global environment better than most, and the ‘crisis’ media coverage is chipping away at confidence.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Something to Think About
Denise’s Desk: When the World Wobbles, Steady Wins
Denise says right now, Australians aren’t just watching instability — they’re paying for it, every single week.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Something to Think About
Denise’s Desk: Trump just knocked on my door
Denise says Trump is a wrecking ball in a suit, and he is no longer just something happening “over there”.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Something to Think About
Denise’s Desk: The Coalition is feeding the party that’s eating it
Denise says if One Nation is asking for your preferences, it is not because they want to help you. It is because they know you are helping them.
Posted inFeatured, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Discontent is fertile ground for One Nation — but it is not the answer
Denise says One Nation’s performance in South Australia’s election is less of a breakthrough and more of a symptom.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Something to Think About
Denise’s Desk: When Repetition Replaces Reality
Denise says trust in democratic institutions is not strengthened by continually telling citizens that their country is broken.
Posted inPolitical, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England
Denise says the Farrer by-election might seem a long way from New England, but the political warning signs it is sending should concern regional communities everywhere.
Posted inOpinion, Regulars, Social
Denise’s Desk: Low ATARs aren’t the teaching crisis. Why high achievers are walking away
Denise says if we are serious about teacher quality, the conversation needs to move beyond cheap ATAR panic and towards making teaching a profession that high-achieving students actively choose.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars
Denise’s Desk: Discomfort, debate and why engagement matters in New England
Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters.