"People are desperate for good journalism" - indeed they are. And when it comes to the points you make in that paragraph, I think of myself listening to or watching ABC, and the number of times I say to myself "yes, but..." when they trot out one of their inane/superficial/insensitive/ignorant/parrotting statements.
As to the broken two-party system, it strikes me that perhaps mysogyny was not the prime reason the vested interests in media - particularly News Corp - were so aggressively anti-Julia Gillard in 2010-2013. Perhaps they saw the possibility of a successful minority government, held to account by a vibrant cross-bench, and so hated what they saw they just had to destroy it.
Thank you for your intelligent, sensitive writing again in 2024. You really challenge your readers to think, and I like that. Have a relaxing short-holiday-season.
Merry Christmas, Tim. And a big thank you for sharing your nuanced and informed thinking and questioning of politics and media. And so well-written too! As a fellow refugee from Twitter, I am so glad you're here and that The Future of Everything is doing so well.
Thank you Tim for your ongoing intelligent analyses. It's fantastic to be informed by someone who regularly hits the nail on the head with regard to politics and the media.
Having been involved in a successful CI campaign last election I really enjoyed your musings in ' Voices of Us'.... Any more books planned?
I am a Greens member because Bob Brown achieved So much While experiencing Australian style hatred and homophobia .I was spat at by Young libs when i handed out in the Tony Abbott périod in Manly .I considèr our democratic élections for representatives does allow freedom to express different opinions and if we continue to work cooperatively with Independants whose major goal is the same .Remove the Fossil Fools before we sink into a US style swamp .
& all the best for you in 2025 TD. Looking forward to rigorous discussion & debate on all the topics you write about. I'd hate to be wishing my life away but the Fed election 2025 can't come quick enough. Cheers
Merriest of. Christmases Tim, thank you for all your thoughtful analysis and discussion over the last 12 months. Strength to you as we head into an election year!
Thanks Tim. Hope you have a lovely break. I always look forward to your articles. Let’s hope 2025 brings the balance of power to a strong crossbench which exudes ambition (for the people) and integrity. Great things could happen! 💪
"The only way we will get real reform is by installing a crossbench with the balance of power across a string of elections."
Yes.
It's also, I think, the only way to make politics real again . . . not only as in responsive to facts and unfolding realities but also real, believable, in the eyes of voters.
Right now the relationship between voters and (most) politicians often seems to verge on mutual disdain. Neither healthy nor helpful.
As you noted, Australia's position is arguably unique in that regard. The combination of our circumstances and our voting system may offer an offramp from the pileup occurring elsewhere. Or perhaps more accurately a bridge to a more cooperative and creative political future.
It's almost enough to tempt one into just a touch of optimism.🤷♂️
"People are desperate for good journalism" - indeed they are. And when it comes to the points you make in that paragraph, I think of myself listening to or watching ABC, and the number of times I say to myself "yes, but..." when they trot out one of their inane/superficial/insensitive/ignorant/parrotting statements.
As to the broken two-party system, it strikes me that perhaps mysogyny was not the prime reason the vested interests in media - particularly News Corp - were so aggressively anti-Julia Gillard in 2010-2013. Perhaps they saw the possibility of a successful minority government, held to account by a vibrant cross-bench, and so hated what they saw they just had to destroy it.
Thank you for your intelligent, sensitive writing again in 2024. You really challenge your readers to think, and I like that. Have a relaxing short-holiday-season.
The last thing they want is proof of concept, to see minority government work!
Thanks for the kind words, M.
Merry Christmas, Tim. And a big thank you for sharing your nuanced and informed thinking and questioning of politics and media. And so well-written too! As a fellow refugee from Twitter, I am so glad you're here and that The Future of Everything is doing so well.
Thanks, Meredith and, hey, all writers in particular, subscribe to Methods and Madness!
Thank you Tim for your ongoing intelligent analyses. It's fantastic to be informed by someone who regularly hits the nail on the head with regard to politics and the media.
Having been involved in a successful CI campaign last election I really enjoyed your musings in ' Voices of Us'.... Any more books planned?
Thanks, Jimmy. I have a couple brewing!
I am a Greens member because Bob Brown achieved So much While experiencing Australian style hatred and homophobia .I was spat at by Young libs when i handed out in the Tony Abbott périod in Manly .I considèr our democratic élections for representatives does allow freedom to express different opinions and if we continue to work cooperatively with Independants whose major goal is the same .Remove the Fossil Fools before we sink into a US style swamp .
& all the best for you in 2025 TD. Looking forward to rigorous discussion & debate on all the topics you write about. I'd hate to be wishing my life away but the Fed election 2025 can't come quick enough. Cheers
Thanks, Gavin. Thanks for the regular comments. See you next year!
Merriest of. Christmases Tim, thank you for all your thoughtful analysis and discussion over the last 12 months. Strength to you as we head into an election year!
It's going to be a year, isn't it? Thanks, Elana and all the best.
Thanks Tim. Hope you have a lovely break. I always look forward to your articles. Let’s hope 2025 brings the balance of power to a strong crossbench which exudes ambition (for the people) and integrity. Great things could happen! 💪
Honestly, Louise, you are a key part of the process that has made this possible. Have a great break too and hope to speak soon
"The only way we will get real reform is by installing a crossbench with the balance of power across a string of elections."
Yes.
It's also, I think, the only way to make politics real again . . . not only as in responsive to facts and unfolding realities but also real, believable, in the eyes of voters.
Right now the relationship between voters and (most) politicians often seems to verge on mutual disdain. Neither healthy nor helpful.
It's true, Ingolf. The whole relationship needs to be reset and recalibrated. The Voices Of approach is, in essence, about just that.
As you noted, Australia's position is arguably unique in that regard. The combination of our circumstances and our voting system may offer an offramp from the pileup occurring elsewhere. Or perhaps more accurately a bridge to a more cooperative and creative political future.
It's almost enough to tempt one into just a touch of optimism.🤷♂️