Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Hastie on foreign influence, security and veteran mental health
In this podcast, Andrew Hastie speaks with Michelle Grattan about growing concerns over Chinese influence in Australian politics, security clearances for politicians and the mental health of veterans.
Amid debate about China’s refusal of visa to two federal MPs, former PM Paul Keating denounced the media for ‘failing to present a balanced picture of the rise, legitimacy and importance of China’.
Australia is being very explicit in response to concerns about China at the moment, increasingly prepared to put aside the imperatives of diplomacy when necessary.
Backbencher Andrew Hastie’s recent opinion piece has caused ructions within the government, but Scott Morrison needs to articulate a clear policy on China that also allows for dissenting voices.
The government is trying to shut down backbench contributions in the name of the “national interest”, but it is more an exercise of attempted control in its own interest.
Scott Morrison has flagged the government is working with the United States and Britain on details for an Australian role in helping safeguard shipping passages in the Middle East.
Natalie Mast, The University of Western Australia and William Bowe, The University of Western Australia
What did we learn from the Canning byelection campaign? What are the result’s implications for both the new Turnbull government and the Labor opposition?
The Liberals’ dumping of Tony Abbott in favour of Malcolm Turnbull appears to have helped contain the swing to give the government an easy win in the Canning byelection. A contest that started as politically…
Natalie Mast, The University of Western Australia and William Bowe, The University of Western Australia
Political analyst Natalie Mast speaks with “The Poll Bludger” William Bowe about what Monday’s leadership spill will mean for Saturday’s Canning byelection.
Natalie Mast spoke with William Bowe about what the leadership spill means for the Canning byelection, which looms as a test of both new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
Julie Bishop, deputy Liberal leader and the most senior minister from Western Australia, has a special interest in the tough Canning byelection contest. Liberal candidate Andrew Hastie, a former SAS officer…