Louis Devine

Police seize art posters depicting Trump, Putin and Netanyahu in Nazi uniforms from Canberra bar Owner calls it ‘ludicrous’ Dissent Cafe and Bar was shut down after complaint, the first in Australia’s capital since new federal hate symbol laws

A perfect example of how the governments hate speech laws can backfire: banning fascist symbols results in anti-fascism material being taken down

www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

10/10 headline by @australia.theguardian.com

Old mate Minns trying to have it both ways...

#auspol

As Keating once said: "the lowbrows are back in charge of the Liberal Party" #auspol #libspill

I think there are a lot of parallels between UK and Aus politics right now. Labor governments passing draconian laws and mainstream right-wing parties being replaced by populist ones.

Labour parties around Australia were formed because colonial governments kept shooting striking workers who were protesting. Chris Minns and his draconian anti-protest laws are a disgrace to the history of his own party. #auspol

Shame

Clare O’Neil’s housing policy brain quits for CBA The latest in CBA’s musical chairs is the housing minister’s policy director.

So, the guy who helped develop the idea of encouraging people to go further into debt to the Banks with a 5% deposit now works for...Australia's largest bank.

Cool cool cool #auspol

www.afr.com//rear-window...

Should you read Tony Abbott's history of Australia? I should begin by noting that I am no fan of Tony Abbott’s politics.

I read Tony Abbott's history of Australia. My verdict? Surprisingly good.

Deeply flawed in interpretation, but an honest account of Australian history and revealing of how the conservative mind understands this nation's history.

#auspol

open.substack.com/pub/louisdev...

Australia had a plebsicite on same-sex marriage in 2017 and a majority of Catholics voted yes.

So I feel like national political culture and context is the more important variable here, idk

Maybe in the US political context - but I know plenty of converts who were motivated by Catholic social justice teachings and consider themselves socialists.

‘I don’t need international law’: Trump says power constrained only by ‘my own morality’ President says morality ‘the only thing that can stop me’ in New York Times interview on limits to his authority

Is this any different from previous US Presidents? Does Trump just say the quiet part out loud, or does he actually represent a new threat?

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

Albanese melts under pressure faster than an ice cube on a summer's day #auspol

Withdrawing from an office that aims to prevent violence against children whilst refusing to release the entirety of the Epstein files...you cannot make this stuff up.

Trump has no idea what he’s getting into in Venezuela This was not just a show of strength but an expression of raw American power, fraught with the risk of unintended consequences. Now Trump owns what comes next.

www.afr.com//policy/fore...

Melbourne Crown casino workers prepare for midnight strike on New Year’s Eve Bar staff, croupiers and security staff among those taking action from 10pm to 2am in industrial action the company says will impact ‘Victorian families’

Solidarity with Crown Casino staff who are taking industrial action tonight. Fun fact, Crown is one of the most unionised work places in Australia.

www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Watching Pluribus and I can't help but feel that this show would be Kant's worst nightmare. All autonomy gone. But worst of all, the hivemind is a slave to its "biological imperative". It is incapable of acting upon reasons. At least it can't lie tho 🤷

Just some light reading 😅

Why, in 2025, does Australia still have release dates for books several months after they've been released in the US and UK? Are they being translated into Australian? What gives?

Also: the NSW Police authorised a nazi rally (“Abolish The Jewish Lobby” etc) in front of NSW parliament 6 weeks ago.
But it’s the bridge protesters calling for a ceasefire that are the problem? Srsly

I thought this article was pretty off base. I cannot see the Coalition opposing gun reform measures. Also, in the full context of Howard's remarks, he didn't actually rebuke the idea of tightening gun laws. Weird reporting tbh

Trump Third Term

(I wasn't going to pass the social media check anyway)

Indeed - I went to China earlier this year. No visa required anymore. It is bizarre and disheartening that I feel safer travelling to China than the US.

A new policy idea for @victorianlabor.bsky.social to take up

Sixteen senators per state...good grief. Imagine what Tasmania will sending our way.

Barnaby Joyce joins One Nation as sitting MP with promise of future Senate ticket Former Nationals leader and ex-deputy prime minister confirms long-awaited move on Monday

Cool
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

I hate how excited I am to listen to this

@lsepoltheory.bsky.social @politybooks.bsky.social

What Post-Liberals Get Right (and Wrong) About Liberalism

Had a fascinating conversation with @pjthinker.bsky.social about his latest book, Against Post-Liberalism. A timely defence of liberal egalitarianism against a reactionary agenda which seeks to undermine democracy. No country, including Australia is immune.

open.spotify.com/episode/2qfs...

Amazing! Congratulations

Barnaby had already effectively quit the Nats by not attending party room meetings. We have learnt nothing new from today's announcement. Barnaby, who is suffering from relevance deprivation, is simply trying to keep himself in the headlines. #auspol