Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny

Political strategist John McTernan and Atalanta’s Elizabeth Ames join us to talk about the UK election trail – betting scandals, campaign gaffes and all. What is the mood on the ground in Britain? What are the political narratives influencing the upcoming UK election? And with Labour predicted for a landslide win, what are the perils of a decisive victory? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, political strategist John McTernan and Atalanta’s Elizabeth Ames cut through the spin to unpack Britain’s election. John McTernan is a political strategist and commentator. He has been a political adviser to former UK prime minister Tony Blair and former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard.  Elizabeth Ames is Chief Executive Officer at advocacy firm Atalanta, Board Director of the Britain-Australia Society, and Chair of the Menzies Australia Institute at King’s College London.     Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Security expert John Blaxland and physicist Ken Baldwin join us to discuss Dutton’s nuclear plans, politicised debates and poly-crisis. Is it possible to decarbonise through nuclear energy? Does the debate around these complex issues indicate a failure in public discourse? And what does this say about our ability to govern and manage a ‘poly-crisis’?  On this episode of Democracy Sausage, John Blaxland and Ken Baldwin join Mark Kenny to discuss crises everywhere, all at once — from energy transition to governance and security.  John Blaxland is Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies in the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, and the Director of the ANU North American Liaison Office. His recent report for the RSL Defence and National Security Committee is Adapting to Poly-Crisis: A Proposed Australian National Security Strategy.  Ken Baldwin is a physicist in the Research School of Physics, the founding Director of the ANU Grand Challenge: Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific (2018-2021), and the inaugural Director of the ANU Energy Change Institute (2010-2020, now incorporated into ICEDS).  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and correspondent Nick Bryant joins Mark Kenny to discuss division in the United States of America. What was it like to be in Washington DC after the 6 January insurrection? How did we misinterpret Trump’s narrative? And what are the roots of the conspiracies, division and polarisation that we see in the United States today? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Nick Bryant joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss our misunderstanding of America’s democracy and how it’s resulted in figures like Donald Trump.Nick Bryant is an author, journalist and foreign correspondent. He has been a BBC correspondent posted in South Asia, Australia and America during the Trump years. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Monthly and The New Statesman. His most recent book is The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself.  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legal and youth justice expert Faith Gordon joins Mark Kenny to discuss young people, social media and democracy.What should the age of criminal responsibility be? With younger generations becoming more politically engaged, should the voting age be lowered? And how can we make social media safe for young people, without causing civic disengagement?  On this episode of Democracy Sausage Associate Professor Faith Gordon joins Professor Mark Kenny to talk about youth engagement, social media and democracy. Faith Gordon is an Associate Professor and Deputy Associate Dean of Research at the ANU College of Law. She is the Director of the Interdisciplinary International Youth Justice Network, and a co-founder and co-moderator of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology’s Thematic Group on children, young people and the criminal justice system.  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are getting back to the building blocks of politics and democracy with philosopher Philip Pettit.How did states form and are they inevitable? Has globalisation changed our perception of states? And how do different approaches to democracy influence their politics?This week on Democracy Sausage, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Philip Pettit, joins Professor Mark Kenny. Philip Pettit is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the School of Philosophy at the ANU and the L.S. Rockefeller University Professor of Politics and Human Values at Princeton University.  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a bonus barbecue, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with Mark Kenny about his first two years in the top job.What’s it really like being Prime Minister of Australia? What lessons did the PM take from the Voice campaign, his recent budget and other key policy agendas? And how can we improve the often partisan state of political discourse in this country? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Anthony Albanese joins Professor Mark Kenny to look back on two years as Australia's leader.  The Hon Anthony Albanese MP is the 31st and current Prime Minister of Australia.  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economics professor, Sean Turnell, and writer and surgeon, Ma Thida, join us to discuss their experiences as political prisoners and their hopes for Myanmar’s future.Sean Turnell and Ma Thida have both experienced the terror of being locked up in Myanmar. So how did they survive? What do they think were Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s missteps during leadership and prior to the 2021 military coup? And how hopeful are they that democracy may return to Myanmar?  On this episode of Democracy Sausage, previous political prisoners, Sean Turnell and Ma Thida, join Professor Mark Kenny to discuss imprisonment, democratisation and the future of Myanmar.Sean Turnell is an Honorary Professor of Economics at Macquarie University. He has been a Senior Economic Analyst at the Reserve Bank of Australia, a policy adviser for institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He served as the senior economic adviser to Myanmar’s government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and was imprisoned for 650 days after the 2021 military coup.  Ma Thida is a Burmese human rights activist, surgeon and writer. She was imprisoned for six years in Insein prison in the 1990s for her pro-democracy activism. Currently, she is the chair of PEN International Writers in Prison committee.  Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this post-budget special, Elizabeth Ames and Peter Martin join us to break down whether this budget will allow a soft economic landing to cost of living and inflationary pressures. As the government has thrown the switch to spending in this budget, what will the impact be on our economy? How does this budget set up for an upcoming election year? And what are some of the policy inclusions (and exclusions) that are baffling economic experts? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Peter Martin and Elizabeth Ames join Professor Mark Kenny to cut through the quibbles and get to the story behind the new federal budget.Peter Martin AM is a Visiting Fellow at ANU Crawford School of Public Policy and the Business and Economy Editor of The Conversation.  Elizabeth Ames is Chief Executive Officer at advocacy firm Atalanta, Board Director of the Britain-Australia Society, and Chair of the Menzies Australia Institute at King’s College London.   Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Frank Bongiorno joins us to discuss Scott Morrison, religion and politics, and the history of Labor. What does Scott Morrison’s autobiography reveal about his time as Prime Minister? How have Australian political parties tended to characterise the role of government, unions and religion? And what does the history of the Labor tell us about its future?  On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Frank Bongiorno joins Professor Mark Kenny to talk religion, politics and the new edition of his book, A Little History of the Australian Labor Party.  Frank Bongiorno is a Professor at the ANU School of History. He is President of the Australian Historical Association and the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, the Australian Academy of the Humanities and a Whitlam Institute Distinguished Fellow at Western Sydney University.  Mark Kenny is the Director the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist Lech Blaine joins us to talk Peter Dutton’s Coalition, moving working class voters, and his new essay, Bad Cop. How did Peter Dutton’s experiences growing up in Queensland influence his politics and his conservatism? How successful will he be in his strategy to win outer-suburban and regional seats from Labor? And does he have the political judgement needed to pull the strategy off? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, recorded live, journalist Lech Blaine discusses what makes Peter Dutton and his new Quarterly Essay Bad Cop: Peter Dutton's Strongman Politics.  This episode was recorded as part of the ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author series. Lech Blaine is an award-winning writer and journalist from Queensland. He was the 2023 Charles Perkins Centre writer in residence. His writing has appeared in Good Weekend, Griffith Review, The Guardian and The Monthly.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sociologist Mike Savage joins us to talk wealth, inequality and other issues in UK politics. In the pursuit of a truly egalitarian society, what can we learn from the United Kingdom’s race and class wealth divides? Can politicians implement policies around wealth and taxation without being accused of attacking aspiration? And what impact does the uneven growth of wealth have on political engagement and democracy? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, inequality expert Professor Mike Savage joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss the wealth divide and how to create a more even playing field.  Thank you also to Professor Mike Savage for his book recommendations: The Inequality of Wealth: Why it matters and how to fix it by Liam Byrne and The Trading Game: A Confession by Gary Stevenson.  Mike Savage is the Martin White Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, a post traditionally awarded to the most senior professor in the department, and a Fellow of the British Academy.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Foreign Minister and New South Wales Premier Bob Carr joins us to talk about the recent stabbing attacks in Sydney, escalating tensions in the Middle East and Penny Wong's move to recognise Palestinian statehood. What can leaders do to achieve calm and social cohesion following the recent stabbing incidents in Sydney? How likely is an interstate war in the Middle East? And following Penny Wong’s ANU speech, which floated the idea of recognising a Palestinian state, what are the next steps towards a two-state solution? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, former NSW premier and foreign minister the Hon Bob Carr joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss Australian foreign policy, and how voters may respond to it, and the possibility of two state solution. The Hon Bob Carr is a former Australian foreign minister, former New South Wales premier and Industry Professor (Business and Climate Change) at the University of Technology Sydney.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elise Stephenson from the ANU Global Institute for Women’s Leadership joins us to ask who gets to represent Australia on the world stage? Governor-General has caused backlash in some quarters of the media, which raises the question, who gets to be the face Australia presents to the world? As we break down barriers in representation, how do inequalities evolve in institutions, online environments and even space? And how does backlash against political actors impact the quality of our policy, democracy and discourse? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dr Elise Stephenson joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss her new book The Face of the Nation and remaining gender inequalities in our institutions. Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director of the ANU Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and a Fellow at the ANU National Security College.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Demographer Liz Allen and migration expert Alan Gamlen are talking migration and population, and the fear-based discourse that often surrounds it.Last week we saw an attempt at rushing through immigration legislation, but creating a sense of panic around immigration and population issues has long been a staple of the political playbook. So why is it effective? Where does the common sense lay in how our political class handle the complexities of this debate? And, as we are busy arguing about borders and immigration, what are the key social trends that are missed? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, demographer Liz Allen and migration expert Alan Gamlen join Mark Kenny to talk ‘population panics’ and immigration politics. Alan Gamlen is the Director of the Migration Hub at the ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance.  Liz Allen is a demographer and social researcher at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall discusses her unusual path to politics and election integrity. Among all the commentary about the ‘teal wave’ in the 2022 federal election, how has the presence of more independent candidates in Australia’s chambers of power changed the status quo of politics? And what more needs to change? In the face of scare campaigns from both major parties, how can we make sure claims made on the campaign trail by candidates or third-party campaign groups are based in truth? And how can we reform campaign financing laws in ways that ensure transparent donations – for both independents and candidates from the major parties? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Independent MP and the “OG Teal” joins frequent guest Professor Paul Pickering and Professor Mark Kenny to discuss her journey as an independent candidate and how to make Australian elections fairer and more transparent. Zali Steggall is the independent member for Warringah.  Paul Pickering is an Emeritus Professor and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International relations scholar Charles Miller joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and Putin’s ‘re-election’. Are Ukraine’s international supporters in the United States and Europe losing hope in holding off Russia’s advances and achieving peace? If Trump is elected, where will Ukraine source much needed aid? And, after Putin has been re-elected for another six years, why do autocrats bother with elections at all? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dr Charles Miller from the ANU School of Politics and International Relations joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss the dangerous new era in the conflict in Ukraine. Charles Miller is a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations with a focus on military conflict.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dennis Quinn and Paul Pickering join us to cast their early predictions on the 2024 US election. What can Australia expect from this year’s US election, and how may their campaigns infiltrate our own political landscape? What do economic polling models suggest and how will other key issues impact the way people vote? And, most importantly, can we already forecast the winner at the end of the long campaign? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dennis Quinn, visiting from Georgetown University in the United States, and Emeritus Professor Paul Pickering join Professor Mark Kenny to pick apart and predict what’s ahead for the 2024 US elections. Dennis Quinn is a Visiting Fellow in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University and the Powers Professor of International Business at Georgetown University.  Paul Pickering is an Emeritus Professor and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strategic studies expert Hugh White talks Australia's defence situation, arguing our political leaders are out of step with the rest of the region.How can we best spend our tax dollars to ensure that Australia's defence capabilities are 'fit for purpose'? What politics internationally and closer to home, are impacting Labor's decisions on shipbuilding and defence? And with the recent ASEAN-Australia special summit in Melbourne, do our leader see eye to eye with the region and each other on how to best manage the shifting strategic environment? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Emeritus Professor Hugh White from The Australian National University (ANU) discusses making Australia’s defence ‘fit for purpose’ with Professor Mark Kenny.  Hugh White is an Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at ANU College of Asia and the Pacific.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Marija discuss Scott Morrison's exit from politics, before housing affordability campaigner Maiy Azize joins us to propose solutions to Australia's housing crisis.Will Australia's political leaders have the ambition and ability to sell substantial housing policy changes to the public? What might a fairer system look like? And how will Scott Morrison fashion his career post-parliament? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Maiy Azize, author of a new report recommending changes to tax and investment policies for housing, joins Professor Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga to discuss the policy and politics of Australia’s housing crisis. Maiy Azize is the Deputy Director of the Anglicare Australia and spokesperson for Everybody’s Home, a national campaign that aims to fix the housing crisis.  Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Middle East expert Ian Parmeter joins Mark Kenny to explain what is going on in Gaza – including the context for the current conflict and where to next? In light of the recent Israeli declaration of a 10 March deadline for the return of all hostages, how can negotiations looking to de-escalate the violence in Gaza move forward? What would a strategic victory look like for any of the actors? And what happens next? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Middle East expert Ian Parmeter, from the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, and Professor Mark Kenny discuss the complex, contested, polarising and - in some cases for the West - compromising crisis in the Middle East. Ian Parmeter is a Research Scholar at the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies. Previously, he was Australia’s ambassador to Lebanon and former Assistant Director-General at the Office of National Assessments. Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Paul Pickering joins Mark and Marija to break down what can be learnt from the leadership merry-go-round of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison years. What do the insider accounts from the Coalition governments of 2013 to 2022, captured in the ABC series Nemesis, reveal about the realities of federal politics? How can ambitious policy be delivered amidst the soap opera of leadership changes and infighting? And why are women so often on the periphery of political power in Australia rather than the inner circle? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Emeritus Professor Paul Pickering, Dr Marija Taflaga and Professor Mark Kenny discuss the lessons of the nine-year Coalition government. Paul Pickering is an Emeritus Professor and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute.  Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison years, stage three promises and the risk of a regional conflict erupting in the Middle East.  Will the government see any major electoral backlash after its decision to change the stage three tax cuts? What did we learn about the inner workings of Tony Abbott’s prime ministership from the latest ABC documentary on the Coalition government? And with tensions at boiling point, will we see a major regional conflict erupt in the Middle East? On the first episode for 2024, Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga discuss tax changes, the prime ministerial merry-go-round and the deteriorating global geopolitical environment.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dust off the tux and bring out your ballgown – it’s the fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards. Who performed the most flagrant and self-interested political backflip? What was the risible explanation for a government or political failure? And who shone brightest at home and abroad as the most effective political leader? On the final episode of Democracy Sausage for 2023, Professor Frank Bongiorno joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to announce this year’s winners of the highly coveted and extremely rigorous Democracy Sausage Awards.Frank Bongiorno AM is an Australian labour, political and cultural historian and Professor of History at The Australian National University (ANU).Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outgoing ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt joins Mark Kenny to discuss media reform, hate speech on campus and the expansion of the universe. How can Australia have a functioning democracy when public trust in media – an institution that exists to keep governments accountable – is lower than trust in government itself? Why did three American university leaders get tied up in knots answering a question on hate speech? And what has been the most difficult part of running a major university during a period that saw a pandemic and catastrophic bushfires, among other serious challenges? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU) Professor Brian Schmidt AC joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss the state of Australia’s media, hate speech on campus and returning to life as a full-time astronomer. Brian Schmidt AC is the Vice-Chancellor of ANU and a Nobel Prize-winning astronomer. Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Send your nominations for our annual Democracy Sausage Awards to [email protected].  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Democracy Sausage, Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the trajectory of the Albanese government after a challenging year at the helm.Why is immigration such a treacherous issue for Labor politically? Will there be any imminent relief from the economic headwinds that have been buffeting Australians – and their government? And can Anthony Albanese keep the ship on an even keel in 2024? Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga reflect on a turbulent year in federal politics on this episode of Democracy Sausage. Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Send your nominations for our annual Democracy Sausage Awards to [email protected]. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Researchers Nicholas Biddle and Valerie Cooms join the show to discuss new research on the referendum and why it was rejected at the polls.Why did so many Australians vote against the Voice to Parliament referendum? How did people’s perceptions change throughout the campaign? And what does the data reveal about the way forward for reconciliation in Australia? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Nicholas Biddle and Professor Valerie Cooms join Mark and Marija to examine new research on the Voice vote and to discuss what it reveals about the future of reconciliation. Nicholas Biddle is an Associate Director and Professor at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.Valerie Cooms is a Quandamooka woman and the Director of the ANU Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate negotiator George Carter and climatologist Janette Lindesay join us to discuss the upcoming COP28 discussions in Dubai and a joint Australia-Pacific bid to host the 2026 conference.The climate is in dangerous territory as the globe prepares to meet in Dubai for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). So, what’s on the table in this year’s discussions? And will any new commitments be enough to keep people safe? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dr George Carter and Professor Janette Lindesay join Mark and Marija to discuss gradual improvements in the context of a fast-changing climate. George Carter is Deputy Head of the ANU Department of Pacific Affairs and Director of the ANU Pacific Institute.Janette Lindesay is a climatologist and Professor at the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and columnist Troy Bramston joins us to talk about the legacy and government of Bob Hawke, 40 years after his rise to the prime ministership.Why does Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regard the Hawke government as a model for modern Labor? Would Hawke’s consensus-based approach be effective in a contemporary political environment? And what were his major regrets from his time in office? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, author of Bob Hawke: demons and destiny, Troy Bramston, joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss Bob Hawke's complex legacy.Troy Bramston is a senior writer and columnist with The Australian and the author of Bob Hawke: demons and destiny.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly appointed United Nations rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul joins Mark and Marija to discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict. How does international humanitarian law apply to the Israel-Gaza conflict? What responsibilities do all parties have to protect civilians? And with influential voices both inside and outside of Israel calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside, will his government last beyond the current crisis? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Professor Ben Saul joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss international law in the current conflict.Ben Saul is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. He is a Professor and the Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald joins us to discuss the stories behind some of the world’s most influential leaders.Who's the most powerful woman in the world right now? Can Joe Biden be an effective antidote to populism and demagoguery in the United States? And is Volodymyr Zelenskyy living proof that an individual leader can have major influence over the course of history? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, ABC journalist Hamish Macdonald joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the political figures shaping global events and season two of his podcast, Take Me to Your Leader!Hamish Macdonald is a journalist, broadcaster and host of the ABC podcast, Take Me to Your Leader!Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political communications expert Andrea Carson joins Mark and Marija to discuss the performance of the media during the Voice referendum and why the ‘yes’ campaign struggled to get off the ground. How did support for the Voice fall 20 per cent in a year? Was a failure to agree on effective, targeted messages in early 2023 the reason for the ‘yes’ campaign’s downfall? And were journalists too focused on providing equal airtime to both sides of the debate and not proactive enough in calling out false and low-quality claims? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor of Political Communication and award-winning former journalist Andrea Carson at joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the future of Australia’s political debate after the Voice’s defeat.Andrea Carson is a Professor of Political Communication in the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy at La Trobe University.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, referendums expert Matt Qvortrup and social researcher Nicholas Biddle join us to examine the Voice referendum result.   How important was the lack of bipartisanship to the outcome of the referendum? Could the government have done more to convince opposition leader Peter Dutton to support the proposal? And is the emphatic ‘no’ vote a sign of the Liberals’ rising stock, or will elements of the campaign backfire on the party at the next election? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, leading referendums expert Professor Matt Qvortrup and head of the ANUpoll Professor Nicholas Biddle join Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss what went wrong for the ‘yes’ campaign.Matt Qvortrup is a Visiting Professor of Constitutional Law at the ANU College of Law and Chair of Political Science at Coventry University.Nicholas Biddle is an Associate Director and Professor at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian Leeser and Bridget Archer join us on this episode to discuss the media’s performance during the Voice referendum and the “dishonourable” argument underpinning the ‘no’ campaign.  What impact will the Voice to Parliament have on the gaps in life expectancy and a range of other measures between First Nations people and the general Australian population? Why is the Voice the proposition being put to the Australian people at this referendum, rather than another form of constitutional recognition? And is the media guilty of ‘bothsidesing’ the debate and allowing lies and misinformation to go unchallenged? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Liberal members of parliament Bridget Archer and Julian Leeser join Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the Voice and why they’re supporting it.Bridget Archer is the federal Liberal Member for Bass in Tasmania.Julian Leeser is the federal Liberal Member for Berowra in New South Wales, the former Shadow Attorney-General and the former Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Senator Pat Dodson joins us to talk about the Voice, why it’s important for improving outcomes for First Nations people and the consequences for the country if the amendment fails.  Why is a Voice to Parliament, rather than constitutional recognition alone, the proposal being put to the Australian people at this referendum? What would be the process to design the legislation, should the amendment be agreed to on 14 October? And what would the failure of this proposal mean for Australia, both domestically and in its international relations? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, reconciliation leader Senator Pat Dodson joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the case for the Voice to Parliament and the possible consequences for the nation if the proposal fails.  Pat Dodson is a Yawuru man from Broome, the Chair of Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and a Senator for Western Australia.  Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the resignation of Daniel Andrews and boundaries for bureaucrats on this episode of Democracy Sausage. How did former Victorian leader Daniel Andrews gain a national profile like few premiers before him? Where should the line be between bureaucrats and politics? And can the Yes campaign turn public opinion around before referendum day? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dr Marija Taflaga and Professor Mark Kenny discuss Daniel Andrews’ political legacy, the inquiry into senior public servant Michael Pezzullo and the state of the Voice campaign. Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations. Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times. The following was mentioned during this episode: Noel Pearson addresses the National Press Club of Australia, ABC News on YouTube, September 2023 Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and academic Julianne Schultz joins Mark and Marija to discuss the media coverage of the Voice campaign and the importance of understanding Australia’s history.  What impact has the Coalition’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament had on the media’s coverage of the referendum? Why has the debate around the Voice not led to a deeper discussion about Australian history? And how has the No campaign seemingly chipped away at broad public support for the Voice over recent months? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Griffith University Emeritus Professor Julianne Schultz joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the public discomfort around engaging with Australian history and the Voice campaign so far.  Julianne Schultz is an Emeritus Professor of Media and Culture at Griffith University, a columnist for The Guardian and the author of The Idea of Australia: A search for the soul of the nation.  Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  The following publications were mentioned during this episode:  Marcia Langton: Welcome to Country (2nd edition) by Marcia Langton  This Is Not Propaganda by Peter Pomerantsev  The Idea of Australia by Julianne Schultz  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia expert Derek Hutcheson joins us to discuss the reasons for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political longevity and whether his power is finally on the slide.  What impact did the economic chaos in Russia in the decade leading up to Vladimir Putin’s ascension to the presidency have on his political career? Will the suspicious death of his former ally Yevgeny Prigozhin have an impact on Putin’s ability to keep Russia’s powerful elites onside? And will it be generational change rather than a coup that brings about a major realignment in Russian politics? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Derek Hutcheson joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss sources of Putin’s political power and the impact of the disastrous, illegal war on Ukraine on his standing in Russia.  Derek Stanford Hutcheson is a visiting Russia specialist at The Australian National University (ANU) and a Professor of Political Science and Vice-Dean at Sweden’s Malmö University.  Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.  Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected].  This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Researchers Nicholas Biddle and Intifar Chowdhury join us to discuss the impact of the inflation crisis on Australians’ wellbeing and their attitudes to politics.What impact is inflation and rising interest rates having on the financial and psychological wellbeing of Australians? With over 30 per cent of people finding it difficult to get by on their current income, are voters likely to start pointing the finger at the current government for the state of the economy? And will the tougher economic times affect people’s attitudes during the Voice referendum campaign? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Nicholas Biddle and Dr Intifar Chowdhury join Professor Mark Kenny to discuss the economy, how its affecting political attitudes and the findings of the latest ANUpoll.Nicholas Biddle is an Associate Director and Professor at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.Intifar Chowdhury is a political scientist and Associate Lecturer at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute joins us on this episode of Democracy Sausage to discuss Australia’s search for power and peace in the Indo-Pacific.What is Australia’s biggest asset when it comes to defending against a rising China? Have the economic arguments made in favour of AUKUS been over-egged by the federal government? And how far should Australia go to protect Taiwan’s democracy? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program Sam Roggeveen joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss Australia's security, the AUKUS deal and his new book, The Echidna Strategy.Sam Roggeveen is Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program and author of The Echidna Strategy: Australia’s Search for Power and Peace.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan Davis and George Williams join Mark Kenny live on campus to talk about Australia’s constitution and their new book, Everything you need to know about the Voice.Some critics of the Voice argue it would “introduce race” into the constitution, but is racial discrimination in fact a significant factor in the document and its history? Has the government dropped the ball by not running a civic education campaign in the lead-up to the referendum? And why is Australia’s colonial history not better understood by the broader population? On this special episode of Democracy Sausage, recorded live on campus at The Australian National University (ANU), Professor Megan Davis and Professor George Williams AO join Professor Mark Kenny to talk about the upcoming referendum and their new book, Everything you need to know about the Voice.This episode was recorded live as part of the ANU/Canberra Times Meet the Author series on 7 August 2023. Everything you need to know about the Voice was published by UNSW Press.Megan Davis is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Society), the Balnaves Chair of Constitutional Law, a Professor of Law and the Director of the Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW.George Williams AO is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Assurance), the Anthony Mason Professor and a Scientia Professor of Constitutional Law at UNSW.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Bongiorno and Liz Allen join us to discuss the political challenges facing the Labor Party in the wake of its national conference and the upcoming Intergenerational Report.How damaging is internal criticism within the Labor Party around the leadership’s positions on issues like AUKUS and climate change? How has Anthony Albanese adapted as a leader on the path to the prime ministership and while in office? And what might the next Intergenerational Report reveal about who we are and where we’re going as a nation? Historian Professor Frank Bongiorno and demographer Dr Liz Allen join Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga this week for a sizzling episode of Democracy Sausage.Frank Bongiorno AM is an Australian labour, political and cultural historian and Professor of History at The Australian National University (ANU).Liz Allen is a demographer and social researcher at the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences and the author of The Future of Us: Demography gets a makeover.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former foreign minister Bob Carr joins Mark Kenny to talk about AUKUS, Julian Assange and the Australian government’s language around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ahead of the Labor Party’s national conference.Is Australia acting against its own national interests through the AUKUS deal and other defence agreements being struck with the United States? Should the Albanese government be more vigorous in its support for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange? And what is the prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, former Labor foreign minister the Hon Bob Carr joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss Australian foreign policy in the lead-up to the Labor Party’s national conference.The Hon Bob Carr is a former Australian foreign minister, former New South Wales premier and Industry Professor (Business and Climate Change) at the University of Technology Sydney.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent Member of Parliament Kate Chaney joins us to discuss how to make Australian politics more transparent and ways to level the playing field for new and independent political actors.Are political parties writing the rules to protect their own interests rather than those of the Australian public? Why can governments still run expensive, taxpayer-funded advertising campaigns in the lead-up to elections? And how can political donation laws be altered to provide voters with real-time information about the flow of money in a campaign? Independent Member for Curtin Kate Chaney joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss donations, transparency and the importance of public trust in the political system.Kate Chaney is the Independent Federal Member for Curtin in Western Australia.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climatologist Janette Lindesay joins the show to discuss whether climate denial is finally on the decline and the science behind our increasingly severe weather.With unprecedented wildfires in Europe and another hot and dry summer likely in Australia, what’s causing the increasingly intense weather across the globe? Is Australia’s climate denial sector now entering a recession in the face of this new reality? And will the new national anti-corruption commission have a sobering effect on bad behaviour in federal politics? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Janette Lindesay joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss Earth’s changing climate.Janette Lindesay is a climatologist and Professor at the ANU College of Science.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Join us on campus or online at The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice: A Dialogue, a special event for students and people interested in learning more about the upcoming Voice referendum.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global referendums expert Matt Qvortrup joins us to bust some referendum myths ahead of this year’s Voice vote and to discuss the political implications of the campaign.Is Peter Dutton piling pressure on the government through the Voice campaign or racing towards a political dead end? Do scare campaigns or celebrity endorsements work in referendums? And is Rishi Sunak just trying to 'save the furniture' for the British Conservative Party ahead of the next election? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, referendums expert and political scientist Professor Matt Qvortrup joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss constitutional changes in Australia and around the world.Matt Qvortrup is a Visiting Professor of Constitutional Law at the ANU College of Law and Chair of Political Science at Coventry University.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Join us on campus at The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice: A Dialogue, a special event designed for students and people interested in learning more about the upcoming Voice referendum.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Leigh joins Mark and Marija to discuss breaking up the Labor Party’s factional ‘duopoly’ on this episode of Democracy Sausage.Are Labor’s factions helping or hindering the party’s ability to attract young members? Why is factional power at an all-time high in the party? And how can ‘total factionalism’ be prevented in an era of professional politics and strict party discipline? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Dr Andrew Leigh MP joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the risks of concentrated factional power in the Australian Labor Party.Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and the Labor Member for Fenner.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Attorney-General George Brandis joins us to discuss the geographic challenges facing the Liberal Party, referendum politics, and Anthony Albanese’s attendance at NATO.Can moderates regain a foothold in the Liberal Party after the 2022 election defeat? Would releasing an early draft of the Voice to Parliament legislation silence some of the ‘yes’ campaign’s critics? And did Anthony Albanese make the right decision to attend the NATO meeting in Vilnius? Professor George Brandis KC joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss these questions and more on this episode of Democracy Sausage.George Brandis KC is a former Attorney-General, the recent Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a Professor in the Practice of National Security at The Australian National University (ANU).Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruce Wolpe joins us to discuss Donald Trump’s impact both in the United States and Australia, and what it would mean if he was re-elected in 2024.How did Trump’s time in the White House change global politics? What has been the impact of ‘Trumpism’ in Australia? And what would it mean for us if he was re-elected? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Bruce Wolpe shares his unique insights into American political history with Professor Mark Kenny. The pair discuss the possible consequences of a Trump second term and Bruce’s new book, Trump’s Australia.Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He worked with the Democrats in the US Congress during President Barack Obama's first term, was a senior advisor for Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and a senior executive at Fairfax Media from 1998-2009. Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Speers and Senator Barbara Pocock join us at the barbecue to discuss the PwC scandal, Julia Gillard’s political legacy and the Labor-Greens relationship.Why has the scandal surrounding the misuse of information about multinational tax avoidance measures by some at PwC taken eight years to come to a head? How have public perceptions of Julia Gillard’s prime ministership changed in the decade since she left office? And is the Australian government’s recent contribution to the defence of Ukraine coming fast enough? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, host of Insiders David Speers and Greens Senator for South Australia Barbara Pocock AM join Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the PwC scandal, the treatment of women in parliament and Australia’s assistance to Ukraine.Barbara Pocock AM is a Senator for South Australia and the Greens' Spokesperson for Finance, Employment and Public Sector.David Speers is an award-winning journalist and host of Insiders on the ABC.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Nominate outstanding ANU graduates for the 2023 Alumni Awards.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent member for Wentworth Allegra Spender discusses how a citizens’ assembly might help parliament break through its housing policy impasse.Could bringing a group of regular citizens together to talk through the issues help politicians find common ground on housing policy? Is the ‘Australian dream’ always likely to be connected to home ownership or will the national mythology begin to change? And are the inequities in the housing market having a lasting impact on our democracy? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Allegra Spender MP joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss how to have a ‘more thoughtful conversation’ about housing in Australia.Allegra Spender is the independent member for the federal seat of Wentworth.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.