Politics Now Is Albanese's year off to a bumpy start?
Jan 12, 2026
The hosts dive into the aftermath of gripping summer events, highlighting the prime minister's response to extreme weather and the Bondi terror attack. They discuss the long-awaited announcement of a national Royal Commission into antisemitism, contrasting Albanese's leadership approach with Morrison's past failures. Political fallout looms as they explore potential implications for ministers, while questioning whether the opposition has overstepped in politicizing tragedy. The podcast captures the intricate dynamics of current political tensions and public sentiment.
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January No Longer A Quiet News Month
- Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber say January is no longer a quiet news month and big events now often land then.
- The Bondi attack and other global crises made the start of 2026 unusually intense for Australian politics.
Albanese Leans Into Disaster Response
- The Prime Minister is fronting disaster responses to avoid the failures of past leaders like Scott Morrison.
- Albanese is visibly leaning into emergency management to show competence and empathy.
Leadership Presence During Crises Matters
- Albanese moved quickly into disaster centres after announcing the Royal Commission decision to be seen managing crises.
- Senior ministers and opposition figures also made public appearances to show activity during emergencies.