

Could Andrew Hastie be Australia’s Nigel Farage?
17 snips Oct 6, 2025
Tony Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist and director at RedBridge Group, dives deep into Andrew Hastie's political future and right-wing dynamics in Australia. They discuss Hastie's rich military background and rapid ascent in politics, questioning whether his controversial, Farage-like views can resonate with Australian voters. Barry highlights the challenges of appealing to the electorate in a landscape dominated by cost of living issues over cultural distractions. The conversation also explores the implications of Hastie's resignation from the Coalition front bench.
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Military Roots And Political Rise
- Andrew Hastie served in special forces and entered Parliament in 2015 after combat service in Afghanistan.
- His military background and mentors like Tony Abbott shaped his early political trajectory.
Seat Security Shapes Strategy
- Hastie focused intensely on protecting and winning his marginal WA seat after big swings against the Coalition in 2022.
- Improving his margin in 2025 changed his political calculations and public posture.
Authenticity Wins A Niche
- Hastie trades authenticity and strong views for voter rewards despite controversy on gender and marriage issues.
- His stances signal to a specific electorate segment that he is candid and principled.