Full Story Who is behind Australia’s new rightwing political group?
Dec 8, 2025
Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter for The Guardian Australia, dives into the rise of a new right-wing group called Reform Australia. She reveals her firsthand observations from an anti-immigration rally where pamphlets touting this group were distributed. Sarah Basford-Canales, a political reporter, links the group to controversial political figures and discusses the implications for Australia's political landscape. They analyze how socioeconomic issues drive voters toward populism and explore the impact on major parties' policies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporter At Rally Finds Reform Australia Leaflets
- Ariel Bogle attended the Put Australia First rally and observed a man handing out teal pamphlets labelled Reform Australia.
- She interviewed him briefly and then investigated the group's origins back at the office.
No Formal Link To Reform UK
- Reform Australia has no formal link to Nigel Farage's Reform UK despite similar branding and colours.
- Reform UK told Ariel Bogle there was absolutely no connection to the Australian group.
Established Liberal Figure Behind New Group
- Sarah Basford Canales identified Walter Villatora as the person behind Reform Australia and a longtime NSW Liberal operative.
- He was Tony Abbott's 2016 campaign manager and has longstanding party ties.