The election is coming: what moments will define the campaign?
Jan 12, 2025
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Dan Jervis-Bardy, a political reporter for Guardian Australia, dives into the shifting political scene as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese amps up his campaign amid sliding approval ratings. They discuss the urgent strategies around climate change and cost of living issues as Labor seeks to engage younger voters. The conversation takes a global turn with the implications of Donald Trump's potential return to the White House on Australia's policies. Misinformation risks and its threat to democracy in the upcoming election are also explored.
Prime Minister Albanese's early campaign efforts in key electorates reflect a strategic move to address declining approval ratings and assert Labor's commitment to local interests.
Peter Dutton’s engagement with younger voters through social media and podcasts indicates a shift in the opposition's strategy to adapt to evolving political communication trends.
Deep dives
Early Campaigning Signals Intent
The Prime Minister's early engagement in electorates signifies a strategic move to set the tone for the upcoming election year. By launching his campaign activities as early as January, Albanese aims to get critical Labor messages into the public's mind and address his declining approval ratings. This proactive approach seeks to communicate to key states, particularly mining-heavy regions like Queensland and Western Australia, that Labor is prioritizing their interests. Notable announcements, such as a $7.2 billion investment to upgrade the Bruce Highway, serve both as a commitment to infrastructure development and as a way to position Labor as responsive to local needs.
Opposition's Shift in Strategy
Peter Dutton's recent appearances, including an interview on a popular podcast, reflect a shift in the opposition's strategy to connect with younger voters. By engaging with social media influencers, Dutton aims to broaden the coalition's appeal to demographics that have historically been less supportive. Observers view this move as a recognition of the changing landscape of political communication, especially as podcasts gain influence similar to their role in the U.S. This strategy suggests an imperative for Dutton to redefine his approach to build stronger support ahead of the election.
Economic and Environmental Stakes
Economic issues, particularly concerning cost of living and interest rates, are poised to take center stage in the upcoming election. The Reserve Bank's decisions regarding interest rates could significantly impact Labor's campaign narrative, especially if rates are lowered, signaling economic recovery under their policies. Concurrently, climate change presents another critical arena for debate, with Labor advocating for aggressive renewable energy goals, while the coalition has proposed a nuclear energy plan. This divergence highlights the potential for significant policy shifts based on the election outcome, underlining the importance of voters' priorities in these areas.
There is still no date for the federal election but Anthony Albanese has switched to campaign mode, hitting electorates across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia all in one week. With the prime minister’s approval rating sliding, a potential interest-rate cut on the horizon and Donald Trump reclaiming the keys to the White House, Nour Haydar talks to political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy about the events that could shape federal politics this year
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