Full Story Newsroom edition: does Australian politics need a Mamdani-style shake-up?
Nov 6, 2025
Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia, discusses the authenticity of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign and its appeal to young voters. Patrick Keneally highlights the internal chaos within the Coalition, particularly regarding net zero pledges, and the barriers for new political styles in Australia. Josephine Tovey shares insights on how Mamdani’s economic messaging could inspire fresh approaches in local politics. The trio analyzes the implications of coalition infighting on climate investment, emphasizing the need for clear policies and potential lessons from Mamdani's success.
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Translate Urban Appeal To Wider Electorates
- Mamdani's rise shows centre-left parties could regain support by promising tangible improvements rather than diffuse platforms.
- Lenore Taylor warns parties must translate that authenticity to broader electorates beyond cities.
Put Economy First, Offer Concrete Fixes
- Focus relentlessly on everyday economic issues like childcare, transport and housing to undercut cultural-war appeals.
- Josephine Tovey urges politicians to offer concrete solutions instead of vague platitudes.
Party Structures Limit Political Diversity
- Australian party pre-selection and factional structures narrow candidate types and squeeze out outsiders like Mamdani.
- Patrick Keneally notes modern parliaments are dominated by lawyers and staffers, reducing diversity of experience.