Full Story Back to Back Barries and Niki Savva on a seismic year in politics
Dec 12, 2025
Niki Savva, an award-winning journalist and author of "Earthquake: The Election that Shook Australia," shares her insights on Australian politics. She discusses the implications of Labor's 2025 election win and whether Albanese can sustain momentum for reform. The conversation shifts to the Liberals' struggle, examining the party's heartland losses and the rise of One Nation. Niki also explores economic challenges ahead and the potential for state leader Peter Malinauskas to influence national politics, rounding out a year of seismic political shifts.
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Entitlements Need Clear Leadership
- Family-reunion entitlements are widely seen as too generous and open to abuse, which fuels public anger.
- Niki Savva and Barrie Cassidy say leaders must either defend or reform the rules rather than disclaim responsibility.
Publicly Review And Reform Rules
- Change entitlement guidelines if they fall outside community expectations rather than hiding behind 'I don't make the rules.'
- Leaders should publicly commit to reviewing rules to restore public trust, says Niki Savva.
Joyce–One Nation Is Fragile
- Barnaby Joyce joining One Nation could boost the party, but personal and ideological clashes make the partnership unstable.
- Niki Savva doubts longevity, noting both are strong-willed and unlikely to defer to each other.
