Eating Onions: Breaking Down The Layers Of Austral

Tony Abbott says the First Fleet was good for everyone, aboriginal people included; Bill Shorten sets Labor's election run agenda; and a lightning round!

John Alexander is re-elected in the seat of Bennelong, and is too proud to have a disability sticker. Malcolm Turnbull reshuffles his ministry.    RELATED LINKS: http://tallyroom.aec.gov.au/HouseDivisionPage-21379-105.htm http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/john-alexander-apologises-after-bizarre-joke-mars-bennelong-victory-speech-20171216-h05y8x.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-21/science-on-the-outer-after-malcolm-turnbull-cabinet-reshuffle/9277260 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/snowy-20-will-go-ahead-but-cost-increases-50-per-cent-20171219-h07onp.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-19/cabinet-reshuffle-ruffles-feathers-within-national-party/9273420?section=politics http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-19/ministerial-reshuffle-announced-five-new-faces/9271198?section=politics  

As Barnaby Joyce is re-elected, nine other MPs are being referred to the High Court, including the first Labor MPs to be caught up in the citizeship fiasco.    RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/barnaby-rejoices-as-new-england-reelects-its-deputy-pm-in-a-landslide-20171202-gzxhgg.html http://www.smh.com.au/world/when-free-speech-becomes-a-shield-for-planned-chaos-20171205-gzyyww.html http://www.smh.com.au/environment/nsw-greens-mps-arrested-in-queensland-coal-mine-protest-20171206-gzzns8.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/more-labor-referrals-loom-as-bill-shortens-horror-fortnight-ends-with-infighting-20171206-gzzs9o.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-07/donald-trump-recognises-jerusalem-as-israels-capital/9234228?=smid=FB_M%7CNews&WT.tsrc=Facebook_Organic  

Sam Dastyari has been told to resign from his parliamentary responsibilities at the request of Bill Shorten. Malcolm Turnbull announces a royal commission into the banking sector.   RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sam-dastyari-quits-key-parliamentary-positions-after-more-damaging-china-revelations-20171129-gzvl0l.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nc&eid=socialn%3Atwi-13omn1677-edtrl-other%3Annn-17%2F02%2F2014-edtrs_socialshare-all-nnn-nnn-vars-o%26sa%3DD%26usg%3DALhdy28zsr6qiq http://www.smh.com.au/national/investigations/all-at-sea-shanghai-sam-dastyari-the-whale-and-the-lost-tape-recording-20171127-gztmwc.html http://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/big-four-banks-tell-government-to-set-up-inquiry-20171129-gzvlfr.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-senate-decision-who-votes-yes-who-voted-no-and-who-abstained-20171129-gzv3n0.html

The Greens have their eyes set on 25 seats in the next 25 years. Malcolm Turnbull has cancelled parliament sitting next week, what's up with that? And John Alexender's grip on Bennelong is starting to loosen.   RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/greens-plan-25-seats-over-the-next-generation-to-become-major-political-force-20171118-gzo5wq.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/why-would-malcolm-turnbull-cancel-parliament-hes-desperate-to-survive-20171120-gzp814.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/bennelong-byelection-poll-so-far-so-good-in-labors-kristina-keneally-gamble-20171117-gzns98.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-strike-against-malcolm-turnbull-scott-morrison-and-peter-dutton-cabinet-furious-after-leak-20171122-gzqq3v.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-18/greens-win-northcote-by-election/9164644  

Australia says a resounding YES to same sex marriage, Eating Onions looks at a breakdown of voting patterns nationally and by electorate. Jacqui Lambie has resigned, and Kristina Keneally is running against John Alexander in the Bennelong by-election   RELATED LINKS: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/same-sex-marriage-what-happens-next/9134072 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/kristina-keneally-denies-ambush-as-liberals-try-to-return-serve-in-bennelong-20171115-gzlu5p.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/john-howard-expecting-campaign-call-up-as-kristina-keneally-vies-for-bennelong-20171114-gzlcw5.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-postal-survey-how-sydney-electorates-voted-20171113-gzkkod.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-15/high-court-rules-hollie-hughes-ineligible-to-replace-fiona-nash/9153638

Federal Minister for Bennelong, John Alexander, has been brought into the citizenship debate, as reports suggest he may be a British citizen by descent. Also, the ACCC have ordered Telstra and other telcos to compensate customers for misleading advertising regarding NBN speeds. RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbull-plans-to-recall-parliament-to-deal-with-citizenship-issues-20171108-gzh2i1.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/not-my-problem-bill-shorten-stiffs-embattled-malcolm-turnbull-20171108-gzhcev.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/protection-racket-labor-calls-for-john-alexander-to-be-sent-to-high-court-20171107-gzgl3s.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/doubts-raised-over-jacqui-lambies-citizenship-status-after-scottish-discovery-20171108-gzhj5a.html http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/42000-telstra-nbn-customers-to-get-compensation-rather-than-speed-20171108-gzh6di.html http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/telstra-offering-compensation-to-42000-customers-over-slow-nbn-speeds-20171107-gzgybn.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-09/optus-latest-telco-to-compensate-customers-for-slow-nbn/9132778  

Patrick Muldrew takes the reigns and steers us through the American political landscape, which at the moment is heating up as Robert S. Mueller III reveals charges against three former Trump campaign officials. What does this mean for Trump?   SHOW NOTES: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/manafort-and-former-business-partner-asked-to-surrender-in-connection-with-special-counsel-probe/2017/10/30/6fe051f0-bd67-11e7-959c-fe2b598d8c00_story.html?utm_term=.5a05b0743359 

This week, we delve into Australia's National Broadbad Network, from Kevin Rudd's announcement in 2009, through to Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull's destruction of it. Strap in!   RELATED LINKS: http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/whats-wrong-with-the-nbn/9077900 http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-nbn-was-engineered-to-fail-20171023-p4ywly.html http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/kevin-rudd-blames-malcolm-turnbull-for-nbn-train/9078228 http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/leaks-reveal-nbn-plan-for-cheaper-internet-20171025-gz8b3i.html http://www.smh.com.au/national/ipsos-global-advisor-survey-finds-australia-ranks-lowest-for-broadband-satisfaction-20171024-gz7ibi.html

We discuss the National Energy Guarantee that Malcolm Turnbull introduced this week, and the effect on renewable investment. In a lead up to a vote in Victoria on the legalisation of euthanasia, former PM, Paul Keating, has said "Don't Do It". Also, New Zealand have their third female Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.   RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/welcome-to-politics-new-threeletterword-the-neg-20171017-gz2hfh.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-10-19/concern-energy-policy-will-stymie-growth-in-battery-storage/9061948 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-19/national-energy-guarantee-trifecta-missing-detail/9063500 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/labor-could-back-malcolm-turnbulls-energy-plan-20171018-gz3f6e.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/dont-do-it-paul-keating-in-11th-hour-bid-to-stop-euthanasia-laws-20171019-gz4473.html http://www.smh.com.au/world/rookie-labour-leader-jacinda-ardern-to-become-new-zealands-new-pm-20171019-gz4ip1.html  

In our season premiere, Nick Xenophon announces he's quitting federeal politics to run for South Australian State Parliament. Michael Danby used tax payer dollars to run two attack ads against the ABC. Tony Abbott opened his mouth again, and Malcolm Turnbull attempts to keep messaging on point on energy policy.    SHOW NOTES: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-says-climate-change-could-be-beneficial-because-more-people-die-20171009-gyxi9y.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/once-bitten-twice-shy-why-malcolm-turnbull-is-cornered-on-climate-change-20171009-gyxbd1.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/well-climate-change-is-real-josh-frydenberg-reminds-tony-abbott-he-signed-paris-deal-20171010-gyyfx8.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-statesman-tells-malcolm-turnbull-to-stand-and-fight-tony-abbott-on-climate-20171011-gyypm7.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/its-time-labor-mp-michael-danby-under-pressure-after-abc-attack-backfires-20171005-gyuvj7.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/every-federal-election-risks-becoming-a-genealogical-witch-hunt-high-court-warned-20171011-gyyivg.html http://www.smh.com.au/comment/nick-xenophons-gamble-does-state-power-trumps-federal-influence-20171010-gyyd1v.html  

In our Season Finale, we discuss Tony Abbott's threats to cross the floor to block Turnbull's energy policy. Also, what's the larger play here for Abbott, and how much does it cost to keep a coal plant operational? And...Rocket Man.   RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-criticises-government-on-energy-policy-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-20170919-gykrys.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/barnaby-joyce-warns-tony-abbott-over-threat-to-cross-turnbull-government-over-energy-20170920-gyl502.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbull-says-north-korea-will-be-wiped-out-if-regime-attacks-us-20170919-gykvcb.html  

Marriage Equality is at the heart of today's discussion. Tony Abbott wrote an article for The Sydney Morning Herald, and George Brandis calls for emergency vilification laws. Also, we simplify and demystify the first commercials from both sides of the campaign. RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/emergency-laws-to-ban-vilification-intimidation-and-threats-in-samesex-marriage-campaign-20170912-gyfpkh.html http://www.smh.com.au/comment/tony-abbott-on-why-same-sex-marriage-would-fundamentally-change-society-20170912-gyfi4f.html https://gayandchristian.blog/2017/09/12/being-gay-during-the-ssm-plebiscite/  

In the first of our three-part series of "How The Media Covers Politics", we talk to Media Advisor to Mike Baird and Barry O'Farrell, Cameron Hamilton.  RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/exclusive-how-the-news-is-dropped-in-nsw-20170830-gy73aj.html http://www.smh.com.au/comment/when-it-comes-to-exposure-in-politics-less-can-be-more-20170427-gvu7e9.html

Pauline Hanson wore a burqa into parliament last week, and Attorney-General George Brandis slapped her down, which saw a standing ovation from The Greens and The Labor Party. Sarah Hanson-Young had some things to say to Pauline Hanson on Channel 7's Sunrise, including blaming Pauline for potentially threatening the national security of the country. And the Same Sex Marriage debate is still dominating media coverage, we give our latest thoughts. EDIT: There was an audio clip that was left over from the previous episode that has now been removed :-)

Pauline Hanson wore a burqa into parliament last week, and Attorney-General George Brandis slapped her down, which saw a standing ovation from The Greens and The Labor Party. Sarah Hanson-Young had some things to say to Pauline Hanson on Channel 7's Sunrise, including blaming Pauline for potentially threatening the national security of the country. And the Same Sex Marriage debate is still dominating media coverage, we give our latest thoughts.

In the news this week, it was revealed that Barnaby Joyce is a New Zealand citizen by descent. He has referred himself to the High Court for a ruling on whether or not he is eligible to continue to sit in parliament. Julie Bishop subsequently has accused Bill Shorten and the Labor Party of conspiring with the New Zealand Labor Party against the Australian government. George Brandis accused Penny Wong and her staff of the dirty work.  Also on this episode, Annabel Crabb interviewed John Howard and Bob Hawke about the lack of outstanding leaders in democratic systems today, and how today's politicians are ruining the profession. RELATED LINKS http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/transcript-julie-bishops-extraordinary-new-zealand-citizenship-press-conference-20170816-gxxa1d.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/julie-bishop-says-she-could-not-trust-a-new-zealand-labour-government-after-barnaby-fiasco-20170815-gxwfj9.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bernardi-calls-for-parliament-to-be-suspended-as-citizenship-scandal-deepens-20170816-gxy0ae.html http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/no-outstanding-leader-in-the-free-world-says-bob-hawke-at-event-with-john-howard-20170816-gxxw8i.html  

Penny Wong delivered an emotional speech in parliament during the week, and Tony Abbott began his campaign in support of the "No" vote.    SHOW NOTES: P. Wong Speech: divided & leaderless Gov. Passing the buck to the people because they cant make a decision in the party room. An effort to overturn a clear decision made by the senate last year.  "An expensive stunt" $122m Re-emphasises Non-binding nature of the plebiscite Abbott, Bernadi, Abetz aren't going to change their minds The country has moved on from the SSM debate MP's are elected to do their jobs (to come to Parliament and votemake decisions) Government wants the public to make their voices heard on this issue but not on a raft of other policies. Cormann's "Unifying" moment - Australian Christian Lobby called children of LGBT community the new stolen Generation and Sen. Wong railed against the PM and other snr. Liberal figures for not calling them out on this discriminatory rubbish. Finished by calling upon senate crossbench to stay the course RELATED LINKS: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/rules-against-malicious-campaign-material-will-not-apply-to-samesex-marriage-postal-vote-20170809-gxskoj.html http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-hurt-michael-kirby-implores-his-old-friend-malcolm-turnbull-to-show-leadership-on-gay-marriage-20170809-gxsfcf.html  

The Eating Onions team look into the long and storied history of the Australian Labor Party.    RELATED LINKS: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Labor_Party http://laborhistory.org.au www.alp.org.au  

Malcolm Roberts and Matt Canavan are dragged into the dual citizenship fiasco this week, and Pauline Hanson's sister, Judy Smith, may be set to join the Senate. Also, it has been revealed that Barnaby Joyce used RAAF "special purpose" aircraft for private travel in May last year. Lastly, what kind of people follow and comment on Australian politics? Spoilers...nasty people.   RELATED LINKS: Pauline Hanson's sister, Judy Smith, could replace Malcolm Roberts in the Senate Labor demands Matt Canavan documents while its MPs refuse to provide proof The dissenting argument from a former governor-general that could save Matt Canavan's skin Barnaby Joyce Billed Taxpayers Almost $9,000 For "Special Purpose" Flights, On The Same Day He Went To The Footy Malcolm Turnbull takes the axe to the most notorious political perk of all