The Dutton corruption files, a wellbeing Budget, and we need a super profit tax now

07/28/23 • 46 min

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Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of New Politics as we delve into some of the most pressing political and economic issues facing Australia today.
In the spotlight is Peter Dutton, the leader of the Liberal Party, who finds himself entangled in a web of questions surrounding his knowledge of contracts for offshore processing services in Nauru, made with a businessman who was convicted of corruption and bribery. We’ll trace back to Dutton’s time as Minister for Home Affairs – it’s alleged the Australian Federal Police briefed him about an investigation into the businessman’s possible corruption yet, despite this knowledge, the Department of Home Affairs proceeded to enter into contracts with the businessman’s company, Radiance International. We look at the implications of this controversial decision and why Peter Dutton needs to address these very concerning events.
We also analyse Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ announcement of the first-ever wellbeing budget. Termed the Measuring What Matters national wellbeing framework, this budget promises a new perspective on economic decisions. We’ll explore how this budget links national finances to the social wellbeing of the community, challenging the conventional focus on abstract concepts like a budget surplus or deficit. However, not everyone is on board with this innovative approach, as critics, including the usual suspects News Corporation and Sky News, seek to discredit the wellbeing budget. Discover why this framework has received both praise and skepticism from different quarters of society.
The CFMEU has put forward a bold proposal to fund public and affordable housing through a tax on corporate super profits. Zach Smith, the secretary of the CFMEU, unveiled this campaign at the National Press Club, outlining how a permanent 40% tax on excess profits could generate a substantial $29 billion annually. This significant revenue could then be used to build 53,000 new homes each year, contributing to addressing the estimated shortfall of 750,000 homes by 2041. We’ll contrast this with the Labor government’s housing proposal, which pales in comparison and has been met with criticism for its lack of ambition. We also examine the history of the resource super profit tax and why it failed to achieve its potential in the past.
Of course, there’s political implications and opposition surrounding the super profit tax proposal, and we look at Bill Shorten’s stance against considering a super profit tax and the potential media and Coalition backlash – there are merits and drawbacks of such a tax but it could be a game-changer for funding various public projects.

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undefined - Does Albanese really want The Voice to succeed? PLUS Fadden wrap, corrupt Deloitte, Commonwealth Games cancelled, private school funding

Does Albanese really want The Voice to succeed? PLUS Fadden wrap, corrupt Deloitte, Commonwealth Games cancelled, private school funding

In this action-packed episode, first, we look at the aftermath of the Fadden byelection. Although it may seem like business as usual for some, we look into the federal implications and significance of the result in this conservative seat of Gold Coast (hint: there are not many implications). The mainstream media has depicted this as a massive win for Peter Dutton and the negative impact it has had on the Labor Party – also supposedly ending Anthony Albanese’s political honeymoon – even though the opinions polls are showing the opposite: the Labor government is still way ahead of the Liberal and National parties.
Next, we shine a spotlight on one of the Big 4 consultancy firms, Deloitte, which is under scrutiny for conflicts of interest and misuse of government information during federal government consultancies. Drawing connections with previous breaches by PwC, we explore the revelations unveiled through Senate Estimates, thanks to the meticulous questioning by Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock and Labor Senator Deborah O’Neil. We also look at the calls for stronger legislation and even a potential Royal Commission into government outsourcing, given the staggering sums involved in federal government outsourcing – $21 billion.
We then turn our attention to sport and the recent decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. The reasons behind this move by Premier Daniel Andrews relate to major cost blowouts and dwindling public interest in the Commonwealth Games – certainly, this is not good news for professional athletes, but if the cost is becoming unaffordable, it’s best to cancel the games. This is what the conservative media had been calling for – cancelling the games – but now the games have been cancelled, they’re attacking the Victoria government for doing exactly what they asked for. Duplicity!
We also look into the contentious issue of government funding for private schools versus public schools and the alarming revelation that government funding for private schools has doubled over the past decade, resulting in one of the least equitable schooling systems among OECD countries. We discuss the historical context and the neoliberal kick-start provided by the Howard government in 1996, under the banner of ‘choice’ for parents – when effectively, the choice was just a grant illusion – emphasising the need for reform to achieve a fairer distribution of public funds in the education sector.
We then analyse the latest opinion polls and unravel the contrasting interpretations offered by conservative media outlets versus the actual poll numbers. We provide a nuanced analysis of the polls, which show support for the Labor government remaining steady – or increasing – debunking claims of a waning honeymoon for the Prime Minister and the Labor Party.
Lastly, we examine of the Voice to Parliament campaign’s decline in support. Drawing parallels with the 1999 Republic referendum, we explore the patterns of shifting public opinion and the challenges faced in sustaining momentum for such initiatives. We also look at the complexities of controlling political agendas and the role of prominent conservative figures like Senator Jacinta Price, Warren Mundine, and Peter Dutton in shaping the negative campaign’s narrative.

Next Episode

Morrisonian Doctrine, Dutton under pressure, environment in danger, national consent and an early election?

In this episode, we explore the pressing matters facing the Parliament this week. First up, the aftermath of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, its impact on the political landscape, and the responses from key figures such as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who is in state of denial over his role in this saga – and current Minister Leader Bill Shorten. We analyse the findings of the commission and the implications it may have for the government.
Another leader under pressure is the Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton, as calls for a Royal Commission into immigration detention gain momentum. We discuss the recent revelations surrounding a major contract with a corrupt businessman and comments made by Dutton, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
We look at the latest environmental news, examining UNESCO’s decision to defer listing the Great Barrier Reef on the “in danger” list. While the Labor government’s efforts to address climate change and greenhouse emissions are acknowledged, there are concerns about the approval of coal mines and gas exploration licenses. Are these actions are enough to protect the environment adequately? No, there needs to be more action to reduce global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
This episode also delves into the three-day Senate inquiry into sexual consent laws in Australia, its significance in reducing sexual violence against women, and the need for consistent laws across jurisdictions. But, as usual, more needs to be done.
Finally, we explore the potential impact of the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill on the political landscape and the likelihood of an early election and the historical context of double-dissolution elections in Australia. As much as the mainstream media is agitating for an early election, we just can’t see it happening any time soon.