Ep. 281: It’s Not Good ‘By’ in Werribee

02/13/25 • 54 min

On a cloudy day in Melbourne’s West, campaign workers in clashing t-shirts formed lines outside of schools and community centres. Residents, who often suffer from congested roads, this time navigated foot traffic on their way to the voting booth.

February 8th, 2025 was the day of the Werribee by-election. It came after long-serving Labor MP, Tim Pallas announced his retirement - kicking off Labor’s first real pressure test of the year.

Stephen Donnelly sits down with seasoned pollster and campaign researcher, John Armitage, for a spirited discussion about why the Werribee by-election matters, and what Labor can learn from this moment as they rise to meet the challenges of 2025.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
04:33 Werribee By-Election Overview
16:23 The Liberal Strategy
23:56 Lessons for Labor
36:31 The Western Front
47:21 Prahan
52:36 Wrap Up

The presenting sponsor of the Socially Democratic podcast is Dunn Street. For more information on how Dunn Street can help you organise to build winning campaigns in your community, business or organisation, and make the world a better place, look us up at: dunnstreet.com.au

Support the show

New episodes out every Friday.
If you like the show leave a comment below or leave us a review on Podchaser: https://bit.ly/36uFbp8
Support the show on Patreon.
Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Instagram.

February 8th, 2025 was the day of the Werribee by-election. It came after long-serving Labor MP, Tim Pallas announced his retirement - kicking off Labor’s first real pressure test of the year.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
04:33 Werribee By-Election Overview
16:23 The Liberal Strategy
23:56 Lessons for Labor
36:31 The Western Front
47:21 Prahan
52:36 Wrap Up

Support the show

Previous Episode

Ep. 280: Feeney Files #11: New Year, Same Feeney

This week, Stephen Donnelly and former Labor Campaign Director and federal MP, David Feeney, unpack the way forward for Albanese’s Labor government as the federal election looms.

In a complex, de-centralised, and increasingly click-baity media landscape, the Labor Government has their work cut out for them if they intend to keep the national conversation focused on key issues - particularly while Dutton dangles culture-war bait.

Is Labor adequately prepared for the fight ahead? Will Feeney deliver another epic 30 minute address? Listen in to find out.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
02:57 Sliding Into Campaign Mode
08:04 The Cabinet Reshuffle
19:10 Election Date Predictions
30:23 Defining the Message
47:23 The Victoria Effect
53:44 Wrap Up

#sociallydemocratic #dunnstreet #podcast #auspol #federalelection #Albo #Dutton #AnthonyAlbanese #BillShorten #culturewars #politicalmemes #KarateKid #VoiceReferendum #negativegearing #Labor #DavidFeeney #StephenDonnelly

Support the show

Next Episode

Ep. 282: The Art of the Modern Campaign with James Booth

With the relative decline of mainstream media and the rise of podcasts, influencers, and infinite scrolling, how is the Australian Labor party faring in the race to modernise their political campaigns?

And how can social democratic parties around the world continue to compete and adapt to the ever-changing new media landscape? What role does data analytics play in shaping effective messaging, and driving innovative, efficient campaigns?

On this week’s episode of Socially Democratic, Stephen Donnelly sits down with James Booth, an Australian transplant to Washington D.C. and an expert on campaign data and messaging. They discuss, among other things, takeaways from the U.S. Presidential Election, the long road to changing public perception, and the surprising strength of analogue.

Enjoy!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
2:23 Meet James Booth
19:34 Where Australian Campaigns Fit In
29:41 U.S. Election Hindsight
54:08 Winning the “Battle of the Thumbs”

Support the show