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Anzac Day hijacked: Culture wars at dawn

Anzac Day hijacked: Culture wars at dawn

Author: New Politics May 1, 2026 Duration: 28:58
New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary
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Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au   This week, we discuss the growing Anzac Day culture war in Australia, from booing at Dawn Services and Welcome to Country ceremonies to the rising influence of right-wing groups like Advance Australia and Fight for Australia, and ask how a solemn commemoration of the 8,700 Australians who died at Gallipoli has been reshaped into a platform for right-wing political messaging, identity politics and nationalist rhetoric. We examine the role of Gina Rinehart and the impact of media power, political donations and organisations such as the Institute of Public Affairs, the Liberal Party and One Nation in redefining Anzac Day, while contrasting this with the working-class origins of the original Anzacs and the often-overlooked service of more than 1,300 Indigenous Australians in World War I. As Anzac Day becomes increasingly politicised and resistant to criticism, we explore whether it can remain a respectful national day of remembrance or if it has been captured by ideological interests shaping Australia’s political and cultural debate.  #AUSPOL 

www.newpolitics.com.au  

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Eddy Jokovich and David Lewis host New Politics: Australian Politics, a podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise of the daily news cycle. Their conversations go beyond the headlines and parliamentary theatre, digging into the stories and power dynamics that often get sidelined. They focus on the issues that mainstream coverage tends to gloss over or ignore entirely, driven by a commitment to the kind of accountability many journalists shy away from. Each episode is built on thorough analysis and direct discussion, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the country. You’ll hear them dissect policy, political strategy, and the real-world consequences of decisions made in Canberra, all with a serious and critical eye. This isn’t about soundbites or partisan point-scoring; it’s about examining how power operates and who it serves. For anyone tired of superficial political reporting and looking for substantive commentary, this podcast provides a necessary and regular dose of clarity. Tune in for their unflinching take on Australian politics, where the conversation always aims to hold power to account.
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