The price of speaking out: Art, Palestine and the MSO

The price of speaking out: Art, Palestine and the MSO

Author: New Politics July 18, 2026 Duration: 19:26
The Federal Court might have ended pianist Jayson Gillham’s legal battle with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, but the controversy raises broader questions about artistic freedom, political censorship and Palestine advocacy in Australia. After Gillham dedicated Connor D’Netto’s Witness to Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza, the MSO cancelled his performances, revealing how quickly free expression can become conditional when donors, boards and commercial reputations are involved. We examine the court ruling, apparent double standards within Australia’s cultural institutions and the chilling message it sends to artists: political expression is tolerated – until it challenges the wrong interests. #AUSPOL
Support New Politics:
Song listing:
  • ‘La Femme d’Argent’, AIR.

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary
Podcast Episodes
The Royal Commission, Palestine and the clampdown on free speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:17
Australia’s Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is becoming a major political flashpoint over free speech, Israel and Palestine, civil liberties and political dissent. We examine how accusations of ant…
One Nation and the implosion of the Liberal Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
The shock result in the Farrer byelection has exposed a deep crisis inside Australian conservatism, with One Nation winning its first ever federal lower-house seat as the Liberal Party’s vote collapsed from 43 per cent t…
What did they know? Secrets, silence and the Bondi failures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.au In this episode, we examine the interim findings of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion following the Bondi…
Anzac Day hijacked: Culture wars at dawn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
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 ceremonie…
Taxing gas: How Australia is losing $20 billion a year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:07
Subscribe to New Politics for weekly briefings and full analysis: www.newpolitics.com.auToday on the New Politics podcast, we examine Australia’s stalled debate over a 25% gas export tax and why major tax reform continue…
Green populism, come on down! Your time has come [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:31
Populism in Australian politics is usually framed as a right-wing force led by figures like Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, but this episode explores the potential of left-wing populism and the role of the Australian G…