Thought Crimes and Punishment

Thought Crimes and Punishment

Author: New Politics February 5, 2026 Duration: 28:26
In this episode, we examine Australia’s newly passed anti-hate speech laws and ask when protecting communities crosses the line into criminalising dissent. Rushed through parliament after the Bondi terror attack, the legislation introduces the vague concept of “psychological harm”, raising serious concerns about free speech, the right to protest and the ability to criticise foreign governments.

Will accusing the Israeli government of genocide, war crimes or apartheid against Palestinians now be deemed unlawful if offence is claimed? And what this means for journalists, activists, podcasters and ordinary citizens?

We also look at the political pressure behind the laws, including lobbying around the IHRA definition of antisemitism, selective enforcement against pro-Palestine protests, the cancellation of cultural events such as the Adelaide Writers’ Festival, and growing fears that subjective feelings are being elevated over democratic rights as Australia moves toward policing dissent rather than defending it. #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: 100

New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & Commentary
Podcast Episodes
The Long-Read Essay: When dissent becomes a crime [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:18
In this long-read episode, we revisit Australia’s anti-Semitism report from July 2025 and the growing politics of fear surrounding protest, free speech, and criticisms of Israel. As new federal anti-hate and anti-Semitis…
The Long-Read Essay: American Fascism and Trump Unmasked [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:27
Donald Trump’s second presidency has exposed the United States’ rapid slide into authoritarianism, with chaos, corruption and unchecked executive power now defining American politics. In this long-read episode, we examin…
A Royal Commission too far? Power, pressure and the politics of Bondi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:31
In this holiday episode, we cut through the noise surrounding calls for a Royal Commission into the Bondi attack and ask whether the process is truly about accountability or has become a vehicle for political pressure. W…
The Long-Read Essay: How Labor governs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
After its emphatic 2025 election victory, the Albanese Labor government entered the year with overwhelming parliamentary dominance and a clear mandate to govern boldly. On paper, it was a government with every advantage…
The Long-Read Essay: Albanese On Trial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:34
This long-read audio essay examines the vilification of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Bondi Beach memorial, and how national mourning was turned into a partisan spectacle. It explores how antisemitism, public…
The Long-Read Essay: Democracy, Power and Australia at the Crossroads [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:20
2025 was the year the comforting myths finally fell away. In this long-read essay, we trace how democratic institutions – globally and in Australia – proved far more fragile than many assumed, as misinformation, authorit…
The Review of 2025 Part 3: All the way with the US forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:07
As the United States slides into institutional decay under Donald Trump’s return to the White House – with sweeping tariffs on global trade, mass deportations, rolled-back civil rights and an increasingly authoritarian s…