In this episode I hang up the parliamentary boots and toast a successful season of Nerdjacking. We played hard on the left wing, kicked aimlessly on the right wing, marked whilst moving forward and scored with all the finesse and determination

Episode 68 – Herdjacking

Oct 15th, 2017 18m 14s

Welcome to Herdjacking, my podcast about Australian animal husbandry. In this special mini episode Malcolm and I reflect on one of the most important aspects of Australian democracy – the democracy sausage. Find out if your local polling statio

Episode 67 – Vote if you want to

Oct 8th, 2017 44m 4s

In this episode Malcolm and I discuss that pesky requirement to have your name checked off the electoral roll every 3 years – compulsory voting. Which countries have it? What are the pros and cons? Listen and find out! Stuff we discussed: Here

Episode 66 – September in review

Oct 2nd, 2017 8m 31s

In this mini episode I reflect on what happened in Australian politics for the month of September. We’ll look at elections around the world, what the High Court has been up to, and whether any legislation was debated. Enjoy!

Episode 65 – The curious case of a UK Senator

Sep 24th, 2017 12m 7s

In this episode I discuss the recent High Court case of a Senator who thought he was definitely an Australian citizen and not a dual citizen of another country, because you know, the vibe. Have a look at the case if you’re interested. Enjoy!

Episode 64 – Hansard 1976 media reform

Sep 17th, 2017 7m 30s

In this mini episode I read Hansard from 1976. With the government managing to do something unexpected, like pass a media reform bill, I thought we should all have a look at what media reform sounded like in the 70’s. If you’d like to know some

Episode 63 – Electio Terminus Distributus

Sep 10th, 2017 38m 11s

In this episode I’m joined by Ben as we discuss electoral boundary redistributions. Why do they happen? Who gets to decide? And what will it mean for the next election? Also enjoy my made up Latin term Electio Terminus Distrubutus (thanks Googl

Episode 62 – August in review

Sep 3rd, 2017 10m 20s

In this mini episode I’ll summarise what happened in Australian politics for the month of August 2017. We’ll take a closer look at all the crazy things that went on in parliament, what legislation was debated, and whether anything was actually

Episode 61 – Disqualified and disgraced

Aug 27th, 2017 49m 23s

In this episode I’m joined by Matt as we discuss part 4 of Good for your constitution. We look at what will go down as Australia’s most well known and bizarre section of the Constitution – Section 44. We’ll find out about all those politicians

Episode 60 – Hansard 1977 a national song

Aug 20th, 2017 16m 2s

In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1977. With all this talk about plebiscites why not have a look at one that actually went ahead. It was a question so burning and so important it needed everyone to participate in

Episode 59 – A Bill for an Act to conduct a voluntary postal survey

Aug 13th, 2017 46m 38s

In this episode Annie and I discuss what a plebiscite is, how it differs from a referendum, and why everyone keeps talking about them? Without getting too deep into the debate itself, we’ll discuss how we ended up with a postal survey on whethe

Episode 58 – July in review

Aug 6th, 2017 25m 16s

In this mini episode I’ll summarise what happened in Australian politics for the month of July 2017. We’ll take a closer look at how many senators were kicked out for being foreigners, and why no legislation was passed at all. Some of your ques

Episode 57 – Keeping it in the family

Jul 30th, 2017 33m 3s

In this episode I’m joined by Malcolm where we discuss political dynasties and families of influence. Who has been running this joint for generations? Who hands over their electorate like it’s an inheritance? Listen to find out.

Episode 56 – Hansard 1975 Qualification of a Senator

Jul 23rd, 2017 15m 8s

In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1975. That dastardly Constitutional Section 44 – disqualification to be a member or senator has been troublesome of recent times, so how did they deal with it in 1975 when Senator

Episode 55 – Censucising part 2

Jul 17th, 2017 34m 58s

In this episode Annie and I discuss the results of the 2016 Census. Did enough people complete it to get any statistics? Listen to find out. Stuff we discussed: Get the low down directly from the ABS. And some more analysis from Business Inside

Episode 54 – From little bills big laws grow

Jul 9th, 2017 48m 24s

In this episode Ben and I discuss how our laws are made. From the introduction of a bill, through the debate, until it’s finally passed. It’s a central aspect of our parliament, so how does the magic happen? Stuff we discussed: Why was the Quee

Episode 53 – June in review

Jul 2nd, 2017 22m 43s

In this mini episode I’ll have a go at summarising what happened in Australian politics for the month of June 2017. We’ll look at the Finkle energy review, the curious case of Ministers vs the court, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, and check

Episode 52 – Podiversary

Jun 25th, 2017 21m 30s

Happy Podiversary! In this episode I’ll reflect on 12 months of podcasting by going back to where it all began. I’ll pick out a few of my favourite moments, and let you know what’s in store for the future. Thanks to everyone who has contributed

Episode 51 – Hansard collection

Jun 19th, 2017 9m 38s

In this mini episode I take a trip down memory lane, back to episode 3 to be precise, when I discussed why I have a Hansard collection. In fact I discuss the very person who was the original owner of said Hansard collection. Born 11 February 19

Episode 50 – Happy birthday Mrs Windsor

Jun 12th, 2017 23m 38s

In this episode I’m joined by Kate as we discuss today’s public holiday, the Queen’s Birthday. Why is it in June? Why do we celebrate it? Listen to find out! Stuff that we discussed: All the details of the Order of Australia can be found here.

Episode 49 – Treaty yeah

Jun 5th, 2017 31m 48s

In this episode I’m joined by Annie as we discuss that great 90’s Yothu Yindi song, Treaty. Or more to the point we’ll discuss the substance of that song – a treaty. What is it? And why is it still such an important concept? Stuff that we discu

Episode 48 – Hansard 1967

May 28th, 2017 12m 42s

In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1967. The moment 50 years ago when the Australian parliament granted a referendum to count Aboriginal people as part of the Commonwealth. The referendum ultimately received an ove

Episode 47 – Committee as you are

May 21st, 2017 35m 38s

In this episode Kate and I discuss parliamentary committees, what they are, why they exist and who gets to be on one! Why aren’t they more widely known in society? Things we discussed: Are committees in the Constitution? It turns out there is a

Episode 46 – Mummy why is that man nerdjacking?

May 14th, 2017 33m 23s

In this episode Kate and I discuss some of the politics and laws relating to mothers and families. What are ‘women’s issues’ and why do we care what dress she wore? What does any of that have to do with raising a family? Listen to find out! Thi

Episode 45 – Hansard 1973 free university

May 7th, 2017 12m 48s

In this mini episode I am joined by Kate as we read Hansard from 1973. One of the Whitlam Government’s signature pieces of legislation was the Student Assistance Act 1973. This gave Australians (for a short period of our history) access to free