Populism in Australian politics is often framed as a right-wing phenomenon, driven by figures like Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, but this episode of the New Politics podcast challenges that narrative by exploring the potential of left-wing populism through the Australian Greens.
We outline how populism is not so much an ideology but a political strategy used across the spectrum – from Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn to Hugo Chávez – and examine the key differences between right-wing populism’s focus on nationalism, immigration and identity politics, and left-wing populism’s emphasis on economic inequality, workers’ rights, public housing, higher wages and corporate accountability. As political discourse in Australia continues to normalise conservative populist voices in mainstream media, we ask why progressive and socialist perspectives are marginalised, despite widespread public support for policies like stronger healthcare, better education, fair taxation and housing affordability.
With the Greens restructuring the Green Institute and appointing Max Chandler-Mather, we explore whether the party is preparing to embrace a more assertive, pro-worker, anti-corporate message ahead of the next federal election, and whether issues like negative gearing, capital gains tax reform, and the housing crisis could become defining battlegrounds. We also examine media bias, the role of think tanks in shaping political narratives, and the missed opportunities for the Greens to capitalise on voter frustration, asking whether this is the moment they shift towards a more disciplined, unapologetic populist strategy that resonates with younger voters locked out of housing and economic security.
