How is One Nation influencing Labor’s immigration policy? – Back to Back Barries podcast
News Source
•Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:00:07 GMT
📰 What Happened
Tony Barry and Sean Kelly hosted a special Back to Back Barries podcast this week. They sat in for Barrie Cassidy to examine the politics of immigration and asylum. The show looked at contradictory policy statements from Labor and One Nation.
The hosts asked how much Labor is being led by One Nation on migration. They also discussed whether the government is making a strong case for immigration. The episode covered new concessions to states on GST and renewable energy for datacentres.
They closed with Labor's economic outlook. New inflation numbers suggest interest rate hikes may be coming. The 35-minute episode aired on Guardian Australia on Friday.
🔍 The Backstory
The podcast gets its name from Barrie Cassidy, a veteran political journalist. Tony Barry is a former Liberal party strategist turned pollster. Sean Kelly worked for former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd, so the pair bring both sides of politics.
Immigration has become a hot topic in Australian politics. One Nation has pushed hard on cutting arrivals. Some Labor MPs worry the party is drifting toward One Nation's position on refugees and migration numbers.
The episode also touched on the ongoing fight over datacentres. States want more control over energy rules. These fights are shaping up to be major election issues before the next federal vote.
🎯 Why It Matters
Podcasts like this explain the trade-offs behind political decisions. Immigration affects housing, jobs and communities. Understanding who is really setting policy helps voters judge whether leaders are telling the truth.
Tony Barry and Sean Kelly hosted a special Back to Back Barries podcast this week. They sat in for Barrie Cassidy to examine the politics of immigration and asylum. The show looked at contradictory policy statements from Labor and One Nation.
The hosts asked how much Labor is being led by One Nation on migration. They also discussed whether the government is making a strong case for immigration. The episode covered new concessions to states on GST and renewable energy for datacentres.
They closed with Labor's economic outlook. New inflation numbers suggest interest rate hikes may be coming. The 35-minute episode aired on Guardian Australia on Friday.
The podcast gets its name from Barrie Cassidy, a veteran political journalist. Tony Barry is a former Liberal party strategist turned pollster. Sean Kelly worked for former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd, so the pair bring both sides of politics.
Immigration has become a hot topic in Australian politics. One Nation has pushed hard on cutting arrivals. Some Labor MPs worry the party is drifting toward One Nation's position on refugees and migration numbers.
The episode also touched on the ongoing fight over datacentres. States want more control over energy rules. These fights are shaping up to be major election issues before the next federal vote.
Podcasts like this explain the trade-offs behind political decisions. Immigration affects housing, jobs and communities. Understanding who is really setting policy helps voters judge whether leaders are telling the truth.