Daniel James

On Labor's budget woes, the Coalition's failure to capitalise, and the populist right's growing hold on Australian politics.

It's Saturday, May 23rd.

Cos, good to see you again.

This week, the Treasurer has been doing a bit of a media blitz defending the government's latest budget.

They've been facing some pretty big attack campaigns from the opposition and from some corners of the media.

So how much of a hit has the government actually taken in the polls?

What did you make of the news poll that said 52% of the people feel the budget will leave them worse off?

Do you think that's accurate?

And if so, where's that sentiment coming from?

What have you made of the overall reaction from the media in the days and now weeks after the budget?

You mentioned that Labor hasn't really taken a hit in terms of its primary vote.

It's steady at 31, according to Newspoll.

But the coalition has gone down to 20, and One Nation has gone up to 27%.

That's right.

So why is One Nation coming out on top, Cos?

In your view, Coz, is Albanese as prime minister doing enough to combat the rise of the populace right here?

This is bigger than making sure government business runs smoothly while the other side tears itself apart.

This is really actually about the soul of the country, isn't it?

Coming up, was this the final budget reply from the Coalition?

Cos, this should be perfect fodder for the Coalition, saying Labor broke faith with voters, they're attacking aspiration through the politics of envy and going after what they say is the fair go.