Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
Episodes
Politics remastered
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
National Affairs journalist, Jason Koutsoukis joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the year that was, an historic election victory, the vexed question o...
Albo's conservative ambition
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian and author Frank Bongiorno joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the year that was, a landslide federal election victory, the rise of Teal and ...
Fighting the good fight?
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political journalist and author Sean Kelly joins Democracy Sausage to discuss his Quarterly Essay examining the Albanese government and asks what toda...
Gas, gambling and governance
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Independent ACT Senator David Pocock joins Democracy Sausage to challenge both major parties on climate policy, gambling reform and political transpar...
Fifty years on from the Dismissal
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special live recording from the 2025 Whitlam Symposium, Mark hosts a star-studded panel discussing the 50th anniversary of the Dismissal.Was S...
The vista of the new
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political journalist and author Troy Bramston joins Democracy Sausage to discuss his new biography of Gough Whitlam and asks how a government could be...
Barnaby's gambit
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Koutsoukis joins Democracy Sausage to examine Barnaby Joyce's political future and asks whether One Nation is really a viable option for the for...
The elephant on meth
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist Feo Snagovsky joins Democracy Sausage to explore the uncanny valley between Canadian and Australian politics and ask whether Mark ...
Stonking majorities, weak mandates
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientists Jill Sheppard and Pat Leslie join Democracy Sausage to ask whether the Albanese government is strategically waiting or simply dri...
Two years after October 7
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former ambassador Bob Bowker joins Democracy Sausage to assess the Middle East two years after October 7 and asks whether the prospect of a Palestinia...
An unfinished revolution
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Virginia Haussegger joins Democracy Sausage to discuss her new book tracing fifty years of Australian feminism and ask why the revolution that ...
Universities in crisis
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Columnist Jenna Price and economist Sinclair Davidson join Democracy Sausage to dissect the crisis engulfing Australia's university sector and ask whe...
Echo chamber politics
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins Democracy Sausage to dissect the Liberal Party's existential crisis and asks whether Australia's 'natural party of gov...
Axis of upheaval
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former senior Australian diplomat Jane Hardy joins Democracy Sausage to examine the new alliances emerging from Beijing's recent military parade and w...
Tasmania's minority report
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist Kate Crowley and election analyst Ben Raue join Democracy Sausage to examine Tasmania's political crisis and what it reveals about...
The 'reform-courage' spectrum
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the government's reluctance to partner with the Greens reveal about its reform agenda? What do the Liberal Party's internal battles over ne...
Let's get productive!
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can we fix the tax system? What is good economic growth vs bad economic growth? And, as the government's productivity ro...
In the dead centre
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economist Richard Denniss joins Democracy Sausage and argues policies suffer because of our need to find the centre in any debate. What does prag...
Moral muscle
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist Jill Sheppard joins Democracy Sausage to talk about the upcoming productivity roundtables, protests on starvation in Palestine and...
Safety nets below and a roof above
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientists Mark Riboldi and Pandanus Petter join Democracy Sausage to discuss housing policy, safety nets and the fair go. How do po...
Speaking loud and soft
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Security expert John Blaxland joins Democracy Sausage to talk Trump, Australia and taking a strategic approach to the relationship. As parliam...
Pressure to act
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins Democracy Sausage talk about political independence, and the pressure to be agile and take action.Is Albanese’s John...
The pendulum swing
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The numbers are in. Pollster Shaun Ratcliff joins Democracy Sausage to dissect the latest election data and what it means for the future of #auspol. W...
Bending the knee
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US expert Emma Shortis joins Democracy Sausage to talk about the reshaping of the US-Australia relationship, misguided assumptions and finding Austral...
The face of election night with Antony Green
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ABC’s Chief Election Analyst Emeritus Antony Green joins Democracy Sausage to discuss a career spent covering elections. Antony Green has ...
Permanent unpredictability with Jim Chalmers
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins Mark Kenny to talk our changing economic environment, productivity and ‘progressive patriotism’. Amid the unpredictab...
The soul of the party
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Democracy Sausage co-hosts to discuss the US, domestic fiscal debates and what to expect in the weeks ahead. What will the agenda be&n...
On the road
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Attorney-General George Brandis joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the Liberal Party’s “Jack Kerouac political experience” and wider poli...
Class is in session
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The hosts of Democracy Sausage are joined by political scientist Jill Sheppard and ANU students to gauge the current state of politics. Will the ...
Journey of rediscovery
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Correspondent Jason Koutsoukis joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the latest power plays, election missteps and the lost heart of the Liberal party...
Cabinet battles
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard and independent electoral analyst Ben Raue unpack the latest results on seats and preference flows, the cabinet b...
Can't divide your way to unity
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join the hosts of Democracy Sausage for a discussion about Labor’s victory and what it means. What can we expect from Albanese’s leadership ...
The pub test
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final week before ballots are counted, Jill Sheppard and Frank Bongiorno join Democracy Sausage for a live discussion where they sink their tee...
Resurrections and reversals
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Data analyst Simon Jackman joins Democracy Sausage to chat about the polls, swing seats and how the global uncertainty is impacting this election. &nb...
Rizzinformation
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political communications expert Andrea Carson joins Democracy Sausage to discuss social media, misinformation and disinformation and what ideas, if an...
Bucking the precedent
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins Democracy Sausage to tell us what we can learn from precedent, and what's unusual about this federal election. Ho...
Testing the suburban strategy
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first sausage sizzle of this federal election campaign, pollster Shaun Ratcliff gives Democracy Sausage an update on the state of the campaign....
The top-up budget spills over?
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economist Kristen Sobeck joins Democracy Sausage to break down the budget – the goods, the bads and the ‘X factor’ unknowns. Will the bu...
Talking tough or scapegoating
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Migration expert Alan Gamlen joins Democracy Sausage to unpack the arguments and misconceptions around immigration. What is it about immigr...
All cloud, no lining
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Researcher Nicholas Biddle joins Democracy Sausage to discuss new research on Australia’s optimism (or lack thereof), what’s driving it, and what ...
Monkey see, monkey don’t?
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political scientist Shaun Ratcliff joins Democracy Sausage to discuss election polls, influential demographics, and whether foreign politics are at th...
Keep calm, Keir-y on?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We Are New Britain's Anna McShane joins Democracy Sausage to talk British politics, the return of President Trump, and the power of visible change in ...
An unpredictable race?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Tally Room’s Ben Raue joins Democracy Sausage to talk by-election results, swing seats and what it all means for the federal election. W...
Countering effective mislabelling
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Senator Larissa Waters joins Democracy Sausage to talk electoral reform, resisting the far right and the Greens’ ongoing negotiations. What’...
Shrinking leaders and nations
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cultural studies professor Graeme Turner joins Mark and Marija to compare election campaign expectations, media concerns, and ask whether Donald Tr...
Hungry for hope in the new year
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Frank Bongiorno and political scientist Marija Taflaga join Democracy Sausage to look back on 2024 and ahead to upcoming election year. &nbs...
Punishing kids for adult failures
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teen journalist Leonardo Puglisi and youth justice expert Faith Gordon join Democracy Sausage to discuss social media bans. How can we manage ...
Perception and judgement
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the final sitting week of 2024, what drives political deal making and how politicians interpret public opinion. ...
Big money, big influence, big parties
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent MPs Kate Chaney and Zali Steggall join Democracy Sausage to talk campaign finance reform and how it impacts your choice at the ballot box....
Throwing in the Trump wild card
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marija Taflaga and Elise Stephenson return to Democracy Sausage to discuss the ripple effects of a new Trump era. What influenced Trump’s decis...
Big crisis, little change
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former climate change envoy Howard Bamsey joins Democracy Sausage to talk about the expectations and challenges of COP29 post the U.S. election. ...
A perilous occupation with Peter Greste
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Greste joins Democracy Sausage to talk press freedom — what happens when it's taken away and how to protect it. In a world where journali...
Yeah nah, what’s Australia?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Julianne Schultz joins Democracy Sausage to talk about understanding ourselves, wrestling with the past and creating a more inclusive future. Wh...
The loss of a Voice
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Valerie Cooms, Virginia Marshall and Shireen Morris join us to reflect on the Voice campaign. As we pass the one-year anniversary of the Voice ca...
The real estate democracy
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brendan Coates and Peter Martin join Democracy Sausage to discuss fixing the housing crisis, negative gearing and capital gains tax. There has be...
Surprises and expectations
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Wolpe joins us to talk about the US election, October surprises and the strategy and expectations shaping this month on the campaign trail. ...
Evolving the party system
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Ryan and James Robertson join Democracy Sausage to discuss the rise of the independent, the pressure on the two-party system and how to get the...
On the brink
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don Watson joins Democracy Sausage to discuss updates from the US election in this live recording. From debates and assassination attempts to cel...
Toxic parliament
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maria Maley joins Democracy Sausage to talk about what can be done to make parliament a less toxic workplace. Who is responsible for controlling ...
No silver bullet
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Philip Martin and Alan Gamlen join Democracy Sausage to talk migration – the politics, narratives and possible solutions. From international student...
Killing the news
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Crikey’s Eric Beecher and academic Denis Muller join us on Democracy Sausage to ask how media should operate when the lines between news, opinion an...
Picking winners with Joseph Stiglitz
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nobel laureate and economist Joseph Stiglitz joins Democracy Sausage to talk about the global economy and freedom. In light of the recent court r...
Pushing for restraint
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ian Parmeter returns to discuss increasing tensions in the Middle East with Professor Mark Kenny. How can peace talks take place after the assassinati...
The odd couple
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Allan Behm joins Mark Kenny to discuss the complexities (and oddities) of the US-Australia relationship. What do the US and Australia have in com...
Library renaissance
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Library leaders Marie-Louise Ayres and Cathie Warburton join us to discuss the unique role libraries can play in democratic society. What can librarie...
Shaking up the race
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
US experts Emma Shortis and John Hart, along with historian Frank Bongiorno join Democracy Sausage to talk Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the changes in...
Matters of political survival
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruce Wolpe joins us to discuss the Trump assassination attempt, questions about Biden’s leadership and the state of democracy. How will this w...
A question of recognition
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading international law expert Donald Rothwell joins Democracy Sausage to talk Palestinian statehood, Senator Payman’s resignation from Labor and ...
UK election D-Day
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Political strategist John McTernan and Atalanta’s Elizabeth Ames join us to talk about the UK election trail – betting scandals, campaign gaffes a...
Crises going nuclear
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Security expert John Blaxland and physicist Ken Baldwin join us to discuss Dutton’s nuclear plans, politicised debates and poly-crisis. Is it p...
America’s war with itself
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and correspondent Nick Bryant joins Mark Kenny to discuss division in the United States of America. What was it like to be in Washingt...
The world of the pre-citizen
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Legal and youth justice expert Faith Gordon joins Mark Kenny to discuss young people, social media and democracy.What should the age of criminal respo...
The state and democracy
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are getting back to the building blocks of politics and democracy with philosopher Philip Pettit.How did states form and are they inevita...
Anthony Albanese on two years in the top job
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a bonus barbecue, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with Mark Kenny about his first two years in the top job.What’s it really li...
Political prisoners
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Economics professor, Sean Turnell, and writer and surgeon, Ma Thida, join us to discuss their experiences as political prisoners and their hopes for M...
Budgeting a soft landing
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this post-budget special, Elizabeth Ames and Peter Martin join us to break down whether this budget will allow a soft economic landing to cost of ...
God, unions and the Labor Party
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins us to discuss Scott Morrison, religion and politics, and the history of Labor. What does Scott Morrison’s autobiogra...
The cop and the suburban strategy
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Lech Blaine joins us to talk Peter Dutton’s Coalition, moving working class voters, and his new essay, Bad Cop. How did Peter D...
An even playing field
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sociologist Mike Savage joins us to talk wealth, inequality and other issues in UK politics. In the pursuit of a truly egalitarian society, what ...
Calming tensions with Bob Carr
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former Foreign Minister and New South Wales Premier Bob Carr joins us to talk about the recent stabbing attacks in Sydney, escalating tensions in the ...
The face of the nation
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Elise Stephenson from the ANU Global Institute for Women’s Leadership joins us to ask who gets to represent Australia on the world stage? Gover...
Population panic
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Demographer Liz Allen and migration expert Alan Gamlen are talking migration and population, and the fear-based discourse that often surrounds it...
Advance Australian elections fair with Zali Steggall
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall discusses her unusual path to politics and election integrity. Among all the commentary abou...
The danger of lost hope
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
International relations scholar Charles Miller joins Democracy Sausage to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and Putin’s ‘re-election’. Are Ukraine...
The United States’ election year ahead
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dennis Quinn and Paul Pickering join us to cast their early predictions on the 2024 US election. What can Australia expect from this year’...
Having it both ways
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Strategic studies expert Hugh White talks Australia's defence situation, arguing our political leaders are out of step with the rest of the region.How...
Saving the Australian dream
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mark and Marija discuss Scott Morrison's exit from politics, before housing affordability campaigner Maiy Azize joins us to propose solutions to Austr...
Israel, Gaza and the crisis in the Middle East
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Middle East expert Ian Parmeter joins Mark Kenny to explain what is going on in Gaza – including the context for the current conflict and where to n...
Do unto others
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Paul Pickering joins Mark and Marija to break down what can be learnt from the leadership merry-go-round of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison yea...
Dangerous allies
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison years, stage three promises and the risk of a regional conflict erupting in the Mid...
The fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dust off the tux and bring out your ballgown – it’s the fourth annual Democracy Sausage Awards. Who performed the most flagrant and self...
Media reform and hate speech on campus with Brian Schmidt
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Outgoing ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt joins Mark Kenny to discuss media reform, hate speech on campus and the expansion of the universe. How...
Troubled waters
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Democracy Sausage, Mark Kenny and Marija Taflaga discuss the trajectory of the Albanese government after a challenging year at the helm.Why is...
Divided nation – the Voice vote explained
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers Nicholas Biddle and Valerie Cooms join the show to discuss new research on the referendum and why it was rejected at the polls.Why did so ...
Hurry up and wait – negotiating the climate crisis
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Climate negotiator George Carter and climatologist Janette Lindesay join us to discuss the upcoming COP28 discussions in Dubai and a joint Austra...
Bob Hawke’s complex legacy
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author and columnist Troy Bramston joins us to talk about the legacy and government of Bob Hawke, 40 years after his rise to the prime ministership.Wh...
Responsibilities to protect
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Newly appointed United Nations rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul joins Mark and Marija to discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict.&nb...
Who runs the world?
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald joins us to discuss the stories behind some of the world’s most influential leaders.Who's the most power...
Failure to launch
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Political communications expert Andrea Carson joins Mark and Marija to discuss the performance of the media during the Voice referendum and why t...
Where did it all go wrong for the ‘yes’ campaign?
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, referendums expert Matt Qvortrup and social researcher Nicholas Biddle join us to examine the Voice referendum result. Ho...