In a year defined by global political uncertainty, Australia's sharp-witted cartoonists have once again delivered a powerful visual commentary on the world's most pressing issues. The much-anticipated collection, 'Best Australian Political Cartoons 2025,' edited by Russ Radcliffe, has now been released, offering a satirical snapshot of a tumultuous period.
A Global Canvas of Crises
The anthology captures the pervasive sense of anxiety that characterised the year. Guardian cartoonist Fiona Katauskas, for instance, directly confronts the volatile state of US politics, creating work that questions whether the world will successfully navigate through to the end of 2025. The shadow of Donald Trump's threatening rhetoric also features prominently, with Megan Herbet of The Age depicting a defiant response to his menacing statements.
Beyond American shores, the conflict in Gaza provided rich material for commentary. David Rowe turns his detailed artistry to the finger-pointing involving Benjamin Netanyahu, while the Canberra Times' David Pope illustrates the conflicting actions and words emanating from the Albanese government's stance on the same issue.
Domestic Politics Under the Microscope
Closer to home, the cartoonists train their sights on Australia's own political landscape. The collection does not spare Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with Glen Le Lievre portraying him in a 'star-spangled tangle' and First Dog on the Moon satirising the government's proposed superannuation tax on the wealthy. The Labor party's substantial backbench is the subject of Mark Knight's work for the Herald Sun, which humorously suggests it is large enough to fill a stadium.
Meanwhile, former opposition leader Peter Dutton finds himself metaphorically left out in the cold in a poignant cartoon by Matt Golding for the Sunday Age. The book also tackles complex international contributions, as Nordacious (James Hillier) breaks down Australia's role in the so-called 'non-lethal' components of the MK-84 bomb.
More Than Just Laughter
These cartoons serve a purpose far greater than mere entertainment. They cut through dense political noise and distill messy, complex topics into single, powerful images. Cathy Wilcox of The Sydney Morning Herald, for example, highlights the stinking reality of AI, and Andrew Weldon for the Big Issue delivers a classic, dry retort with 'Tell him he's dreaming.'
Published by Scribe and priced at AU$35, this collection is more than a compendium of art; it is a historical record, a critical commentary, and a testament to the enduring power of satire in holding power to account. It proves that even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, a well-drawn cartoon can provide startling clarity.
