In the latest episode of Back to Back Barries, host Barrie Cassidy and co-host Tony Barry analyze new Redbridge polling that reveals a potential vulnerability for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. The polling indicates that Hanson's vocal support for Donald Trump's aggressive stance toward Iran could turn off a significant portion of Australian voters.
Trump's Iran War and Australian Politics
The Redbridge survey suggests that Hanson's alignment with Trump's controversial foreign policy may be a liability. As tensions between the US and Iran escalated, Hanson publicly backed Trump's decision to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, a move that sparked global condemnation. The polling data shows that many Australians view this support negatively, potentially costing One Nation votes in upcoming elections.
Federal Budget and IS Families
Cassidy and Barry also discuss the upcoming federal budget, which is expected to focus on economic recovery and job creation. The conversation touches on the government's handling of returning families linked to the Islamic State (IS). The issue remains divisive, with security concerns clashing with humanitarian considerations.
Listener feedback on last week's debate about a potential gas tax increase is also addressed. Some listeners argued that a higher gas tax could encourage cleaner energy use, while others expressed concerns about the financial burden on low-income households.
For more insights, listen to the full episode of Back to Back Barries, available on major podcast platforms. The show encourages listener participation via email at backtobackbarries@theguardian.com.
