Summary
What's been going on in Australian politics? A lot.
In the final month of 2024, the Labor government grappled with growing unpopularity, continued its intervention in tech giants, and devastating bushfires ravaged the Grampians.
December 11: Government forces tech companies to pay Media Publishers for News
The Albanese government will introduce a new scheme to ensure tech companies, including Meta, continue paying Australian media publishers for news content.
Meta announced it would no longer renew deals to pay for news once its agreements expired.
The approach could impose penalties on tech firms that refuse to negotiate with news publishers.
The government plans to use the news media bargaining code, which could fine companies up to 10% of their Australian revenue for non-compliance.
Google has renewed agreements with media outlets while Meta has opted out.
The government has held discussions with Meta, which criticised the laws, arguing that global tech companies cannot solve issues in the news industry.
The move follows recommendations from a parliamentary committee for a digital platform levy to fund public interest journalism and to address Meta’s decision to de-prioritize news on its platforms.
December 16: Australian PM’s Approval Drops to 50%
A Guardian Essential poll shows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval has dropped to -11, with 50% disapproving of his performance.
This marks a decline of 3 points from November. Opposition leader Peter Dutton holds a slightly positive approval rating of +3.
The poll highlights widespread dissatisfaction: 51% of respondents feel Australia is on the wrong track. Only 31% believe it’s on the right track.
Nearly half say 2024 was worse than expected, and 40% report being worse off than three years ago.
However, there’s some optimism for 2025: 37% expect things to improve next year.
December 22: Fire Threat Moves to NSW as Victoria Battles Grampians Blaze
Millions of Australians face heightened bushfire risks as dangerous conditions spread across multiple states.
In Victoria, the Grampians National Park fire has burned over 41,000 hectares, forcing evacuations. Despite a brief reduction in fire activity, conditions were expected to worsen with hotter, windier weather on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Firefighters are battling difficult terrain, and Australian authorities warn it could take weeks to contain the blaze. Authorities urged residents and travellers to stay alert, monitor conditions, and download emergency apps for real-time updates.
With severe fire risks forecast, everyone was advised to have an evacuation plan in place.
Concept of ’This Month in Politics’ created by Edward Jewsbury.
Featured Image Credit: Edward Jewsbury
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
