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Peter Stahel

@peterstahel.bsky.social
2K followers 1.7K following 214 posts

Existing in the context @ essentialmedia.com.au for public affairs, campaigns & politics: owner and MD.

PostsRepliesMedia
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Algorithm off-switch might make us better voters www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2026...
thenewdaily.com.au
Social media algorithm off-switch might make us all better voters
The government's shake up of social media algorithms is not just for the kids. It has the potential to ward off serious threats to democracy.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I'm watching various MPs, campaigners and leaders of the left fill my feed with very clever ‘clap backs’ to Hanson and her agenda: with a mixture of ridicule, disgust and righteous condemnation.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I co-founded protectmardigras.org with Peter Murphy, a '78er. Mardi Gras members have just been called to an Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday 4 July. Here's what's happening, and what you can do about it. 🧵(1/5)
protectmardigras.org
Home - Protect Mardi Gras
Sydney's Mardi Gras is a global symbol of queer pride and unity. But it’s under threat from a group pushing for division and exclusion.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
This applies equally to the rise of One Nation
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
If Spotify has converted its logo into a disco ball it’s one of the best things to happen in 2026!
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Turkeys vote for Christmas
theage.com.au
Victorian Liberals to preference One Nation at state election
The preference strategy, while designed to galvanise the anti-Labor vote across the state, risks a backlash in the party’s urban and middle-suburb heartland.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
A brilliant broadcaster that will be missed goes out his own way using VAD after battle with cancer. Thank you and RIP
theguardian.com
James Valentine, much-loved ABC radio presenter, dies aged 64
Family reveal Valentine, who retired in February for treatment for a recurring cancer, used voluntary assisted dying
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
There is a feeling in politics right now – widely shared among politicos and the otherwise engaged, even if we struggle to name it – that we are standing on the edge of something. A precipice. A tipping point. A moment where the ground beneath us is no longer solid and might fall away.
thenewdaily.com.au
This is not normal. We're witnessing the 'Long Fracture'
There is a feeling in politics right now – widely shared, even if we struggle to name it – that we are standing on the edge of something.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
During the early days of the pandemic, the Albanese opposition took a classy and constructive approach in avoiding public sniping and day to day commentary about every new step or development. This was important in maintaining confidence and was in the national interest - not Labor’s interest.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
If Trump & Hegseth exit war without the Strait open as he is now “threatening” to do - wouldn’t that make it far easier for real negotiators with actual skills to step in and deal with Iran?
smh.com.au
US puts world on notice that it could exit Iran with Strait of Hormuz still closed
The president and his defence secretary played down the importance of the strait to the US, even as the average price of petrol tipped over $US4 a gallon for the first time since 2022.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
58% would consider One Nation in a future election. The left's response? More glossaries, more talking to ourselves. My thoughts about what's actually going wrong. We don't need a thesaurus in a knife fight.
thenewdaily.com.au
The left brought a thesaurus to a knife fight
Two competing mental models of social cohesion are operating in Australia right now. One is assimilationist, the other is inclusive.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Insidious forces are growing in power around the world that want to kill or erase queer people. We cannot afford the luxury of moralising, gatekeeping and tearing each other down. We must unite - regardless of different views on other issues - we must stand together.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
This politician sued a former staff member (who was raped in her office) over a couple of tweets that she later retracted.
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Virgil @n3w4v3.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Don’t be that person who tries to bankrupt a survivor of sexual assault because you didn’t like like what they said about you (and later retracted) #auspol www.theguardian.com/law/2025/oct...
theguardian.com
Linda Reynolds pursues bankruptcy proceedings against Brittany Higgins after defamation win
Former Liberal senator launches claim in effort to obtain more than $1m in damages and legal costs
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Robyn Christofides 🇦🇺🦘 @rchristo0407.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Vale David, what a legend. His reviews were important in opening up the wonderful world of international cinema to so many. Yes, definitely five stars.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Five stars
theguardian.com
David Stratton, esteemed Australian film critic, dies aged 85
The international cinema expert was beloved for his film reviews, particularly on television with Margaret Pomeranz
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Mardi Gras should be powerful, inclusive and united - not divided by bans and infighting. protectmardigras.org
protectmardigras.org
Home - Protect Mardi Gras
Sydney's Mardi Gras is a global symbol of queer pride and unity. But it’s under threat from a group pushing for division and exclusion.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Mardi Gras should be powerful, inclusive and united - not divided by bans and infighting. protectmardigras.org
protectmardigras.org
Home - Protect Mardi Gras
Sydney's Mardi Gras is a global symbol of queer pride and unity. But it’s under threat from a group pushing for division and exclusion.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Hi darl #taspol
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
This is so hilarious. Real estate agents very upset that someone is rorting them.
abc.net.au
Real estate agents accuse Australia's biggest listings website of price gouging
It can cost thousands to list a property online for sale. The competition regulator has stepped in after years of complaints that REA Group is using its dominant position to the detriment of home sell...
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Six months on and it’s difficult to determine whether it’s Project 2025 or the Handmaid’s Tale that Trump et al are implementing
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
ineptitude /ɪˈnɛptɪtjuːd/ noun lack of skill or ability
theguardian.com
The uniting theme of Trump’s presidency? Ineptitude | Robert Reich
From deportations to human rights to the economy, the president’s actions have resulted in mayhem. Here’s a sampling
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Sally McManus @sallymcmanus.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
ACTU statement on the appalling atrocities in Gaza
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal and a genocidal maniac. He will be remembered in history as such. With the horrors on display in Gaza I hope that we can still be strategic in the way we campaign for peace and justice.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Just think rationally!! 😂😂😂
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
“Gaga for the woo woo” should be the title for the LNP election review www.smh.com.au/politics/fed... via @garynunn.bsky.social
smh.com.au
Nothing suss about Sussan’s extra ‘s’. Many leaders go gaga for woo-woo
Sussan Ley was influenced by numerology. But is it less ludicrous than theology?
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
I realise Ministry needs to be sorted out straight away, but don’t feel it’s a great sign that it took less than a week for first internal drama story. The idea that MPs are entitled to front bench positions on the basis of faction or state is something that should have died out last century.
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Marko Bajlovic @marko.tech · 23/04/2025
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Anyone who follows knows I am a strong critic of NSW Police. Karen Webb was the first Commissioner to attend Mardi Gras to support her rainbow colleagues. This was very meaningful & special to me. I don't doubt it is one of the most challenging jobs in public life & thank her for her service.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
It’s been advanced by external factors like Trump, but this election has been the end of the LNP as we know it. Gen Z are replacing Boomers/Interwar on the roll at roughly the opposite split in progressive-conservative terms. I’m worried Labor will learn wrong lessons from this amazing victory.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
I think the “quiet Australians” must all be dead?
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
lol lol lol
theguardian.com
Trump campaign chief claims he visited Australia to advise Liberals at start of election campaign
Exclusive: Chris LaCivita, Trump’s presidential campaign co-manager, tells undercover reporters he advised on ‘structural issues’ related to Peter Dutton; the Coalition denies LaCivita was involved in...
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Seems like a coin flip between minority and majority Labor government to me. Whichever, I believe Australia is set to deliver another very progressive Parliament with a big crossbench. Dutton’s orbit was too close to the Trumpian sun: he’s frightened too many centrist and disengaged Australians.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
I agree that coordinated non-violent resistance must occur *across* sectors and civil society. The zone is flooded and we can’t hope to build tiny boats alone, we need an ark. This is a great read. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | What’s Happening Is Not Normal. America Needs an Uprising That Is Not Normal.
It will take a concerted effort by every sector of our society to respond to Trumpism’s threat.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
In January I wrote that Dutton was trying to dance on a fine line: Trumpian policies to energise base without risking middle. He's tripped up since Trump's Zelensky performance - the middle don't want his politics & chaos in Australia & the line has shifted. www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
thenewdaily.com.au
Is Peter Dutton going 'full Trump' mode?
Following Trump’s upgrade to version 2.0, there is increasing energy for the idea that his recipe for electoral success may also work for the Coalition.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Joe Hockey helping US coal miner extract half a billion from NSW public purse
smh.com.au
Joe Hockey goes in to bat for US investors in Trump trade dispute with Australia
A group of disgruntled Americans are pushing for millions of dollars in compensation from Australia, as part of US trade negotiations. Now they have a former ambassador on their side.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
“On everything from world peace to climate change to the Australian economy these young men are twice as likely to see Trump as a positive influence compared with the broader population.“ @peterlewisemc.bsky.social
theguardian.com
Most Australians look with horror at the Trump administration’s whirlwind of destruction, but what about the lads? | Peter Lewis
A more muscular form of government sits well with our archetypical male, who embraces a sense of grievance egged on by American podcasters
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
In 1996, a clandestine rendezvous between two political adversaries went unnoticed at a Tasmanian funeral. There were no notes or staff, but the secret meeting helped define an informal model for minority government that we may see repeated federally in 2025.
thenewdaily.com.au
Forced weddings and a funeral: Lessons in minority government
To achieve anything in a minority parliament, you must engage with other parties, understand their agendas and accept the forced marriage.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
@zezvaz.bsky.social Hello! Would you sell a signed print of Cybertruck Man and ship to Australia?
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Zez Vaz @zezvaz.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
‘Cybertruck Man’ a cartoon in defiance of Musk #political #cartoonist #cybertruck #elon #musk #democracy #tiananmen
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
This is the Russia that Trump’s America is trying to appease.
thenewdaily.com.au
Russian soldiers taunt Australia in chilling 'capture' video
Anthony Albanese will speak with world leaders on peacekeeping in Ukraine, but its ambassador to Australia wants a ceasefire to come in first.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
It’s incredibly difficult to avoid US-made. From mechanical & electrical goods to pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical, US-manufactured products & components are everywhere. To boycott US-made entirely would probably leave you homeless & completely isolated from the modern world.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
I’m ordering this immediately and I really hope it not only effective when taken pre-exposure.
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
This disgusting stunt was described by ASIO as ‘mind-blowingly stupid’ and yet the only person to face consequences for it is the person who blew the whistle and exposed it. Hmmmm....
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
I struggle to understand what Jack's point is in this piece. He appears to be claiming that gay men are victims of trans activists. I found it intellectually feeble. Activism has been a spectrum of views and approaches to strategy since the beginning of time. www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-aust...
theaustralian.com.au
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
CommBank posts half-year profit $5.1 billion. We used to own that.
abc.net.au
Commonwealth Bank beats expectations with $5.1b profit and dividend rise
Australia's biggest bank has increased its profit and raised its dividend despite a "challenging period" for many customers. It has revealed 65,000 "tailored payment arrangements" are in place to help...
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Daniel Hurst @danielhurst.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Trans and gender-diverse children are loved and deserve to thrive. Making them the target of political attacks, here in Australia just as in the US, are contemptible
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
It strikes me that these 'you couldn't make this stuff up' type stories about con artists doing astonishingly brazen things are almost always about a man. Why is that?
smh.com.au
Doctored Yale degree, X-rays and operating room photos: How this fake Sydney surgeon wooed women
Text messages revealed in court show Quentin Geczy fabricated an impressive career as a wunderkind surgeon as he wooed two young women and gave medical advice.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 09/02/2025
this is the sort of thing you post when you’re ramping up to defying lawful court orders
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Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
I am an agnostic atheist, but found this beautifully written feature to be deeply moving and powerful.
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