Sign in

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.
033
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
We will not make a dent unless we listen with compassion and understanding of what led people here. No one has ever changed their mind because they were told they were unprincipled, racist, stupid or selfish.
020
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
When we asked in February, roughly a third of Labor and Green voters were open to vote for One Nation in future federal elections. Let that sink in. We are going to need to get a lot more sophisticated folks - very quickly.
120
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
I’m thinking we may as well be declaring her supporters “the deplorables”. The messages and content that drive engagement on social media is rarely the content that persuades - perhaps never.
120
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.
130
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
If you're a member: vote on 4 July, in person or online. Can't attend? Appoint a proxy by 5pm Wednesday 1 July via your Vero Voting link. Peter Murphy and I can hold it. Many voices, one parade. (5/5)
010
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Nobody's leadership is perfect, and members are right to ask hard questions of the board. But you don't fix Mardi Gras by tearing down the people putting it back on track. We win by changing minds, not by shutting people out. (4/5)
110
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Queer rights are being rolled back from Washington to Westminster to Brisbane. When that's happening, the answer is a bigger, stronger, more united Mardi Gras, not a smaller one. (3/5)
120
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
On the agenda are motions to remove the festival's co-chairs. It's the wrong move at the worst time, driven by a small group that is pushing for a smaller and more exclusive festival, as Mardi Gras rebuilds towards its 50th anniversary. (2/5)
100
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.
120
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
This applies equally to the rise of One Nation
040
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!
1201
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.
1280
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
0142
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.
2102
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.
1175
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.
242
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.
292
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Please join Mardi Gras. Please vote for inclusion. The stakes are high. Join here: app.joinit.com/o/sydney-gay... More info here: protectmardigras.org
app.joinit.com
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Memberships - Membership Management Software
Join the Mardi Gras Family! Unlock a world of exclusive perks, have your say on the future of the organisation and become a Mardi Gras Member to ...
011
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Sydney Mardi Gras is one of our community's most powerful shields from visibility. Its scale protects us. The more visible we are, the harder we are to kill.
150
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.
2110
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.
120
Reposted by Peter Stahel
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
44314
Reposted by Peter Stahel
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.
031
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
250
Reposted by Peter Stahel
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.
021
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.
021
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Hi darl #taspol
160
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...
081
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
240
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
022
Reposted by Peter Stahel
Sally McManus @sallymcmanus.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
ACTU statement on the appalling atrocities in Gaza
12296110
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Turns out I have misunderstood the response to my tweet 😂
120
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
I think you have missed the point of my tweet
110
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
It is so important that those speaking out be clear that it is not Israelis or Jews that are criminals. It is those who pursue this illegal and genocidal war. Just as it was not Palestinians or Muslims who were to blame for the murder and kidnapping of October 7.
030
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.
294
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Just think rationally!! 😂😂😂
6273
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?
011
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
I didn’t say that lol
000
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
In my mind, a civilised democratic process is one where people elect leaders to lead, represent and make decisions - then hold them to account. Factions deploying brute force to elevate & cut down allies according to tribal allegiance & favour is unedifying & centred in self-interest.
010
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.
060
Reposted by Peter Stahel
Marko Bajlovic @marko.tech · 23/04/2025
326979
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.
030
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
I am worried that they will think that slow and steady wins the race, even though there is a crisis of wealth disparity.
130
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.
130
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
I think the “quiet Australians” must all be dead?
010
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...
220
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
The sunburnt country has its limits and we don’t like blisters.
010
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.
131
Peter Stahel @peterstahel.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
There’s sympathy for Trump but it’s shallow - seems to be based mostly on rejection of the “system” that perceive to have failed them than for right wing ideology.
020