Latika M Bourke
@latikambourke.com
📰 Writer-at-Large, The Nightly | London
📧 Subscribe to me at www.latikambourke.com
🎙️ Latika Takes: The Podcast on all apps
📧 Subscribe to me at www.latikambourke.com
🎙️ Latika Takes: The Podcast on all apps
🆕
I asked the UK's independent reviewer of terror legislation if the Gaza marches could/should be treated as related to the Bondi attack.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have claimed that the ISIS flags found in the alleged killers' car show the two are not linked.
latika.me/GazaMarchesB...
I asked the UK's independent reviewer of terror legislation if the Gaza marches could/should be treated as related to the Bondi attack.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have claimed that the ISIS flags found in the alleged killers' car show the two are not linked.
latika.me/GazaMarchesB...
‘Like a flame’: UK terror czar links Bondi to Gaza protests
Britain’s independent reviewer of terror legislation found the correlation ‘so plausible’ that it was not worth the risk of allowing future marches in the name of free speech.
latika.me
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 AM
🆕
I asked the UK's independent reviewer of terror legislation if the Gaza marches could/should be treated as related to the Bondi attack.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have claimed that the ISIS flags found in the alleged killers' car show the two are not linked.
latika.me/GazaMarchesB...
I asked the UK's independent reviewer of terror legislation if the Gaza marches could/should be treated as related to the Bondi attack.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors have claimed that the ISIS flags found in the alleged killers' car show the two are not linked.
latika.me/GazaMarchesB...
Stephen Conroy to replace Kevin Rudd in DC?
He tells me: "As flattering as all the media speculation is I am not a candidate".
He tells me: "As flattering as all the media speculation is I am not a candidate".
January 13, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Stephen Conroy to replace Kevin Rudd in DC?
He tells me: "As flattering as all the media speculation is I am not a candidate".
He tells me: "As flattering as all the media speculation is I am not a candidate".
Kevin Rudd's return to Asia Society represents a loss for Australian diplomacy. He could have been used much better to advocate Australia's interests.
My analysis for The Nightly: latika.me/RuddQuits
My analysis for The Nightly: latika.me/RuddQuits
Why Kevin Rudd’s successor has enormous shoes to fill
LATIKA M BOURKE: For some, Kevin Rudd’s resignation as ambassador to the US might be overdue, but his departure from diplomacy is a loss for Australia’s foreign policy, at a time when it’s sorely need...
latika.me
January 13, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Kevin Rudd's return to Asia Society represents a loss for Australian diplomacy. He could have been used much better to advocate Australia's interests.
My analysis for The Nightly: latika.me/RuddQuits
My analysis for The Nightly: latika.me/RuddQuits
Anthony Albanese finally buckled and called a Royal Commission.
This is welcome. But he emerges as a follower, not a leader.
My analysis in The Nightly: latika.me/AlboBuckles
This is welcome. But he emerges as a follower, not a leader.
My analysis in The Nightly: latika.me/AlboBuckles
With his inaction on Bondi, Albanese fuelled division
LATIKA M BOURKE: When faced with the most consequential test of his prime ministership to date, Mr Albanese emerged a follower and not a leader.
latika.me
January 9, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Anthony Albanese finally buckled and called a Royal Commission.
This is welcome. But he emerges as a follower, not a leader.
My analysis in The Nightly: latika.me/AlboBuckles
This is welcome. But he emerges as a follower, not a leader.
My analysis in The Nightly: latika.me/AlboBuckles
NEW - Starmer spoke to Trump just now.
Readout Number 10:
They discussed the joint operation to intercept the Bella 1 as part of shared efforts to crack down on sanctions busting, recent progress on Ukraine and the US operation in Venezuela.
The PM also set out his position on Greenland.
Readout Number 10:
They discussed the joint operation to intercept the Bella 1 as part of shared efforts to crack down on sanctions busting, recent progress on Ukraine and the US operation in Venezuela.
The PM also set out his position on Greenland.
January 7, 2026 at 10:54 PM
NEW - Starmer spoke to Trump just now.
Readout Number 10:
They discussed the joint operation to intercept the Bella 1 as part of shared efforts to crack down on sanctions busting, recent progress on Ukraine and the US operation in Venezuela.
The PM also set out his position on Greenland.
Readout Number 10:
They discussed the joint operation to intercept the Bella 1 as part of shared efforts to crack down on sanctions busting, recent progress on Ukraine and the US operation in Venezuela.
The PM also set out his position on Greenland.
Why aren't more @australianlabor.bsky.social MPs who support a Royal Commission into antisemitismsaying so publicly?
Former WA Labor Senator Mark Bishop says they are scared of @albomp.bsky.social's vindictiveness and that he will kill their careers 'without a thought.'
latika.me/Bishop
Former WA Labor Senator Mark Bishop says they are scared of @albomp.bsky.social's vindictiveness and that he will kill their careers 'without a thought.'
latika.me/Bishop
Labor veteran fears second attack without royal commission
The former leading Labor senator also lashed the Prime Minister, claiming his reluctance call a Bondi terror attack royal commission was driven by his need to politically safeguard his Western Sydney ...
latika.me
January 5, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Why aren't more @australianlabor.bsky.social MPs who support a Royal Commission into antisemitismsaying so publicly?
Former WA Labor Senator Mark Bishop says they are scared of @albomp.bsky.social's vindictiveness and that he will kill their careers 'without a thought.'
latika.me/Bishop
Former WA Labor Senator Mark Bishop says they are scared of @albomp.bsky.social's vindictiveness and that he will kill their careers 'without a thought.'
latika.me/Bishop
Trump on Elon 'He's 80 per cent genius, 20 per cent makes mistakes.'
January 5, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Trump on Elon 'He's 80 per cent genius, 20 per cent makes mistakes.'
EXCLUSIVE
Labor grandee Mark Bishop says a Royal Commission is the only way forward, and that Anthony Albanese is refusing one because of Muslim votes in key Cabinet Western Sydney seats.
latika.me/Bishop
Labor grandee Mark Bishop says a Royal Commission is the only way forward, and that Anthony Albanese is refusing one because of Muslim votes in key Cabinet Western Sydney seats.
latika.me/Bishop
Labor veteran fears second attack without royal commission
The former leading Labor senator also lashed the Prime Minister, claiming his reluctance call a Bondi terror attack royal commission was driven by his need to politically safeguard his Western Sydney ...
latika.me
January 5, 2026 at 7:48 AM
EXCLUSIVE
Labor grandee Mark Bishop says a Royal Commission is the only way forward, and that Anthony Albanese is refusing one because of Muslim votes in key Cabinet Western Sydney seats.
latika.me/Bishop
Labor grandee Mark Bishop says a Royal Commission is the only way forward, and that Anthony Albanese is refusing one because of Muslim votes in key Cabinet Western Sydney seats.
latika.me/Bishop
VENEZUELA: Trump speaking now at Mar-a-Lago says the raid on Caracas was like an assault not seen since WWII.
January 3, 2026 at 5:05 PM
VENEZUELA: Trump speaking now at Mar-a-Lago says the raid on Caracas was like an assault not seen since WWII.
'The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.'
US late to issue statement after Trump said he wasn't worried but language is consistent.
Source: state.gov www.state.gov/releases/off...
US late to issue statement after Trump said he wasn't worried but language is consistent.
Source: state.gov www.state.gov/releases/off...
U.S. Department of State – Home
Leading U.S. foreign policy to advance the interests and security of the American people.
State.gov
January 1, 2026 at 10:11 PM
'The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion.'
US late to issue statement after Trump said he wasn't worried but language is consistent.
Source: state.gov www.state.gov/releases/off...
US late to issue statement after Trump said he wasn't worried but language is consistent.
Source: state.gov www.state.gov/releases/off...
Anthony Albanese would love to be a Labor version of John Howard. But there’s a Coalition prime minister he’s starting to resemble, and it’s a far less flattering comparison — Scott Morrison.
My latest piece:
latika.me/AlboMorrison
My latest piece:
latika.me/AlboMorrison
Albanese is treating Bondi like a political crisis, it’s not
The Prime Minister’s stubborn refusal to allow a royal commission into the Bondi terror attack is not only a failure of courage and moral clarity, it is a political dead-end.
latika.me
December 29, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Anthony Albanese would love to be a Labor version of John Howard. But there’s a Coalition prime minister he’s starting to resemble, and it’s a far less flattering comparison — Scott Morrison.
My latest piece:
latika.me/AlboMorrison
My latest piece:
latika.me/AlboMorrison
Just published my piece on the European Council's decision on the frozen Russian assets.
Imperfect, but not a total win for the Kremlin.
Read more: latika.me/NoAssets
Imperfect, but not a total win for the Kremlin.
Read more: latika.me/NoAssets
Ukraine crunch-time: Europe caves to Russia's threats
But the Kremlin should hardly be popping the champagne corks
latika.me
December 19, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Just published my piece on the European Council's decision on the frozen Russian assets.
Imperfect, but not a total win for the Kremlin.
Read more: latika.me/NoAssets
Imperfect, but not a total win for the Kremlin.
Read more: latika.me/NoAssets
"What the events of October 7th and its aftermath here in Australia have underlined to me, and I hope have underlined to every Australian, is that leadership or the lack of leadership really matters.
“It can be the difference between life and death."
latika.me/LifeAndDeath
“It can be the difference between life and death."
latika.me/LifeAndDeath
‘Life and death’: Frydenberg’s scathing assessment, plea
EXCLUSIVE: Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has not ruled out a return to politics, saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s weak leadership on antisemitism had been the difference between ‘life and d...
latika.me
December 18, 2025 at 9:34 PM
"What the events of October 7th and its aftermath here in Australia have underlined to me, and I hope have underlined to every Australian, is that leadership or the lack of leadership really matters.
“It can be the difference between life and death."
latika.me/LifeAndDeath
“It can be the difference between life and death."
latika.me/LifeAndDeath
Career diplomat to replace Peter crash-and-burn Mandelson in DC as UK Ambassador.
www.ft.com/content/f4b9...
www.ft.com/content/f4b9...
Christian Turner to be new UK ambassador to US
Diplomat due to be Britain’s UN envoy is handed key post in Washington after contest to replace Peter Mandelson
www.ft.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Career diplomat to replace Peter crash-and-burn Mandelson in DC as UK Ambassador.
www.ft.com/content/f4b9...
www.ft.com/content/f4b9...
🎙️Just released
My podcast with @Josh Frydenberg about his Bondi speech, why he thinks Labor has been weak on antisemitism, what he told his children about the terror attacks, and if wants to fill the leadership gap he says the attack has exposed.
🎧 latika.me/Frydenberg
My podcast with @Josh Frydenberg about his Bondi speech, why he thinks Labor has been weak on antisemitism, what he told his children about the terror attacks, and if wants to fill the leadership gap he says the attack has exposed.
🎧 latika.me/Frydenberg
🇦🇺 From Melbourne, Latika Takes interviews Josh Frydenberg
The former Liberal Treasurer speaks about his speech blaming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the massacre of Jews at Bondi.
latika.me
December 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
🎙️Just released
My podcast with @Josh Frydenberg about his Bondi speech, why he thinks Labor has been weak on antisemitism, what he told his children about the terror attacks, and if wants to fill the leadership gap he says the attack has exposed.
🎧 latika.me/Frydenberg
My podcast with @Josh Frydenberg about his Bondi speech, why he thinks Labor has been weak on antisemitism, what he told his children about the terror attacks, and if wants to fill the leadership gap he says the attack has exposed.
🎧 latika.me/Frydenberg
Bondi Shooting.
PM Anthony Albanese statement:
'The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
1/2
PM Anthony Albanese statement:
'The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
1/2
December 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Bondi Shooting.
PM Anthony Albanese statement:
'The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
1/2
PM Anthony Albanese statement:
'The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
1/2
‼️ Dmytro Kuleba says Andriy Yermak told him not to cultivate Jared Kushner as a contact for Ukraine as Donald Trump's son-in-law was a 'no-name.'
Yermak told me Kuleba was creating fake news.
Wild story with potentially huge ramifications for Ukraine...
latika.me/YermakKushner
Yermak told me Kuleba was creating fake news.
Wild story with potentially huge ramifications for Ukraine...
latika.me/YermakKushner
Andriy Yermak fires back: 'Always treated ... Kushner with full respect'
Ukraine's former foreign minister said Yermak told him Kushner was a 'no name'
latika.me
December 12, 2025 at 10:39 AM
‼️ Dmytro Kuleba says Andriy Yermak told him not to cultivate Jared Kushner as a contact for Ukraine as Donald Trump's son-in-law was a 'no-name.'
Yermak told me Kuleba was creating fake news.
Wild story with potentially huge ramifications for Ukraine...
latika.me/YermakKushner
Yermak told me Kuleba was creating fake news.
Wild story with potentially huge ramifications for Ukraine...
latika.me/YermakKushner
G7 Finance Ministers + Australia, Chile, Mexico, India and Korea hedge on immobilised Russian assets.
Source: gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Source: gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
December 9, 2025 at 10:18 AM
G7 Finance Ministers + Australia, Chile, Mexico, India and Korea hedge on immobilised Russian assets.
Source: gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Source: gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Rutte to host Zelensky, Von der Leyen and Costa at his residence in Brussels tonight after Zelensky visits London with Starmer, Merz and Macron.
December 8, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Rutte to host Zelensky, Von der Leyen and Costa at his residence in Brussels tonight after Zelensky visits London with Starmer, Merz and Macron.
“Our allies are not children. They’re nations capable of doing far more for themselves than they have this time they stand up, and they are."
Read my latest column: latika.me/NSS
Read my latest column: latika.me/NSS
December 8, 2025 at 10:01 AM
“Our allies are not children. They’re nations capable of doing far more for themselves than they have this time they stand up, and they are."
Read my latest column: latika.me/NSS
Read my latest column: latika.me/NSS
“Model allies that step up like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others will receive our special favour."
Notice that Australia is not on that list?
latika.me/NSS
Notice that Australia is not on that list?
latika.me/NSS
Trump let Albo off the hook on defence spend, but will MAGA?
When Richard Marles and Penny Wong meet their US counterparts in Washington DC on Monday, one subject may be back on the table — the consequences of Australia’s low defence spending.
latika.me
December 7, 2025 at 10:58 PM
“Model allies that step up like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others will receive our special favour."
Notice that Australia is not on that list?
latika.me/NSS
Notice that Australia is not on that list?
latika.me/NSS
