Brent Hodgson
brenthodgson.bsky.social
Brent Hodgson
@brenthodgson.bsky.social
“Strike at the roots, not the branches.”

At the intersection of people, data and politics.

Using data to know them, love them, and work it better.

Trouble. But good trouble.

“Kooyongkoot”, Wurundjeri Land. (Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.)
This burn is even hotter when you realise it’s from one of her constituents.
Redefining ‘Net Zero’
November 4, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Coalition polling is now so low Leonardo DiCaprio is interested.
November 3, 2025 at 5:35 AM
🦁 Not a dog. Actually a lion protecting kids trick-or-treating this weekend. 🎃

(I love the little leg pose 😂)
November 2, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Coalition tanking to 24%, One Nation now at 15%

Votes aren’t swaying between left and right - but they are fleeing an inept Coalition for marginally more stable options on the harder right 😬

Keep in mind: if you’re reading this, you’re likely top 1% on political engagement.

1/2
Primaries.
November 2, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Pub dog finds a cozy nook…
November 2, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Reposted by Brent Hodgson
THIS IS A BIG DEAL 🔥⛽🌏💀 MAKE A SUBMISSION !

The Australian Senate now has a Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change & Energy investigating climate disinfo orgs & funders

Due by 12 Sept 2025 here:

www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...

Cont'd below 🧵

#auspol #NZpol #AtlasNetwork
Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy
On 30 July 2025, the Senate appointed a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, to inquire into the prevalence and impacts of misin...
www.aph.gov.au
August 15, 2025 at 7:32 AM
For #Kooyong:

Melbourne Water is mapping local flooding and flood risks – and they want your help.

They want to hear from you about where stormwater floods, and what happens to the local creeks and rivers:

letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/index.php/?c...
Boroondara flood mapping | Melbourne Water
We’re updating local flood maps across Greater Melbourne. This helps us better predict the areas at risk of flooding, now and in the future.
letstalk.melbournewater.com.au
August 17, 2025 at 12:17 PM
More yellow today, as I took Sundae on a Ballarat road trip!

(I think she liked the puddle more than the umbrellas.)
August 15, 2025 at 12:33 PM
A local florist borrowed Sundae for a photo shoot today
August 14, 2025 at 11:14 AM
There’s nothing productive about building the same home twice after bushfires or floods destroyed it.

There’s nothing productive about it taking more effort to grow the same foods and fibres in harsher environments.

Inaction benefits so few, harms so many.
The National Climate Risk Assessment is yet to be released to the public.

“Australians should see the truth of the climate risks we face before the government locks in a 2035 emissions reduction target." - David Pocock

You can read the full release here: australiainstitute.org.au/post/climate...
August 14, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Idk how they expect babies to read this…
August 13, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Reposted by Brent Hodgson
Respect🔥
August 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM
. @marcmaron.bsky.social on hack jokes, punching down, and cultural consequences.

Perhaps yes it is the 80’s, with a lot of this shit driven by nostalgic boomers.
WATCH: “Are you f*cking out of your mind?”

@marcmaron won’t let @howiemandel downplay the impact comedians like Joe Rogan have had on stripping rights from trans people, immigrants, etc. with “hack” bullying jokes that helped pave the way for Trump & the radical right takeover.
August 11, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Who wore it better?
August 10, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Just hanging out in the garage while we get some things done.
August 9, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Don’t pretend she doesn’t hustle for it, Betoota! 😅
August 3, 2025 at 4:40 AM
TAS parliament now has just as many Independents as Labor Caucus members across both houses.

Liberal: 17 (34%)
Labor: 13 (26%)
Independent: 13 (26%)
Green: 6 (12%)
Shooters: 1 (2%)

Granted several different stripes of INDs, but perhaps a shape of parliaments to come?
August 2, 2025 at 2:50 PM
1943
Coalition: 23 of 75 seats (30.7%)
UAP: 14 of 75 (18.7%)

2025
Coalition: 43 of 150 (30.7%)
Liberal: 28 of 75 (18.7%)

The last time things were this bad, Robert Menzies called his party “unviable” and rebuilt it from the ground up.
August 1, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by Brent Hodgson
Di Stefano in today’s AFR notes that perhaps it’s not a great idea to call independent voters you wish to win back “pig-ignorant”.

Ironic that the event was held in Bradfield, where former MP Paul Fletcher abruptly ended his re-election campaign after similar remarks.
July 31, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Incredible, unhinged rant. 🤯

Former deputy PM John Anderson at a Liberal branch meeting.

Feel the disgust and disdain they have for “pig-ignorant”, ‘bird-brained’, ‘irrational’ independent voters.

(Also note the outdated/debunked left/right brain theory.)
July 31, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Rotisserie chicken
July 30, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Neighbour tells me a story:

“I had some blood tests last week and the nurse asked if I had travelled far.

“I said ‘not far, I live in the apartment building up the road,’ and she began telling me about the gorgeous dog that sits out the front.

“‘Oh that’s Sundae!’ I replied.” 😅
July 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
👀

New kid on the block: Voices of Kingsford Smith

From other socials, seems they’re taking an approach of constructive engagement around issues of significant community concern, including a lack of climate action and the approval of highly damaging gas projects.

bsky.app/profile/voic...
bsky.app
July 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Brent Hodgson
If you've read my work, been involved in a cult, been scammed, or loved someone who has been in a cult - please sign this. The impact of cults and fringe groups is massive, not just for those who are impacted directly but by friends, family and community organisations that support leavers.
✍️ Can I please get your help?

A survivor-led submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on cults & coercive groups closes soon.

They want institutions involved in harmful, coercive & abusive practices held to account under law.

Will you support them?

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Endorse the Survivor Submission
We have prepared a submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Cults and Fringe Groups, developed with input from 64 survivors, family members, and advocates. It is submitted on behalf of s...
docs.google.com
July 27, 2025 at 9:04 AM
✍️ Can I please get your help?

A survivor-led submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on cults & coercive groups closes soon.

They want institutions involved in harmful, coercive & abusive practices held to account under law.

Will you support them?

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Endorse the Survivor Submission
We have prepared a submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Cults and Fringe Groups, developed with input from 64 survivors, family members, and advocates. It is submitted on behalf of s...
docs.google.com
July 27, 2025 at 7:08 AM