Richard Austin
@strategyshed.bsky.social
Tasmania/lutruwita
Pro humanity, anti dickhead.
Free Palestine 🇵🇸!
Pro humanity, anti dickhead.
Free Palestine 🇵🇸!
Reposted by Richard Austin
People shouldn't be sad that Adelaide Writers Week was cancelled, they should be proud that the people the event was actually about stood together and said "enough of this perfidious bullshit".
January 13, 2026 at 4:44 AM
People shouldn't be sad that Adelaide Writers Week was cancelled, they should be proud that the people the event was actually about stood together and said "enough of this perfidious bullshit".
Reposted by Richard Austin
Things the Bondi RC could examine to aid our public discourse:
-The difference between antisemitism and anti-zionism, and why it is dangerous to conflate them
-The impact of Israel's conduct on perceptions of Israel, and by extension Jewish people, due to the unfair conflation of Israel and Judaism
-The difference between antisemitism and anti-zionism, and why it is dangerous to conflate them
-The impact of Israel's conduct on perceptions of Israel, and by extension Jewish people, due to the unfair conflation of Israel and Judaism
For over two years now we've been having the same argument over what constitutes antisemitism. Is it possible that the royal commission could actually contribute meaningfully to the public dialogue?
Could the Bondi royal commission actually be good for our public discourse?
Probably not, but imagine finally having a substantive national conversation about what constitutes antisemitism.
www.crikey.com.au
January 13, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Things the Bondi RC could examine to aid our public discourse:
-The difference between antisemitism and anti-zionism, and why it is dangerous to conflate them
-The impact of Israel's conduct on perceptions of Israel, and by extension Jewish people, due to the unfair conflation of Israel and Judaism
-The difference between antisemitism and anti-zionism, and why it is dangerous to conflate them
-The impact of Israel's conduct on perceptions of Israel, and by extension Jewish people, due to the unfair conflation of Israel and Judaism
Reposted by Richard Austin
January 13, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Reposted by Richard Austin
Few words.
My @smh @theage cartoon
My @smh @theage cartoon
January 12, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Few words.
My @smh @theage cartoon
My @smh @theage cartoon
Reposted by Richard Austin
The government sits and watches as Heba dies. It's heartbreaking, horrible, almost impossible to compute. Didn't people vote in the hope (however forlorn) of ending the Tories' psychopathic mode of government? Yet on it goes, under Keir Starmer. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Imprisoned hunger striker linked to Palestine Action tells friend: ‘I’m dying’
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM
The government sits and watches as Heba dies. It's heartbreaking, horrible, almost impossible to compute. Didn't people vote in the hope (however forlorn) of ending the Tories' psychopathic mode of government? Yet on it goes, under Keir Starmer. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Richard Austin
"The abduction of Maduro was not about naming his crimes, but about ignoring them. The worst thing Maduro did is what Trump is beginning to do: killing civilians and blaming them for their own deaths. After Minneapolis, Maduro’s lies are being repeated: in American English, by American authorities."
The Trump administration is excusing murder by ICE using the same lies as those told by Maduro’s regime. These lies are part of the logic of death squads. Govt controls the story & the next murder is easier. And suddenly this is normal and people simply disappear.
snyder.substack.com/p/maduro-in-...
snyder.substack.com/p/maduro-in-...
Maduro in Minneapolis
Murderous Lies
snyder.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:05 PM
"The abduction of Maduro was not about naming his crimes, but about ignoring them. The worst thing Maduro did is what Trump is beginning to do: killing civilians and blaming them for their own deaths. After Minneapolis, Maduro’s lies are being repeated: in American English, by American authorities."
Reposted by Richard Austin
You can’t say bigoted things, but your religious text can say bigoted things and you can say the religious text out loud.
No more special rules for religion and religious people, they’ve proven they don’t respect that privilege.
I suggest we cease electing religious people to represent us too.
No more special rules for religion and religious people, they’ve proven they don’t respect that privilege.
I suggest we cease electing religious people to represent us too.
Religious teaching or discussion may be defence under new hate laws
Directly quoting from a religious text for the purpose of teaching or discussion may provide a defence under the federal government's hate speech laws proposed in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
www.abc.net.au
January 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM
You can’t say bigoted things, but your religious text can say bigoted things and you can say the religious text out loud.
No more special rules for religion and religious people, they’ve proven they don’t respect that privilege.
I suggest we cease electing religious people to represent us too.
No more special rules for religion and religious people, they’ve proven they don’t respect that privilege.
I suggest we cease electing religious people to represent us too.
Reposted by Richard Austin
Allegra Spender wants to amend the hate speech laws to include speech targeting LGBTQ people. I expect the government will not go for it but useful to see why people think that kind of speech is ok. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
Religious teaching or discussion may be defence under new hate laws
Directly quoting from a religious text for the purpose of teaching or discussion may provide a defence under the federal government's hate speech laws proposed in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
www.abc.net.au
January 12, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Allegra Spender wants to amend the hate speech laws to include speech targeting LGBTQ people. I expect the government will not go for it but useful to see why people think that kind of speech is ok. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
Reposted by Richard Austin
Reposted by Richard Austin
Milner nails Groundhog Day in The Colony.
When Zionists are done purging free thinkers from Australian public culture, we'll be left with the most moronic, pathetic, racist, humourless, cowardly bootlicking stooges and little else. So yeah...... I guess it won't be that different after all.
January 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Milner nails Groundhog Day in The Colony.
Reposted by Richard Austin
What is the end game here? No publicly funded cultural events that aren’t approved by Israel? No arts boards that aren’t pro-Israel? The sections of our political class and media who are active in this attempted gutting of our cultural landscape need to ask wtf they are doing here.
Exclusive: pro-Israel campaign seeks removal of Palestinian DJ from WOMADelaide
After ruining the Adelaide and Bendigo writers festivals, pro-Israel supporters are now targeting WOMADelaide’s inclusion of Sama’ Abdulhadi
www.deepcutnews.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
What is the end game here? No publicly funded cultural events that aren’t approved by Israel? No arts boards that aren’t pro-Israel? The sections of our political class and media who are active in this attempted gutting of our cultural landscape need to ask wtf they are doing here.
Reposted by Richard Austin
Unbelievable. I told the Sky News guy to fuck off with his questions and now *that* is the story.
This hungry beast is insatiable.
How’s that Royal Commission into Murdoch media going?
This hungry beast is insatiable.
How’s that Royal Commission into Murdoch media going?
January 12, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Unbelievable. I told the Sky News guy to fuck off with his questions and now *that* is the story.
This hungry beast is insatiable.
How’s that Royal Commission into Murdoch media going?
This hungry beast is insatiable.
How’s that Royal Commission into Murdoch media going?
Reposted by Richard Austin
You know, in a normal world, a Jewish programming director inviting a Palestinian author to speak would be celebrated as a positive example of this “social cohesion” thing.
But I guess it’s only “social cohesion” if an Arab woman is being battered and smeared by News Corp.
But I guess it’s only “social cohesion” if an Arab woman is being battered and smeared by News Corp.
January 12, 2026 at 7:25 AM
You know, in a normal world, a Jewish programming director inviting a Palestinian author to speak would be celebrated as a positive example of this “social cohesion” thing.
But I guess it’s only “social cohesion” if an Arab woman is being battered and smeared by News Corp.
But I guess it’s only “social cohesion” if an Arab woman is being battered and smeared by News Corp.
Reposted by Richard Austin
January 12, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Reposted by Richard Austin
Maybe the most fascinating belief among the billionaire class, especially the Silicon Valley set, has been their confidence that if they blow up the specific conditions and institutions that put them on top, they will certainly come out even higher on top
Congratulations to all the bankers, hedge-fund managers, private-equity honchos, tech titans, corporate executives and op-ed writers for backing the man who will do more to undermine the system that made them insanely wealthy than any other presidential candidate in their lifetimes.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US central bank had been served grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department threatening a criminal indictment, a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s attacks on the Fed.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
January 12, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Maybe the most fascinating belief among the billionaire class, especially the Silicon Valley set, has been their confidence that if they blow up the specific conditions and institutions that put them on top, they will certainly come out even higher on top
Reposted by Richard Austin
I will not be silent!
I will not be threatened to STFU!
It is not anti-semetic to condemn an ideology that is commiting GENOCIDE
I will not be threatened to STFU!
It is not anti-semetic to condemn an ideology that is commiting GENOCIDE
January 12, 2026 at 3:54 AM
I will not be silent!
I will not be threatened to STFU!
It is not anti-semetic to condemn an ideology that is commiting GENOCIDE
I will not be threatened to STFU!
It is not anti-semetic to condemn an ideology that is commiting GENOCIDE
Reposted by Richard Austin
Australia needs to voice our support for Denmark. We share values with Denmark.
@albomp.bsky.social it’s time to stand up to the bully.
#AusPol
@albomp.bsky.social it’s time to stand up to the bully.
#AusPol
Danish PM says Greenland feud at 'decisive moment' after new Trump threats
Donald Trump says controlling Greenland is crucial for US national security and he has suggested using force to seize the Arctic territory.
www.abc.net.au
January 12, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Australia needs to voice our support for Denmark. We share values with Denmark.
@albomp.bsky.social it’s time to stand up to the bully.
#AusPol
@albomp.bsky.social it’s time to stand up to the bully.
#AusPol
Reposted by Richard Austin
Piffle. 'Divisive' isn't a rebuke for a cartoonist, it's a requirement. People express their divided opinions & beliefs on every political cartoon, opinion piece, whether they want a cup of tea & increasingly, on scientific facts. Often in articles & 'letters to the editor' solicited by the SMH.
January 12, 2026 at 1:38 AM
Piffle. 'Divisive' isn't a rebuke for a cartoonist, it's a requirement. People express their divided opinions & beliefs on every political cartoon, opinion piece, whether they want a cup of tea & increasingly, on scientific facts. Often in articles & 'letters to the editor' solicited by the SMH.
Reposted by Richard Austin
“The moral spinelessness in not only seeking to silence Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, but to link the cancellation to the abhorrent terrorist attack in Bondi, speaks volumes over who is allowed to have a voice in Australia."
Read more on The Australia Institute's response: thepoint.com.au/news/260109-...
Read more on The Australia Institute's response: thepoint.com.au/news/260109-...
January 12, 2026 at 4:15 AM
“The moral spinelessness in not only seeking to silence Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, but to link the cancellation to the abhorrent terrorist attack in Bondi, speaks volumes over who is allowed to have a voice in Australia."
Read more on The Australia Institute's response: thepoint.com.au/news/260109-...
Read more on The Australia Institute's response: thepoint.com.au/news/260109-...
Reposted by Richard Austin
Even while having access to all history and watching genocide - in the palms of our hands - it’s still not stopped. Media hasn’t played its vital role - politicians are weak and bought - and we’ve not participated in democracy to the levels required #auspol
January 12, 2026 at 4:34 AM
Even while having access to all history and watching genocide - in the palms of our hands - it’s still not stopped. Media hasn’t played its vital role - politicians are weak and bought - and we’ve not participated in democracy to the levels required #auspol
Reposted by Richard Austin
Reposted by Richard Austin
As an Australian of Jewish background, I was not at all, as the SMH suggested, "deeply hurt and offended" by Cathy Wilcox's brilliant, accurate cartoon.
I am deeply concerned and alarmed that a mainstream media agency is so craven that they buckle to Israel lobby bullying. #IStandWithCathyWilcox
I am deeply concerned and alarmed that a mainstream media agency is so craven that they buckle to Israel lobby bullying. #IStandWithCathyWilcox
Noting today’s apology in the SMH, I feel it important to say that I stand with @cathywilcox.bsky.social & @michaelwestbiz.bsky.social
#auspol
Australian’s should be governed by Australian not foreign interests. All, irrespective of faith, have a right to free speech & protection from hate speech.
#auspol
Australian’s should be governed by Australian not foreign interests. All, irrespective of faith, have a right to free speech & protection from hate speech.
The two pieces that most accurately capture the events of this week #auspol
January 11, 2026 at 10:51 AM
As an Australian of Jewish background, I was not at all, as the SMH suggested, "deeply hurt and offended" by Cathy Wilcox's brilliant, accurate cartoon.
I am deeply concerned and alarmed that a mainstream media agency is so craven that they buckle to Israel lobby bullying. #IStandWithCathyWilcox
I am deeply concerned and alarmed that a mainstream media agency is so craven that they buckle to Israel lobby bullying. #IStandWithCathyWilcox
Reposted by Richard Austin
On Saturday, an imam and his wife were allegedly victims of a violent hate crime — forced off the road by another car, with attackers then getting out to assault the imam/threaten his wife.
ANIC put out a statement on Sunday arvo, noting rising islamophobia.
The media is just getting to it now.
ANIC put out a statement on Sunday arvo, noting rising islamophobia.
The media is just getting to it now.
January 11, 2026 at 11:23 PM
On Saturday, an imam and his wife were allegedly victims of a violent hate crime — forced off the road by another car, with attackers then getting out to assault the imam/threaten his wife.
ANIC put out a statement on Sunday arvo, noting rising islamophobia.
The media is just getting to it now.
ANIC put out a statement on Sunday arvo, noting rising islamophobia.
The media is just getting to it now.
Reposted by Richard Austin
The Telegraph: British officials have met with counterparts from countries including Germany and France to begin preparations for a military deployment to protect Greenland. The European Union is also drawing up plans for sanctions on U.S. companies, should the need arise.
January 11, 2026 at 5:53 PM
The Telegraph: British officials have met with counterparts from countries including Germany and France to begin preparations for a military deployment to protect Greenland. The European Union is also drawing up plans for sanctions on U.S. companies, should the need arise.
Reposted by Richard Austin
Community pushed them out.
January 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Community pushed them out.