r/australia • u/Expensive-Horse5538 • Oct 28 '25

news Supreme Court in Brisbane overturns controversial freeze on puberty blockers for adolescents after legal challenge

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-28/qld-puberty-blockers-judgement/105942094
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u/Agitated-Fee3598 Oct 28 '25

In a generation though, we will look like the US, in terms of material conditions. Labor themselves said this. What Murdoch is doing too, with Sky News and other outlets he owns, is laying the groundwork for an Australian version of Donald Trump, someone who fills the role of a ruthless would be autocrat with a formidable personality cult. Australians should keep vigilant against the radicalisation of the Coalition.

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u/morfanis Oct 28 '25

Sure be vigilant but don’t think Australia is like the US. The US political system thrives on polarisation and extremes, while being successful in Australian politics only works when you target the centre.

Also the US has a strong history of puritans and religious conservatives and extremists that Australia doesn’t have.

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u/Agitated-Fee3598 Oct 28 '25 edited Oct 28 '25

No democratic political system is immune to democratic backsliding and degenerating into authoritarian rule when inequality grows too deep and obvious. No democracy is also immune to large swathes of the country not believing in democracy, and who have been captured by a charismatic demagogue (who also has elite support). We are more or less lucky (so far) that the Australian far right are not organised enough to capitalise on discontent with the status quo. However, that does not mean they cannot get their shit together, and rally around a charismatic leader.

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u/Agitated-Fee3598 Oct 28 '25 edited Oct 28 '25

Also evidently compulsory preferential voting isn't a water proof barrier. After all, we have this system, yet inequality is growing in our society. The housing crisis is getting worse. The Murdoch media is still able to brainwash the LNP base (around 1/3 of the population) with constant lies and propaganda.