Max Chandler-Mather on a hopeful progressive populism

Max Chandler-Mather on a hopeful progressive populism

From Australian Politics by The Guardian

May 29, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

Max Chandler-Mather discusses the limitations of policy debate in Australian politics and advocates for progressive alternatives.

In his new role as director of the Greens’ think-tank, Max Chandler-Mather argues that the major political parties and parts of the media often limit policy debate – which, on issues such as housing and wealth inequality, shuts down real alternatives to the status quo. The former Greens MP and housing spokesperson speaks to political editor Tom McIlroy about returning to policies that improve the lives of Australians in material ways – and why he thinks political nihilism defines One Nation

People in this episode

Host: Tom McIlroy

Guest: Max Chandler-Mather

Topics covered

  • progressive populism
  • housing policy
  • wealth inequality
  • political debate
  • Australian politics

Keywords

  • Max Chandler-Mather
  • Greens
  • housing
  • wealth inequality
  • political nihilism
  • One Nation
  • policy debate

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Greens, One Nation, The Guardian

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