Michael Pascoe
@michaelpascoe01.bsky.social
The Summertime of Our Dreams author, Michael West Media contributor , winner 2022 Kennedy Award Outstanding Columnist, speaker, rugby, prefer to be skiing
A low point for two Labor leaders this week, turning Trumpy.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/is-chris-min...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/is-chris-min...
Is Chris Minns channeling Donald Trump? - Michael West
It took two Labor leaders to help produce Monday night's violence in Sydney, proving Labor is not immune to a touch of the Trumps.
michaelwest.com.au
February 12, 2026 at 5:41 AM
A low point for two Labor leaders this week, turning Trumpy.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/is-chris-min...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/is-chris-min...
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
Had literally *any* other nation done this the anger being heard across the media airwaves and from politicians would be deafening and unending.
Australia vows to repair ‘distressing’ damage to war graves in Gaza bulldozed by Israeli army
Australia vows to repair ‘distressing’ damage to war graves in Gaza bulldozed by Israeli army
Satellite photographs show rows of gravestones removed and soil disturbed at the Gaza War Cemetery where more than 250 Australians are buried
*
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
The Australian government has vowed to repair the graves of dozens of Australian soldiers in Gaza after satellite imagery and witness testimony revealed they had been bulldozed by the Israel Defense Forces.
But it could be months or years before authorities can access the Commonwealth war cemetery in Gaza and Australian graves might face further damage as conflict continues in the occupied territory. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Had literally *any* other nation done this the anger being heard across the media airwaves and from politicians would be deafening and unending.
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
The IPA's Chief Economist with a take
February 2, 2026 at 10:22 PM
The IPA's Chief Economist with a take
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
While I still expect the RBA to increase rates, the fact that the market has not really shifted in the past week makes me wonder if even the speculators know the data really isn't there to actually justify a rise.
A 72%chance of a rate rise is not really that definitive
A 72%chance of a rate rise is not really that definitive
February 3, 2026 at 1:51 AM
While I still expect the RBA to increase rates, the fact that the market has not really shifted in the past week makes me wonder if even the speculators know the data really isn't there to actually justify a rise.
A 72%chance of a rate rise is not really that definitive
A 72%chance of a rate rise is not really that definitive
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
Meanwhile, Labor continue to stall on regulations that would actually work and prevent serious harm.
This is laughable stuff 👇 – journalists need to use FOI to find the voices of dissenting Labor MPs!
"Frustrated?" Cry me a fckin river.
This is laughable stuff 👇 – journalists need to use FOI to find the voices of dissenting Labor MPs!
"Frustrated?" Cry me a fckin river.
‘Frustrated’ by slow pace of gambling ads reform, Labor caucus wants Wells to act
Documents released under FoI show Wells’ department worried about how gambling reforms would affect sporting codes and media companies
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:05 AM
Meanwhile, Labor continue to stall on regulations that would actually work and prevent serious harm.
This is laughable stuff 👇 – journalists need to use FOI to find the voices of dissenting Labor MPs!
"Frustrated?" Cry me a fckin river.
This is laughable stuff 👇 – journalists need to use FOI to find the voices of dissenting Labor MPs!
"Frustrated?" Cry me a fckin river.
The assumption of a rate rise today already has the RBA being whipped for backflipping. It would be a more painful flop if the figures flipped again.
Why the bank should talk hawk but sit penguin:
share.google/LI6EOV4pQS4L...
Why the bank should talk hawk but sit penguin:
share.google/LI6EOV4pQS4L...
RBA rates rise not the sure thing that the commentariat cries - Michael West
The conservative commentariat that didn’t want rate cuts last year is urging the RBA to increase rates tomorrow, but it may not happen.
share.google
February 2, 2026 at 10:22 PM
The assumption of a rate rise today already has the RBA being whipped for backflipping. It would be a more painful flop if the figures flipped again.
Why the bank should talk hawk but sit penguin:
share.google/LI6EOV4pQS4L...
Why the bank should talk hawk but sit penguin:
share.google/LI6EOV4pQS4L...
Intro isn't quite true. It was a happy Oz Day for me - a long well-lubricated lunch with neighbouring friends of varying politics & opinions, all in good spirit and acceptance, perhaps united by disgust with Trump.
But there's still meanness showing in our polling
michaelwest.com.au/australia-is...
But there's still meanness showing in our polling
michaelwest.com.au/australia-is...
Australia is getting meaner - Michael West
It was not a happy Australia Day for Michael Pascoe. Two polls told him we’re getting meaner, less welcoming, less Australian.
michaelwest.com.au
January 26, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Intro isn't quite true. It was a happy Oz Day for me - a long well-lubricated lunch with neighbouring friends of varying politics & opinions, all in good spirit and acceptance, perhaps united by disgust with Trump.
But there's still meanness showing in our polling
michaelwest.com.au/australia-is...
But there's still meanness showing in our polling
michaelwest.com.au/australia-is...
I missed an important example of how supine our government is: we enabled the Duggan family's assets, their home, to be seized by the US despite no conviction and with extradition unresolved.
Just a vassal state of a imperial ganster regime abc.net.au/news/2023-12...
Just a vassal state of a imperial ganster regime abc.net.au/news/2023-12...
January 11, 2026 at 1:01 AM
I missed an important example of how supine our government is: we enabled the Duggan family's assets, their home, to be seized by the US despite no conviction and with extradition unresolved.
Just a vassal state of a imperial ganster regime abc.net.au/news/2023-12...
Just a vassal state of a imperial ganster regime abc.net.au/news/2023-12...
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
Don't forget, the IHRA definition will be buttressed by the extra Special Envoy's "supplementary guide"...which is either still being developed/workshopped and yet to be seen.
January 10, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Don't forget, the IHRA definition will be buttressed by the extra Special Envoy's "supplementary guide"...which is either still being developed/workshopped and yet to be seen.
US “justice” system is severely compromised from top to bottom especially if there is any element of politics or foreign policy involved yet Canberra is prepared to render unto Trump a fellow Australian just on America's say so.
We've surrendered our self-respect.
michaelwest.com.au/rendering-an...
We've surrendered our self-respect.
michaelwest.com.au/rendering-an...
Rendering an Australian citizen to the corrupt regime of Donald Trump - Michael West
The Albanese Government wants to render Australian citizen Dan Duggan to the corrupt authoritarian regime of Donald Trump.
michaelwest.com.au
January 10, 2026 at 11:29 PM
US “justice” system is severely compromised from top to bottom especially if there is any element of politics or foreign policy involved yet Canberra is prepared to render unto Trump a fellow Australian just on America's say so.
We've surrendered our self-respect.
michaelwest.com.au/rendering-an...
We've surrendered our self-respect.
michaelwest.com.au/rendering-an...
What Robert Manne termed the "clumsy and rather pathetic" Bondi response did not happen in isolation.
Richo's state funeral may prove to be Albanese's "knights and dames" moment
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/albos-judgem...
Richo's state funeral may prove to be Albanese's "knights and dames" moment
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/albos-judgem...
Albo’s “knights and dames” moment? - Michael West
Albanese’s handling of the aftermath of the Bondi massacre raises questions about the PM’s political judgement. Not for the first time
michaelwest.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 10:17 PM
What Robert Manne termed the "clumsy and rather pathetic" Bondi response did not happen in isolation.
Richo's state funeral may prove to be Albanese's "knights and dames" moment
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/albos-judgem...
Richo's state funeral may prove to be Albanese's "knights and dames" moment
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/albos-judgem...
"If you think Trump is just trolling on Greenland, book yourself a holiday in Caracas" (Edward Luce in the FT)
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/how-much-wou...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/how-much-wou...
How much would you sell your country for? - Michael West
Donald Trump is not just trolling on a takeover of Greenland, writes Michael Pascoe. Will it be the money or the gun ... or both?
michaelwest.com.au
January 7, 2026 at 9:55 PM
"If you think Trump is just trolling on Greenland, book yourself a holiday in Caracas" (Edward Luce in the FT)
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/how-much-wou...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/how-much-wou...
The Monroe Doctrine is 200 years old. Trump is taking it back to its lawless era - the US unconstrained.
And of course it's about the oil, not Maduro - some of Trump's best friends are feudal murderers.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/what-trump-v...
And of course it's about the oil, not Maduro - some of Trump's best friends are feudal murderers.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/what-trump-v...
January 4, 2026 at 6:53 AM
The Monroe Doctrine is 200 years old. Trump is taking it back to its lawless era - the US unconstrained.
And of course it's about the oil, not Maduro - some of Trump's best friends are feudal murderers.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/what-trump-v...
And of course it's about the oil, not Maduro - some of Trump's best friends are feudal murderers.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/what-trump-v...
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
Just imagining a world where the ALP had dumped AUKUS and the LNP alone were still clinging to the view that the US was the great protector.
“Small target” oppositions lead to bad government policies.
“Small target” oppositions lead to bad government policies.
January 3, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Just imagining a world where the ALP had dumped AUKUS and the LNP alone were still clinging to the view that the US was the great protector.
“Small target” oppositions lead to bad government policies.
“Small target” oppositions lead to bad government policies.
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
With no-one in the White House to contradict him, Trump seems to be adopting the George Costanza approach to lies.
Fortunately, Americans are increasingly not buying his fantasies.
Fortunately, Americans are increasingly not buying his fantasies.
December 27, 2025 at 8:18 PM
With no-one in the White House to contradict him, Trump seems to be adopting the George Costanza approach to lies.
Fortunately, Americans are increasingly not buying his fantasies.
Fortunately, Americans are increasingly not buying his fantasies.
Our evil "ally". Various motives, same result: nonchalantly murdering people.
"Venezuela’s oil has been more central to Mr. Trump’s deliberations than previously reported"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/27/u...
"Venezuela’s oil has been more central to Mr. Trump’s deliberations than previously reported"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/27/u...
How Oil, Drugs and Immigration Fueled Trump’s Venezuela Campaign
www.nytimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Our evil "ally". Various motives, same result: nonchalantly murdering people.
"Venezuela’s oil has been more central to Mr. Trump’s deliberations than previously reported"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/27/u...
"Venezuela’s oil has been more central to Mr. Trump’s deliberations than previously reported"
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/27/u...
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
I remember when that shotgun was being discussed and people were trying to raise the flag and get it into the category D
"Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has applauded Mr Grant's proposal," to lift the restrictions on the sale of the Adler shotgun
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10...
"Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has applauded Mr Grant's proposal," to lift the restrictions on the sale of the Adler shotgun
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10...
States should take emotion out of Adler shotgun debate: Senator
A proposal by the New South Wales Deputy Premier and Police Minister to make it easier to import the controversial Adler shotgun is welcomed by a Nationals senator as "appropriate".
www.abc.net.au
December 25, 2025 at 9:02 AM
I remember when that shotgun was being discussed and people were trying to raise the flag and get it into the category D
"Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has applauded Mr Grant's proposal," to lift the restrictions on the sale of the Adler shotgun
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10...
"Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has applauded Mr Grant's proposal," to lift the restrictions on the sale of the Adler shotgun
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10...
The murderers fired 33 rounds in the first minute at Bondi. There's blood on the hands of the politicians and regulators who enabled that, who sold out to the gun lobby to put such rapid-fire killing machines in their hands, undermining Port Arthur.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/bondi-traged...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/bondi-traged...
Bondi Shooter revelations leave blood on the hands of politicians, police, ASIO - Michael West
Guns are to blame for Bondi tragedy, not PM Anthony Albanese, peace protestors or Iran who are all being fingered in the frenzy of blame
michaelwest.com.au
December 21, 2025 at 11:21 PM
The murderers fired 33 rounds in the first minute at Bondi. There's blood on the hands of the politicians and regulators who enabled that, who sold out to the gun lobby to put such rapid-fire killing machines in their hands, undermining Port Arthur.
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/bondi-traged...
Mine for MWM
michaelwest.com.au/bondi-traged...
Our timid government has its head under the pillows, desperately hoping it doesn't have to face up to the challenges of a radically changed world.
What’s Labor’s main security concern? How it looks in khaki on election day.
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/australias-s...
What’s Labor’s main security concern? How it looks in khaki on election day.
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/australias-s...
Australia's security abandoned to the folly of declining US empire - Michael West
Foreign affairs. The earth has moved, and our AUKUS security gamble with the US crumbles, but our government pretends nothing has happened
michaelwest.com.au
December 14, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Our timid government has its head under the pillows, desperately hoping it doesn't have to face up to the challenges of a radically changed world.
What’s Labor’s main security concern? How it looks in khaki on election day.
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/australias-s...
What’s Labor’s main security concern? How it looks in khaki on election day.
Mine for MWM.
michaelwest.com.au/australias-s...
Reposted by Michael Pascoe
This cannot be considered normal.
Want to go to Disneyland? Maybe rethink those mean tweets about US policy: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-12/us-social-media-australia-explainer/106128586
Want to go to Disneyland? Maybe rethink those mean tweets about US policy
Mean tweets about US policy might mean no trip to Disneyland, under a new proposal that would see Australians provide their social media history for the past five years.
www.abc.net.au
December 12, 2025 at 4:53 AM
This cannot be considered normal.
Remember the Torture Memos? The Boat Strike Memos May Be Worse. - POLITICO share.google/VxQ1aAC6B1rA...
Remember the Torture Memos? The Boat Strike Memos May Be Worse.
The Trump administration needs to release the legal analysis underpinning its controversial military campaign.
share.google
December 12, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Remember the Torture Memos? The Boat Strike Memos May Be Worse. - POLITICO share.google/VxQ1aAC6B1rA...