Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
137.9K
Downloads
133
Episodes
Discussion and analysis of politics, history, theory and activism from a radical revolutionary socialist perspective.
Welcome to Red Flag Radio
We are a socialist podcast based in Australia. We discuss politics, theory and history from a revolutionary Marxist perspective. We aim to explain socialist ideas in a clear and accessible way and to promote the voices of anti-capitalist activists worldwide.
Episodes
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
In the worst cost of living crisis in several generations, Labor are cutting taxes for the rich, spending $368 Billion on nuclear subs and signalling the need for tougher “fiscal restraint” in the future. Yet the ALP's second budget has been touted as “responsible but compassionate” for delivering a surplus while throwing a few insulting crumbs to the poorest welfare recipients.
We spoke to Red Flag editor Ben Hillier about why Labor’s budget continues the class war against workers and the poor. We take a look at some of the budget's false promises, the arguments around inflation, and why the liberal media are suckers for the ALP's social neoliberalism.
Check out the Red Flag coverage of the budget and related issues:
- Labor's budget for the rich
- Welfare recipients remain in poverty under Labor
- Report reveals inequality on steroids
Note - We recorded this episode before Dutton had made his budget reply, so we didn't talk about the Liberals or their new racist campaign to link cost-of-living woes with immigration. But expect future episodes to address this and other budget adjacent issues!
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
We’re Chloe and Emma, and we’re so excited to deliver our first episode as the new co-hosts of Red Flag Radio! This episode celebrates May Day, the international day of working-class struggle. We talk about the history of May Day, from Australia to America to the Russian Revolution. We also ask some socialist historians to tell us about three of the greatest strikes in Australian history: the 1917 General Strike, the Pilbara Strike, and the Clarrie O’Shea Strike.
Further readings:
- Rosa Luxemburg on the origins of May Day - https://www.marxists.org/archive/luxemburg/1894/02/may-day.htm
- Origins of May Day - https://redflag.org.au/article/origins-may-day
- May Day 1946 - Pilbara strike https://redflag.org.au/article/may-day-1946-pilbara-aboriginal-workers-strike
- Understanding the 1917 General Strike https://redflag.org.au/node/5992
- Beating anti-union laws - the Clarrie O’Shea strike https://redflag.org.au/node/6080
Upcoming May Day rallies in Australia
- Sydney - https://www.facebook.com/events/1212625096051321
- Melbourne https://www.facebook.com/events/6059904107456640
- Wollongong - https://www.facebook.com/events/162261140063412
- Fremantle, Perth - https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=655428436589171&set=a.437367835061900
- Brisbane - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=599659355525905&set=pcb.599660352192472
Hosted by Chloe Rafferty and Emma Norton. Produced by Jack Morris.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Millions of workers and students have taken part in strikes and protests across France in response to President Macron's push to increase the retirement age to 64. As a result of the resistance, Macron has been forced to pass the law by Presidential decree, sparking more anger on the streets. Revolutionary socialist John Mullen joins us to discuss the historical significance of this movement and the political questions it raises for those who want to see the defeat of the pensions law as a path to more radical change.
Read more in Red Flag
France in Revolt by Christopher Di Pasquale - https://redflag.org.au/article/france-revolt
Come to Marxism 2023 - April 6th - 9th - https://www.marxismconference.org/
Hosted by Roz Ward and Emma Norton. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, is a British transphobic activist who campaigns alongside Neo-Nazi groups. Parker is bringing her speaking tour to Australia. After record numbers of transphobic laws were passed in the US in 2022, Grace Hill, the new National Union of Students (NUS) LGBTI Officer joins us to discuss why we should protest Parker and figures like her wherever they organise. How do mainstream politicians open up space for far right organising? And does feminism really have anything to do with transphobia?
Read about Posie Parker’s anti-trans rally attended by Holocaust deniers and anti-abortion activists - https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/02/12/posie-parker-let-women-speak-glasgow-rally-fascists/
Protest information:
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
In the early 1970s, the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) in Australia provided a case study in workers' power and concern for the conservation of the natural environment. BLF green bans preserved dozens of working class areas and historic buildings, ranging from Aboriginal housing in Redfern to historic National Trust-listed mansions. In this episode we speak to Jerome Small about how the BLF became a union that fought for environmental and social justice, and the lessons we can draw to re-build the left in Australia today.
Read more
When Sydney was touched by workers democracy by Jerome Small - https://redflag.org.au/node/6774
‘I’m part of the union!’ How the Builders Labourers Federation set the benchmark by Liz Ross - https://redflag.org.au/node/6510
Watch Rocking the Foundations here.
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 2022
A live recording of the final election rally for the Victorian Socialists before we try to make history by electing the first socialists to parliament in decades.
Featuring speeches by lead candidates for Northern Metro and Western Metro, Jerome Small and Liz Walsh.
For more information on how you can help volunteer for Victorian Socialists on election day, or to donate to the campaign go to - https://victoriansocialists.org.au/.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
A special live episode recorded at the launch of our campaign to elect socialist, union organiser and long-term environmental and anti-racist campaigner Jerome Small to Victoria's upper house. Jerome's stories include high school walkouts against the nuclear arms race, civil disobedience with the climate movement, picketing the South African embassy in the Apartheid years, and organising blockades of mining companies in solidarity with the Mirrar Aboriginal people in the successful fight to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory. More recently, Jerome has supported workers in aged care, warehouses, call centres and other workplaces in battles over pay, dignity and job security.
Follow Jerome's campaign and get involved in the Victorian Socialists here;
Monday Aug 01, 2022
Monday Aug 01, 2022
The healthcare system in Australia is in crisis. Politicians talk about the 'pressure' that COVID-19 has put on the system but fail to acknowledge systemic under funding of hospitals and other services. On this episode we discuss what workers would do to fix the crisis in healthcare with NSW nurse Deaglan, allied health worker Cecilia, and socialist activist Jerome Small.
Labor’s pandemic - https://redflag.org.au/article/labors-pandemic
Nurses’ union raises pay claim under pressure from rank and file - https://redflag.org.au/article/nurses-union-raises-pay-claim-under-pressure-rank-and-file
NSW nurses and midwives strike again - https://redflag.org.au/article/nsw-nurses-and-midwives-strike-again
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
What can we expect from the return of an Australian Labor Party (ALP) government? Are there any reasons to hope for progressive change? On this episode we're joined by Liz Walsh and Josh Lees to discuss the first three weeks of Labor in power, and what we can learn from previous Labor governments in Australia. How does a Marxist analysis of the ALP help to prepare us for the struggles ahead?
ALP stands idle while capitalists trash living standards
Albanese continues Labor’s rotten imperialist record
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Contact us on redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
With the Supreme Court set to overturn Roe v. Wade, the battle for abortion rights in the US is at a critical turning point. On this episode Roz talks to socialist activist Emma Norton about the history of abortion rights, the limitations of looking to the Democrats to protect the right to choose, and the struggles that are needed to win.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
The federal election campaign, with the notable exception of the Victorian Socialists, is a showcase of the worst aspects of Australian politics. On this episode we put a revolutionary perspective on some of the biggest issues the politicians are talking about and not talking about as they tour the country touting for votes. Roz is joined by Red Flag contributing editors Louise O'Shea and Eleanor Morley for a lively discussion.
Why would anyone care about the election?
Fix the cost of living crisis by Ben Hillier
Get involved - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/
Donate to the Victorian Socialists - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/donate
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Friday Apr 29, 2022
The Victorian Socialists are taking on the billionaires and parties that represent them in the upcoming Australian federal election. Running on a platform that calls for a radical reorganisation of society and a redistribution of wealth and power, we talk to three Victorian Socialists candidates - Kath Larkin, Jerome Small, and Belle Gibson. How does their campaign compare to their rivals? What have their experiences of running in a federal election have taught them about politics? What inspires them as socialists to run in a parliamentary election?
Introducing Aran Mylvaganam for the Senate
Back the Victorian Socialists by Corey Oakley
Morrison is appalling and so is Labor by Mick Armstrong
How should revolutionaries view parliamentary elections? by Jerome Small
Get involved - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/
Donate to the Victorian Socialists - https://www.victoriansocialists.org.au/donate
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Saturday Mar 19, 2022
How do socialists understand the Russian invasion of Ukraine? What does this conflict uncover about imperialist tensions today? What is so hypocritical about the response of western political leaders? Socialist activist and author Tom Bramble answers these questions and more in discussion with Roz Ward.
Further coverage of the war can be found at https://redflag.org.au/
Tom's books can be purchased at https://shop.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Friday Jan 28, 2022
Friday Jan 28, 2022
In Australia at the beginning of 2022 the COVID crisis is reaching new deadly milestones. The healthcare system is collapsing under the strain. A mainstream political consensus has been reached about 'living' and dying with the pandemic while the far right have taken the crisis as an opportunity to mobilise. At the same time, climate change continues to create international and local catastrophes. On this episode Roz and Liam are joined by activists Jess Lenehan and Nahui Jimenez to discuss the many reasons to be a socialist today.
Freedom Fridays Protest for Refugees in Melbourne - https://www.facebook.com/events/6793879187348723/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Monday Nov 01, 2021
Monday Nov 01, 2021
World leaders are gathering to discuss their plans to tackle climate change at the COP26 in Glasgow. Will their commitments make any difference? What are the alternatives to global summits? On this episode we discuss the politics of climate crisis internationally and in Australia, and how we should respond with activists Anneke and Cormac.
Follow the coverage of COP26 in Red Flag - https://redflag.org.au/category/climate
Join the global day of action on November 6 in your city - details below.
Melbourne: https://fb.me/e/KgHsDV1t
Sydney: https://fb.me/e/1uTFnYSFw
Canberra: https://fb.me/e/14yae7A3r
Brisbane: https://fb.me/e/6HHyV6kxS
Adelaide: https://fb.me/e/2CrDfujfM
Perth: https://fb.me/e/Lxenn5fx
Wollongong: https://fb.me/e/DdG2mfPT
Sydney: https://fb.me/e/1uTFnYSFw
Canberra: https://fb.me/e/14yae7A3r
Brisbane: https://fb.me/e/6HHyV6kxS
Adelaide: https://fb.me/e/2CrDfujfM
Perth: https://fb.me/e/Lxenn5fx
Wollongong: https://fb.me/e/DdG2mfPT
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper: https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
On this episode we discuss the hidden class history of the suffragettes and the role of working class mass struggle in winning the vote. Too often the official histories of the suffrage movement brush over the bitter splits and divisions within both the campaign and the Pankhurst family. Roz is joined in discussion by veteran socialist Moira Leahy to uncover these important debates and discuss the politics of challenging sexism and fighting for socialism.
Reading
How working class women won the vote by Judy Cox http://isj.org.uk/how-working-class-women-won-the-vote/
Sylvia Pankhurst - a rebel in the fight for votes by Isabel Ringrose - https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/50653/Sylvia+Pankhurst+++a+rebel+in+the+fight+for+votes
Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
On this episode we talk to an education worker, a nurse, and a construction worker about why they are campaigning for health before profits and safer workplaces in Australia. Health before Profits is a national campaign group that includes workers, academics, activists and students who are organising in opposition to Scott Morrison's reckless, unsafe national plan for re-opening and 'living with COVID'.
Find out more and get involved in the campaign here -
https://www.facebook.com/HealthbeforeProfitAus
Public meeting on the school reopening plan in Victoria - Sun 24 October 5pm -
https://www.facebook.com/events/175070548108545/
OzSAGE is a multi-disciplinary network of Australian experts from a broad range of sectors relevant to the well-being of the Australian population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic - https://ozsage.org/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper https://subscribe.redflag.org.au
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
The 250 richest people in Australia increased their wealth by $93 billion during the first year of the pandemic while millions of essential workers have seen no increase in their wages. In this episode we talk to activist Shirley Killen about drastic inequality, the political failures of mainstream politics, and what socialists can learn from the drive for profits in a crisis.
Reading
How Australia’s richest have profited in the pandemic by Shirley Killen - https://redflag.org.au/article/how-australias-richest-have-profited-pandemic
Why is nobody in prison over robodebt? by April Holcombe - https://redflag.org.au/node/7483
How the rich are cashing in on pandemic pain by Tyler Ray (Nov 2020) - https://redflag.org.au/node/7470
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper https://subscribe.redflag.org.au
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Monday Sep 13, 2021
The 'Robert Menzies Institute' is set to open at Melbourne University in November. The founders claim the Institute will be a museum dedicated to 'Australia's greatest Prime Minister' but the real project appears to be establishing a conservative think-tank with a board of right wing ideologues including Peta Credlin and Georgina Downer. On this episode we talk to student activists and Graduate Student Association officers Monica Sestito and Brendan Laws about the campaign to stop the Institute and the question of free speech on campus.
Stop the Menzies Institute campaign page - https://stopmenziesinstitute.wordpress.com/
Socialists Debate the Young Liberals - Was Menzies a Great Australian or Right-wing Scumbag? Weds 15 Sept 6pm -https://www.facebook.com/events/1692974661093120
Book your tickets for Socialism 2021 (17-19 September) here http://www.socialismsydney.com/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Friday Aug 20, 2021
The situation unfolding in Afghanistan is a humanitarian disaster resulting from decades of imperialist interventions and war. On this episode we discuss the political history of the invasion in 2001 and how the occupation resulted in the Taliban asserting control over the country today. Our guest Simone White is a socialist activist who was part of the Stop the War Coalition in Australia and has written and presented extensively on the politics and history of the middle east.
Public meeting - Tues 24 August 18:30 (Melb time) - Bloodshed and war crimes: how the west destroyed Afghanistan - https://www.facebook.com/events/370684171388989
Book your tickets for Socialism 2021 here - http://www.socialismsydney.com/
Further Reading
'The US occupation of Afghanistan is over. But the disaster goes on' by Omar Hassan - https://redflag.org.au/article/us-occupation-afghanistan-over-disaster-goes
From 2008 - 'Afghanistan: the case against the “good war”' by Jonathan Neal https://isj.org.uk/afghanistan-the-case-against-the-good-war/
Support Red Flag Radio on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.