Politics Now Big personalities, protests and polling
Feb 10, 2026
A large protest at Town Hall and clashes with police dominate the conversation. Internal turmoil and leadership pressure swirl inside the Liberal party. Questions about polling reliability and whether rising One Nation support reflects immigration policy shifts are explored. Listeners’ queries drive debate about political futures and public reaction.
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Visit Sparks Predictable Street Violence
- Protests at the Israeli president's visit escalated into violent clashes and raised deep community tensions in Sydney.
- Fran Kelly warns the scenes were predictable and have created a wider political and social brouhaha.
Leaders' Responses Deepen Divisions
- Political leaders responded differently, with the Prime Minister expressing devastation and the NSW Premier defending police actions as proportionate.
- The episode shows how official responses can deepen community divisions rather than calm them.
Tony Abbott Praises Tough Policing
- Tony Abbott publicly praised police who punched protesters and urged harsher policing measures on 2GB.
- His comments illustrate the sharp, polarised rhetoric surrounding protest policing in Australia.