S4 | E6 - Aiding and Abetting: How Australia's Government Serves Israel & Washington, Not Aussies

<p>In this episode of Reel Talk, I sit down with Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge to confront one of the most urgent questions facing Australia today:</p><p>Is Australia still acting in its own national interest, or has it become an extension of Washington&#39;s foreign policy agenda?</p><p>Australia says it supports international law.</p><p>Australia says it supports human rights.</p><p>Australia says it supports peace.</p><p>But while publicly backing these principles, Australia&#39;s sovereign wealth fund has increased investments in companies linked to Israel&#39;s military operations, signed billion-dollar contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers, and committed tens of billions more to military spending through AUKUS.</p><p>At the same time, Australians are facing rising living costs, pressure on public services and growing concerns about government priorities.</p><p>Beneath the headlines lies a much bigger question:</p><p>Who is really shaping Australia&#39;s future — the Australian people, or powerful interests operating far beyond its borders?</p><p>WHAT WE UNCOVER IN THIS CONVERSATION:</p><p>– Australia&#39;s sovereign wealth fund investments in companies linked to Israel&#39;s military operations<br>– Palantir, surveillance technology and concerns over national sovereignty<br>– The Albanese government&#39;s contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers<br>– Elbit Systems and Australia&#39;s growing military relationship with Israel<br>– The influence of Washington on Australian foreign policy<br>– AUKUS and the multi-billion-dollar expansion of military spending<br>– Why disability support and public services are facing cuts while defence spending grows<br>– The debate over anti-Semitism funding and anti-racism policy<br>– Islamophobia, discrimination and political double standards<br>– The role of lobbying groups in shaping public policy<br>– Palestine, Gaza and the suppression of protest movements<br>– Why governments fear mass demonstrations<br>– Australia&#39;s relationship with the United States and questions of national independence<br>– Whether Australia&#39;s political system still serves the public interest</p><p>TIMESTAMPS:</p><p>00:00 — Introduction: Australia&#39;s Contradictions on Palestine and Israel<br>03:10 — Following the Money: The Future Fund and Weapons Companies<br>08:30 — Palantir, Surveillance and the Erosion of Sovereignty<br>14:45 — Elbit Systems and Australia&#39;s Billion-Dollar Military Contracts<br>21:00