The hall of Australian Prime Ministers & political figures as brought to you by Futurama. It’s the crossover you never knew you needed. #AusPol

Hey @grok, how many people who have worked with or for Donald Trump, particularly during his campaigns or during his time as president, have been charged with and convicted of crimes?.

Republicans and Democrats have basically been in a “cold war” over the Epstein files , lobbing threats, but neither side dares release everything. There’s so much damning evidence against power players in both parties that exposing it all would mean mutual assured destruction.

Trump calls Epstein questions “desecration” amid tragedy; in Australia, arson justifies calls to curb Gaza protests. Now, a federal antisemitism plan aims to punish the "wrong" kind of protest, speech, and teaching. When did dissent become desecration? . #AusPol.

Segal's antisemitism policy copies a right-wing lobby’s 15-point plan, bringing harsh measures for universities, charities, and immigration. Despite controversy over lobbyist donations and government deflections, our rights are at risk under the guise of anti-racism. #AusPol.

Manifests reveal that over 40 people disappeared on US deportation flights to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, in addition to 238 others deported without due process under a $6M deal with Bukele. Many remain unaccounted for. a horror story of disappeared lives and zero transparency.

Ex-Treasury boss Ken Henry urges Labor to bring back a carbon tax, calling it “the world’s best carbon policy.” . He says Australia can’t cut emissions or boost productivity without it, and that parliament must urgently fix broken environment laws. Thoughts?. #AusPol.

Sussan Ley become Liberal leader after a crushing defeat, pledging openness, collaboration, and greater female representation. But with party divisions over net zero, gender quotas, and direction, Ley faces fierce resistance from powerful conservatives. #AusPol.

NSW’s Department of Customer Service plans to cut up to 40 frontline jobs to meet budget targets, as demand grows. The Minns government is also cracking down on flexible work and moving to reduce senior execs by 15%. #AusPol #NSWPol.

Tasmania’s health system is in crisis: soaring debt, underfunded services, the highest public hospital costs, and endless blame-shifting. A Joint Commonwealth/State Health Commission could integrate funding and services, but it needs political will. #AusPol #TasPol.

Let’s start the conversation. If you believe young voices matter, share this thread and ask your MP to back voting reform for 16 and 17-year-olds!.

As the UK, Scotland, Austria, and Germany prove, voting at 16 is about trust, inclusion, and future-proofing democracy. Australia should seize this moment, embrace reform, and empower the next generation to help shape our future.

Australia already trusts 16-year-olds with responsibilities like work, tax, and driving, why not the vote?.

What Would Change?. An estimated 500,000 extra young Australians would gain the right to vote. It’s about building civic habits, bridging generational divides, and making democracy more inclusive.

Politicians would be incentivized to take youth perspectives seriously, leading to fairer and more forward-looking policies.

Australia faces declining youth political engagement, even with compulsory voting. Lowering the voting age would put Australia in line with global democracies that empower youth and address long-term issues like climate change and mental health more effectively.

Critics often question maturity, but research consistently finds 16- and 17-year-olds vote as competently as adults and often engage more when still in school, where civic education is strongest.

Germany: Building Momentum. Several German states, and now all of Germany for European elections, have adopted voting at 16. Evidence suggests that early enfranchisement increases turnout in late teens and 20s across the country.

Austria: Nationwide Impact. In Austria, the voting age was lowered to 16 for all elections in 2007. Studies indicate young Austrians are just as capable of making informed choices as older voters, helping ingrain life-long voting habits early.

Importantly, the reform boosted engagement among young people from all backgrounds, reducing inequality in political participation.

Scotland: A Trailblazer. Since 2015, 16- and 17-year-olds have voted in Scottish Parliamentary and local elections. Research shows those enfranchised at 16 or 17 keep participating in elections and are more likely to remain engaged citizens as adults.