May 6, 2026 8 min read Politics/Activism

Things I've been thinking about... And another event you should come to

Dear friends,

Hope everyone's doing ok in this world of rising fascism and gaslighting politicians.

Before I jump into this newsletter, I'd love your opinion: I'm trying to decide how much time to spend producing longer written articles as opposed to other forms of communication like short videos or podcast episodes, and I'm also working out what topics my readers would like me to focus on. Please fill out this simple 2-question survey to let me know what you think (feedback via email is also welcome).

I've just published a deep dive into the differences between the Queensland Greens and Queensland Socialists, informed by an interview with their Stafford candidate Liam Parry (the state electorate of Stafford is having a by-election because the sitting MP recently passed away).

Shortly after the article went up, I learned the QLD Greens are running an 'open ticket' in the by-election, where they'll say to voters "Vote 1 Greens and number every box" but don't make a specific recommendation on who to direct preferences towards. I wrote a long post on Facebook about this if you're interested.

In short, I lean towards the view that right now, in Queensland's current political context, it would've been better for the Greens to clearly recommend a preference order so that the party isn't attacked for helping the LNP win a seat, and that departing from this established practice is something that should have been foreshadowed and discussed openly with Greens supporters well in advance. But I can also see how the Greens refusing to act as a dutiful preference funnel for Labor puts more pressure on Labor to be more progressive, and might have an overall positive impact in the medium-term. I guess time will tell.

Further down this newsletter, I've included links to my other recent articles, plus details about our next No Phones, No Phascists event on Friday, 29 May.

First though, here are a few dot points about random stuff that in the past I might have made social media posts about, but are now just for my newsletter readers...

it was disappointing (but unsurprising) that after Nazis coordinated to boo First Nations speakers at Anzac Day ceremonies, major party politicians and many other public figures strongly criticised the disrespect shown, but stopped short of actually defending Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgements of Country robustly... to effectively resist hard-right culture wars, we have to repeatedly and proactively make the case for why these practices have political value and are so important
the strength of the pushback against the Queensland LNP's proposed absurd over-regulation of ebikes is a reassuring reminder of how much more latent political power Brisbane cyclists have today than even a couple of years ago. Perhaps it's time to use that power more intentionally to proactively push for separated bike lanes, 30km/h urban speed limits etc. There's another critical mass bike ride protest coming up in Brisbane tomorrow evening at 5pm. I'm currently in Central Queensland staying out west of Mackay, so I won't personally make it along, but I hope it gets a good turnout
the rapid uptake of AI is destroying the planet and people's brains – those of us who crave a better world need to steadfastly boycott its use, and prompt friends who are becoming dependent on it to think more critically about the harms it causes. I learned recently that Future Super, Australia's supposedly 'ethical' super fund, is increasing its investment in AI startups, so I'm now asking questions of Future Super and thinking of moving my superannuation elsewhere (recommendations welcome)
a while back, I wrote about how the campaign to Save Barrambin/Victoria Park from being destroyed by costly Olympic stadium projects needed a more radical edge... I'm excited by recent developments wherein local First Nations land defenders have established a protection camp on site. I had a great time visiting the camp recently and I encourage anyone who has the time to get down to Herston to support and protect it – apparently bulldozers could roll in as soon as 1 June

The bigger issue on my mind in recent weeks is that the US/Israel illegal invasion of Iran and Lebanon is triggering major downstream effects in terms of energy access, food supplies etc. Lots of economists are predicting that the cumulative global economic shocks and disruptions will be worse than covid, but right now the Australian government, and Australians more generally, don't seem to be acting like we're entering a new, more intensive stage of the polycrisis (apart from stocking up on toilet paper).

As global warming's impacts worsen, compounding with fuel and fertiliser shortages, major structural upheaval is becoming increasingly likely. I certainly don't pretend to know exactly how we should respond to all this. My instinct is that building stronger, better-connected communities is an important piece of the puzzle. But at the very least we need to stop deluding ourselves and recognise that for ordinary people, business as usual might soon be over. Maybe it's time to prep some more veggie garden beds!

Anywhere here are the other articles I've published recently in case you haven't already found them..

I published this piece just after Queensland police began arresting people for using the pro-Palestine phrases the LNP have partially criminalised. It includes an explanation (which I offer for the purposes of education and for public interest criticism of government policy) of why Zionist claims that the phrase 'from the river to the sea' is 'antisemitic' don't stack up.

This very locally-focussed article ended up triggering a segment on ABC News radio. Responses from several residents seem to have confirmed that yes, amazingly there are still one or two lace monitors living in Highgate Hill on Brisbane's inner-south side.

And here's another one about Queensland politics, analysing the limits of the Greens' recently-launched campaign calling for a "people's Olympics."

No Phones, No Phascists

Since my last email newsletter, we've successfully organised two Friday night backyard parties titled No Phones, No Phascists in Holland Park West, revolving around the themes of resisting fascism and minimising dependence on devices like smartphones. We're running them on the last Friday of each month and we're hopeful we can sustain them on an ongoing basis. They've been joyful and nourishing gatherings featuring a wide range of ages and demographics.

Everyone reading this email is warmly invited to come along to our next iteration of the event on Friday, 29 May, from 4pm to 8pm in the backyard at 30 Joachim St, Holland Park West.

My hip-hop/folk band Rivermouth will be playing a set, as will local artist Tom Smith (and friends). Musicians are welcome to bring along your instruments either for the open jam, or to have 5 to 10 minutes to yourself on stage for an open mic slot. We'll also have art-making spaces set up under the house, and vegan meals and chai to fill your bellies (gold coin donation, BYO bowl and mug if possible).

The yard backs onto Joachim Street Park, so there's plenty of space for kids to run around in and quiet spots by the creek to retreat to if you find big events a little intense. We'll have a couple of fires going in the backyard to chase away the cold (if someone wants to bring marshmallows to share at the next one that might be nice!).

We've been averaging over 100 attendees at each event so far, but can always squeeze in a few more, so please come along and invite your friends (and also mark Friday, 26 June in your diary so you don't miss the next one). If you're interested in volunteering to help organise the May event, please flick me an email (or just hang around at the end of the night to help with packing up).

That's about it for this update. If you're one of the several hundred free subscribers who currently receives this newsletter, and you're in a position to jump up to a paid subscription to help me fund my writing and organising work, I'd be incredibly grateful. The more paid subscribers I have, the more writing and organising work I can make time for.

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Hopefully I'll see you at No Phones, No Phascists on 29 May, but either way, enjoy reading!

Warm regards,
Jonno

For the benefit of any new subscribers, here are a few other older articles you might like to check out...