Filling in on Future Perfect, Ben Eltham is joined by political commentator and journalist Amy Remeikis for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Australian politics, the proposed Royal Commission into antisemitism, and what courage in leadership looks like in unstable times - both at home and abroad.

Reflecting on Australia’s forgotten history as a confident middle power, Amy questions whether today’s political class has the appetite for meaningful reform. With younger voters now a decisive force, Amy suggests politics has failed to keep pace with how Australians are actually living.

Looking at the widening gap between Canberra and the public - on housing, climate, cost of living, and global uncertainty - Amy suggests why avoiding discomfort may no longer be an option.

The pair also discuss the proposed Royal Commission into antisemitism, the growing tendency to conflate criticism of Israel with hate, and how quickly political unity can fracture when tragedy becomes politicised.

The conversation widens to the United States, with Amy examining what a more openly authoritarian America means for Australia’s foreign policy and AUKUS, wary of the suggestion that alliances can simply “transcend” leadership changes.

With her essay appearing in the new book A Time for Bravery, Amy makes the case that courage in politics isn’t about grandstanding, but about listening beyond the bubble and acting decisively when it matters most.