One freebie at a time

One freebie at a time

In a political age defined by opinion polling and a 24-hour news cycles, one strategy is remarkably consistent: the word ‘free’ buys votes. On the weekend, Australians will vote in the 2025 federal election, an election where both major parties are leaning into this enduring reality – offering short-term handouts with minimal attention to long-term consequences. This is not a uniquely Australian phenomenon. Across the democratic world, political…