Australian Radio Network (ARN) is home to popular radio hosts such as Kyle and Jackie O, Amanda Keller, Brendan Jones, and British import Christian O’Connell. While they are all highly successful, not everyone can make it to the top of the ratings pile. Over at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Fifi Box at Fox FM in Melbourne and Dave “Hughesy” Hughes at 2Day FM in Sydney are also contenders for the top spot. Senator David Pocock is advocating for fair pay for artists on radio, but has refrained from commenting on news of salary disclosures by ARN and SCA.
Former The Australian editor Chris Dore has made a comeback at Seven West Media as the editor of The West Australian and The Sunday Times. In addition to this career success, Dore and his partner Jenna Clarke are expecting a baby in June, marking a new chapter in their lives. The couple recently celebrated their impending parenthood with a baby shower attended by a diverse group of guests including political figures, journalists, and high-flyers. The event was organized by Sharri Markson and held at the home of defamation lawyer Rebekah Giles, creating an unexpected mix of personalities.
In March, former NSW arts minister Don Harwin narrowly won the election to become NSW Liberal Party president by just one vote, sparking speculation about the strength of the party’s moderate faction. His victory over party treasurer Mark Bailie raised concerns about the integrity of the election, reminiscent of recent political events. Bailie, however, decided not to challenge the results despite concerns about certain votes and the close margin. He acknowledged that pursuing a challenge would be a lengthy process and could distract from the upcoming federal election.
The internal politics within the NSW Liberal Party may continue to be a source of drama and contention despite Bailie’s decision not to challenge Harwin’s victory. The party’s focus on maintaining unity and avoiding distractions in the lead-up to the federal election is sensible, but challenges and disagreements within the party are likely to persist. The dynamics between different factions and individuals within the party may lead to further controversies and power struggles in the future. The aftermath of the election for NSW Liberal Party president highlights the complex and sometimes tumultuous nature of party politics.
