How will Australia's dramatic election results impact its domestic, regional and global political and economic affairs? In this special episode–originally aired live–hosts Jim Carouso and Ray Powell are joined by special guests Mick McNeill and Michael Rowland for an in-depth discussion on Australia's changing political landscape and the election’s far-reaching implications, including:

• A comprehensive breakdown of the Australian Labor Party’s decisive win, and what’s next for a reeling Liberal-National Party coalition as it faces the implications of its dramatic collapse at the polls.
• An explanation of how Australia’s compulsory voting and preferential (ranked-choice) ballot helps the country avoid extremes.
• Why reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump played an outsized role in Australia’s political environment.
• How these political shifts will affect Australia’s international business and trade relationships–especially with the United States–during a time of global uncertainty.
• How the results will impact the country’s ongoing transition to renewable energy sources and its defense planning.

The discussion provides valuable context for understanding Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific region and how recent political developments might influence regional stability and economic cooperation. Our expert guests offer unique perspectives on how businesses and policymakers should navigate this changing environment.

Follow us on X, @IndoPacPodcast; or on LinkedIn or BlueSky at our show title, Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?

Follow Ray Powell on X (@GordianKnotRay) or on LinkedIn.

Follow Jim Carouso on LinkedIn.

Our podcast is produced by Ian Ellis-Jones and IEJ Media (on X @ianellisjones or LinkedIn).

This podcast is sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific.

Paul Everingham joins Ray and Jim to explain that liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand in Asia is expected to nearly double by 2050. The initial growth will be driven by North Asia (especially China), with South Asia and Southeast Asia becoming the main growth centers after 2035. This surge is tied to Asia’s rapid economic development, growing energy needs, and the region’s transition from coal.

Asia is projected to account for 50% of global economic growth and a growing share of global emissions. Addressing energy needs and emissions in Asia is crucial for global climate goals and humanitarian progress, as many Asian countries still rely heavily on coal and lack access to clean energy and modern amenities.

Paul describes LNG as more than just a bridge to renewables—it’s vital for economic and national security, and asserts that LNG is cleaner than coal and oil and provides reliable "baseload" and "peaking" power, which renewables like wind and solar currently can’t match due to their intermittency and storage limitations.

The Biden administration’s pause on US LNG export facilities was discussed, with Paul arguing that such moves are more political than scientific. He stresses that immediate transitions from coal to renewables aren’t feasible in Asia due to infrastructure and storage constraints, and that gas is essential for meeting Paris climate commitments.

Despite a slowing economy and population decline, China’s energy demand is rising as it seeks to reduce new coal plant construction and diversify gas imports away from reliance on Russia. China is investing in both renewables and LNG to ensure energy security.

The conversation highlights that global energy demand is rising, not just shifting. Coal use is at record highs, and the US is facing new surges in energy demand due to AI and data centers. Paul advocates for an "all of the above" approach, including nuclear, gas, and renewables, to meet growing needs.

Paul says LNG offers more flexible supply options than pipeline gas, reducing dependency on single suppliers. However, building out LNG infrastructure is capital-intensive and complex. The US, Qatar, and Australia are the dominant LNG exporters, but the US is expected to become the leading supplier by 2040, especially as Asian demand grows.

Qatar is a major player due to its vast gas reserves and strategic, conservative development. Indonesia and Malaysia were early LNG exporters, but their fields are now in decline. The US, with its massive shale gas reserves, is poised to shape global markets, especially as new fields come online.

The vulnerability of LNG supply lines to blockades (e.g., Taiwan) and the strategic importance of the South China Sea’s energy resources were discussed. China’s control over disputed areas impacts the ability of countries like the Philippines and Vietnam to develop their own gas fields.

Follow us on X, @IndoPacPodcast; or on LinkedIn or BlueSky.

Follow Ray Powell on X (@GordianKnotRay) or on LinkedIn.

Follow Jim Carouso on LinkedIn.

This podcast is sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific.

In this compelling episode of "Why Should We Care about the Indo-Pacific," hosts Ray Powell and James Carouso welcome Joe Hockey, former Australian Treasurer and Ambassador to the United States. Hockey, who now heads Bondi Partners, offers unique insights into U.S.-Australia relations during both Trump administrations.

Episode Highlights:

Hockey shares his firsthand experience of "Trumpageddon" during the transition from Obama to Trump's first administration, describing it as a "political tsunami" that hit Washington DC. He contrasts Trump 1.0's disorganization with Trump 2.0's more predictable but aggressive "political blitzkrieg" approach.

The conversation explores recent challenges in the alliance, including new tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum under Trump's second term. Hockey explains how Australia previously secured exemptions during Trump's first term by emphasizing their status as America's closest ally according to Republican voters and highlighting their trade deficit with the U.S.

When discussing concerns about the reliability of the U.S. alliance, Hockey dismisses what he calls "alarmist" views, emphasizing the deep integration between the two nations' military and intelligence communities. He pointedly asks, "What is Plan B?" when considering alternatives to the U.S. alliance, especially in light of recent Chinese naval exercises near Australia.

The discussion also covers Australia's upcoming May 2025 election, defense spending needs, AUKUS submarine acquisition challenges, and the complex relationship with China. Hockey advocates for increasing Australia's defense spending to around 3% of GDP while encouraging more private sector involvement in defense infrastructure.

Hockey concludes by sharing the touching origin story of his "100 Years of Mateship" initiative, which commemorated the centennial of U.S. and Australian troops fighting side by side at the Battle of Hamel in World War I – the beginning of an unbroken alliance that continues to this day.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about one of America's most crucial alliances in an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific region.

Follow us on X, @IndoPacPodcast; or on LinkedIn or BlueSky at our show title, Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?

Follow Ray Powell on X (@GordianKnotRay) or on LinkedIn.

Follow Jim Carouso on LinkedIn.

Our podcast is produced by Ian Ellis-Jones and IEJ Media (on X @ianellisjones or LinkedIn).

This podcast is sponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific.