⚙️ Political Gadgets News | Monday, 19 October 2026
Today’s Political Gadgets digest covers: MP expenses: Leon Rebello (McPherson, Lib Nat) — $672,690 over 4 quarters; Political advertising: Google $24,450 (YTD $3,915,000).
Today’s digest includes:
- MP expenses: Leon Rebello (McPherson, Lib Nat) — $672,690 over 4 quarters
- Political advertising: Google $24,450 (YTD $3,915,000)
Bluesky says #auspol users are most fired up over the treatment of pregnant prisoners, with Labor and the Coalition blocking a national ban on shackling women in labour
BlueSky #auspol · 19 October 2026, 04:29 AEST · 432 posts · AI-generated
Shackling of women in custody during childbirth dominated the day’s #auspol chatter, with posters accusing Labor and the Coalition of blocking a Senate push for a national ban and calling for accountability from Anthony Albanese’s government. The anger spilled into wider criticism of Labor on AUKUS, gas taxation and its handling of Israel and Gaza, with several high-engagement posts describing the party as having drifted from its base. The tension sits alongside a sharp rise in attacks on One Nation, particularly after Pauline Hanson’s mockery of Senator Jacqui Lambie drew condemnation.
Key issues included the GST debate, after a think tank argued ballooning debt should force a rethink of the tax, and the Greens’ leadership turmoil, with Jordon Steele-John disputing complaints made against him. Discussion of AUKUS, the Queensland Crisafulli government’s handling of a $32 billion Anthropic data centre, and the ATO’s credit card payment ban also featured heavily. Posts on Victoria’s toll cap and gas appliance ban added a state-level strand to the conversation.
The most-liked post of the period came from Kaz Cooke, who asked which politician would vote against ending the practice of handcuffing women during labour, drawing more than 60 likes. The overall tone was angry and frustrated, with left-leaning users in particular venting against both major parties, though a Sunday Shot interview with Grayndler candidate Hannah Ferguson and Matt Bissett-Johnson’s cartoon also drew warm engagement.
Top topics: Shackling Pregnant Prisoners · AUKUS · One Nation Attacks · GST Debate · Greens Leadership Turmoil
AI-generated from BlueSky #auspol posts.
Consultant Tenders
$514,702,006 in Federal contracts to the big consultants in 2026. $0 yesterday. {1342} [link]
Flights
The VIP fleet flew at least 3,794 km in the last few days. That’s 3 planes doing 5 flights over 7 hrs and 48 mins and costing around $67,422. [link]
Politician Expenses
Leon Rebello (Reps, McPherson, Lib Nat) claimed $672,690 in expenses over the last 4 reported quarters for major categories such as travel, offices and cars. That is $24,984 more than the median. #auspol [link]
Double Donors
Amgen Australia donated $57,000 in 2024-25. That was $30,000 to Labor and $27,000 to the Coalition. {4121} [link]
Parliamentary attendance
Carol Berry (Reps, Whitlam, Australian Labor Party) attended 94% of possible votes. [link]
Political advertising on Google
Political advertising spend with Google in last 24 hours: $24,450. (YTD: $3,915,000) [link]
Political advertising on Facebook
Political advertising on Facebook on 15 Oct: $161,850 ($33.3m so far in 2026). Top spender: These ads ran without a disclaimer ($13,688). Biggest categories: Party/Candidate $37k, Advocacy $29k, Business $25k. Full breakdown: https://politicalgadgets.com/SocialMedia/facebook_stats/2026-10-15.html [link]
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