🎙️ WALLY’S WORLD - OUT NOW!
I’m launching a new podcast, Wally’s World, to give you a direct and honest look at what’s happening in Parliament and the issues shaping our nation.
From the Sunshine Coast to Canberra, I’ll be pulling back the curtain on how decisions are made, breaking down the policies and debates that affect everyday Australians, and sharing what I’m hearing from our community here in Fisher.
Before entering Parliament, I worked as a builder, small business owner and barrister. Those experiences continue to shape the way I approach my role as your Federal Member, with a focus on practical outcomes and real-world solutions.
In this podcast, I’ll be talking about the big challenges facing our country, including cost of living pressures, national security, infrastructure and support for small business. I’ll also be highlighting local stories, organisations and people from across the Sunshine Coast.
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From Fisher to Canberra, welcome to Wally’s World.
Latest Episodes
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Ep9 - Ambassador Dr Hillel Newman | July 2026
Ep9 - Ambassador Dr Hillel Newman
July 2026
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In this episode of Wally’s World, I sit down with Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Hillel Newman, for a candid conversation about one of the most significant geopolitical issues facing the world today.
Dr Newman reflects on the October 7 terrorist attacks and explains how they changed Israel forever. He shares his perspective on the ongoing conflict, the rise of antisemitism around the world, and why he believes many people misunderstand both the significance of the attacks and Israel’s response.
We discuss the long-standing relationship between Australia and Israel, from the ANZAC legacy at Beersheba and Australia’s role in the establishment of the State of Israel, through to the challenges that have emerged in the relationship in recent years. Dr Newman outlines what he believes is needed to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation between our two nations.
The conversation also explores the growing security challenges facing democracies, Australia’s preparedness for an increasingly uncertain world, the changing nature of modern warfare, and Israel’s leadership in defence, innovation, cybersecurity and technology.
Whether discussing national security, resilience, diplomacy or the future of the Australia-Israel relationship, this is a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion with one of Israel’s most senior diplomatic representatives.
🎙️ Wally’s World – Ep9 – Dr Hillel Newman
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Episode 8 - Tony Abbott | June 2026
Episode 8 - Tony Abbott | June 2026
June 2026
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In this episode of Wally’s World, I sit down with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, public service, Australian values and the future of the nation.
Tony reflects on his early life, education and journey into politics, from his time as a student leader, Rhodes Scholar and journalist to becoming Australia’s 28th Prime Minister. He shares personal lessons from his father and the mentors who shaped his thinking, including B.A. Santamaria, John Howard and Cardinal George Pell.
We discuss the importance of volunteering and community service, Australia’s unique national character, and whether the country has lost some of the ambition, confidence and pride that helped build one of the world’s most successful democracies.
Tony also looks back on his time as Opposition Leader and Prime Minister, discussing the campaign against the carbon tax, stopping the boats, the MH17 tragedy, the challenges of governing after winning office, and the major infrastructure projects delivered during his government. He speaks candidly about leadership, the realities of political life and the lessons learned from his time in the nation’s highest office.
The conversation also explores Australia’s future, the challenges facing families and communities, the role of strong leadership, and Tony’s decision to return to political service as President of the Liberal Party. He outlines why he believes the Coalition can rebuild under Angus Taylor and what he sees as the key challenges confronting Australia in the years ahead.
This is a thoughtful and candid discussion with one of the most significant and influential figures in modern Australian politics, covering leadership, resilience, public service, national identity and the future direction of the country.
🎙️ Wally’s World – Ep 8 – Tony Abbott
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Episode 7 - Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi | June 2026 | Special
Episode 7 - Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi | June 2026 | Special
June 2026
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In this special episode of Wally’s World, filmed inside the Afghan Embassy in Canberra just days before it closes its doors, I sit down with His Excellency Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Australia, for a deeply personal and important conversation about the fall of Kabul, life under Taliban rule, and the future of Afghanistan.
Ambassador Waissi reflects on the devastating events of 15 August 2021 when the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, bringing an abrupt end to two decades of progress, particularly for women and girls. He shares what everyday life now looks like inside Afghanistan, where girls are banned from education beyond Grade 6, women are excluded from government employment, and many of the freedoms gained over the previous twenty years have disappeared.
We also explore Afghanistan’s strategic importance throughout history, Australia’s role during the conflict, and the lasting bonds formed between Australians and Afghans through military service, diplomacy and community connections.
Most significantly, Ambassador Waissi discusses the Australian Government’s decision to close the Afghan Embassy in Canberra at the end of June 2026. Operating as an embassy in exile since the Taliban takeover, the mission has continued to support more than 120,000 Afghans living in Australia while maintaining the symbols and legitimacy of the former Afghan Republic.
In a powerful and emotional exchange, the Ambassador reveals why he cannot return to Afghanistan, what the future holds for him and his family, and why he intends to continue advocating for freedom, democracy and human rights from Australia.
This is a conversation about sacrifice, friendship, democracy, and the human cost of losing a nation. For anyone interested in foreign affairs, national security, Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan, or the future of one of the world’s most troubled regions, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
🎙️ Wally’s World – Ep 7 – Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi
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Episode 6 — Sam Parker | June 2026
Episode 6 — Sam Parker | June 2026
June 2026
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In Episode 6 of Wally’s World, I sit down with Sam Parker, founder of Grab Life By The Balls, for an honest and important conversation about men’s mental health, mateship and the power of human connection.
As Men’s Health Week approaches, Sam shares the story behind the Sunshine Coast charity that has grown into a national movement, helping thousands of Australian men build friendships, find support and reconnect with their communities.
We discuss the confronting reality that seven of the nine suicides that occur every day in Australia are men, why so many men struggle to ask for help, and the life stresses that often sit behind mental health challenges.
Sam explains why something as simple as having “three or more close mates” can significantly improve both mental and physical health outcomes, and how Grab Life By The Balls is creating opportunities for men to connect through regular catch-ups, breakfasts, barbecues and community events across Australia.
We also explore the challenges facing modern men, including loneliness, relationship breakdowns, financial pressures, work stress and the growing impact of social isolation in an increasingly digital world.
But this episode isn’t just about the challenges. It’s about the solutions.
Sam shares why mateship, community and genuine human connection remain some of the most powerful tools we have to improve wellbeing and help people through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
The solution isn’t always complicated. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a coffee, a barbecue and a few good mates.
If we can champion mateship, that’s a great first step.
🎙️ Wally’s World – Ep 6 – Sam Parker
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Episode 5 — Warren Hogan | June 2026 | Special
Episode 5 — Warren Hogan | June 2026 | Special
June 2026
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In this special Episode of Wally’s World, I sit down with one of Australia’s most respected economists, Warren Hogan, for a frank and wide-ranging discussion about the state of the Australian economy and the challenges facing our nation.
We unpack why inflation remains stubbornly high, why interest rates continue to put pressure on families and small businesses, and why Australia is struggling to bring cost of living pressures under control when other comparable countries have largely succeeded.
Warren explains the economic consequences of government spending, rising national debt and what he believes are the underlying drivers of inflation. We discuss housing affordability, migration, labour shortages and the growing pressure being placed on infrastructure and public services as Australia’s population rapidly expands.
We also explore the impact of artificial intelligence, the future of work, productivity, and how major demographic changes are reshaping Australia’s economy for decades to come.
From concerns about government debt approaching $1 trillion, to the challenges facing homeowners, investors and small businesses, Warren provides a candid assessment of where Australia stands and where he believes current policy settings are taking the country.
Whether you’re concerned about inflation, housing, interest rates, taxation or Australia’s economic future, this is an important conversation that cuts through the political spin and focuses on the fundamentals driving the economy.
🎙️ Wally’s World – Ep 5 – Warren Hogan
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Episode 4 — Phil Thompson OAM MP | May 2026
Episode 4 — Phil Thompson OAM MP
May 2026
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In Episode 4 of Wally’s World, I sit down with Federal Member for Herbert and former Australian soldier Phil Thompson OAM, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast so far.
Before entering Parliament, Phil served as an infantry soldier in the Australian Army, deploying to East Timor and Afghanistan. In this episode, he opens up about the day he was seriously wounded in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, the long road through recovery, and the mental health battles many veterans face after service.
We discuss the realities of combat, survivor’s guilt, PTSD, transitioning out of the military, and why purpose and mateship matter so much for veterans returning home.
But this episode is about far more than war. It’s about resilience, identity, service, and the experiences that shape the people who go on to represent Australians in public life.
Phil also reflects on his journey from the battlefield to Federal Parliament, his advocacy for veterans and defence personnel, and the challenges facing Australia’s national security and defence force in an increasingly uncertain world.
This is an honest, emotional and deeply human conversation you won’t forget.
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Episode 3 — Tim Wilson | May 2026
Episode 3 — Tim Wilson
May 2026
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In Episode 3 of Wally’s World, I sit down with Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson for a special Budget and Budget in Reply edition of the podcast, unpacking the big economic and national security challenges facing Australia.
We discuss the Albanese Government’s latest Budget, rising cost of living pressures, housing affordability, taxes, debt and what the Coalition says needs to change to restore the Australian dream of home ownership and rebuild wealth for future generations.
Tim and I take a hard look at Australia’s economic direction, including concerns around a trillion dollars of debt, migration pressures, investment and productivity, and the growing impact government policy is having on families, retirees, small businesses and young Australians trying to get ahead.
We also discuss energy policy, net zero, fuel security, defence spending and the importance of having a serious long-term national security strategy in an increasingly uncertain world.
From economic management and housing supply to sovereign capability and Australia’s future prosperity, this is a direct and honest conversation about the issues shaping the country right now.
If you care about Australia’s future, the economy and where the nation is heading next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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Episode 2 — Peter Jennings | April 2026
Episode 2 — Peter Jennings
April 2026
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In Episode 2 of Wally’s World, I sit down with leading strategic policy expert Peter Jennings for a frank and wide-ranging conversation about Australia’s security future in an increasingly uncertain world.
We unpack the reality behind the headlines, from rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific to the growing risk of conflict over Taiwan, and what it means for Australia. Peter shares his insights on why deterrence matters, whether we are truly prepared for the challenges ahead, and how years of underinvestment have left us exposed.
We take a hard look at defence spending, including the case for lifting it to 4% of GDP, and whether current government figures stack up. We also discuss the urgent need for a national security strategy, not just a defence strategy, to bring together industry, fuel security and economic resilience in times of crisis.
From the rise of drone warfare and lessons out of Ukraine, to the strength of our alliances and Australia’s role in maintaining stability in our region, this is a serious and honest discussion about the world we are stepping into.
If you care about Australia’s future and our national security, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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Episode 1 — Introduction | April 2026
Episode 1 — Introduction
April 2026
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Welcome to the very first episode of Wally’s World, a podcast I’ve been thinking about for a long time, built around people, ideas, and the real issues shaping our lives here in Australia and around the world. In this episode, I share what the podcast is all about, why I’ve created it, and why honest, grounded conversations matter more than ever as Australians face pressure from the cost of living, housing, mental health challenges, and global uncertainty. I also reflect on my journey from chippie and small business owner to barrister and now serving in Federal Parliament for over a decade, and how that experience shapes my perspective. Wally’s World will bring together voices from all walks of life, from defence experts to everyday Australians, guided by my Four Pillars for Fisher and focused on the issues that matter most.