As the final days of 2025 slip away and the nation edges closer to a significant election, the political landscape across Australia's states has been a theatre of drama, surprise, and pivotal change. Columnist Mike Smithson has cast his eye over the past twelve months, distilling the chaos into a definitive list of the ten most remarkable moments in state politics.
A Tumultuous Year in Review
Mike Smithson, in his column published and updated on December 30, 2025, provides a sharp recap of a year that saw fortunes rise and fall with startling speed. The political arena was anything but static, with events ranging from the sudden demise of a prominent leader to unexpected revelations that changed the game. Smithson's analysis serves as a crucial guide to understanding the forces that have shaped the current political climate just as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Defining Events and Unexpected Twists
Among the key moments highlighted by Smithson is a major leadership spill that reshaped a state government's direction. Another entry focuses on what he colourfully describes as "letting the cat out of the bag about an old dog’s new trick," pointing to a seasoned politician unveiling a surprising new policy or strategy that caught both the public and opponents off guard. These incidents are not merely gossip; they represent fundamental shifts in power, strategy, and public perception that will undoubtedly influence the upcoming electoral battle.
The Road to the Election
The proximity of the looming election adds a layer of urgency and consequence to each moment on Smithson's list. Every scandal, policy announcement, and parliamentary showdown is now viewed through the lens of its potential impact on the ballot box. This year-end review acts as a scorecard, assessing which players and parties have gained ground and which have been weakened by the year's events. The cumulative effect of these top ten moments has set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election, with state issues taking centre stage in the national conversation.
Smithson's curated list, culminating in the final days of December, is more than a retrospective. It is a vital analysis for anyone seeking to comprehend the complex dynamics at play in Australian state politics. As the new year begins, these moments will continue to resonate, defining the choices before the electorate and the future trajectory of governance across the country.
