The Final Tally
7 episodes Last Updated: Apr 24, 25
The Final Tally is your go-to guide for understanding the 2025 Australian federal. Hosted by journalist Ryan Mercado and UTS journalism student Mikeli Walker, this show breaks down the latest political news, key policies, and campaign developments to help voters make sense of it all. With clear analysis and expert insights, The Final Tally cuts through the spin to explain what’s at stake and why it matters. Whether you're a politics enthusiast or just want to be informed before casting your vote, we’re here to make the election season easier to navigate. Tune in and stay ahead—because every vote counts.
Episodes
Apr 24, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 7: Week of 24 April 2025
Over the course of the campaign, the leaders of the two major parties have participated in debates on national television, but is it making a difference? Ryan and Mikeli break down what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said during the leaders debate on the ABC. This episode also goes into what [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 7: Week of 24 April 2025
Apr 14, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 6: Week of 15 April 2025
At the halfway point in the campaign, The Labor Party and the Coalition both hold their formal “campaign launches.” Both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader gave policy-heavy speeches meant to rally the party faithful and make their pitch to the nation. Why do the parties wait until halfway through the campaign period to [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 6: Week of 15 April 2025
Apr 08, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 5: Week of 8 April 2025
What is a tariff and why is US President Donald Trump slapping a 10% tariff on nearly all Australian products imported into the United States? How will these tariffs impact the coming election and what are Federal and State leaders saying about this? Ryan and Mikeli discuss all this and more as they go through [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 5: Week of 8 April 2025
Apr 01, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 4: Week of 1 April 2025
On the last Friday in March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a General Election for 3 May. What did the Prime Minister say in his speech when he called the election? How did the first weekend of the campaign go with both Albanese and Opposition Leader, Peter [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 4: Week of 1 April 2025
Mar 25, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 3: Week of 25 March 2025
Why do all the politicians get together in March to talk about money and numbers? What even is a budget? Is it going to impact the coming election? Mik and Ryan get together for another episode to talk about all things money and the budget as the Albanese Government hands downs its final budget before [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 3: Week of 25 March 2025
Mar 18, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 2: Week of 18 March 2025
Ryan and Mikeli discuss and breakdown the issues of the week, specifically about a caravan hoax targeting Jewish Australians, proposed cuts to public service by Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, and female voters leaning more towards voting for the Coalition. They both talk about the recent state election in Western Australia and what clues can be [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 2: Week of 18 March 2025
Mar 12, 2025
The Final Tally Episode 1: Week of 12 March 2025
Meet Ryan Mercado, a US political journalist with an interest and knowledge of Aussie politics, and Mikeli Walker, a UTS Student and political junkie. Together, they are here to give you the latest news about the 2025 Australian Federal Election! The Final Tally cuts through the spin to explain what’s at stake and why it [...]Read More... from The Final Tally Episode 1: Week of 12 March 2025