Politics Now
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas chats with a rotating cast of the ABC's top political journalists. On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly discusses the week's developments in depth. On Saturdays, David Speers explores a major trend or issue with an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
Episodes
Modi, the Pacific and THAT podcast
It's been a big week on the international stage for Anthony Albanese, from a Pacific blitz to bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Melbourne.While a Chinese missile test threatened to overshadow the diplomacy tour, was the destabilising move actually a "cherry-on-top" for Australia — pushing Pacific nations closer to us?Back home, the fallout from the T
The politics of an outage
A nationwide Telstra outage has caused chaos for commuters and businesses and prompted Communications Minister Anika Wells to return early from leave.And artificial intelligence is back in the spotlight, with Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton suggesting now is the time to embed safety into AI. It comes ahead of the Labor Conference where an internal debate over AI is set to get
PM rebukes 'provocative' missile test
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned China's missile test in the Pacific as a "provocative act", suggesting it destablises the region.It comes as the PM holds bilateral talks with his Solomon Islands counterpart and continues his regional diplomacy blitz.And back home, as preparations get underway for the Federal Labor Conference, there are already some clear battlelines
A Pacific push and podcast blunder
Australia has a new military alliance, signing a mutual defence pact with Fiji.Australia has long had a defence alliance with the US and New Zealand. Last year, an historic pact with Papua New Guinea forged a new direction for Australia and now a similar pledge has been made with Fiji.The "Ocean of Peace" alliance leaves the door opened to a multilateral pact that could see Austr
After 250 years what is America celebrating this Independence Day?
Today marks 250 years since America's declaration of Independence. As the United States struggles with domestic divisions and its role as a global superpower, is the Founding Fathers' "Great Democratic Experiment" over? Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos sat down David Speers to discuss whether the United States can pull back from the brink.
Labor's political pickle on house prices
It's Question Time! And there are no Dorothy Dixers in sight!But before Fran and PK tackle your "top-notch" queries, Fran checks in on PK after TV series Ponies was cancelled after just one season — luckily she still has The West Wing to rewatch. But they both agree the best thing on our screens at the moment is The World Cup, go the Socceroos (otherwise known as the 'Mantildas')
Labor cleans off the barnacles
It's mid-winter break eve and the Albanese Government has been "cleaning off the barnacles" before the recess.They pressed their luck introducing gambling ad restrictions to parliament, but it seems the Greens and Coalition will send the legislation to an inquiry.Meanwhile, the housing debate is still taking up lots of oxygen, as auction clearance rates hit six-year lows. Labor i
The odds-on Labor's gambling reform
Labor's long awaited legislation to restrict gambling advertising is set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but the Coalition could join the Greens in punting it to an inquiry.So, will the Albanese Government have to "give ground" and grant Coalition amendments if they want this to pass?And in the wake of PwC and KPMG scandals, Labor unveiling an option paper to improve reg
Should the Liberals 'rebrand'?
As volatility in the housing market continues, Labor is defending its budget tax changes and backing Treasury modelling on house price growth.But while Labor is in a "wicked position" on housing, are they simply strapping in for a "white knuckle ride" for the next few months?Meanwhile, Opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has doubled down on calls for the Liberals to "rebrand
Crocodile Dundee enters the chat
It's a classic "poll Monday" with Jacob and PK!Polling from Newspoll and Redbridge has One Nation's support dipping slightly, with Labor taking back the mantle of most popular political party. It comes after Pauline Hanson's combative National Press Club address — so is Labor's strategy to fight the surging populist party bearing some fruit?Meanwhile, the Coalition's woes have co
'She doesn't give a rats about you': Amanda Vanstone on Pauline Hanson | Insiders On Background
While Pauline Hanson struggled to define what she meant by a 'monoculture', Angus Taylor hesitated to back in the long held liberal party policy of a multiculturalism. Former Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone says she is disappointed in the Opposition Leader.
Antony Green on the tests ahead for One Nation
Once a fringe party, One Nation is now the most popular party in Australia, according to a series of polls…The historic polling highs have come with more scrutiny but also a further platforming of the minor party — and its leader — as Australia assesses whether One Nation could be a legitimate party of government..Today on Politics Now, ABC Election Analyst Emeritus Antony Green
Taylor fumbles and Labor locks in
It's been a massive week in politics both in and outside of parliament.Labor is set to pass its negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes with the support of the Greens, granting only minor concessions in exchange.Meanwhile, the terms monoculture and multicultural have echoed through the chambers of parliament this week. Opposition leader Angus Taylor found himself in
Clean up on aisle Angus
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has tried to mop-up, after avoiding a series of questions about his support for multiculturalism. But has he made things any clearer?And right after the Labor-Greens deal to pass budget tax changes, the Coalition have offered the Albanese Government a pathway to pass its NDIS overhaul this fortnight.As Clare tells PK, the move is "tidy politicking"
What Albanese can learn from Starmer's fall
The Albanese Government has secured the support of the Greens to pass its capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, but not without some concessions.While it's welcome news for Labor, will the extended NDIS inquiry present a "political headache" in the months ahead?Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation. So, what lessons are there for th
Pragmatic politics or dirty deals?
Parliament is back for the final sitting fortnight before the mid-winter break. The Albanese Government is eager to pass its key budget measures, but will the Greens waive through tax reforms in exchange for an extended NDIS inquiry?Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has convened a virtual nation cabinet to discuss fuel security, as the Government winds down its fuel excise cut. But as
Is the government's tax reform turning into a "freak show"? | Insiders On Background
The federal government has backed down on its budget tax changes, announcing larger concessions for small business and carve outs for startups. Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar told David Speers the reforms resemble a “freak show”.
Budget backdowns, scrutiny and Gina's bulldozer
PK and Melissa Clarke are on a unity ticket that this has been one of the biggest weeks in politics this year.So, before they answer your clever questions they dig into the response to Labor's capital gains tax carve-outs, the latest from the US-Iran ceasefire and of course Gina Rinehart's curious orange bulldozer stunt.And then it's over to the partyroomers! Does Labor need more
Annabel Crabb on a doozy of a week
The Prime Minister and Treasurer have announced carve outs to their capital gains tax changes. So, has Anthony Albanese "blinked" under pressure?Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has delivered her first National Press Club address in her 30-years in politics — so why did she take to the podium now?And how are Labor and the Coalition positioning as more scrutiny falls on
Pauline Hanson goes mainstream
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career.In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader linked housing issues to immigration, railed against multiculturalism, labelled net-zero a "hoax", called for an overhaul of IR laws and rebuked other parties for copying her policies.So, will the address make Pauline Ha
Is 'hyperbolic' politics reducing trust?
The AFP is looking into allegations Israeli forces sexually assaulted Australian activists who were detained after attempting to reach Gaza last month.It comes after a meeting between the Australian activists, federal ministers Penny Wong and Anne Aly and senior members of the AFP. Israel has denied the claims.Meanwhile back home, there's been a heated exchange over the CGT and n
How Labor fights the polls for Pauline
Pauline Hanson is now the preferred Prime Minister - ahead of the actual Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor - if the latest Resolve poll is anything to go by.Yes, it’s a big “if”. But it’s also not the sort of number the major parties can laugh off. As One Nation’s rise moves from protest vote to serious political threat, what is Labor’s strategy t
Is Australia ready for the AI transformation? | Insiders on Background
Executive director of the Tech Policy Design Institute, Johanna Weaver, says Australia is well-placed to navigate the AI transformation while maintaining its national sovereignty.
Labor goes back to basics
The Prime Minister is holding a Medicare card. Tony Abbott is spruiking a national tour. "Ditch the witch" is back in the headlines. Everything old is new again in politics this week.So what should we make of it all? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian to discuss everything from the NDIS inquiry to the continu
Is the Prime Minister ready to 'cop it'?
As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - while trying to read the mood at home.Could some distance between the Prime Minister and Donald Trump be politically useful, as fuel prices, global instability and the Strait of Hormuz dominate the conversation one again?And while Transp
Pocock sparks data centre debate
As the three-day inquiry into the Albanese Government's proposed NDIS overhaul gets underway, the Opposition hasn't ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to extend the hearings.And the great data centre debate is back in the spotlight, with Independent Senator David Pocock calling Australians to get a fair return as the industry continues to boom.Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Cl
Labor's populism pushback
Anthony Albanese says voter frustration with the system formed the backdrop for Labor's budget — saying if governments don't respond to the circumstances there will be "a continued rise of populism."But as another poll shows One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, are the Albanese Government acting too slowly?And as scrutiny increases on One Nation, there h
Lachlan Harris warns Labor's budget isolates voters amid One Nation rise | Insiders on Background
The Albanese government passed the first tranche of its tax legislation through the lower house this week but is still facing backlash from investors and businesses.
One Nation is surging. Why aren't the Greens?
PK is still making her way through a rewatch of The West Wing — and she and Fran have some big thoughts about the idealistic vision of politics the series presents.But after some very important TV chat, they get stuck into some brilliant listener questions, including:Does the parliamentary attendance record of politicians matter? Why haven't the Greens capitalised on the populist
Trump's tariffs and AUKUS awkwardness
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged there's an "ideological disagreement" with the US, after the Trump Administration confirmed they'll slap a 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian goods.It comes as AUKUS "awkwardness" is continuing for Labor, so will the issue continue to kick off at the Labor conference next month — or will the Government nip it in the bud before then
Why Labor won't sink AUKUS
There are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks.Albanese Government frontbenchers have come out in force to defend the policy, but PK and David Speers agree despite the backlash there's "no chance" Labor will walk away from AUKUS.It comes as Australia and the Solomon Islands agree to begin negotiations on a comprehensive s
AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock'
Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat.The former Labor minister is leading an independent inquiry into the $368 billion defence deal, after confirmation Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. The Opposition is also taking a swing, warning the revised arrang
Could Pauline Hanson become PM?
A new poll has One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, as the Albanese Government loses some skin in the wake of the budget.And One Nation leader Pauline Hanson isn't ruling out becoming prime minister in the future, saying she "has the ability" and is considering a tilt at a lower house seat at the next election.Meanwhile, the Coalition has seemingly faile
Father of Inland Rail says 'this thing is on and unstoppable' | Insiders on Background
The federal government has shelved plans to develop Inland Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane but the man who's known as the project's father says negotiations are underway to resurrect it.
Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party
The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break.The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor
Political wedges and a welfare shake-up
Labor may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting widely looks like they won't cave "quickly".And the Opposition has unveiled a political wedge of its own, threatening to withhold crucial support for Labor's NDIS overhaul without an inquiry into CGT and negative gearing changes in exc
Albanese stares down tax push back
Household energy bills are set to drop by up to 10 per cent, with the Albanese government crediting renewables and batteries for the decrease.It's a good news story for Labor, as the fight over capital gains tax changes continues to dominate parliament — and the Prime Minister doubles down.But the Government isn't the only one feeling the heat, with outgoing National Anti-Corrupt
A new 'teal' party?
Parliament is back in session and there's speculation a new party could be on the horizon.Independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have confirmed conversations about forming a party with like-minded so-called "teals" are underway. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has given the idea a tick of approval, but many fellow crossbenchers have already confirmed they won't be
Tech sector warns tax could "double" under CGT changes | Insiders on Background
The decision to change capital gains tax rules for all investments, rather than just property, has sparked backlash from young investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners.
We answer your smart budget questions
Was this a budget in desperate need of more graphs?Labor’s budget pitch is still making headlines - but it may not be happy about all of them.First, PK and Clare Armstrong unpack the breaking news overnight of another possible return of ISIS-linked Australian women and children from Syria, as well as the fallout over Australian activists detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla
Bad budgets 'linger'. Will this one?
As the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers continue their big budget sell, they've faced fierce backlash from small business owners over changes to the CGT discount.While Labor billed this as a "housing reform budget", did they fail to lay the groundwork for broader taxation changes — and have they lost control of the narrative?And Shadow Treasurer Tim Wils
Tim Wilson's 'call to arms' for Liberals
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has used a National Press Club Address to outline his vision for the Liberals.As PK tells David Speers the speech functioned as a "call to arms for what the Liberal Party's chief mission should be".And what we didn't hear from Tim Wilson was as interesting as what we did in this set-piece speech — with David pointing out that the Shadow Treasurer was s
A 'vibe check' on capital gains tax
The fight over Labor’s proposed capital gains tax changes isn’t brewing - it’s already here.Small business owners, founders and investors are piling pressure on the government, with backlash erupting across talkback radio and social media. Critics say the changes punish aspiration, investment and growth.As Labor tries to sell the reforms, business groups warn Australia risks beco
Is the post-budget bounce dead?
There's a big budget contest of ideas underway, as Labor and the Coalition try to sell their alternate visions for Australia to voters.Or as Jacob puts it to PK, "politics is back!"Treasurer Jim Chalmers has brushed off new polling, suggesting the Government wasn't expecting a post-Budget bounce and doing the right thing is worth "any near term political costs".And the Opposition
How will negative gearing and CGT changes shift the property market? | Insiders
This week's federal budget included an overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax rules in a bid to move thousands of homes from the hands of investors to first home buyers.
Taylor swings big on tax. Will it pay-off?
Opposition leader Angus Taylor used his first budget in reply speech to lay out some big bold policy ideas, saying he hopes Australians can "begin to believe again."Income tax would form the centrepiece, with bracket creep returned to workers, at a cost of over $22bn to the budget bottom line.PK and Clare agree this was a "big swing" from Angus Taylor — with PK suggesting it's be
Battle of the budgets begins
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continue their big budget sell, Opposition leader Angus Taylor is gearing up to deliver his budget reply -- and big political and ideological battlelines are being drawn.PK tells Fran and David Speers, as the two budgets and two different visions for Australia take shape, there's a sense of real contest and a "battle f
Did Labor's 'reform budget' deliver?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled his highly anticipated fifth budget, claiming it's the "most ambitious and important in decades".Housing tax reform was the centrepiece of the wartime budget, with changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount announced.Labor says the reforms will allow 75,000 new people to afford their first home, but does the move go far enou
Will Labor's budget 'pull up the ladder'?
Labor is leaning into housing this budget, with big tax reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax to form the centrepiece.It's all in a bid to address intergenerational inequity — but as Tom tells PK, grandfathering could "directly undermine" that and feed into accusations the Albanese Government is "pulling the ladder up" on a new generation.As PK says, the way Labor "fr
Where One Nation will target next
There's been a seismic shift in the Australian political landscape, with One Nation claiming it's first ever lower-house seat.The minor party's landslide victory in the former Coalition heartland of Farrer came with a warning shot from leader Pauline Hanson — "One Nation is coming for your seat next."So, as the recriminations continue, PK and Jacob discuss if "operation Angus" ha
Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders
Farrer has been held by the Coalition for nearly 80 years but the seat looks almost certain to be won by One Nation's David Farley or Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe.
Will the budget annoy 'rich boomers'?
It's been a budget focused week in politics, but the arrival of a cohort of so-called ISIS brides has stolen some of that pre-budget spotlight.And speaking of budgets, is Treasurer Jim Chalmer's fifth set to be more exciting than the others? Well, PK admits she's excited at the "opening of a can" but both her and Fran agree that with promise of this being a big reforming budget,
Did we invent podcasting?
It turns out Fran and PK may have invented podcasting? Well, maybe not quite .. but they have been getting behind the microphone to bring you The Party Room for a whopping 10 years!To celebrate a whole decade of the podcast, they were joined on stage by special guests Lenore Taylor and Casey Briggs to reflect on how Australian politics has shifted over the last 10 years , and whe
It's all about 'sovereign capability'
Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $10 billion energy security package, including a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, in what the government is calling a major step towards energy sovereignty.The announcement lands just days out from the budget, and in the mix of RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning the government to be careful spending doesn't add to inflation, following ye
Should politicians be 'radically honest'?
The Albanese Government is locking in a trio of tax reforms, with capital gains tax, negative gearing and the taxation of trust funds all set to feature in the budget.PK and Raf Epstein are aligned on the need for the Government to deliver "big reform". PK says she's "troubled" by the way Labor is avoiding making the case for changes they believe in during the "bear-pit of an ele
Australia-Japan: friends with benefits?
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have held bi-lateral talks, lauding the "quasi-alliance" and friendship between the two-nations.As Jacob tells PK, Anthony Albanese has been engaging in extensive "alliance-work" over the last few months, with the subtext of those bilateral talks becoming overt — "we are worried about the US and
How productivity can save the Australian economy | Insiders
With just 10 days to go, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is putting the final touches the budget. Dr Chalmers has made clear productivity is a priority for this term of parliament. So who better to ask about the upcoming budget than the Productivity Commission. David Speers sat down with Commission Chair Danielle Wood for this week's Insiders On Background.
Jim Chalmers is running up that inflation hill
It's been a busy but "bitsy" week in politics, and while Pauline Hanson's "sexy" plane and the announcement of a new US Ambassador to Australia briefly took the spotlight, the economy has been the key focus.Inflation has dramatically spiked, the Prime Minister has effectively ruled out a gas profits tax and housing reforms are starting to take shape. But as Treasurer Jim Chalmers
Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics
Inflation has surged to a whopping 4.6 per cent, the highest level since 2023, as fuel shocks caused by the US-Iran war continue to bite.But the cost of living hasn't stopped One Nation leader Pauline Hanson from taking to social media to celebrate her "sexy" new private plane. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit out at the announcement, labelling the Senator a "wholly owned subsidiar
Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra?
The Prime Minister has committed to "fixing" the News Bargaining Code to ensure platforms contribute their "fair share", unveiling an exposure draft of the legislation.Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has nominated former Republican Congressman David Brat for the role of US ambassador to Australia. And Mel and PK are in fierce agreement about the glory of Canberra in autumn, b
The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia
Anthony Albanese has joined with other world leaders to express gratitude that the US President was unharmed after a a shooter crashed the venue of the White House Correspondents' dinner.But back home, support for Donald Trump and the US alliance is under strain, could that also spell trouble for One Nation? And as the Farrer by-election gets closer, could the Coalition preferenc
John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants' | Insiders
Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during his first term of office.He joined David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.
Casey Briggs answers your election questions
In a very special Question Time edition of The Party Room, Chief Elections and Data Analyst Casey Briggs joins PK to get stuck into all of your wonderfully nerdy questions.Including, what does the preparation for election night look like behind the scenes? Why is Queensland the only state without an Upper House/Senate? Are Gen Z men still leaning left? And is expanding the size o
Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms
As the leaves on the parliamentary budget tree change colour, Labor has unveiled an enormous NDIS overhaul — promising major savings in the upcoming budget.So, has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally used some of his political capital with the "bold" reforms? And what are the political risks, as many in the disability community remain alarmed about the implications from the o
The political price of NDIS savings
The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years.Underpinned by four key pillars, the reform looks to rein in spending and "unsustainable growth" and clamp down on the "chaotic free-for-all-market that's built up".And while the move will generate key budget savings, it doesn't come with
The gas tax squeeze
Whether the government likes it or not, momentum is building around a gas profits tax.What began as a simmering grassroots and political push has accelerated amid the global energy crisis, with pressure mounting on the government to act. A Greens-led inquiry into the issue begins today.But is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listening?At the same time, both the government and oppo
Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says reining in NDIS spending will “easily be the most important” source of budget savings as the Albanese Government looks to make the scheme "sustainable".And while the Treasurer confirmed a "whole range" of tax reforms remain on the table, is consensus growing across political aisles and the community for changes like a gas profits tax?Meanwhile, One Nat
‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background
Australia’s National Defence Strategy was unveiled this week, with more money for drones and missiles and an unapologetic commitment to the US-alliance.Kim Beazley is a former Defence Minister during the Hawke Government, a long-serving Labor Leader in opposition, a former Ambassador to the United States and now Chair of the Australian War Memorial. He sat down with David Speers
A world full of predators
A National Defence Strategy, an oil refinery fire, a regional charm offensive by the PM, a bleak global outlook from the IMF and a new Opposition immigration policy — it's been another big week in politics.So, is the Albanese Government's boost to defence spending the right move — or at least a sign they're "on the right track"? And as Anthony Albanese continues his regional "pet
It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the US for as G20 finance meeting, the IMF has delivered a dire warning about global economic growth and inflation.So, with less than a month to go until budget night, will this still be the big reforming budget we were expecting?Meanwhile, the Opposition is facing scrutiny for its newly unveiled immigration policy — so are there details beyond
Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has called for Australia to "discriminate based on values" and suggested some migrants represent a "net drain" to Australia.PK and Tom Crowley discuss how the Coalition's long awaited immigration policy is big on rhetoric but relatively light on detail. Tom says if the intention was just to "send a signal" to voters shifting to One Nation, Pauline H
Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work?
US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia hasn't been asked to assist, and called for the resumption of negotiations and an end to the conflict.It comes as Anthony Albanese prepares to visit his counterparts in Malaysia and Brunei for
Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background
Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background.
The populist elephant in the room
Fran and PK let you know about all of the news "adjacent" TV they've been watching — and then get stuck into some brilliant listener queries on this Question Time edition of the Party Room.Does the political centre shift over time? Are the 24-hour news cycle and social media diluting the quality of legislation? And is populism the answer, or just a symptom of our fracturing globa
Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances
An extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US alliesPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, but criticised US President Donald Trump's "inappropriate" threats that a "whole civilisation will die".The condemnation came after Nationals leader Matt Canavan urged the PM to make it clear he didn't support the US President's r
Can you deliver reform during a crisis?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his upcoming trip to Singapore, as the government continues to "build resilience" amid global uncertainty.It comes as the US President has again criticised Australia and NATO allies for their lack of help, as his deadline for Iran to agree to a ceasefire or face "complete demolition" looms.Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is trying t
Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph?
Over 1000-days since the landmark Murphy report was handed down, Anthony Albanese has announced his government's long awaited gambling advertisement reform.The move came on the Thursday before the Easter long weekend, with critics disappointed the reforms are too timid and don't go far enough. So, has the prime minister landed on a "half pregnant" position on gambling reform? And
Did Albo's address meet the moment?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare national address overnight, warning Australians about "uncertain times" ahead — but sending the message the government has their back. But after frenzied speculation, did it fall flat — or did it meet the moment?It comes amid lots of "pump priming" from the government, as Labor tries to "take the sting" out of petrol prices and kee
Is Albanese the 'man with a plan'?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to deliver a rare national address this evening — the first national address since the COVID pandemic.While it's not yet clear what it will detail, PK and Clare discuss how the move allows the Albanese government to control the agenda and how the "man with the plan" positioning gives the government "important political high-ground". But is t
Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the fuel excise cut will "make a difference", but the Treasurer is warning the cut could take weeks to flow through.Opposition leader Angus Taylor has welcomed the move, claiming the government has "finally" acted under pressure and the Coalition will "continue to lead". And speaking of leadership, it seems Angus Taylor has tried to assert som
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