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Politics Now

Politics Now

ABC Australia 250 Episodes Aug 13, 2026

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

Is One Nation the 'gayest' party?
Is One Nation the 'gayest' party? Aug 13, 2026 0:44:00 Parliament returned this week but while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor edged closer to key deals on legislation behind the scenes, other stories stole the spotlight.Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg delivered a "loosey-goosey" and far-ranging speech ostensibly focused on housing reform.But the Senator's signature blunt style may have seen him step on some of
Will the PM ride out 'melon-gate'?
Will the PM ride out 'melon-gate'? Aug 12, 2026 0:25:00 Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan to slash Net Overseas Migration to just 180,000 people per year on average and dramatically reduce red tape.Meanwhile, the so-called 'melon-gate' saga continues to linger for the PM, with the Opposition
Deals, barneys and melons
Deals, barneys and melons Aug 11, 2026 0:34:02 A deal on Labor's gambling bill is getting closer, as Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor hold talks to thrash out a deal.But it seems there are still internal divisions in both Labor and the Coalition to work through before negotiations can be finalised.Meanwhile, Japan has dismissed the PM's podcast melon gaffe as "sensationalised" in a formal letter, but domestic politicians hav
The podcast the PM regrets
The podcast the PM regrets Aug 10, 2026 0:31:00 Parliament is back this week, with politicians descending on the nation's capital for a stacked sitting fortnight.After playing hardball, the Albanese Government is signalling some openness to negotiations on gambling reforms, particularly around inducements.But gambling ad reform isn't the only issue Labor is hoping to tie-up over the next two weeks, as they look to "clean off t
As the US and China compete for AI dominance, where does Australia fit in? | Insiders On Background
As the US and China compete for AI dominance, where does Australia fit in? | Insiders On Background Aug 8, 2026 0:35:15 Former Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble explains how the global AI race could reshape our national security.
A spicy text and an AI stoush
A spicy text and an AI stoush Aug 7, 2026 0:39:00 It's Question Time! But before they get stuck into your brilliant questions, PK and Mel dig into some political developments.A scandalous text sent by the ACT Opposition leader has raised a whole host of questions, including whether or not politicians are allowed to find their jobs boring.And the brewing fight between the Albanese Government and its NT and QLD counterparts over A
While the PM's away, the mice will play
While the PM's away, the mice will play Aug 6, 2026 0:41:00 The Prime Minister and Opposition leader have been on leave this week, but their absence hasn't led to a quieter news cycle.A two-day parliamentary inquiry into gambling dominated the agenda, hardening political opposition to Labor's gambling bill and mounting pressure on Anthony Albanese to go further — so will he?Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's last minute press c
Is Labor worried about immigration?
Is Labor worried about immigration? Aug 5, 2026 0:27:00 Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a national press club address, a very unusual move, where he was expected to announce sweeping cuts to immigration.The decision not to address the press club this week came less than 48-hours before the speech, with a spokesperson confirming it was "clear that some elements of the speech would not be finalised".Meanwhile, Treasurer J
Will Albanese go further on gambling?
Will Albanese go further on gambling? Aug 4, 2026 0:27:00 Betting giants Tabcorp and Sportsbet have faced a grilling at the parliamentary inquiry on gambling.The short inquiry has only run for two-days, but both Clare and PK agree it's been high impact. PK points to how it could frame the political agenda when parliament returns next week, while Clare says she doesn't see a path through the Senate without Labor's bill "being tougher and
Labor feels the heat on gambling
Labor feels the heat on gambling Aug 3, 2026 0:33:00 House prices are falling across the country, with the downturn no longer just confined to Sydney and Melbourne according to new Cotality data.Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says there's never "been a better time to be a first home buyer in Australia", while Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pointed to Treasury modelling that house price growth would slow by about 2 per cent in
Paul Kelly on the decade that broke the Liberal Party | Insiders On Background
Paul Kelly on the decade that broke the Liberal Party | Insiders On Background Aug 1, 2026 0:28:34 If anyone can answer that, it's eminent journalist and political historian Paul Kelly.In his new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism, The Australian's editor-at-large traces the seismic shifts in Australian politics that sent the Liberal Party into a downward spiral.Paul Kelly sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.
Is Albanese's seat under threat?
Is Albanese's seat under threat? Jul 30, 2026 0:44:00 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing a new progressive threat, with 28-year-old Cheek Media Co founder Hannah Ferguson confirming she'll run as an independent in the PM's Grayndler seat.And Victorian politics that stole much of the spotlight this week, but will a leadership change be enough for Victorian Labor to reset ahead of the state election? And how is Federal Labor vi

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