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
Is the 'sensible centre' dead?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen are in Fiji for pre-COP talks.But back home the Opposition has labelled the high-level climate talks a "farce" and criticised Labor's investment during a cost of living crisis. So, could this critique backfire for the Coalition in the future?Meanwhile, Queensland's crackdown on the tobacco black market is sho
Should the Greens work with Labor or try to replace it? | Insiders On Background
Former Greens leader, Adam Bandt, now chief executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation, says working with the government is key to delivering reform.
Albanese's selfie diplomacy
It's Question Time! But first, Fran does a West Wing welfare check on PK (she's in the slump part of the series).And then it's over to your brilliant questions, including: Is it bad for brand for Anthony Albanese to snap selfies with Donald Trump?Are Community Strong a new threat on Labor's right? Why isn't the Coalition's policy return bracket creep cutting through — and what do
Inflation is up. Labor's mojo is down
The economy has been the key story of the political week, with an interest rate rise and some less than rosy inflation figures compounding Labor's economic woes.A war over words emerged over a discrepancy in the "emphasis" RBA Governor and Treasurer Jim Chalmers placed on the war in the Middle East.Labor struggled to land a message that connected with voters and they also lost so
Are the Greens shifting further left?
NSW David Shoebridge has emerged as the new Greens leader, using his first pitch to hammer economic messages and vow to "replace Labor".And while he signalled the Greens would fill the policy vacuum left by Labor, are the minor party united around his leadership?Meanwhile, the economic blows keep rolling in for Labor, with the latest CPI figures handed down today painting another
Who will lead the Greens?
The Greens are looking for a new leader, after Larissa Waters stepped down from the top job for health reasons.It comes as the Greens languish in the polls, while One Nation capitalises on the anti-establishment vote.So, as populism surges, will the minor party's next leader be able to seize the momentum?And the RBA is widely expected by economists and financial markets to raise
Does Labor have the ‘midterm blues’?
PK is back from her break! And she's got some big thoughts about how the political "argy bargy" around the OpenAI Medicare data breach is playing out.The Coalition is pushing back on consequences for OpenAI over the breach, while the Greens have called for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to appear before a Senate inquiry over the matter.It comes as Finance Minister Katy Gallagher flags leg
What's the bigger threat to humanity: climate change or AI?
Fortescue founder Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest warns uncontrollable AI could decide the best way to stop climate change is to get rid of humanity.
A big week for existential dread
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dropped an "AI bomb" in the middle of UN week, announcing that an Open AI agent hacked into a Medicare portal.So, as debate rages at the UN General Assembly over the need for AI safeguards, do the optics of the situation help Anthony Albanese's case?It's been a big week on the global stage for the PM, as he brushes shoulders with leaders of fellow
Albanese’s UN super intelligence
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued his push for global AI safeguards at the UN general assembly, positioning himself as a global leader on tackling online harm.It comes as US President Donald Trump rejects calls for AI regulation, announcing he will now refer to the tech as "super intelligence" across official documents.And in a rare public intervention, the Trump Admi
Is the Coalition joining the super wars?
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg has reignited the super wars, with a pitch he says is about generating a "sophisticated debate" over the policy.As Clare tells Raf, internal divisions remain in the Coalition over superannuation, with some concerned about slaying the "sacred cow" that is superannuation.But Raf thinks this might just be the Opposition "blowing off the cobwebs on t
Albanese's AI era
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing his online safety charm offensive at the UN this week, after a quick visit to tour Apple headquarters in Silicon Valley.It follows the PM's calls for international cooperation on AI guardrails, amid global uncertainty over the use and safety of Artificial Intelligence.But back home there are questions about how Australia's own AI nati
The AI arms race: ICRC pushes for new rules for autonomous weapons in war | Insiders On Background
As AI bosses warn of the growing threat the technology poses to humanity, the International Committee of the Red Cross is pushing for new global rules to govern AI-powered autonomous weapons in war.
Howard bingo and pollies on pods
It's Question Time! But first, Fran and PK catch-up on what's been an "intense and wild" week.PK is still mad she didn't get to choose George Michael as her expert subject on Mastermind, but host and friend of the quiz show Marc Fennell dials in to commiserate and offer some advice.And as Fran reveals her special subject, she learns about the 'John Howard bingo' the team has been
Labor's immigration crackdown
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled Labor's long awaited migration plan, including a crackdown on overstayers and a ballot for backpackers.It comes after One Nation kicked off the week with details on their immigration policy and as the Coalition finalises the details of it's own plan.So, while all three-parties are on a unity ticket about reducing temporary immigration
Labor's 'narrow path' and 'stinky sausage'
The AI fight keeps getting messier.As all sides weigh in on copyright, creators, investment and whether Australia can afford to miss the next tech wave, Anthony Albanese is trying to walk a very narrow path. Can he have “all of the desserts but none of the calories” - welcoming AI investment while defending creatives from being sold down the river?Meanwhile, the government is bac
Are Australians 'surrender monkeys' on AI?
The AI debate has moved from science fiction to superpower contest, with tech leaders warning of the risks while Donald Trump insists the US must beat China. So where does that leave Australia? Can it lead the way in any meaningful sense - on safety, copyright, data centres and investment - or is the Albanese government stuck trying to manage the risks while chasing the productiv
Should Albanese’s dead mum be off-limits?
One Nation has unveiled a plan to slash migration by 750,000 over three years, sparking swift backlash from industry and both Labor and Coalition.But as Clare and PK discuss, One Nation's political strategy has been effective. The minor party has once again managed to set the agenda and essentially "run the week". But, beyond the clever political management do the figures stack-u
Kevin Rudd sounds alarm on Australia becoming 'complacent' | Insiders On Background
There's a one-in-three chance that China could invade Taiwan in 2028, that is the dire warning being spelled out by Kevin Rudd.
Is Pauline Hanson losing this culture war?
It was a big week of both policy and politicking in parliament.All sides laid out their pitches to win over voters; Labor's Digital Duty of Care, One Nation's pitch for early super access and the Coalition's proposal to ban burning the flag.Meanwhile, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie took the fight directly to One Nation this week, labelling Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce "ly
The PM's swing at the ABC
The Prime Minister has dismissed concerns about censorship in Labor's digital duty of care bill as "disingenuous", as divisions emerge in the Coalition over the policy.It comes as Anthony Albanese faces questions about an undeclared honorary membership at the Marrickville Golf Club, after the club was awarded $6 million via an "invite only" grant scheme.The PM is adamant he wasn'
Are Labor's new laws censorship?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's draft Digital Duty of Care legislation, vowing to give people "choice and control" over their social media feeds.The Government's policy framing comes as some in the Coalition — including Opposition leader Angus Taylor — have raised concerns over censorship.Meanwhile, One Nation has continued to sell its super policy, with One
One Nation goes for super
Parliament is back for another sitting fortnight and "rival ideas" are already dominating the agenda.The Albanese Government is set to unveil draft Digital Duty of Care legislation by the end of the week, while One Nation has unveiled its plan to allow Australians who rent or pay a mortgage to divert a portion of their super payments as salary for up to three years.As PK tells Ja
The political fight over the tobacco wars | Insiders On Background
ACOSH Chief Executive Laura Hunter tells David Speers there's no evidence cutting the tobacco excise would work.
Sharks, climate change and George Michael
It's Question Time! But first, Fran tells PK about how it felt to spot herself swimming in footage of the Coogee shark attack and why she's not letting the experience keep her out of the water.And then it's onto your brilliant questions! Will the floods in Nepal renew the focus on climate change? Why are politicians so focused on NOM immigration? And aside from Australian politic
Voters sent Labor a message. Are they listening?
Labor has now come face-to-face with the threat from One Nation.One Nation's decisive victory at the WA state by-election of Secret Harbour came with a message for Anthony Albanese and Federal Labor — so are they listening? And how are they positioning?And a war over words broke out this week, after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the PM of inciting violence by labelling
Will Albanese fix our feeds?
It's Wednesday, so you know what that means — it's another data day with David and PK!New GDP figures have just landed, rising 0.4 per cent in the June quarter. It's a little stronger than markets were expecting, so what will it mean for interest rates?Meanwhile, Teach Us Consent founder Chanel Contos has taken to the stage at the National Press Club to push for an "opt-in" model
Will online safety be Albanese's legacy policy?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed off questions about tensions between China and Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum, saying he's focused on "outcomes and unity".As PK tells Clare, Australia hopes not being viewed as on overbearing bully in the Pacific works in our favour — rather Labor's approach to diplomacy is "carrots not sticks".Back home, Labor has unveiled a raft
One Nation comes for Labor seats
One Nation's resounding win at the WA Secret Harbour by-election was watched closely by political insiders in Canberra.The historic state by-election win came with a warning from One Nation that there are "no safe seats". So, is Federal Labor concerned — and what lessons are they taking?It comes as two new polls show Labor and One Nation remain neck-and-neck.Patricia Karvelas and
How can Australia combat the 'explosion of sexual violence' amongst teens? | Insiders On Background
As rates sexual violence amongst teens continues to rise, author and founder of Teach Us Consent, Chanel Contos says part of the problem is the social media algorithms. She's calling on the government to step in and legislate to "fix our feeds".
Did Albanese get 'rolled' by the states?
National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead?Fran, PK and Ash Raper certainly think so. As Ash tells PK and Fran, it was a bit like a big family gathering you brace for but that ends up being highly uneventful.Queensland and the Northern Territory secure
Fractious federation.. and farewell Dolly
It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation?Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here?And PK and Da
Is Albanese WA's 'daddy'?
Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia.WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed WA" while the local paper has dubbed Anthony Albanese "WA's Daddy".But the move has been received far less warmly across other states and territories, and it's not the only issue where tensions are likely
One Nation's migration mop-up
One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders.One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was quick out of the blocks, stating the party's target was "less than half Labor's current level", while Deputy leader Barnaby Joyce claimed the minor party's immigration policy has been c
Could slashing the excise end the tobacco wars? | Insiders On Background
Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade.
Could deepfakes threaten elections?
It's time for our Question Time! But first, Fran checks in on where PK is up to on the West Wing and gives a TV show recommendation of her own.Then they get stuck into your brilliant questions, including:Will AI deepfakes be a big risk at the next election? It comes as Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC this week confirmed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the figure most frequ
A big week of dealmaking
It's been a very successful legislative week for the Albanese Government, with Labor and the Coalition teaming up to pass a suite of bills.But it seems the big battles are only just beginning, with the implementation of the changes presenting a key challenge for Labor.Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has hauled the Israeli Ambassador in for a meeting to express Australia's
Albanese's art of the deal
It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills.David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just a party that says "no" and can compromise in the national interest.Meanwhile, for Anthony Albanese the successful passage of key legislation shows his "mastering of the parliamentary arts" and ability to m
Angus Taylor's bid for relevance
Labor will pass its gambling bill with Coalition support, after the amended legislation was signed off by both party rooms.And while some Opposition members have crossed the floor on the bill, suggesting the tweaks didn't go far enough — PK and Claudia don't think this issue will continue to linger for Labor.Meanwhile, Opposition leader Angus Taylor has issued the Albanese Govern
The politics of parochialism
A familiar fight has re-emerged on WA's GST deal, after the Productivity Commission labelled the arrangement a "costly mistake" in its interim report.But is this an issue the Albanese Government has any appetite for? Or do the political stakes have to be higher?And speaking of old stoushes, the super wars appear to be back on the agenda, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers declaring the
'Existential period' for NDIS, as Albanese-Taylor inch toward deal | Insiders On Background
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor are poised to reach a deal on NDIS reforms, with the bill set to pass parliament early next week.
Albo-Trump talks and Farage’s bin face-off
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a "productive, constructive, lengthy and substantial" phone call with US President Donald Trump.Tariffs, AUKUS , AI and "a few personal issues" were all on the agenda in the wide-ranging conversation.And PK and Clare have big thoughts about bins, well one bin in particular.Nigel Farage has already declared victory over Count Binface in the
Is One Nation the 'gayest' party?
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'?
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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
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?
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
Billionaires, donations and integrity
Integrity in politics is back in the spotlight, with Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson all facing their own questions about transparency.And the inflation figures for the June quarter have landed, and its better news than what most economists were expecting. So, what will it mean for the RBA's August cash rate decision?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it a
Victoria has a new premier. Can he save Labor?
Victorians have a new premier, with Ben Carroll taking on the state's top job, after a chaotic caucus meeting.Jacinta Allan stepped down ahead of the caucus vote, saying she believed it was the best thing for the Labor party and the Victorian people.Ben Carroll has already moved to distinguish his leadership from his predecessor, announcing a royal commission into the constructio
Victorian Labor's leadership crisis
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership spill, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll confirming he will run for the Labor leadership.It comes after a delegation of Labor MPs met with the Premier to urge her to resign, but it doesn't seem Jacinta Allan is willing to step aside without a fight.Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese's control of Labor was on full display at the ALP na
Is One Nation a bigger threat to Labor than the Coalition? | Insiders On Background
The rise of One Nation this year has been crushing for the coalition, but it is also posing a threat to Labor.Outgoing National ALP President and former Treasurer, Wayne Swan sat down with David Speers at Labor's 50th conference.
Tariffs, bingo cards and Albo's iron grip
Labor has adopted new language on gambling regulation and backed telehealth for voluntary assisted dying in its party platform.And while the party has been unwilling to air its dirty laundry publicly, negotiations and debates have still been underway behind the scenes. So, is this a further sign of Anthony Albanese power over the party and his ability to project stability?Meanwhi
Albanese's 'antidote' to One Nation
Day one of the National Labor conference has wrapped up, with Anthony Albanese's political authority on full display.The Prime Minister used his opening address to speak about the rise of One Nation and contrast grievance politics with pragmatic solutions.And while a broken escalator saw Anthony Albanese stumble slightly, there was no sign of that on the conference floor, with ba
Should Labor adopt a 'manifesto'?
It's a bonus Question Time edition! And today, Fran and PK are diving into some of YOUR big questions about the behind the scenes machinations and optics of Australian politics.Including, are the seating arrangements in parliament strategic for the cameras? What do the Presidents of political parties actually do? Why don't political parties in Australia use political manifestos l
Taylor takes from Abbott playbook(let)
The National Labor Conference is about to get underway, with a gas exports tax, gambling reform and artificial intelligence shaping up as key battlegroundsBut while there will be disagreements and policy fights, there's criticism that the event will be highly stage managed. So, is Labor being in power actually putting a "handbrake" on robust debate?And Opposition leader Angus Tay
Annabel Crabb on Albanese's control
Order and control have been hallmarks of Anthony Albanese's leadership, but they're also at the centre of his approach to cooking.Annabel Crabb joins PK to discuss what's shaped the Prime Minister's desire for order and if he's a bit of a "control freak" when he's in the kitchen — and maybe also the cabinet.Meanwhile, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has gone viral for yelling at his
Pauline Hanson dominates attention economy
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has robustly defended her appearance on controversial far-right agitator Tommy Robinson's podcast amid backlash.But while the minor party has issued some clarifications, does the controversy feed into Pauline Hanson's playbook and has she succeed in "consuming the attention economy"?Meanwhile, the Albanese Government has responded to its special e
Regulating AI is like catching smoke, warns Christopher Pyne | Insiders On Background
Artificial intelligence is dominating the political agenda, with the federal government announcing plans to legislate guardrails for data centres and protect artists' copyright. But the strategic and military implications of AI, alongside Australia's multi-billion dollar investment in AUKUS, present much larger and complex questions for national sovereignty. Christopher Pyne is a
One Nation leadership rumbles emerge
It's Question Time! But before Fran and PK dive into your clever questions, they wrap up the latest political developments.Pauline Hanson's podcast interview with far-right UK agitator Tommy Robinson is making waves — including it seems, within the One Nation itself.The One Nation leader suggested her daughter Lee Hanson had the "potential" to be a future leader of the party, so
Labor's AI plan and Hanson's holiday
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's landmark AI address has dominated the political week.But was the announcement of National AI standards a bit of an "about face" from the PM, after what was previously seen as a hands-off approach to AI regulation from the Government?And One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been meeting with a series of fringe figures across the UK and has now bee
Albanese's AI roadmap
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled "world-leading" AI standards, urging Australians to embrace change and shape AI in the national interest.The PM used a landmark speech to lay out his vision for Australia's AI future, as Australians grapple with concerns over job losses, anxieties over the environmental impacts of AI data centres and copyright protections.Labor is set
Is uncertainty the new normal?
US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose a toll on traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as the US military launches its latest wave of strikes against Iran.The Albanese Government is urging restraint and pointing to Australia's secure fuel supply — but is this the "new normal"?And four women and girls were killed in four days in separate incidents last week, PK and
Has One Nation support hit a ceiling?
It's another poll Monday, this time with PK and Clare!A new Resolve poll in the SMH and The Age shows support for One Nation has slipped, with leader Pauline Hanson's likeability also taking a tumble.In what will be a major relief for under fire Opposition leader Angus Taylor, the Coalition has benefited — picking up support. It comes as the Opposition leader rebukes One Nation a
Australia has a deficit dilemma, could means-testing wealth be the solution?
Dire budget deficits for years to come and stalling productivity growth are painting a bleak economic picture. Against this backdrop, a new policy idea has emerged: if Australia can't rely on productivity growth and tax reform to fix the budget blackhole, what about means-testing wealth? Peter Harris is the former chair of the Productivity Commission and now board director at the
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
