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
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
Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel
The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months.It comes as National Cabinet also agrees to an energy security plan, with four levels of action.Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the reductions are "temporary, timely and responsible", but they come with a $2.55 billion dollar price-tag. While it's we
Reform or handout? That is the question for the Government ahead of the budget
The global economic fallout from the Middle East war is still emerging, but things are not looking good. It's a conundrum for the Federal Government, who is trying to navigate the economic storm ahead of the May budget. Independent economist Chris Richardson joins Melissa Clarke for this week's On Background.
Capping off a 'binfire' political week
Australia has been in the firing line of another Donald Trump "spray", with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declaring he "won't comment on commentary."As other Labor frontbenchers strike a similar tone, PK tells Fran Labor Ministers have become "rolled gold experts" at not being drawn into the US President's remarks.And PK and Fran cap off a "binfire week" with their favourite go
Progressive patriotism v sovereignty
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed National Cabinet will meet again to coordinate a national response to the ongoing fuel crisis. But should the meeting be happening now, rather than next week?And as the reverberations from One Nation's success at the South Australian election continue to ricochet federally, Labor is also feeling the heat. Health Minister Mark Butler u
All fetta! Australia-EU trade deal inked
After nearly a decade of negotiations, Australia and the European Union have signed a landmark free trade agreement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed it "a defining moment" for the relationship, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was a "win for both parties."In addition to the trade deal, Australia and the European Union have also inked a defence and
Which political party is listening to Australians?
The Labor Malinauskas Government claimed a landslide victory in the South Australian election over the weekend, cementing what PK calls the Premier's "political rockstar" status in the state.But One Nation also managed to convert it's high polling numbers into success at the ballot box, peeling voters off the Liberal party. And it's not just the Liberals rattled by the minor part
Demand for fuel has gone up, but when will petrol prices come back down?
The Federal government says there's no shortage of fuel supply in Australia, amid the ongoing war in Iran.So why some regional service stations unable to find supply, and why are petrol prices so high? Malcolm Roberts is the Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Petroleum, which represents the big refiners and fuel suppliers. He sat down with David Speers for this week's
Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election
All eyes are on the South Australian election this week, which promises to be the first real test of One Nation's skyrocketing support in recent polls. And as ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs tells Fran and PK, Queensland based Pauline Hanson really has become the "main character" in the state's election.So, could this election be an "extinction level event" for the SA L
Hastie takes on a 'petulant' Trump
Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie has blasted the US President's social media post criticising Australia and other allies, labelling it a "petulant post from a President under immense pressure."It comes as Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he "wasn't aware" of any formal requests for naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of tomorrow's Nationa
How one swing voter decided the rate hike
In a decision that was widely anticipated, the RBA hiked the interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, taking the cash rate to 4.1 per cent.It wasn't unanimous — in fact just one vote determined the hike — but it comes as the financial impact of the war in the Middle East hits home. So, what will the double whammy of higher interest rates and global uncertainty mean for Treasurer
Was Labor slow to act on fuel fears?
The Albanese Government has ruled out sending a navy ship to the strait of Hormuz, as fuel woes continue to bite at home. And while the Energy Minister moved to unlock some of our fuel reserves and ease chokepoints late last week, some regional communities have still been left scrambling.So, if this crisis continues, could fuel rationing be on the table?Patricia Karvelas and Jaco
Dennis Richardson: Intelligence findings into Bondi terror attack 'cannot wait'
Former spy boss Dennis Richardson tells David Speers the antisemitism royal commission needs to release intelligence findings urgently, citing public safety concerns.
Is One Nation capturing young voters?
Is economic grievance the only reason some voters are flirting One Nation — and if so, why aren't more Millennials and Gen Z also supporting the minor party? It looks unlikely Labor will run a candidate in Farrer — so, why aren't they expending some political capital?And what role are algorithms and echo chambers playing in voter behaviour?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer
A big week of resignations
PK reckons this is the biggest week of politics (so far) this year.And with the Albanese Government announcing a "purely defensive" deployment to the UAE, Iranian soccer players seeking asylum in Australia, Matt Canavan becoming the new Nationals leader after David Littleproud's shock exit — and now former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson stepping down from his Royal Commission role,
Welcome to Matt Canavan’s ‘hyper-Australia’
Queensland Senator Matt Canavan has claimed the National Party leadership, with Victorian MP Darren Chester elected as Deputy Nationals leader.The new Nationals leader has promised to "fight back" for Australians and called for a "hyper-Australia" approach. PK and Clare discuss how Matt Canavan's pitch could be the regional party's "best chance" to win back voters on the right fr
Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?
The Prime Minister has confirmed Australia will deploy a military surveillance plane and missiles to the middle east, after a request from the UAE. Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia's involvement is "purely defensive", noting his first priority is to keep Australians safe, as many remain stranded in the region.Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed
Will Farrer be One Nation's 'holy grail'?
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed Australia is considering a request by some Gulf countries to provide military assistance, as they try to defend themselves against missile and drone attacks by Iran.The Albanese Government has ruled out participating in any offensive action, but appears disposed to supporting Gulf countries, while the Opposition is already signalling its
Should Aus join Canada's middle power fightback? | Insiders On Background
Canada's Prime Minister has wrapped up his friendly three day visit to Australia. Melissa Clarke sat down with the Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen for this week's Insiders On Background.
Why petrol prices are 'kryptonite' for governments
While parliament was back in session, it was global affairs that dominated the week in politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to back the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran, so what does this say about the rewriting of the rules based order — and Labor's strategy with the Trump administration?And it comes as the Canadian Prime Minister, and fellow middle power ally, Ma
The review Liberals tried to bury
A scathing review of the Liberal party's election performance has been laid bare, despite the Liberal party's federal executive trying to suppress it.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used Question Time to table all 64-pages of the report, in what Andrew Hastie called a "boss move". The review slams a "notable absence of reflection" from key figures involved in the campaign, but fo
The new world disorder
As the war in the Middle East expands, the US President Donald Trump has warned a "big wave" of strikes is still yet to come. But back home, both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have repeatedly stated that don't expect the US to ask for Australian military support.The conflict is already sending shock-waves across markets, with RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning i
Why Albanese backed Trump's Iran attack
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the United States and Israel's joint strikes in Iran, saying Australia stands with the Iranian people.Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has side-stepped questions about the legality of the operations, saying it was for the US and Israel to explain and suggesting the Government "wouldn't anticipate [Australia] participating in the
Can tax reform fix Australia's housing crisis? | Insiders On Background
The Treasurer has confirmed his department is looking at changes to both the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing rules ahead of the May budget.
