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
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
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
