Insiders
Every Sunday morning, the ABC's national political lead David Speers unpacks the major stories shaping Australia's future. Each episode includes a major interview with an Australian politician and an extensive discussion with a panel of the country's best journalists. This show will help you understand the major factors behind the decisions and debates driving a national conversation.
Episodes
Analysis: Chalmers and Frydenberg have more in common than they like to admit
Delivering reform is proving more difficult by the day. Labor has to go back to the drawing board on its plan to remove the more generous private health insurance rebate for over-65s. That's a $3 billion savings measure up in the air.
Angus Taylor defends Coalition's migration plan
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor joins David Speers, with Katina Curtis, Peter Hartcher and Raf Epstein on the couch.
Treasurer flags billions in additional savings, as pressure builds over inflation
Jim Chalmers has told David Speers the government will deliver billions in savings in the upcoming mid-year budget update.
Is Australia prepared for the AI race?
Anthony Albanese is calling for new measures to safeguard AI, but Donald Trump isn't interested.
PM won't rule out changes to copyright law for AI giants
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins David Speers from Silicon Valley, with Patricia Karvelas, Laura Tingle, Charles Croucher and James Massola on the couch.
Anika Wells open to changes to powers in digital duty of care bill
The debate on online harm and what government can do to better protect Australian's has dominated this sitting week in Parliament, but division remains on what is the best way to do so.
Government takes aim at the algorithm
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam joins David Speers with Niki Savva, James Campbell and Karen Middleton on the couch.
Analysis: Pauline Hanson risks accusations she's using a security issue for political points
By speaking publicly about the threats she's facing, the One Nation leader has shone a light on a growing problem facing our democracy but pinning them on routine political rhetoric risks accusations of political point-scoring.
Govt considers social media changes as sexual violence rises
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek joins David Speers with Anna Henderson, Waleed Aly and Ashleigh Raper on the couch.
Analysis: Behind the energy brawl leaders want the data centre boom
As is so often the case in Australia, the politics came down to a fight over energy. Should the data centre boom be powered by renewables or fossil fuels?
Bipartisan breakthroughs, as the migration debate simmers
One Nation MP David Farley joins David Speers with Phil Coorey, Andrew Probyn and Clare Armstrong on the couch.
Analysis: Labor has made the most of its cooperation with the Coalition
Fights over immigration, superannuation, housing, tobacco excise and data centre rules will continue and intensify. But this was a week for cooperation.
Parliament returns, as PM's podcast saga continues
NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister joins David Speers with Lenore Taylor, Mark Kenny and Jane Norman on the couch.
Analysis: Taylor marks six months in the job with a detour
Behind the scenes, Angus Taylor and Anthony Albanese have been engaged in a rare level of cooperation this week but in public the opposition leader is using the melon saga to mount an all-out assault on the prime minister's character.
How has politics changed in the last 25 years?
25 years of Insiders - it's been quite a journey!We look back at the 25 years of the show with some special guests, including founding host Barrie Cassidy.
Analysis: Labor has one big political test on migration
If stopping asylum seeker boats was the great immigration challenge in decades past, achieving a lower Net Overseas Migration (NOM) figure has become the new political test.
Party power plays, as integrity questions simmer
Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume joins David Speers with James Campbell, Jacqueline Maley and Tom Crowley on the couch.
Analysis: Why Jim Chalmers is cautious but upbeat
After delivering a pre-election prediction that "the worst of the inflation challenge is behind us", only to see inflation then steadily rise, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is now more cautious.
Labor's show of unity, US tariffs, and Barnaby Joyce's barking dog
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins David Speers with Ashleigh Raper, Rafael Epstein and Greg Brown on the couch.
PM tries to map out Aussie AI future, as Pauline Hanson goes global
Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg joins Patricia Karvelas, with Annabel Crabb, Paul Sakkal and Katina Curtis on the couch.
Australia strengthens regional ties, as China pushes the boundaries
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy joins Patricia Karvelas with Jacob Greber, Sarah Martin and Andrew Probyn on the couch.
Political deadlock, as the mid winter break begins
Parliament has reached its winter break - so where does everyone stand?
Analysis: Albanese and Chalmers see reform as an antidote to populism
The slight recovery in Labor's polling shifts assumptions about what's in store for the remainder of this parliamentary term.
Government's ongoing budget pains, as Taylor muddles up multiculturalism
Will Labor's broken budget promise haunt them all the way to the next election? And how does Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor recover from the mess he's made on multiculturalism?
Fuel relief to wind down as oil shock and budget battle loom
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a phased end to the fuel excise discount, amid confusion over an end to the war in the Middle East.
Duniam exit rocks Coalition as Labor fights surging One Nation
A shock Coalition resignation exposes deep cracks in the opposition, while Labor repositions itself to halt a surging One Nation.
Analysis: Albanese's frustration with Trump is becoming harder to hide
The Albanese government is paying an economic and political toll for an ongoing and deeply unpopular war.
Budget fate rests with the Greens as Labor faces internal AUKUS pressure
It is up to the Greens to decide whether they will pass tax changes or join the Coalition in an unlikely alliance. The minor party is also among those expressing AUKUS concerns.
Will house prices tumble under tax changes?
Tax changes, interest rate hikes, wars and volatility have created the perfect housing market storm. So will prices tumble and what will happen to supply?
Analysis: Battery boom marks a new political chapter in Australia's energy wars
Within the government, there's quiet confidence the battery boom will continue to gather pace and help shield Australia from both global shocks and domestic demand surges, driving prices even lower.
Push to change CGT rules tests Labor's reform courage
It was a tough week for the government after entrepreneurs and business owners took to social media to vent their outrage over proposed capital gains tax changes.
Analysis: Labor burns political capital as tax reform backlash grows
In an already difficult post-budget week, Labor isn't being helped by some of its "friends". But it has won an important endorsement from one powerful voice.
Reform back in fashion amid rising global populism
Labor has gone after negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts while the Coalition has promised to end bracket creep by indexing tax thresholds.
One Nation makes history in Farrer
After crushing the Coalition in its regional heartland, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is on a high and dreaming big.
Analysis: The federal budget isn't banking on Trump's promises
It's clear that whatever this unpredictable US president says, the Albanese government isn't expecting a return to normal oil flows any time soon.
Grief, anger and a demand for change in the country's red centre
The death of Kumanjayi Little Baby prompts calls for urgent action to confront systemic failures in remote indigenous communities.Nationals Leader Matt Canavan joins David Speers, with Paul Sakkal, Anna Henderson and Daniel James on the couch.
Government's NDIS shakeup and Coalition leaves door ajar on property tax breaks
The government is spending some political capital. They've announced plans to rein in the NDIS and are inching closer to revealing changes to property tax breaks. But will the opposition get on board? Opposition Leader Angus Taylor joins David Speers, with Lenore Taylor, Tom Crowley and Katina Curtis on the couch.
Analysis: Are NDIS cuts the exception or the template?
As far as tough budget decisions go, we haven't seen anything on this scale since Joe Hockey's ill-fated 2014 effort.
Strait Talk: US-Iran peace stalled
Peace has stalled in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysis: Albanese government's frustration rises alongside fuel prices
Fuel prices and inflation aren't the only metrics climbing as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. The Albanese government's level of frustration is rising just as fast.
Make or break US-Iran peace talks, amid ongoing global fuel crisis
The US and Iran hold make or break peace talks to end the war. But there's no end to the fuel crisis.
The Middle East war enters its second month, as the fuel crisis bites harder
But the big question remains: Does Donald Trump have a strategy to end the Middle East war?
A Labor landslide in SA, as the fuel crisis deepens
It was a double whammy for Australian households this week: an interest rate rise and climbing fuel prices amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. Energy Minister, Chris Bowen is our guest. Meanwhile in South Australia a Labor landslide has seen Peter Malinauskas returned as Premier. He joins us from Adelaide following his election victory. Paul Sakkal, Greg Brown and Clare Arm
Three more Iranian football members leave Aus, as Joyce regrets not securing fuel supply
Another three members of the Iranian women's football team have decided to return home, days after being granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia.Meanwhile our guest, former Deputy Prime Minister and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce says he regrets not doing more to secure Australia's fuel supply when he was in government. David Speers is joined by Matthew Knott, Jane Norman an
A week of war in the Middle East
Donald Trump is now demanding Iran's unconditional surrender – and a say in who runs the country.
Trump announces Iran's Supreme Leader dead, following US-Israel strikes
A fresh Middle East conflict is underway, as Donald Trump announces the death of Iran's Supreme Leader.
Analysis: Threat against PM is not a bizarre outlier
It's tempting to treat the evacuation of the prime minister from the Lodge this week as a bizarre outlier but that would miss the point.
What is the government doing about 'ISIS families' wanting to return?
The Federal Government hardens its stance on 'ISIS families' trying to leave Syria.
Taylor Takeover
Angus Taylor takes over a Liberal Party in crisis – in what he calls a change or die moment.
Coalition on track to reunite, as interest rates put pressure on the Treasurer
The Coalition on track to reunite after a messy split.
Inflation spike and leadership infighting
Parliament returns this week – and while the government is bracing for an interest rate rise – both the Liberal and National Parties are riven by infighting.Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien joins David Speers.
Parliament returns for emergency laws, as Coalition implodes
For much of the summer, it was the Prime Minister under intense pressure over his response to the Bondi tragedy.Anthony Albanese said the emergency sitting would be a chance to show political unity.Instead the rush to pass a crackdown on guns and hate groups blew up the Coalition.
Australian kids brace for a world-first experiment as they're booted off social media
Australian kids are bracing for a world-first experiment as they're booted off social media, while the parliament winds up after a huge year.
PM ends parliamentary year with a win and a wedding
The Prime Minister ends the parliamentary year with a win and a wedding.
Analysis: The Albanese government has unfinished business
The level of the prime minister's reform appetite has been discussed and debated since roughly 9pm on election night in May, when Labor's massive win became clear.
Sussan Ley tries to survive while the government pushes environmental laws
We're heading into the final week of parliament of the year.The government wants to finish with a win – by passing its overhaul of environment laws.Sussan Ley wants to survive what's known as the killing season.
The Liberal Party takes a huge gamble
The Liberal Party has just taken a huge gamble.In a weakened political position – and under pressure from the Nationals – the net zero target is now gone.
The long road to treaty | Insiders On Background
It’s been a very long road – but Australia’s first treaty with Aboriginal people in Victoria has now been signed and formalised as law.
Coalition net-zero crunch time
After 6 months of agonising – it's crunch time for the Liberal Party, with MPs to thrash out a position on the net-zero climate target this week.
Analysis: Sussan Ley is skating on thin ice
If, as expected, the net zero target is abandoned, the long delay in reaching this point will leave the Liberals looking like they've capitulated once again to the Nationals.
Can the Coalition survive the Nat's net-zero rethink?
The Nationals have walked away from the net zero target dialling up pressure on Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
Full steam ahead on AUKUS and critical minerals after the Albanese-Trump meeting
It was a win in Washington for the Prime Minister, with one of the smoothest meetings any foreign leader has had with Donald Trump.
Analysis: A rare glimpse into Trump's thinking
For all the celebration of Anthony Albanese's friendly visit to the White House and the happy news on AUKUS and critical minerals, there was something Donald Trump said that alarmed strategic analysts. And it had nothing to do with disliking Kevin Rudd.
What will happen at the long-awaited Albanese-Trump meeting?
With rare earths under one arm, and possibly another AUKUS down-payment under the other, the Prime Minister is preparing for his long-awaited Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump.
Analysis: Australia sees opportunity in China-US rare earths dispute
Trump may have expressed "shock", but his administration is clearly not surprised at China's willingness to flex its dominance on rare earths.
What does 'peace' in Middle East look like?
After two years of war, there is hope of peace in the Middle East.
Analysis: Department of Communications not living up to its job title
The government is determined to avoid wearing any blame for Optus's failure but also needs to be transparent about how it handled even dodgy early advice from the telco.
What are the next steps in Trump's Gaza peace plan?
It is a fast moving situation in the Middle East, after US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 20 point peace plan.
Insiders in London: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicates another referendum not on his agenda
This week Insiders is live from London.
Insiders in New York: Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen focused on results, not Trump-Albanese meeting
This week Insiders is live from New York, where world leaders are meeting for the United Nations General Assembly.
Defence Minister Richard Marles commits $12 billion to AUKUS defence hub in WA
As doubts linger over the AUKUS security agreement's future, the Albanese government has acted.
Analysis: Albanese government about to make one of its biggest decisions since the election
Anthony Albanese has long argued being serious on climate change is the "entry fee" for credibility in the Pacific.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley won't apologise for Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's migration comments
China flexes its new diplomatic and military might in a grand parade.From the Australian government's perspective, the rapprochement between China and India was the most worrying development.
Analysis: What's the cost of support for Australia's migration program?
The sight of neo-Nazis trying to whip up community anger and recruit new followers drove home to all how criticism of Australia's migration program can lead to and even legitimise hate speech, racism, and violence.
Coalition MP Julian Leeser says federal governement created 'atmosphere' for Iran's anti-Semitic attacks
For the past two years, the Government has resisted calls to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.
How should governments respond to the 'sovereign citizen' movement? || Insiders: On Background
For years, experts have warned of the dangers of the so-called sovereign citizen movement.
Analysis: Iran is guilty but the political brawl over antisemitism goes on
There is bipartisan support for expelling the Iranian ambassador and listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, but no end to the political brawl over antisemitic attacks in Australia.
More steps to be taken on tax reform, says Treasurer Jim Chalmers
The roundtable is over, and there's consensus on broad tax reform goals.
Analysis: So much for the union 'stitch-up' predicted by the Coalition
The treasurer's priority in this term has shifted from tackling cost of living to productivity and the unions are yet to score a victory.
Coalition frontbencher Tim Wilson says government didn't consult opposition on Palestinian recognition
Donald Trump pivots on Ukraine – after his friendly meeting with Vladimir Putin. He’s dropped calls for a ceasefire and is now backing Russia’s plan to end the war with a sweeping peace deal.It comes as Australia joins the UK, France and Canada in declaring Australia will recognise a Palestinian state.
