Politics Now
News & Politics
About
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. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust. From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news. On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions. On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details...
Episodes
- Battle of the budgets begins
On Politics Now, David Speers, Fran Kelly, and Patricia Karvelas discuss the Australian federal budget, focusing on the political contest between the government's 'reforming budget' and the Opposition's budget reply. They examine the diffe…
- Did Labor's 'reform budget' deliver?
This episode analyzes Australia
- Will Labor's budget 'pull up the ladder'?
Labor's budget centers on housing tax reforms for negative gearing and capital gains to tackle intergenerational inequity. Concerns are raised about grandfathering potentially undermining these goals and shifting focus beyond housing. The…
- Where One Nation will target next
Politics Now covers One Nation's historic lower-house seat victory in Farrer and leader Pauline Hanson's warning of future targets. Hosts also discuss the impact on the Coalition and UK Labour's local election losses.
- Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders
The Farrer by-election, traditionally a Coalition stronghold, is now a contest between One Nation's David Farley and Independent Michelle Milthorpe. This episode discusses the issues that will determine the winner.
- Will the budget annoy 'rich boomers'?
This episode of Politics Now focuses on the federal budget and related political discussions, including the arrival of ISIS brides. It explores whether the upcoming budget will be more impactful than previous ones and delves into political…
- Did we invent podcasting?
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas celebrate a decade of their podcast, The Party Room. They are joined by Lenore Taylor and Casey Briggs to discuss shifts in Australian politics over the last 10 years, including the Farrer by-election and v…
- It's all about 'sovereign capability'
Anthony Albanese unveils a $10 billion energy security package including a government-owned fuel reserve. RBA governor Michelle Bullock warns against spending that could increase inflation. The return of "ISIS brides" and their children to…
- Should politicians be 'radically honest'?
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein discuss the Albanese Government's tax reforms and the concept of "radical honesty" in politics. They explore whether politicians should openly communicate their policy intentions to the public.
- Australia-Japan: friends with benefits?
Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers have held talks regarding their 'quasi-alliance.' The episode also covers budget speculation and the ongoing situation after the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber dis…
- How productivity can save the Australian economy | Insiders
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is finalizing the budget, with productivity as a key priority. This episode features a discussion with Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood on the upcoming budget and the Australian economy.
- Jim Chalmers is running up that inflation hill
This episode of Politics Now discusses inflation, a potential gas profits tax, and housing reforms in Australian politics. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson are featured, alongside economic commentary from Shane Wright.
- Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics
This episode of Politics Now discusses inflation, Pauline Hanson's new private plane, and Anthony Albanese's pre-budget speech. Jim Chalmers has criticized Pauline Hanson's announcement of her new private plane.
- Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra?
This episode of Politics Now discusses the Prime Minister's commitment to the News Bargaining Code, the nomination of David Brat as US ambassador to Australia, and reports that Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson were not keen on moving to C…
- The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the Australian political response to events in the US, support for Donald Trump, the potential impact on One Nation, and the Farrer by-election.
- John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants' | Insiders
Former national security adviser John Bolton discusses Iran and his assessment of Donald Trump's leadership style with David Speers on Insiders.
- Casey Briggs answers your election questions
Chief Elections and Data Analyst Casey Briggs joins PK to answer listener questions on election processes, parliamentary structure, voting trends among Gen Z, and potential parliament expansion.
- Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms
In this episode of Politics Now, the hosts discuss the Labor government's proposed NDIS reforms and potential political risks, alongside the debate surrounding a possible gas profits tax. Sarah Ferguson joins the discussion to provide furt…
- The political price of NDIS savings
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers discuss the Albanese Government's significant overhaul of the NDIS, which aims to reduce scheme spending and growth. They analyze the potential political consequences and the government's strategy regardi…
- The gas tax squeeze
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein discuss the growing push for a gas profits tax amid the energy crisis and the latest housing policy messaging from the government and opposition.
- Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the Albanese Government's efforts to make the NDIS sustainable, potential tax reforms, and declining polling numbers for One Nation in the wake of Donald Trump's recent public behavior.
- ‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background
Kim Beazley discusses Australia’s National Defence Strategy and the commitment to the US alliance in this episode of Insiders On Background. Beazley shares his perspectives as a former Defence Minister and Ambassador to the United States.
- A world full of predators
This episode discusses the National Defence Strategy, the Corio refinery fire, and the Prime Minister's regional diplomacy in Brunei and Malaysia. It also covers the IMF's global outlook and the Opposition's new immigration policy.
- It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers discuss the impact of dire IMF global economic warnings on Jim Chalmers' upcoming budget. They also analyze the level of detail in the Opposition's new immigration policy.
- Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley discuss the Coalition's immigration policy, the Australian government's investment in drones, and the upcoming National Defence Strategy Review.
- Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Anthony Albanese's regional diplomatic efforts regarding fuel and fertilizer, and new appointments to the Australian Defence Force.
- Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background
Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, discusses recent international tensions and global supply chain concerns with David Speers on Insiders On Background.
- The populist elephant in the room
In this Q&A episode of The Party Room, Fran and PK discuss viewer questions regarding the political centre, the impact of media on legislation, and the nature of populism. They also share their recent television recommendations.
- Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances
Jacob Greber and David Speers discuss US-Iran tensions, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to President Donald Trump's rhetoric, and Australia's regional diplomatic engagements on energy and supply chains.
- Can you deliver reform during a crisis?
Jacob Greber and Tom Crowley discuss whether the Albanese Government can deliver ambitious policy reforms amidst global crises, ongoing budgetary pressures, and international tensions.
- Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph?
Jacob Greber and Clare Armstrong discuss the Australian government's new gambling advertisement reforms and the outlook for national fuel supplies over the coming months.
- Did Albo's address meet the moment?
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas, joined by Katina Curtis, discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent national address and the government's economic approach ahead of the federal budget. They also cover Labor's shifting language rega…
- Is Albanese the 'man with a plan'?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's upcoming national address and Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien's comments regarding Australia's potential role in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein discuss the government's fuel excise cut, leadership tensions within the Opposition, the political shift toward a bottom-versus-top paradigm, and a potential parliamentary inquiry into gas profits tax.
- Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the government's decision to halve fuel excise and reduce heavy vehicle charges. They also examine the Prime Minister's shift in language regarding the war in the Middle East.
- Reform or handout? That is the question for the Government ahead of the budget
Economist Chris Richardson joins Melissa Clarke to discuss the Australian Federal Government's economic challenges ahead of the upcoming May budget against the backdrop of global economic issues.
- Capping off a 'binfire' political week
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly discuss the federal government's response to comments from Donald Trump, review the past week of politics, and answer listener questions on topics including South Australian politics, the Green party, and r…
- Progressive patriotism v sovereignty
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas discuss the government's response to the fuel crisis and the political impact of One Nation's performance in the South Australian election on The Party Room.
- All fetta! Australia-EU trade deal inked
In this episode of Politics Now, Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein discuss the new free trade and defence agreements between Australia and the EU. They also examine calls for government action regarding a gambling reform report and new res…
- Which political party is listening to Australians?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the South Australian election results, focusing on the Labor victory, One Nation's gains, and the impact on major parties. The episode also previews the return of federal parliament and the focus…
- Demand for fuel has gone up, but when will petrol prices come back down?
David Speers interviews Malcolm Roberts, Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Petroleum, regarding the state of fuel supply and high petrol prices in Australia. They discuss why some regional service stations are experiencing sho…
- Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election
In this episode of Politics Now, Casey Briggs and the hosts discuss the South Australian election, the impact of One Nation, and potential effects on the Liberal and Labor parties. Other topics include the national fuel supply taskforce, R…
- Hastie takes on a 'petulant' Trump
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers discuss Andrew Hastie's criticism of Donald Trump, questions regarding naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz, and the economic outlook ahead of Australia's May budget.
- How one swing voter decided the rate hike
Patricia Karvelas and Carrington Clarke discuss the RBA's recent interest rate hike and its potential implications for Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget amid global economic uncertainty. They examine the narrow vote behind the decision and th…
- Was Labor slow to act on fuel fears?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber discuss the Albanese Government's response to domestic fuel concerns, including the decision against deploying a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for fuel rationing.
- Dennis Richardson: Intelligence findings into Bondi terror attack 'cannot wait'
Former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson discusses the need for the antisemitism royal commission to urgently release findings related to the Bondi terror attack. He emphasizes public safety as the reason for this priority.
- Is One Nation capturing young voters?
In this episode of The Party Room, Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly discuss whether One Nation is successfully targeting younger voters and examine Labor's selection strategy in Farrer. They also explore the influence of algorithms and ech…
- A big week of resignations
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly discuss recent political developments, including government deployments, leadership changes in the Nationals, and personnel departures from a Royal Commission, featuring guest Michelle Grattan.
- Welcome to Matt Canavan’s ‘hyper-Australia’
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong discuss the election of Matt Canavan as the new National Party leader and Darren Chester as deputy. They analyze the impact of Canavan's new leadership, the resignation of David Littleproud, and the im…
- Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley discuss Australia's military deployment to the Middle East and the asylum status of Iranian football players. The episode also touches on a recent discussion between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US…