Politics Now

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 keep small businesses afloat. The big price tags come ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth budget in May, which the PM has reiterated will be "ambitious".And as the US-Iran conflict continues to rage, Labor seems to have shifted its language towards de-escalation.Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] to our live show will be announced SOON! Watch this space!!

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 there also political danger if the message doesn't meet the moment?Meanwhile, Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien says Australia should be "open" to contributing assets and personnel to assist in the Strait of Hormuz — but is this the right move, or an "unnecessary contribution"?Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] Clare's writing on rationing here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-31/modelling-assumes-rationing-if-diesel-stockpile-drops-to-10-days/106513966https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-01/public-should-not-expect-clear-trigger-for-fuel-rationing/106513970Watch PK's IV with Ted O'Brien here:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/afternoon-briefing/series/0/video/NU2622C042S00

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 some authority over his main leadership rival Andrew Hastie, but is the Opposition leader being "outplayed"?As Raf tells PK,we're in a new political paradigm, the political battleground isn't left versus right anymore, but is bottom versus top — "If you're in the top bottom fight on behalf of the voter, you're at least in the conversation. If you're still fighting the left right thing, I think our politicians fear that they're being left behind".And Labor has backed a Greens motion for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the tax settings for Australia's oil and gas resources, it comes amid a groundswell of support for a gas profits tax from One Nation through to the Greens. So, will we see a gas tax in the upcoming budget?Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] to Raf's IV with the PM here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/-good-pm-s-one-word-response-to-dezi-freeman-s-death/106515564Listen to ABC Business Daily here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-business-daily/who-pays-for-petrol/106512650

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 welcome relief for drivers, Jacob tells PK cheaper petrol won't necessarily push down demand — which will be an "interesting test".And Anthony Albanese has also changed his language on the war in the Middle East, calling for more "certainty" on the US' objectives and urging de-escalation.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's latest piece here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/australian-fears-about-iran-war-and-fuel-shortages/106508802

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.

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 good news stories — and get stuck into all your clever questions, including..Who will be the Opposition in South Australia? When do major parties lose that status? How are the Greens meeting the current political moment? And with the current fuel woes, are renewables the answer?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer all of your clever questions on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 used a Dorothy Dixer in Question Time to point to One Nation's lack of Medicare policy, so are they now treating One Nation as part of a quasi-Opposition?Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas break it down on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] Fran's IV with Allegra Spender here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-radio-national-hour/allegra-spender/106487930

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 security agreement, with Ursula von der Leyen addressing parliament to welcome what she calls "a new era of economic and security partnership."Meanwhile, it's been 1000 days since a landmark gambling report led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy was handed down. Crossbenchers are urging the Albanese Government to act on the report's recommendations, while a new study has found gambling companies are finding "novel" ways to target women.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 parties success, with Labor also put on notice and the SA Premier warning his team against hubris.It comes as federal parliament returns for another sitting week, with fuel supply again set to dominate the agenda.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's latest analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-23/one-nation-sa-election-result-lessons-for-liberals-and-labor/106483754Read Jacob's latest analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-21/albanese-government-fuel-crisis-energy-supplies-gas-subsidies/106474862 Listen to ABC Business Daily here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-business-daily/an-escalating-war-and-a-falling-asx/106486100

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 Insiders On Background.

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 Liberals? And could the minor party also take some shine off the Labor Malinauskus Government?Meanwhile, National Cabinet has met with the Prime Minister announcing a national fuel supply taskforce coordinator. It comes as the RBA hikes rates and the fallout from the war in the Middle East continues to hit home.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 National Cabinet meeting on fuel security.So, as the fallout from the RBA's rate hike continues, will the May budget be Treasurer Jim Chalmers "hardest" yet?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 Jim Chalmer's fifth budget?Patricia Karvelas and Carrington Clarke break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] can follow the ABC Business Daily podcast here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-business-daily

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 Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Former spy boss Dennis Richardson tells David Speers the antisemitism royal commission needs to release intelligence findings urgently, citing public safety concerns.

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 all of your clever questions on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] to Thursday's episode with Michelle Grattan here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/a-big-week-of-resignations/106372862

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, there's certainly been lots on the agenda.Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at the Conversation and Professorial fellow and University of Canberra joined Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly to wade through it all on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] to Michelle's IV with the RBA Deputy Governor here: https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-middle-east-war-set-to-push-inflation-higher-than-forecast-warns-rba-deputy-governor-277959Watch PK's IV with Matt Canavan here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/afternoon-briefing/series/0/video/NU2622C028S00

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 from One Nation, but could be bad news for the Liberal party.The Nationals leadership shake-up comes after David Littleproud's shock exit from the role, with the Maranoa MP declaring he was 'buggered' and had run out of steam.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 five Iranian women's football players will remain in Australia after seeking asylum, with the Government leaving the door open for the other players to do the same. It comes after the Prime Minister fielded an early phone call from US President Donald Trump over the fate of the women — but what else did they discuss at 2am?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 openness to the move, with shadow foreign minister Ted O'Brien suggesting there will be bipartisan support if it's in the "national interest".And the Farrer by-election has been locked in for May 9th — so what are the big issues for voters — and which candidates are addressing them? Our resident Farrer correspondent Jacob brings us up to date with all the latest.Melissa Clarke and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Go Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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.

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, Mark Carney visits Australia. The world leader came armed with a warning, urging sovereignty as the global architecture is crumbling.And how did new Opposition leader Angus Taylor perform for his first week in parliament?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Cameron Stewart, Chief International Correspondent at the Australian on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 former Opposition leader Peter Dutton has called it a "gratuitously personal hit job."And Canadian President Mark Carney has kicked off his Australia visit, so as the Middle East conflict continues, will he use two key addresses to push forward his middle power strategy?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 inflation expectations could become "unanchored" and refusing to rule out another interest rate hike later this month.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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 future".But Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson has indicated the Liberals would support Australia assisting if it's "in the national interest"..So, as parliament returns for another sitting fortnight the conflict in the Middle East is set to dominate the agenda — with things already heating up in the Senate.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

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.

Former Opposition leader Sussan Ley has tendered her immediate resignation from parliament, officially sparking a by-election in her seat of Farrer. In a statement Sussan Ley said she hoped her election as the first female to lead the Liberal party would "pave the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed" in the role. Are changes to negative gearing and capital gains actually politically risky for Labor? And as Anthony Albanese tries to 'mop up' after his Grace Tame misstep, are his political instincts as sharp as they once were?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions on on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, he's promising to focus on "economics over politics" - but what will Labor actually do to address intergenerational inequity? The prime minister has attempted to walk back labelling former Australian of The Year Grace Tame "difficult", suggesting he was referring to her difficult life - a move Grace Tame has blasted on social media.And Jacob Greber has been on the ground in Farrer, checking the electorates pulse ahead of the impending by-election - so what do voters want from their representative and where are they looking to cast their vote?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Jacob Greber, 730 Political Editor on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefly evacuated from the Lodge overnight, due to a bomb threat linked to performances in Australia by a classical Chinese dance and music group that is banned in China.It comes as threats against parliamentarians are on the rise and just weeks after the AFP Commissioner warned that federal politicians and high office holders were being targeted by violent offenders.So, as the threat is condemned across the political aisle, is the price of public life becoming too high? And will calls for the temperature to be lowered actually cut through?And as inflation comes in hotter expected once again, does it put further pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to find savings in the upcoming budget?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Anthony Albanese has voluntarily written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to offer support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession.Australia is the first Commonwealth country to back the proposal, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it clear his government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum on becoming a republic, instead announcing this morning that high speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney could be "shovel ready" in two-years time. So, is this long promised train any closer to becoming a reality?And the landmark Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion has officially begun, with Commissioner Virginia Bell outlining the scope of the inquiry.Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] Claudia's exclusive here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/working-with-children-check-parents-sick/106370632

Anthony Albanese has continued his hardline rhetoric on so-called ‘ISIS Brides’, but now Opposition leader Angus Taylor has upped the ante, with a bill that would make it illegal to assist Australians with links to the Islamic State return home. The Albanese Government has dismissed the idea, what role is One Nation having on the changing tone of the debate? And the PM has been busy hitting the airwaves on commercial radio stations in the electorate of Farrer, but as a by-election looms in Sussan Ley's seat what is Anthony Albanese signalling with his visit?Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/one-nation-coalition-labor-isis-brides/106369478 Read Clare's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-22/albanese-government-premiers-peter-malinauskas-david-crisafulli/106349260

The debate over immigration, border control and social cohesion hardened this week, after a group of women and children in northern Syria attempted to return to Australia.