
Politics Now
283 episodes — Page 3 of 6

Josh Burns on how you create change
Josh Burns is a bit of a rising star in the Australian Labor Party. The Member for Macnamara is an increasing presence in the party - often unafraid to front a microphone or camera. He’s seen as part of the new generation of Labor, but is he pushing for change in the background - or is he biting his tongue and working within the system? And while Josh Burns says he never wanted to become known as “the Jewish MP”, it has become a defining feature of his political identity - so how does that sit with him?In this special Politics Now: The Interview summer series, recorded in the final parliamentary sitting week of 2025, Patricia Karvelas sits down with movers and shakers across the Australian political sphere to unpack the person behind the politics.In this episode Patricia Karvelas is joined by Josh Burns to unpack identity, pathways for making change, and his relationship to fatherhood.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

A political year in review
It's Politics Now - The Party Room - live! In this Canberra Theatre live show, recorded at the start of December, Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas were joined on stage by Jacob Greber to wrap up a massive year in politics — and look at where things are headed in 2026.Anthony Albanese started the year staring down the prospect of election defeat but ended it with a thumping majority and Australia's own 'royal wedding'. While the Coalition faced the prospect of "extinction" after an election wipe-out, and new leader Sussan Ley struggled to find her feet amongst the infighting.But as the cost-of-living bites, it's not all smooth sailing ahead for the Government. So will 2026 be the year for political bravery?Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Tim Wilson on what makes a good society
He’s often described as a Liberal moderate - but that’s a label this MP is uncomfortable with.The member for Goldstein Tim Wilson spent a term in the political wilderness after losing his seat to an independent, narrowly winning it back at the 2025 election.In returning to Canberra, he’s been eager to bring the Liberal party back to its economic roots, and has been openly ambitious about his future in the party. So how does Tim Wilson see the future of the party, and his role in it?In this special Politics Now: The Interview summer series, recorded in the final parliamentary sitting week of 2025, Patricia Karvelas sits down with movers and shakers across the Australian political sphere to unpack the person behind the politics.In this episode Patricia Karvelas is joined by Tim Wilson to discuss the solace found in art, his relationship to sexuality, identity, and free speech, and if he's working towards being PM.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Why immigration is back on the agenda
Australia is often celebrated for its multiculturalism, and lauded as an immigration success story.But in politics, debates over immigration are complex, and long established through multiple political cycles.And while the Coalition has delayed unveiling its immigration policy in the wake of the tragic Bondi attack, conversations around immigration have permeated through some of the commentary.So, what do the numbers actually show?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on a special edition of Politics Now.Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.Find the companion housing episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/why-the-housing-crisis-is-such-a-wicked-problem/106123762Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

A 'not perfect' PM acts on Bondi
Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has acknowledged he could have done more to combat antisemitism, and is "fully supporting and adopting" antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal's plan. Patricia Karvelas, Fran Kelly and Karen Middleton were mid-way through recording The Party Room when the news came through, but we hit pause bring you the latest on the announcement and its implications. And as the horror of the Bondi terrorist attack continues to reverberate across the world, there's no doubt it's changed Australia, so has it also changed the political year ahead?Guest: Karen Middleton, Political Journalist and Contributor to the Monthly 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 hard questions about Bondi begin
Three days after the horrific attack on Jewish people at Bondi Beach, political lines are being drawn.The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning reiterated his horror at the attack, with both federal and state governments moving to speed up gun reform.But the Coalition has focused in on those in the Australian Jewish community who feel the government didn’t hear their warnings about safety - and have flagged migration as a key issue that needs change following the attack.Patricia Karvelas and Isobel Roe break it all down on Politics Now.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

John Howard's warning to Anthony Albanese
The fallout from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack is continuing to ricochet across Australia and around the globe. Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have reaffirmed their commitments to bring in stronger gun laws, but the architect of Australia’s gun laws, John Howard, has warned he doesn’t want gun control to become a diversion from combating antisemitism.Patricia Karvelas and Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor break it all down on Politics Now.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Will the Bondi shooting lead to gun reform?
In the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, the Prime Minister has vowed to "dedicate every single resource required" to the response. Anthony Albanese has labelled the terrorist attack an act of "pure evil antisemitism" and promised that Australians will eradicate the "scourge" together.As National Cabinet gets set for an emergency meeting this afternoon, the Prime Minister says he's putting gun reform on the agenda, with a proposal to be considered that would include putting limits on the number of guns that can be used or licenced by individuals and a review of licences over a period of time.And while investigations continue, Opposition leader Sussan Ley says anti-Semitism has been left to "fester" in Australia, and has urged the Government to implement the recommendations from the antisemitism envoy in full.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Jacob Greber 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]

Are politician perks a 'pisstake'?
The Albanese Government's agenda has been overshadowed by scrutiny on political entitlements and expenses. And while Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells is in the firing line, she's far from the only politician to access the scheme. So, how is the saga going to end — and do the perks pass the 'group chat' test?It comes as the Opposition prepares to unveil its immigration strategy, in a bid to claw back votes from One Nation. Speaking of One Nation, Barnaby Joyce has officially made the switch and will now sit as the One Nation MP for New England. As Fran Kelly and Sarah Ferguson discuss with Phil Coorey, the move also grants the group party status, but does it lend further legitimacy to the brand?Guest: Phil Coorey, Australian Financial Review Political EditorGot a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Why the housing crisis is such a 'wicked problem'
Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And while Labor’s 5 per cent first homebuyer deposit scheme has had major uptake, experts are warning it could drive up prices at the entry level end of the market.So, what policies and levers can federal and state governments pull to increase supply? Could gentle density rather than urban sprawl and skyscrapers be the answer? And is the Albanese Government’s target of 1.2 million homes by 2030 achievable?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]

Will Anika Wells keep her job?
AUKUS is going "full steam ahead" — that's the message from the Trump administration. But is it all smooth sailing ahead for the security partnership?Meanwhile, Communications Minister Anika Wells is facing choppy waters, as further developments in the entitlement saga continue to emerge. So, can she survive the political turbulence? And could this lead to an overhaul of politicians' entitlements?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]

Barnaby makes One Nation flirtation official
After months of speculation, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. So, will the New England MP be able to further bolster support for the minor party in the regions?And does a taxpayer funded family trip to the snow pass the pub test? That’s the question dogging Communication Minister Anika Wells this week.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-08/anika-wells-travel-expenses-scandal-albanese-labor/106112088 Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-06/budget-pressures-anika-wells-peter-costello-porridge-senate/106088014Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
Tackling racism 'not a priority' for Govt, says Race Discrimination Commissioner
A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework.

Will Labor muscle-up on gambling reforms?
The Albanese Government is spruiking its social media ban and urging social media companies to comply as the deadline looms. And while Opposition leader Sussan Ley is now raising doubts over the policy — is the Prime Minister on a political winner with the policy?Meanwhile, two and half years after the bi-partisan Murphy review recommended a total ban on online gambling advertising, pressure is mounting on the Government to act. So, what's stopping them?And the so-called 'jobs for mates' report has finally been handed down, and its findings were scathing. But will it change a culture that's entrenched for governments of both stripes?Guest: Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Social media ban looms. Are we ready?
Communications Minister Anika Wells has used a National Press club address to talk-up the impending social media ban, and put platforms on notice.But the Minister was less forthcoming when asked about next steps on an online gambling ad ban, which was recommended by the Murphy review two-and-a-half years ago. So, will the Labor rank and file muscle-up on this issue and force the prime minister to act?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]

Is the 'jobs for mates' era over?
The scathing and long-awaited 'jobs for mates' report has been handed down. It's found government appointments too often look like 'forms of patronage and nepotism' and warned the system had eroded public trust. So, will anything change?It comes as a landmark inquiry into sexual violence in the defence force is unveiled and as the Albanese Government announces the biggest overhaul to defence in decades.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] a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Albanese and the low-key 'royal wedding'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has capped off the political year by tying the knot with his partner Jodie Haydon at the Lodge. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber have some big thoughts about the strategic timing of the event (and Toto's tutu).But things aren't looking quite so bright in the future, so what big political challenges is Labor facing in the year ahead?And you can hear PK, Jacob and Fran Kelly chat about the political year that was — and what's next — live at the Canberra Theatre TOMORROW! Tickets are going fast, so grab them now: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Read PK's piece here:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-01/albanese-wedding-labor-zenith/106083908Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
Economic Report Card | Insiders On Background
Labor is feeling pretty good about life heading into the summer.But not everything is going swimmingly. Inflation edged higher during the week, and some economists are warning the next move in interest rates will be up.

Barnaby to defect and enviro laws to pass
A Labor-Greens deal on the EPBC has been announced, after lengthy negotiations. It comes after Environment Minister Murray Watt said he was open to a deal with the Coalition or the Greens to pass the legislation. So why did the Opposition rule themselves out? And is this a sign of a more pragmatic approach from the Greens under leader Larissa Waters?And New England MP Barnaby Joyce is expected to announce he's defecting. So, was it Pauline Hanson's sandwich press steak that won him over? And the One Nation leader was also in the headlines for her burka stunt in the Senate, the move was roundly condemned, and she was censured and suspended from the Senate. But as One Nation surges in the polls, will the move prove too radical for swinging voters and shift them back to the centre?Guest: Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia EditorTICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Is Labor the better economic manager?
The Australian election study has found Coalition has lost its perceived advantage on economic management, with Labor taking the crown. It comes as the Treasurer defends public service "re-prioritisations" and fresh inflation figure he's admitted are "higher than he would like".Meanwhile, the Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien has used his Press Club speech to issue a pitch to young voters — warning that "Australia's intergenerational compact is disintegrating". But will it cut through?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]

High steaks for Pauline and Barnaby
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has made Barnaby Joyce dinner in her parliamentary office — using the humble sandwich press to grill some steaks.It comes as the New England MP says he'll confirm his future direction by the end of the week and as Pauline Hanson is censured and faces a seven day suspension from the Senate.Meanwhile, internal tensions over banning gambling advertising are heating up, with one Labor MP warning that if there was a conscience vote the legislation would pass.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Net zero gains for Sussan Ley
As parliament springs back to life for the final sitting week of the year, the Albanese Government is looking to pass a key flank of its legislative agenda - the EPBC act. But with sticking points for both the Greens and the Coalition, where will the legislation ultimately land?And as talk of killing season shows no sign of abating, the latest Newspoll paints a dire picture for the Coalition - who remain at a historic low primary of 24 per cent. And while Sussan Ley crept up slightly as preferred Coalition leader, has the energy policy mess been for "net zero" gain?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]
Why miners want a deal done on new environment laws | Insiders On Background
With the final parliamentary sitting of the year fast approaching, the Federal Government is eager to pass its environmental law reforms. There's two options: strike a deal with the Coalition or the Greens. So, who will the government choose?

Did the PM get his ideal COP outcome?
Breaking news on Australia’s COP bid — Adelaide won’t host COP31. Instead, a deal is being finalised with Türkiye that would see Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen take the presidency while Türkiye hosts the summit. It’s a major shift in a bid the government once sold as a big diplomatic win — so what happened?Meanwhile, it’s that time of year again — what they call the 'killing season' in politics. There’s no move yet against Sussan Ley, but with net zero tensions still simmering inside the Liberal Party and state Liberals having their own issues, questions about leadership and direction are once again in play.The Coalition is also shifting its focus to immigration — traditionally tricky terrain for Labor — and we unpack what is on the agenda when Parliament is back next week.In the "ultimate handover episode" Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Mel Clarke on The Party Room to unpack it all.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Labor’s COP out on science
Are we on the cusp of a science brain drain in Australia?Major job cuts are coming to the CSIRO — adding to the hundreds of positions already lost over the past 18 months. The Science Minister Tim Ayres insists the government “believes in science”... but do these cuts tell a different story?And Australia is still jostling with Türkiye for the rights to host the next UN climate conference — but now independents are questioning how serious the government really is about securing the bid.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Another leader bites the dust
Is there anywhere safe in Australia right now to be a major party leader?It’s starting to feel like decapitation season. The latest head to roll? Victoria’s Liberal leader, just one year out from a state election.With leadership changes sweeping across the country, there’s plenty driving the disruption - and no sign that politics is slowing down as the year wraps up.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Sussan Ley is 'fighting for her political life'
The race for leadership - and perhaps the very soul of the Liberal Party - is on.Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spent last week negotiating with critics both inside and outside the party in a bid to hold onto her position. But after conceding ground, the conservative faction now smells blood in the water.Is it all over for Sussan Ley?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]
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.

Sussan Ley killed net zero. Will it save her?
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has been on a media blitz, defending her party's position of ditching net zero targets. So, how effective has her sales job been?Will her message about affordability before emissions reduction cut through to 'middle Australia'? And is this debate about policy or just about power?Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke get stuck into all of your curly questions on this The Party Room bonus episode.FILL OUT OUR SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Why the Libs ditched net zero
Opposition leader Sussan Ley has announced the Liberal party will ditch net zero and repeal Labor's 2030 emissions reduction target - all in a bid for the Opposition to "put affordable energy first". Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan says the policy is about affordability, growing our economy and doing our 'fair share' — and while there are no targets reaching net zero would be "welcome". But does the policy behind the politics stack up? And is this an "overwhelming victory" for Liberal conservatives - and for the Nationals?Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation joins Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke on The Party Room to unpack it all.Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Liberals face net zero D-Day
After months of division and public front-running — and even some added excitement of diverted planes — it's D-Day for the Liberals to decide the party's future direction on net zero.So, what direction is the party moving in — and can Sussan Ley keep them united?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.FILL OUT OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Annabel Crabb on our 'unusual' democracy
With an impartial and beloved electoral body, preferential and compulsory voting — and of course election day sausage sizzles — Australia's democratic system is the envy of much of the world. Today, Annabel Crabb joins PK to explore what exactly makes our democratic processes so unique (and the democracy sausage is just one part).And it's the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam dismissal, all these years later how does the moment continue to shape politics and the way politicians — like the Prime Minister and Opposition leader — operate?Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb break it all down on Politics Now.Watch Civic Duty here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/annabel-crabb-s-civic-dutyGot a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Do leaders need political conviction?
After months of division, the Liberal party room is finally set to meet and thrash out their future direction on net zero this week. But it's also shaping up as a challenge for Sussan Ley and her hold on leadership.So, does Sussan Ley look like she's been lacking political conviction on the issue, and is that what voters look for in a leader?And Sussan Ley isn't the only Liberal leader in trouble, with Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley stepping down, and murmurs NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakerman is under threat. So as the Liberal brand comes under strain, who is holding the government to account?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.FILL OUT OUR SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]
The Whitlam dismissal | Insiders On Background
It's been 50 years since arguably the most dramatic moment in Australia’s political history – the dismissal of the Whitlam Government.It came at a time of enormous political upheaval and debate still rages about how it all happened. David Speers sat down with journalist Niki Savva, who was there on the day, and Troy Bramston, the author of Gough Whitlam: the vista of the new.

Does the Coalition respect Sussan Ley?
It's been another turbulent week for the Coalition, with the Nationals ditching net zero — and leaving the Liberal party divided on whether to do the same.And while the moderate and conservatives pull in different directions, the fallout has only further destabilised Sussan Ley's hold on the leadership. But as Jason Koutsoukis tells PK and Mel the events have also highlighted the "lack of respect" Coalition MPs are paying to the Opposition leader.Meanwhile, recent comments from Liberal leadership hopeful Andrew Hastie have raised eyebrows. The WA MP has called for clarification that Baby Priya's Bill, which will force employers to not cancel parental leave after stillbirth or neonatal death, won't apply to late term abortions. So, does the move damage his future leadership chances?Guest: Jason Koutsoukis, Saturday Paper special correspondent Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Can Sussan Ley survive the summer?
As the turmoil continues over net zero, Opposition leader Sussan Ley has defended her approach — and her hold on the leadership — in a series of media interviews.And while she says she's "completely confident" she'll retain her position until the end of the year, is the internal pressure mounting?Meanwhile, Labor's renewable energy roll-out is experiencing it's own challenges.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

A rate 'bump in the road' for Labor
In a widely expected decision, RBA Governor Michele Bullock has confirmed interest rates will be held at 3.6 per cent. So, is this just a "bump in the road" for the Albanese Government, or a sign of further economic turbulence ahead?It comes as first homebuyers struggle to enter the market, with new data from Cotality showing house prices rose at their fastest rate in two years in October, following the expansion of Labor's 5 per cent deposit scheme.Meanwhile, it's been another wobbly start to the week for Opposition leader Sussan Ley — so is she safe for the summer, while other Coalition leadership hopefuls take a break?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Are the Coalition about to split (again)?
The Nationals have officially ditched net zero by 2050, issuing a test for Sussan Ley and the Liberal party. So, can the Coalition find a path through this?It comes as Optus executives have faced a grilling at a Senate inquiry into the fatal triple-zero outage. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
Can Labor reform Australia's environment laws? | Insiders On Background
How is it possible to both save the environment, while also speeding up decisions on mining, housing and energy projects? Environment Minister Murray Watt thinks he's found the answer, and is confident he will pass new laws with support from either the Coalition or the Greens.Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry says reforming the laws would provide a big boost to productivity in Australia, and he sat down for a chat with host David Speers.

Did Sussan Ley overreach on 'shirtgate'?
Environment Minister Murray Watt has introduced environment reform laws into parliament — but it's still not clear if the Greens or the Coalition will support the bill. So, beyond the politics — what's the policy itself? And where has Labor left themselves wriggle room?And Sussan Ley used parliament to call into question the prime minister's fashion choices this week, suggesting the Joy Division T-shirt Anthony Albanese wore had antisemetic connotations. So, was this "shirtgate" another example of overreach by the Opposition leader — and should she have been fully focused on inflation figures and cost of living instead?It comes as conversations on net zero and energy policy positions ramp up in both the Nationals and Liberal party rooms. But there are no signs either side is willing to budge. And are the changes to the BOM website becoming a political issue?Clare Armstrong, ABC Chief Digital Political Reporter joins Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke on The Party Room.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Antony Green on the rise of One Nation
Support for One Nation has surged in recent polls and now Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce is eyeing off a tilt to Pauline Hanson's party. But it's not the first time the minor party has caused issues for the Coalition.Today, ABC election icon Antony Green joins PK for a special look at the history of One Nation. What can the party's enduring battles with the Coalition teach us about today?Patricia Karvelas and Antony Green break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Is Labor ‘taking the piss’ on integrity?
The Albanese Government came to power promising to increase transparency and integrity in politics, but a new report card shows Labor is failing on six out of seven fronts. So, will they do anything to "correct course", as the report calls for?And as debate on the Triple Zero custodian legislation continues, the Greens and Coalition are pushing for a Senate inquiry into the Optus network outage.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Is this Labor's biggest test yet?
The Albanese Government is muscling up for a fight on its key environmental reform bill, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.Labor says it will work with the Greens or the Coalition to pass the legislation, but both sides have raised concerns.It comes after EPBC report lead author Graeme Samuel accused the Opposition of standing in the way of the reforms. So, is this shaping up to be the biggest parliamentary test the second term Albanese government has faced?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/ READ PK'S ARTICLE HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-27/environment-laws-coalition-division-joyce/105935474Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]
What does Trump really think about China? | Insiders On Background
Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump this week was widely hailed as a triumph.There was an awkward exchange with Kevin Rudd but also comments from the US President dismissing the prospect of China invading Taiwan.And as the alliance with the U.S. is deepening, what does this mean for Australia’s defence spending and military planning?Justin Bassi is the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute; he sat down for a chat with host David Speers.

How Albanese won Trump over
Anthony Albanese has received high marks across the board for his White House meeting with Donald Trump. The US President even parroted many of Labor's own talking points, so does this meeting knock the wind out of the Opposition's attacks on AUKUS, defence spending and even tariffs?And Opposition leader Sussan Ley hasn't reiterated her call for Kevin Rudd to step down as US Ambassador, after Liberal Senator Jane Hume described them as "churlish", so were the remarks overreach?Meanwhile, maverick MP Barnaby Joyce is still yet to confirm if he'll resign from The Nationals and join One Nation — saying he doesn't want to be "salami sliced in or out". So, how will this all play out next week in parliament?Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at The West Australian joins PK and Mel Clarke on The Party Room.

What Trump's China message means for Australia
Anthony Albanese says Donald Trump's comments about US Ambassador Kevin Rudd were "just banter", while Liberal Senator Jane Hume says calls for the Ambassador to stand down — which came from the Opposition leader — were "churlish".But it was the US President's comments downplaying the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan that raised broader strategic questions. So, what is Donald Trump signalling here and what does it mean for Australia?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Albanese heads home with a Trump card
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump have finally met.The two world leaders inked a landmark deal on critical minerals, while Donald Trump gave reassurances on the AUKUS deal and heaped praise on Anthony Albanese for "doing a fantastic job".But while the meeting was a resounding success for the PM, it was US Ambassador and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who found himself in the hot seat.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]

Is Barnaby the new Pauline Hanson?
PK is back in the podcast chair — and she has LOTS of thoughts to share with Jacob.Like, why Barnaby Joyce is flirting with One Nation, and if other Nationals MPs opposed to net zero might do the same.And what Anthony Albanese needs to achieve in his meeting with Donald Trump for it to viewed as a success.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO THE LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
What will happen when Albanese meets Trump? | Insiders On Background
The long-awaited sit-down meeting between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump is about to take place. So – what should we expect? Will there be a blow-up over defence spending or AUKUS? What about a deal on critical minerals? What does the future hold for the US-Australia relationship under these two leaders?

Is 'fear' behind Labor's super-sized backdown?
The Treasurer capitulated on Labor's proposed super tax changes this week, but while Jim Chalmers fronted the media for the fallout, was the backdown actually driven by Anthony Albanese?It comes as Senior Liberal James Paterson has laid out his vision for the future of the party and cautioned against splitting. But the Coalition finds itself wedged between Pauline Hanson's One Nation and Nigel Farage's Reform on the right, and the Teals on the left - so can they find a middle path and stay together?And as Anthony Albanese gets ready to head to the US, what's on the agenda for his long-awaited meeting with Donald Trump?Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected] News Daily super explainer episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-news-daily/why-chalmers-caved-on-his-super-tax-for-the-rich/105890916