Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a tough line on the so-called 'ISIS brides' attempting to return to Australia from Syrian camps. So, how much is anti-immigration rhetoric and the rise of One Nation influencing the 'hard line' team Labor is taking?And Angus Taylor has unveiled his new look shadow frontbench, so what does it signal about the Coalition's agenda? Are are we hearing the same messages, but just new 'stronger messengers'? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Phil Coorey, Political Editor at The Australian Financial Review on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's Four Corners 'Realignment' here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2026/video/NC2603H003S00Listen to the Politics Now: The Interview with Tim Wilson here - https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/politics-now-the-interview-tim-wilson/106148248

Liberal leader Angus Taylor has announced his shadow frontbench, promising to blend generational change with proven experience. Angus Taylor's key allies have been rewarded with big portfolios, but some key moderates — like newly minted shadow treasurer Tim Wilson — have also been kept in the tent.So, as the party turns their focus squarely to the economy, will the reshuffle pay dividends? And will it keep the party united?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]

It's The Party Room live! Fran and PK were joined on stage by ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs at the Mardi Gras Fair Day festival in Sydney on Sunday.There was wonderfully nerdy wordplay ("the member for Hume and the member named Hume"), Farrer by-election analysis and a look at what parties are offering Gen Z and Millennial voters — who are the largest voting bloc.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's Four Corners 'Realignment' here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2026/video/NC2603H003S00

Newly minted Liberal leader Angus Taylor has made it clear a tougher approach to immigration is on the agenda. In his first address as Opposition leader, he declared that “the door must be shut” to people who don’t align with “Australian values.”So, if the party shifts further to the right, to chase voters back from One Nation, what does that mean for voters in the centre? Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.You can watch PK's Four Corners at 0830pm Monday on ABC TV, or anytime on ABC iview READ PK'S ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/liberal-party-right-wing-division-realignment-four-corners/106331358Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Liberal Party has elected Angus Taylor as its new leader, defeating Sussan Ley in a spill motion on Friday.

Angus Taylor has emerged as the new Liberal leader, beating Sussan Ley 34 votes to 17. The new Liberal leader says the party is facing a "change or die moment" and has promised to "protect the Australian way of life."Following the defeat, Sussan Ley has confirmed she'll resign from her seat of Farrer, sparking a by-election. It'll be the first big test for Angus Taylor's leadership. So, what does the election of Angus Taylor signal for the future direction of the Liberal party?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]

After a drawn out process, Angus Taylor has officially announced he'll challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. But while many Liberal frontbenchers have followed Angus Taylor and quit the shadow frontbench, it doesn't look like the Opposition leader will go down without a fight. And while the Albanese Government has been throwing barbs from the sidelines in Question Time, do they need to watch out for hubris?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent on The Party Room.Hear this week's bonus question time episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/big-personalities-protests-and-polling-/106326394Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Pressure is mounting on Liberal leadership hopeful Angus Taylor to declare his hand and mount a challenge against Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership.The Shadow Defence Minister is expected to quit the Shadow frontbench, with other Liberals expected to follow, paving the way for a leadership spill. But some moderates are calling on Angus Taylor to launch a petition and prove he has the numbers first.Melissa Clarke 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]

Around 6000 people gathered at Town Hall to rally against the Israeli President's visit overnight, 27 people were arrested during clashes with officers, with some footage appearing to show police throwing punches at demonstrators. NSW Police have defended their response, while Premier Chris Minns says their actions were "proportionate."Meanwhile, Liberal leader Sussan Ley has survived today's party room meeting, but Fran and PK say there's now an "unstoppable push" for change — so when will leadership aspirant Angus Taylor strike and will he land a mortal blow?So, would Sussan Ley quit her seat of Farrer if she's overthrown as leader? Can we trust polling? And with One Nation gaining traction, have Labor done enough on immigration?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your 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]

Coalition members say they are united ahead of the Parliamentary sitting week...but are they? It’s only been three weeks since David Littleproud said a Coalition was “untenable” under Sussan Ley. So is it going to be different this time?Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrived in Sydney for a four day visit following the Bondi Beach terror attack. Anthony Albanese says he hopes the visit will foster “a greater sense of unity” but tensions are growing.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber, 7.30's political editor, 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]

Insiders On Background is back for 2026! This week we are diving into the federal government's model for its Thriving Kids program. The program is aimed at setting up services and supports run by states and territories outside the NDIS.

It's been a week of high drama in parliament, from Shakespeare novels to soap opera references, but while the Liberal-Nationals chaos continued to take centre stage the RBA interest rate hike put the spotlight back on the Albanese Government. It comes as the May budget draws nearer and it seems the Treasurer Jim Chalmers is unwilling to rule out changes to the capital gains tax. So, could big bold reform be on the agenda? Meanwhile, the deadline Sussan Ley imposed the Liberal and Nationals to negotiate a path back to Coalition is looming, so are either side willing to make concessions?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down with David Speers, ABC Political lead and host of Insiders on The Party RoomGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Albanese Government is selling off an estimated $3-billion-dollars’ worth of defence sites, so what does the "significant" overhaul of Australia’s defence property portfolio mean for housing supply?And as the Treasurer Jim Chalmers continues to defend the Government's fiscal management in the wake of the RBA's latest interest rate hike, what does this all mean for the May budget? In the second year of a second term Labor government, can we expect "big bold ideas"?Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.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]

The RBA board has held its first monetary policy meeting for 2026 - and a cash rate lift is the result.After the Coalition split dominated the start of the year, will this bring the focus back onto the government — and whether the Treasurer is doing enough to ease the cost of living pressures facing Australians?Meanwhile, parliament is back, but things look different — with the Liberals now sitting alone and the Nationals on the crossbench. How long will this new arrangement last?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]

The Albanese Government should have been starting the week on the backfoot, but the infighting of the Liberal and Nationals' has kept the focus squarely on them.And amid the Opposition chaos, the Prime Minister appears to have his mojo back, labelling the infighting "bizarre" and comparing it to "Married At First Sight". But with last week's hotter than expected inflation data and a possible rate hike tomorrow, is the PM in for tricky economic times ahead?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's column here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/parliament-sitting-week-opposition-leadership-albanese/106292656Read Jacob's column here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-31/andrew-hastie-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-leadership/106288160Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

In 2022, the Albanese Government joined its state and territory counterparts to commit to ending violence against women and children in a generation.But while Labor says they've made ending violence a key priority, with more than $4 billion for women's safety initiatives, where are things four years on?And with a wraparound approach needed to counter the issue, is a national watchdog urgently needed to ensure recommendations are actually implemented?Claudia Long joins Patricia Karvelas for this special edition of 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] and domestic violence support:1800 Respect national helpline:1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line:1800 811 811Men's Referral Service:1300 766 491Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):131 114Relationships Australia:1300 364 277NSW Domestic Violence Line:1800 656 463Qld DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:1800 015 188ACT 24/7 Crisis Line:(02) 6280 0900Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:1800 608 122SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line:1800 800 098WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline:1800 007 339NT Domestic violence helpline:1800 737 732

With parliament set to return next week, Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor have met and while the discussions have been described as "constructive" they've failed to agree on who should run for the leadership. So, where to next — and what are the optics of a meeting room full of 'blokes' when the Liberal party has a woman problem?And why do some voters connect with Pauline Hanson? And what the deadline for choosing candidates for the election if the Coalition remains split? (ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs makes a guest appearance to help us answer that one.)Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your question 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 THE ANTONY GREEN EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/antony-green-on-one-nation-s-rise/105947830 READ ABC ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/coalition-pauline-hanson-liberals-nationals-one-nation/106278234

It’s a scorching start to the parliamentary year - and not just because of the weather.Sussan Ley is holding on, but pressure is building and Liberal party leadership questions remain unresolved following the Coalition's dramatic split last week. To add to the political drama, Nationals leader David Littleproud has faced his own unexpected leadership challenge, from Queensland backbencher Colin Boyce.At the same time, One Nation is gaining traction - not just in the polls but in public life, as Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration message reaches new platforms and audiences. Could they convert rising support into lower house seats?And just as the government hoped to capitalise on opposition chaos, inflation figures have spiked - bringing the threat of another rate rise, and a potential shift in the political narrative. So what questions will be answered - and what new ones will be formed - as we head into the first full parliamentary sitting fortnight next week?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down with Melissa Clarke, ABC Radio National Breakfast political correspondent 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]

Nationals’ leader David Littleproud is set to face a leadership challenge on Monday, with Queensland MP Colin Boyce announcing a spill motion, stating the National party is committing "political suicide" by splitting from the Coalition.Meanwhile, inflation figures for December landing at a much higher than expected 3.8 per cent. The figure raises the likelihood of a rate hike when the RBA meets next week and adds to the cost-of-living challenge facing the Albanese government.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]

The political heat remains on Opposition leader Sussan Ley, and while the jostle to replace her as Liberal leader continues behind the scenes, moderates are talking down the prospect. But could the 'soft middle' and 'freelancers' in the Liberal party actually decide its future direction? It comes as the Albanese government tries to land a last-minute deal with states and territories over hospital funding but are they ready to come to the table?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.LISTEN TO IMMIGRATION EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/why-immigration-is-back-on-the-agenda-/106038954Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Liberal leadership tensions continue to grow, with Sussan Ley’s role as Opposition leader seen as untenable in the wake of the Coalition split.But while conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are shaping up as the key contenders, Liberals want to sort out which of them will run for the position before triggering a spill, to avoid further messiness.Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has announced Defence Department boss Greg Moriarty as the new US Ambassador, after Kevin Rudd announced his early departure from the role. It comes as Anthony Albanese labels US President Donald Trump’s remarks that allied troops “stayed a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan as "not acceptable".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]

The dust has settled on the Nationals' explosive decision to quit the Coalition, but questions are continuing to swirl about Sussan Ley and David Littleproud's future.So, where to next for the Liberals and the Nationals? Could the Nationals and One Nation form a new Coalition? Could the Liberal party regain votes in the centre?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions on this special edition of 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]

In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Opposition leader Sussan Ley forcing his party into an "untenable" position and said they could not sit in Coalition under her leadership. It comes on the National Day of Mourning for Bondi, which was intended to be a day of unity and healing for the country. So, is this the end of the Coalition for good? And while questions are swirling about Sussan Ley's leadership, there are also questions about David Littleproud's hold on his position.On a week where it looked like the Prime Minister would be in the hot seat, how did the Opposition again become the story?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation on The Party Room.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-22/optics-diabolical-liberals-nationals-split-chaos-reigns/106256942Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Albanese Government has passed its gun reforms and watered down hate laws after a late night sitting of the Senate.But three Nationals frontbenchers crossed floor to vote against the hate laws, which the Liberal party supported, defying conventions. So, will Opposition leader Sussan Ley force them to quit their portfolios — and is this a test of her authority?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]

The Albanese Government is set to pass its hate speech and gun reform bills through the parliament. It comes after Labor split the omnibus legislation, negotiating with the Coalition and the Greens separately to get the two bills through.But while all signs are pointing to the Liberals supporting the changed hate speech laws, it's less clear if the Nationals are on board and the Senate could be in for a long night ahead.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Production Note: Following the recording of today's episode the Albanese Government's hate laws passed through the House of Representatives, with Nationals MPs Llew O'Brien and Colin Boyce crossing the floor to vote against it, and the rest of the Nationals MPs abstaining.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

For the first time since the Bondi terror attack, MPs from across the country have returned to Canberra.The first morning saw sombre speeches from a range of voices - but with debate on hate speech and gun laws to continue, is there any sense of bipartisanship in the air?Also casting a shadow over some in the chamber - polling showing One Nation’s primary vote has pulled ahead of the Coalition for the first time.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]

Why are there more women in the Senate than in the House of Representatives? Is it just convention stopping Senators from being major party leaders? With a weakened Opposition, are the usual mechanisms to hold government to account working? And is the Albanese Government still "gun shy" when it comes to considering negative gearing or capital gains reform?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly get stuck into all of your curly questions for this special summer episode of The Party Room.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]

It's been a big week in Australian politics, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalling parliament early to deal with hate speech and gun buyback legislation in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack and the surprise announcement that US Ambassador Kevin Rudd is stepping down from the role a year earlier than expected.But while the Opposition has been calling for the parliament to be recalled since the horrific events on the 14th of December, they've now claimed the legislation has been rushed, with Opposition leader Sussan Ley signalling the Liberals won't back 'unsalvageable' hate crime and gun control reforms. So, does that put the Greens in the frame?And a month after the social media ban for under 16s began, there's new data from the social media companies about how many under 16s have been removed from their platforms.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong are joined by Charles Croucher on The Party Room.Guest: Charles Croucher, 9News 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]

Kerrynne Liddle represents a lot of firsts.The Arrernte woman is the first indigenous Senator for South Australia, the first indigenous woman to win a parliamentary seat in the state, and may be one of the first (or certainly one of only a few) federal parliamentarians to have previously worked as a jillaroo.It’s been a turbulent year for the Liberal party following its punishing election loss in May 2025 - so how does someone like the Senator for South Australia navigate through that noise? And with experience in journalism, tourism, leadership roles with Housing Trusts and universities, why did she end up choosing a political life?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 Kerrynne Liddle to discuss her unusual pathway into politics, the wide-reaching influence of her family, and why she stands by her No vote on the Voice.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] and domestic violence support:1800 Respect national helpline:1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line:1800 811 811Men's Referral Service:1300 766 491Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):131 114Relationships Australia:1300 364 277NSW Domestic Violence Line:1800 656 463Qld DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:1800 015 188ACT 24/7 Crisis Line:(02) 6280 0900Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:1800 608 122SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line:1800 800 098WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline:1800 007 339NT Domestic violence helpline:1800 737 732

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the US Ambassador Kevin Rudd will step down from the role at the end of March - a year earlier than expected.Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ambassador Rudd's work helping further the AUKUS pact, securing Julian Assange's release in 2024 and building relationships across both sides of politics in the US.It comes as the government announces a national day of mourning for the Bondi victims on January 22nd - and just a day after the prime minister recalled parliament early, with MPs to return to Canberra next week to work through legislation on hate speech and gun buy backs in the wake of the terrorist attack.Patricia Karvelas breaks it all down on this Politics Now emergency episode.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Politics Now is back after a summer recess and PK and Jacob have lots of thoughts about what happened over the break!Extreme weather continues to lash much of the country, with the prime minister announcing relief packages for some of the impacted communities - but the devastating events haven't distracted from questions about why the Albanese Government took so long to announce a national Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.Recorded right before the prime minister recalled parliament, MPs are now set to descend on Canberra next week to pass the government's proposed hate speech laws - we'll bring your more analysis on that across Politics Now throughout the week.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 called a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.The announcement comes in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and under mounting pressure from various groups.The PM says the inquiry will address four key areas and Commissioner Virginia Bell will have to report back by December 14, 2026. 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]

More than two years on from the Murphy review, where is the Albanese government on gambling reform — and is there growing disquiet in the backbench?Is Sussan Ley facing the glass cliff? Why has Peter Dutton disappeared from the media? And would moderate Liberals ever consider becoming independents and joining with the Teals?Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly get stuck into all of your curly questions for this special summer episode of 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]

Greens Leader Larissa Waters has described herself as someone who was elected to “get shit done”. But what does that actually mean?As the first Greens Senator for Queensland, and just the second female leader for the party, Larissa Waters has risen to lead after a difficult election where the party was rejected in some of its inner city heartland, losing its long time leader Adam Bandt.So how does Larissa Waters think about leadership and compromise - and is she actually the ultimate deal maker?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 Larissa Waters to explore how she maintains her optimism, managing political leadership as a single mum, and the tension between action and outcome.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]

Pollsters are already preparing for an interesting year ahead.One Nation's support has surged, while Coalition support has slumped. So, are politicians, or policies, driving voter support?And with the Millennial and Gen Z cohort the largest voter bloc and growing, are the major parties switched on to this changing electorate? And what are the trends and issues that could define politics in 2026?Kos Samaras and Tony Barry from the Redbridge group join Fran Kelly for a special episode of The Party Room.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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework.

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]

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]