Politics Now

What do Nigel Farage and the Teals have in common? James Paterson thinks they’re both dead ends.In a keynote speech, the conservative senator warned it would be a “disaster” if the Liberal party split along ideological lines. So, was it a rallying cry for party unity? Or a warning shot for those stepping out of line?Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

As Liberal infighting continues to play out publicly, support for One Nation has skyrocketed in a series of recent polls. So, what's behind the shift — and how much of a threat are grievance politics to the major parties?And Opposition leader Sussan Ley has announced a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, but Jane Hume remains on the backbench and in the political wilderness.Brett Worthington and Shalailah Medhora break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced a surprise backdown on the Albanese Government's controversial super tax plans.It comes after Labor failed to secure the support needed to pass the changes in their current form earlier in the year - but the announcement also comes as Anthony Albanese is on leave - so has the Prime Minister handed the Treasurer an "excrement sandwich" to deal with in his absence? And while the Treasurer says the move shows Labor is listening to feedback, what does this backdown mean for more ambitious tax changes?It comes as Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel are set to be released. What’s been the domestic response to the ceasefire, and hopeful peace deal?And just two-months out from the social media ban for under 16s commencing, Communications Minister Anika Wells is meeting with the social media giants to "lay down the law" - but there are still many questions about how the ban will work in practice.Register to attend the Digital Dilemma here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mkDBl3hw50e7lNHlNQPgEto6v3O4AAJDpceXcOut_3NUNUZLREsyREswREVPRlE3WFBIVlAxMzU2Ny4uSend the Digital Dilemma questions about the social media ban here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-23/your-say-social-media-ban/105751900Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Last month’s fatal Optus outage exposed vulnerabilities in the triple-zero network.As pressure mounts on the telco, key questions remain unanswered: how could this have happened? And what can be done to prevent future outages? Luke Coleman from the Australian Telecommunications Alliance joined David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background.

The Albanese Government's agenda was derailed by some spicy scenes in Senate Estimates this week, with revelations an email detailing the Optus outage was sent to the wrong departmental address.In question time, the heat was on Communication Minister Anika Wells over the outage. The Opposition took the opportunity to lob a barrage of pointed question her way, but did they manage to strike a blow?And while the Coalition was eager to make the Government the story, Andrew Hastie's self-demotion to the backbench and a series of leaks that followed hung over the week like a bad smell. So, how long can the public infighting continue?Brett Worthington and Mel Clarke are joined by Charles Croucher, 9News Political Editor on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

An email detailing the Optus outage was sent to the wrong government address, a spicy Senate estimates hearing has revealed. But while the inbox wasn't being monitored, it was still active, with Senators asking how it could have been missed.It's a lot like an episode of Utopia — and comes as the Opposition ramps up pressure on Communications Minister Anika Wells.And the Coalition is also questioning the Albanese Government over the return of of wives and children of Islamic State fighters on Friday, with the Government remaining tight-lipped on details. So, are the Opposition finding their feet in Senate estimates?Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

The CEOs of Australia's big telcos have met with Communications Minister Anika Wells after major triple zero outages last month.It comes as Labor introduces legislation to enshrine the powers of a triple zero watchdog — but have they moved "too slow"? What if "red flags" not acted upon lead to failures this bushfire season?And politicians on both sides have marked the two-years on from the October 7 attacks, but social cohesion at home still remains fractured.Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected] Digital Dilemma forum audience registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mkDBl3hw50e7lNHlNQPgEto6v3O4AAJDpceXcOut_3NUNUZLREsyREswREVPRlE3WFBIVlAxMzU2Ny4u Submit questions for The Digital Dilemma here : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-23/your-say-social-media-ban/105751900

In a submission to the Liberal's election review, former Opposition leader Peter Dutton has accused Andrew Hastie of costing the Coalition the election, according to reporting in the Nine papers.It comes after Andrew Hastie quit the Coalition frontbench, citing key differences over immigration policy. But the West Australian Liberal MP has made it clear he won't be contesting Sussan Ley's leadership — for now.So, as parliament returns for another sitting week, is this disunity a gift for the Albanese government?Brett Worthington and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Editor's note: Andrew Hastie was elected to the House of Representatives for Canning, Western Australia at a by-election in 2015, not during the 2013 election as suggested in the podcast.Read Brett's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-04/andrew-hastie-resignation-bad-timing-for-sussan-ley/105852022Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-04/albanese-global-wins-derangement-sydrome/105830526Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Senior Liberal Andrew Hastie has spectacularly quit the Coalition frontbench, saying he could not maintain cabinet solidarity due to disagreements over immigration policy.And while the Liberal MP was emphatic there was "no challenge" to Sussan Ley and the move was "done in good faith", he suggested the centre right was "fractured."It comes just weeks after the Western Australia MP suggested he would be forced to quit the frontbench if the Coalition stuck with its commitment to net zero by 2050 — and follows a series of social media posts including one that suggested Australians were becoming "strangers" in their own country due to immigration.So, does the move still destablise Sussan Ley's hold on the leadership? And what does it mean for the future of the Liberal party?Brett Worthington and David Speers break it all down on this emergency episode of Politics Now.Read Brett's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-04/andrew-hastie-resignation-bad-timing-for-sussan-ley/105852022Read David's latest analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-01/australia-and-turkiye-negotiate-over-cop31-hosting-rights/105837208 Catch today's Insiders on Background ep by scrolling back in the feed, or here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/trump-peace-plan-insiders-on-background/105851006Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Israeli Prime Minister, U.S. President Donald Trump told the world that his peace plan will end the war in Gaza.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has just returned home from a whirlwind international trip, immediately turning his attention to domestic matters like Labor's first home-buyer deposit scheme.But from the corridors of the UN to a mosque tour in the UAE - how did the prime minister perform on the global stage? And is Australia now more than just a "bit player" on matters in the Middle East?Meanwhile, it was Anthony Albanese's speech at the UK Labour Conference that saw eyebrows raised in the Opposition, with Sussan Ley suggesting the PM had "crossed a line". But was it fair game for a second term prime minister?Brett Worthington and Melissa Clarke are joined by Matthew Knott, Foreign Affairs and National Security correspondent at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

The Prime Minister is back on home soil - and back to hitting the pavement in the electorate.After a week on the world stage, the government is eager to turn its attention to a major domestic fire they need to fix - Australia’s housing crisis.It insists it’s doing more than just throwing water on the blaze, pointing to the expansion of the government's home guarantee scheme. But is it a genuine fix - or might it add more fuel on the fire?And Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has penned another letter - this time to her own frontbench about KPIs and performance standards.Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Donald Trump once promised he’d bring peace to the Middle East the moment he returned to the White House.Now, he’s backing a new 20-point plan with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a proposal he says will lead to "eternal peace" in the region. It’s a bold claim for one of the world’s most intractable conflicts - so can it deliver peace in Gaza?And back home, the government has finally sat down with Optus. Conversations have been had, public statements have been made - but will anything come of it?Brett Worthington and Acting Defence Correspondent Olivia Caisley break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Anthony Albanese has wrapped up a quick UK visit, where he and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have reiterated the close partnership between the two nations. The Australian Prime Minister also spoke at a UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where he promised to "defend democracy itself" and lamented the rise of a "politics of fear". But his attendance raised some eyebrows back home, with Sussan Ley suggesting he "crossed the line."And while Anthony Albanese described Keir Starmer as a “mate”, his leftist Labour ally is facing challenges at home, including rumours of a leadership challenge. So, what lessons should Australia take from the visit?Brett Worthington and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-27/climate-announcement-targets-emissions/105801294 Read Brett's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-25/hastie-ley-trump-un-palestine-cop-turkiye-bradfield-byelection/105814488Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

How do progressive leaders navigate turbulence of the Trump era?

Anthony Albanese has been flexing Australia's middle-power muscle at the 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly this week.But while he was affirming Australia's recognition of Palestine and spruiking Australia's social media ban for under 16s, broader global shifts were on display. So, how is Anthony Albanese navigating the new world order? And can he balance closer ties with Europe, while remaining in favour with Donald Trump?And a video of Liberal MP Andrew Hastie and a 1969 Ford Falcon has caused quite a stir, but what does it mean for Sussan Ley's hold on the leadership?Brett Worthington and Melissa Clarke are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

A date has officially been set for a meeting between Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese. The White House has confirmed the one-on-one will take place in Washington next month, with Anthony Albanese telling reporters that the US President had agreed to a meeting "some time ago."On Politics Now David Speers joined Brett Worthington live from NYC to discuss the "risks" and possible rewards for Anthony Albanese from a standalone meeting in the oval office.Read David Speers' analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-24/anthony-albanese-donald-trump-meeting/105801298Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has vowed to revoke Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood, taking the unusual step of writing to US Republicans to flag the Coalition's position.It came as Anthony Albanese took to the stage at the United Nations General Assembly, where he spoke about Australia's recognition of Palestine and commitment to delivering the two-state solution.Foreign Minister Penny Wong has accused the Opposition Leader of "going rogue" on foreign policy, while Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has labelled the move "perfectly appropriate". But does the decision undermine the idea of "team Australia"?Brett Worthington and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Editor's note: In this episode we refer to a conversation between Opposition leader Sussan Ley and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The ABC now understands Israel’s Ambassador reached out to Sussan Ley to organise the call.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, with the prime minister suggesting the move was "the world saying that the cycle of violence has to stop".But while the declaration was matched by allies, including Canada and the UK, it puts Australia at odds with the United States. So, what impact will the move actually have?Meanwhile, the telecommunications regulator has launched an investigation into the Optus network's outage last week, which is linked to three deaths. Communications Minister Anika Wells delayed her trip to the US to address the crisis, which she's labelled inexcusable.And what's going on with Andrew Hastie's recent Facebook posts?Brett Worthington and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read Jacob's latest pieces here:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-13/donald-trump-anthony-albanese-common/105756898https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-20/sussan-ley-coalition-climate-donor-laws/105778688 Read Brett's latest piece here:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-18/anthony-albanese-png-coalition-climate/105767026Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Australia will soon submit a 2035 target to cut emissions by 62 to 70 per cent to the United Nations.

The Albanese Government has unveiled its long awaited 2035 emissions reduction target, confirming it will sit in a range of 62 - 70 per cent. But in the Coalition ranks, the climate wars have re-emerged with Opposition leader Sussan Ley forced to reassure her party room that she won't pursue net zero by 2050 at "any cost."The Opposition leader has delivered her first major economic speech since taking up the role. But how has her economic vision landed?Brett Worthington and Melissa Clarke are joined by Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia Political Editor on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Donald Trump has rebuked questions from ABC America's Editor John Lyons, suggesting they were “hurting Australia" when speaking to reporters at the White House.But the real "Easter egg" in the heated exchange was the US President seemingly confirming he would be meeting with Anthony Albanese "very soon" - the clearest indication to date the two leaders will meet.But in a blow to the prime minister, a much-touted defence treaty between Australia and PNG failed to get off the ground. So, is this just a momentary blip, or the sign of more challenges ahead in the region?Brett Worthington 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 Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

As the Albanese Government prepares to release its 2035 emissions reduction target, the Coalition's deep divisions on climate change have re-emerged.Senior Liberal Andrew Hastie has threatened to quit — or be sacked — from the Opposition frontbench if the Coalition doesn't abandon the target. While fellow Coalition frontbencher Jonno Duniam is warning of a "mass exodus" if the party pursues the policy "at any cost."On Politics Now, Brett Worthington and Raf Epstein discuss how the internal divisions put Opposition leader Sussan Ley in an "impossible situation" and serve as a test to her leadership.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to Brett and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

As the Albanese Government prepares to unveil its 2035 emissions reduction target, a new climate assessment has painted a dire picture of the future.On Politics Now PK and Brett Worthington discuss how this "sequencing" from the Labor may be laying the groundwork for more ambitious climate targets.And as the PM heads to PNG to ink a new security agreement, the government has unveiled $12 billion for a submarine and naval shipbuilding facility near Perth. But will the focus on defence be enough for Anthony Albanese to secure a meeting with Donald Trump next 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]

The Albanese Government is preparing to set Australia's next climate goal: the 2035 emissions reduction target, as required under the Paris agreement.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has demoted prominent Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to the backbench, after a turbulent week of factional infighting. But the Senator has made it clear she "won't be silenced" on what she calls mass immigration.So, as the factional battlelines are drawn what does this mean for Sussan Ley's authority?Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Anna Henderson, SBS News Chief Political Correspondent to analyse how the saga has snowballed in the last week and where it leaves a deeply divided Liberal partyroom.And Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been rubbing shoulders with world leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum, but is Labor trying to have it have it both ways when it comes to addressing climate change concerns in the Pacific?Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Israel's strike in Qatar as a "violation" of the country's sovereignty, while US President Donald Trump says he's "not thrilled" by the situation. So, does the move jettison the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza?And the Prime Minister rubs shoulders with world leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum, how is Australia countering the rising influence of China in the region?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 Prime Minister has now added his voice to growing calls for Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to apologise for her remarks about Indian migrants.Shadow Attorney General Julian Leeser has apologised to the Indian Australian community for her remarks, while the Senator has doubled down, urging the Opposition leader to force her colleague Alex Hawke to apologise for the way he raised the matter with her. So, has the issue become a "proxy war" for the future of the party?It comes as the Prime Minister jets off to the Pacific Island Forum, but in a diplomatic blow a landmark security pact with Vanuatu has been put on ice. So, as Labor tries to counter the rise of China in the region, has diplomacy in the Pacific simply become "transactional"?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]

Tensions are threatening to boil over in the Liberal party in the wake of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s comments about Indian migration.The NT Senator has now accused her colleague and factional powerbroker Alex Hawke of “cowardly and inappropriate” behaviour and threatening remarks over the matter. While Alex Hawke has taken to the media to hit back, calling on the Senator to apologise for her damaging remarks.So, as the civil war inside the Liberal party continues to rage, what does it mean for Sussan Ley's authority and her leadership?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.READ PK'S LATEST ARTICLE HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-08/jacinta-napijinpa-price-liberals-immigration-sussan-ley/105729194 READ JACOB'S LATEST ARTICLE HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-06/superannuation-freedom-of-information-jim-chalmers-jacinta-price/105720438Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Dan Andrews had a front row seat to China flexing its military might this week.

The government has quietly signed a $408 million (and then some) deal with Nauru to house members of the so-called NZYQ cohort.The deal was only made public via an end-of-week departmental upload, and the full cost could reach $2.5 billion. Why the silence, and what does it say about the politics of migration and dissent inside Labor right now?Meanwhile, immigration has dominated the national conversation this week, with protests on the streets and language from the government and Opposition under scrutiny. Plus, aged care, and some controversial photo ops in China - there’s been plenty more in the background of this sitting week.Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Phil Coorey, political editor for The Australian Financial Review to unpack a high-stakes week in federal politics on The Party Room.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 government is under increasing pressure to explain changes to Freedom of information laws, which could make it harder for journalists and members of the public to gain access to documents. Labor says the current system is outdated and clogged with trivial requests, but critics warn the changes will come at the cost of transparency. And the issue of migration is still dominating discussion in Canberra as fallout from the weekend's protests continue.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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

The government is facing increased criticism over the delays to the introduction of its new aged care reforms. It comes as Department of Health data reveals that 5000 Australians died in the last financial year while waiting for a home care package. There are also questions being raised about Labor's plans to change Freedom of Information laws to make it harder to access government data. And the fall out from the weekend's anti-immigration protests continue.Patricia Karvelas and RAFAEL EPSTEIN break it all down on Politics Now.

Anti-immigration rallies took place over the weekend with known neo-Nazis speaking at events in Melbourne and Sydney. The Albanese government issued a statement saying that “All Australians, no matter their heritage, have the right to feel safe and welcome in our community” and condemned the march as “hateful”. But is this enough?The government also made a $400 million deal to deport 280 non citizens to Nauru whose visas to Australia were refused on character grounds....and there wasn't a peep out of the Labor backbench. Why is there such a lack of debate within Labor's new ranks?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]

For years, experts have warned of the dangers of the so-called sovereign citizen movement.

Parliament is back in full swing, and it's been a blockbuster sitting week in Canberra - with plenty on the agenda for both major parties, and even more happening off it.The biggest story by far? The government’s dramatic decision to downgrade ties with Iran after ASIO revealed credible evidence the regime orchestrated antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. The Prime Minister’s message was clear - aggression and interference won’t be tolerated. But the Opposition says it all came too late.As that continues to unfold, a curious diplomatic moment has also raised eyebrows between Defence Minister Richard Marles and his US counterpart, despite a very public photo.Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Network Ten Political Editor Ashleigh Raper to unpack a high-stakes week in federal politics on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

A developing story out of Victoria - a police double fatality and an active manhunt - has drawn federal attention to the rise of sovereign citizen ideology in Australia. Are our national security agencies watching closely enough?Meanwhile, the government has doubled down on its decision to significantly downgrade diplomatic ties with Iran, after ASIO confirmed it had credible evidence the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated at least two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Iran has “crossed a line” and “put Australian lives in danger".Flanked by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, the Prime Minister confirmed Australia will list Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, following ASIO's “credible intelligence” to determine the Iranian government was behind attacks against the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Bondi in Sydney.Meanwhile, Sussan Ley faces serious internal pressure over the Coalition’s climate policy, as leadership tensions flare once again over net zero.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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Parliament is back - and the government has come out swinging on housing, fast-tracking its First Homebuyer Guarantee and pausing energy efficiency requirements. But is it bold enough to meet the moment?Meanwhile, the Coalition’s internal split on net zero takes centre stage, with backbencher Barnaby Joyce reigniting debate on Australia’s climate commitments - and the government is more than happy to let it play out.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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

The Economic Reform Roundtable has concluded, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has vowed to tackle “intergenerational equity” in the tax system.

It’s been a big week in Canberra, with unions, business leaders, and politicians of all stripes descending on Parliament House for the Economic Reform Roundtable. The vibe? 'Optimistic' and 'open' - no one wanted to be the spoiler, and everyone wanted to avoid “regulatory hairballs,” to quote Productivity Commissioner Danielle Wood. But as the meetings wrap up, the real test begins: which ideas will turn into actual policy?Also this week, Australia’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood continues to reshape our foreign policy landscape. Diplomatic tensions with Israel are still simmering - but in the same week, Australia is also engaging in efforts to strengthen the rules-based international order, aligning itself with the Western response to the historic meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are joined by Guardian Australia’s Chief Political Correspondent Tom McIlroy to break down on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

“Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.”That’s the sharp response from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Anthony Albanese a “weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews". As the war of words escalates, what are the implications of the deteriorating relationship?Meanwhile, day two of the Economic Reform Roundtable is underway in Canberra - but the Prime Minister isn't in attendance.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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Australia has cancelled the visa of a Netanyahu government MP.Israel has swiftly retaliated, revoking visas for Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority. What does this latest tit-for-tat mean for the already strained relationship?Meanwhile, Canberra is buzzing as the guest list for the Economic Reform Roundtable arrives. The government’s word of the day is “optimistic” - but what message are they really trying to send as day one kicks off?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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

Australia’s productivity chief, Danielle Wood, has delivered a pointed reminder that growth hasn’t been a policy priority for far too long.With the Economic Reform Roundtable starting tomorrow, it’s one of the final public bids for what should top the government’s agenda. But with the messaging tightly controlled, is the outcome already locked in?And following a string of stories of abuse in childcare centres across the country, how long is too long to wait for real reform that makes childcare safe?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 Mel for Question Time at [email protected]

The Reform Roundtable is getting underway from Tuesday, meaning we're about to find out exactly what the government plans to do with its super-sized majority.

Productivity is the word of the week, dominating the lead-up to Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Economic Reform Roundtable. Even the RBA’s rate cut - which had the Treasurer metaphorically dancing in the aisles - was quickly overshadowed by a warning from the RBA Governor: Australia’s productivity is falling faster than forecast. It’s shaping up as a summit with big stakes - and behind the scenes, there’s been a quiet tug of war over who owns it. Is this Anthony Albanese's policy agenda, or Jim Chalmers’ political stage?All of that comes off the back of an historic announcement from the Prime Minister to begin the week - Australia will formally recognise Palestinian statehood, triggering diplomatic ripples at home and abroad.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Melissa Clarke, 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]

Are you keen for a four-day work week to become the new normal?That’s the pitch from the Australian Council of Trade Unions, who want it firmly on the table at next week’s National Economic Reform Roundtable.Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer are at pains to stress they’re perfectly aligned on the summit’s goals - but are they really seeing eye to eye?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]

What a difference a month makes.Those with mortgages around the country got the change they were hoping for this afternoon, with the RBA board "unanimously" voting to cut the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.60 per cent. It’s an independent decision - but will Labor be counting it as a political win?Meanwhile, reaction continues to roll in from across the globe and here at home after Australia’s historic move to recognise Palestinian statehood.Patricia Karvelas and Brett Worthington 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 Anthony Albanese says he is “delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza". Australia will join allies the United Kingdom, Canada and France in recognising the state of Palestine. The announcement comes following mounting public pressure for the government to take action on the conflict in the region. But in answering a question of recognition, new ones are formed. What tangible impact will recognising statehood have - and what more can, and should, Australia do?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]

They’re some of the biggest, best-resourced, and tech savvy companies in the world. But apparently Google and Apple can’t say how many complaints they receive about child sexual abuse on their platforms.