Politics Now

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]

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?

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

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?