PLAY PODCASTS
Politics Now

Politics Now

368 episodes — Page 6 of 8

Albanese and the brave new world order

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]

Sep 25, 202542 min

Albanese and Trump lock in a date

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]

Sep 24, 202522 min

Has Sussan Ley gone 'rogue' on Palestine?

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]

Sep 23, 202528 min

Australia splits with US to recognise Palestine

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]

Sep 22, 202525 min

Matt Kean urging opposition to back govt's 2035 emissions target || Insiders: On Background

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

Sep 19, 202518 min

Labor unveils 2035 climate targets. What next?

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]

Sep 18, 202540 min

Did Trump just confirm a meeting with Albo?

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]

Sep 17, 202519 min

Will Ley survive the climate wars?

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]

Sep 16, 202526 min

Will Labor's climate target be ambitious?

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]

Sep 15, 202522 min

What should Australia's 2035 climate target be?

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

Sep 12, 202521 min

Is Sussan Ley's leadership in trouble?

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]

Sep 11, 202538 min

PM condemns Israel's Qatar strike

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]

Sep 10, 2025

Battle of the bribes in the Pacific

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]

Sep 9, 202523 min

Are the Liberals in a civil war?

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]

Sep 8, 202523 min

Bob Carr on China’s military might || Insiders: On Background

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

Sep 5, 202520 min

Quiet Nauru deals, loud immigration protests

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]

Sep 4, 202548 min

Is the government taxing information?

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]

Sep 3, 202521 min

Can Labor fix home support for older Australians?

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.

Sep 2, 202532 min

The government condemns anti-immigration rallies

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]

Sep 1, 202527 min

How should governments respond to the 'sovereign citizen' movement? || Insiders: On Background

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

Aug 29, 202516 min

Canberra, Iran and a curious photo op

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]

Aug 28, 202540 min

Is the government doing enough on sovereign citizens?

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]

Aug 27, 202524 min

Iran 'orchestrated' attacks on Australian soil

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]

Aug 26, 202524 min

A housing pitch and a net zero brawl

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]

Aug 25, 202522 min

Are working-age Australians being ripped off by the tax system? || Insiders: On Background

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

Aug 22, 202516 min

Sizzle or fizzle? The verdict on the Roundtable

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]

Aug 21, 202540 min

Netanyahu lashes out and Tony Burke fires back

“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]

Aug 20, 202518 min

Tension in a tit-for-tat visa cancellation

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]

Aug 19, 2025

Putting productivity on the Reform Roundtable

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]

Aug 18, 202523 min

Let AI boost productivity and growth, business leaders urge against 'over-regulation' || Insiders: On Background

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.

Aug 15, 202522 min

Whose economic summit is it anyway?

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]

Aug 14, 202536 min

What the PM thinks about a four day work week

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]

Aug 13, 202527 min

A win for Labor as the RBA cuts rates

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]

Aug 12, 202529 min

Australia will recognise Palestine

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]

Aug 11, 202527 min

How do we keep big tech in line? || Insiders: On Background

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.

Aug 8, 202521 min

A reform roundtable looms as a bridge march reverberates

A massive crowd braved Sydney’s pouring rain to cross the Harbour Bridge on Sunday. The message was clear, loud, and politically unmissable. By Monday morning, MPs from both major parties were forced to respond - but will increased public pressure lead to action?Meanwhile, the jostling has begun ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Economic Reform Roundtable, now less than two weeks away. What started as a narrow productivity summit has grown… or has it narrowed into something else entirely?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Paul Sakkal, Chief Political Correspondent, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald 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]

Aug 7, 202541 min

Jim Chalmers' newest economic friend is AI

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has a message for working Australians: “treat AI as an enabler, not an enemy”.His comments come following a Productivity Commission report cautioning against heavy-handedness on regulating AI in the workplace - but will lay-off fears from unions win public sentiment on the right way forward?It all comes as submissions continue to roll in for what the focus should be for the Treasurer's National Economic Reform Roundtable, now just a fortnight away. 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]

Aug 6, 202528 min

We might be watching Albanese's 'big moment'

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government understands the "urgency" behind the global push to recognise a Palestinian state, with there being "a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise" due to the conflict in the region.Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says he's “in the business of stopping hatred from being imported to Australia," blocking dozens of visas from entering the country to "protect social cohesion". Are we watching an organised effort from Labor to gain permission to put Australia's foot on the accelerator in responding to the conflict?And Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the Australian navy’s new $10 billion fleet of warships. More money for defence - but is it a good deal?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]

Aug 5, 202523 min

Younger voters put negative gearing back on the agenda

Productivity is shaping up to be the word of the month for the federal government. With the big economic reform roundtable fast approaching, is it time for Labor to show some progress and make a move on changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax reform?And two years after the failure of the Voice referendum, the Prime Minister has a new plan for First Nations Australians. But what was left off the agenda at Garma?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]

Aug 4, 202527 min

'Solutions are known, but rarely acted upon': Why are governments failing to Close the Gap? || Insiders: On Background

Nearly two years on from the Voice referendum the latest Closing the Gap update has again revealed disappointing results.

Aug 1, 202518 min

'Not if, but when' we recognise Palestine

It's the second sitting week of the 48th parliament. While Labor's massive majority grows more comfortable in the chamber, it proved to be a difficult week for political leaders on either side of the aisle thanks to the looming momentum to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN general assembly in September. How will mounting international pressure influence Australia's position, and is our own announcement on the horizon?On home soil, political attention has been dominated by the upcoming productivity roundtable in August, with unions focusing their aim on the impact of AI on worker rights; and despite a lobby effort from "Big Wiggle", YouTube has been added to the social media ban mix.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Phil Coorey, Political Editor with the Australian Financial Review 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]

Jul 31, 202538 min

The UK draws a line on Palestine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has drawn a line in the sand on Gaza. Unless Israel takes “substantive” steps to end the “appalling situation” in the region, the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September. As international momentum builds, how will the Albanese government respond?At home, the data drop Reserve Bank board members have been waiting for is out. The Bureau of Statistics quarterly consumer price index (CPI) shows consumer prices rose 0.7 per cent over the June quarter and 2.1 over the past year. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the latest inflation figures are “very encouraging news”, but won’t predict whether it’ll mean a rate cut.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]

Jul 30, 202526 min

How do we react to another Trump tariff bombshell?

The government has woken to another surprise Trump tariff. Most trading partners, including Australia, could see an almost doubling on the tariffs already expected from the United States. If it proves to be true, can we do anything to weather the economic storm that might come from them?And health and cost of living pressure is back on the agenda - but which framing of the current state of Medicare and bulk billing will win?Patricia Karvelas and Brett Worthingon 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]

Jul 29, 202526 min

Albanese sharpens criticism of the Israeli government

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and images of starving children emerge, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly criticised the Israeli government’s actions.Meanwhile, Barnaby Joyce is talking about abandoning Net Zero again…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]

Jul 28, 202525 min

How do we fix the childcare sector? || Insiders: On Background

It was one of the first bills introduced in the new parliament – a move to improve standards in childcare.

Jul 25, 202518 min

Why this speech made the PM tear up

The 48th parliament is now officially underway, and while it's full of fresh faces — particularity on the Albanese Government's side — is it still politics as usual, or has the tone changed?And speaking of fresh faces, the first speech from "giant killer" and Dickson MP Ali France nearly brought the whole parliament to tears, but her story also had Sarah Ferguson welling up on live TV.And Sussan Ley's first Question Time as Opposition leader was her moment in the spotlight, but she was undermined by former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack, who are calling for the Nationals to ditch net zero.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Sarah Ferguson, ABC 730 Host 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] Ali France's 730 interview here - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-22/ali-france-reflects-on-the-triumph-and-tragedy/105561104

Jul 24, 202534 min

How did Sussan Ley perform in her first Question Time?

Sussan Ley has faced off with Anthony Albanese in her first Question Time as Opposition leader. And while she played it safe, attacking Labor on its housing and superannuation tax policies, how did she perform?Tinder and swiping right got a mention, while in the other chamber, Senate leader Penny Wong moved a censure motion against Greens Deputy leader Mehreen Faruqui for holding a poster about Gaza in the Senate during Governor-General's speech, a move which the Greens leader labelled "a disgrace."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]

Jul 23, 202516 min

Pomp, ceremony and political division

The 48th Parliament has officially begun, but amid the pomp and ceremony, the Albanese Government has signed a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza.It's the strongest language yet from the Government, but the Opposition has been quick to condemn the move — with frontbenchers labelling it "alarming" and "disappointing" — while the Greens have suggested the statement doesn't go far enough. So, is this a sign of some of the friction to come in this 48th parliament?Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long break it all down on Politics Now.Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Jul 22, 202521 min

The 'stark' gender split in parliament

As parliamentarians descend on Canberra for the first sitting week of the 48th parliament, Anthony Albanese is warning Labor to avoid complacency. And while Opposition leader Sussan Ley makes history as the first woman in the role, the "stark" gender split between the Coalition and Labor ranks will be on display across both chambers. So, what can we expect from Australia’s 48th parliament?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]

Jul 21, 202526 min

What does the PM's trip to China mean for Taiwan? | Insiders On Background

There has been plenty of discussion about what Anthony Albanese got out of his six-day visit to China this week. But what did China get out of the trip?

Jul 18, 202523 min