Politics Now
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
Episodes (90)
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...
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...
Can Labor fix home support for older Australians?
captionPatricia Karvelas and GUEST 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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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' -...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
'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.
'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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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?
Laura Tingle on the PM, Trump and Xi
The Prime Minister is wrapping up his six-day visit to China, following what he says was a "constructive" meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But Donald Trump made his presence felt from afar —...
What the PM did and didn't say to President Xi Jinping
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have officially sat down together in China.It's the crown in the jewel of this week’s diplomatic exercise, with friends (and enemies) across...
Does Labor have a chance to be ambitious about housing?
A spotlight is once again on the government’s ambitious signature housing targets, following unexpected revelations from an ABC Freedom of Information request. Could the government use this as a test...
Will the PM find a friend in China?
China has rolled out the red carpet for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.While our biggest trading partner is lobbing love bombs, our most powerful ally, the United States, is demanding truth...
Charm Offensive: China and US relations | Insiders On Background
As the Prime Minister prepares for his first visit to China since his re-election, trade talks with Beijing – and with Washington - are on his mind. While Donald Trump was announcing another round of...
'Racism' in the NT police. Will the government push for change?
On Monday Coroner Elisabeth Armitage delivered her long-awaited findings into the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. So, as Warlpiri Elders call for a "ceasefire" with NT police, what political...
Will Trump's tariffs make medicine more expensive?
Donald Trump's tariffs have re-entered the chat. The US President's latest announcement — primarily the potential for steep tariffs on pharmaceuticals — has renewed uncertainty of an ongoing global...
Why the RBA held rates
Mortgage-borrowers across the country have been left shell-shocked by the RBA's decision to keep the cash rate steady at 3.85 per cent. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says "it's not the result millions of...
Is Australia's multicultural project in trouble?
The Prime Minister has roundly condemned a series of "shocking" antisemitic incidents, which Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has labelled "an attack on all Australians" — but do the attacks point to...
Linda Burney: Yoorrook Commission lays "very fine blueprint for the way forward"
The first formal truth-telling commission, the Yoorrook Justice Commission, has found genocide was committed against Aboriginal people in Victoria. So what happens next – and how might the federal...
Our childcare system is facing a 'reckoning'
Education Minister Jason Clare has admitted that it's taken "too long" to standardise Working with Children Checks across Australia, with the topic on the agenda at the meeting of attorneys-general...
What Labor needs to do about child safety
State and Federal Governments are facing a "reckoning", after a childcare worker was charged with over 70 offences — and now another man has also been charged with serious offences.The Education...
Can Albo fix our 'messy' gas market?
Anthony Albanese has been doing the media rounds, spruiking his Government's cost of living measures as the new financial year begins — but can he really take claim for them all?And as the ACCC warns...
Why Albo is under pressure to meet Trump
As the deadline for Donald Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs looms, Anthony Albanese has reiterated his call that US tariffs on Australia should be "zero."It comes as Penny Wong jets to Washington...
Kylie Moore-Gilbert on the situation in the Middle East | Insiders On Background
Melissa Clarke is joined by Middle East expert and former political prisoner in Iran’s notorious Evin jail Kylie Moore-Gilbert.
Inside the psyche of 'daddy' Trump
Donald Trump has declared victory in brokering a Israel-Iran ceasefire. And while it's on precarious ground, what's the "method behind the madness" in the US President's approach?And the Australian...
Sussan Ley's 'I'm not Dutton' speech
As the Donald Trump brokered Israel-Iran ceasefire looks to be on shaky ground, NATO members have rolled out the red carpet for the US President's visit.And Sussan Ley has delivered her first address...
Has Trump stopped Iran developing a nuclear weapon?
US President Donald Trump has declared a 'ceasefire' in the Israel-Iran war has commenced, and while it was welcomed by the likes of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it's not yet clear if...
Australia backs Trump in Israel-Iran war
Anthony Albanese has thrown his support behind the Trump Administration's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, suggesting Australia supports actions that prevent Iran from developing a nuclear...
What's tax reform got to do with productivity? | Insiders on Background
Tax reform is back on the political agenda!
Why Australia is shifting its language on Israel-Iran
As the situation between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, speculation is growing the US will get involved — and there's also been a notable change in the language from the Australian...
Why the PM chasing Trump could look 'desperate'
In the wake of his cancelled meeting with Donald Trump, Anthony Albanese is vowing to meet with the US President "very soon" — leaving the door open to a snap visit to the Hague for the NATO...
Did Trump 'snub' Albanese?
Anthony Albanese's long-awaited meeting with Donald Trump has been called off, with the US President exiting the G7 Summit early to attend "important matters."But while it does leave the Australian...
Will Albo get a Trump deal at any cost?
The Prime Minister has met with Canadian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada — but all eyes are on his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump in coming days.And while Anthony...
What Israel's strike on Iran means for Australia
Israel has confirmed it has launched strikes on "dozens" nuclear and military targets in Iran — reportedly killing the Head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong says...
Tariff triumph or trouble? | Insiders On Background
Anthony Albanese wants the tariffs dropped, but he's not about to bow to the President Trump's demands.
Is Trump using AUKUS as a 'Trojan horse'?
The Albanese Government is playing down the Trump Administration's review of the AUKUS agreement, with Deputy leader Richard Marles suggesting the move was "completely natural". It comes as the Prime...
Why Australia sanctioned Israeli Ministers
With Q+A wrapping up after an 18-year stint on our screens, PK and David Speers share their reflections and honour the crew behind the program.And Australia has joined with the UK, New Zealand, Canada...
Why AI means reform in Albo's second term
Anthony Albanese has used his first National Press Club address since Labor's thumping election win to lay out his second term vision.And with a renewed focus on productivity — including a round table...
Will beef be on the menu when Albanese meets Trump?
As most of the country marks the King's Birthday, former PM Scott Morrison has received our nation’s highest honour — but should these awards be handed out to former politicians for doing the job?And...
Is Australia drone-ready? | Insiders on Background
What lessons can Australia learn from Ukraine's drone attack on far-flung Russian air bases?
Albo's Trump-sized headache
Donald Trump has re-entered the domestic political frame this week, doubling the tariffs on steel and aluminium, while his defence secretary urges Australia to increase its defence spend. So, how is...
Can Albo get a tariff deal with Trump?
As the UK carves out a partial exemption on the Trump administration's tariffs, Opposition leader Sussan Ley is urging the Albanese Government to negotiate the same. It comes as the Prime Minister has...
Why Dorinda Cox left the Greens for Labor
In a shock move, WA Senator Dorinda Cox has quit the Greens to join Labor, where she says her priorities are "more aligned". But what actually sparked the defection — and is there a risk here for the...
PM stares down US defence spending demand
Anthony Albanese says he won't be dictated to on defence spending, after the United States demanded Australia do more to support the US in the Indo-Pacific. The US administration has called on...
Quantum Leap | Insiders On Background
Lots of discussion and debate about net zero commitments and obligations this week. But for this week's Insiders On Background, let's explore what the Australian economy looks like under a net-zero...
Laura Tingle on when politics is at its best
Laura Tingle joins Fran and PK for one last party — and more importantly, one last strawberry daiquiri -- before she wraps up her 40-years in the press gallery.And the Coalition is officially back...
Coalition's shadow cabinet shakeup
After officially reuniting as the Coalition, Sussan Ley and David Littleproud unveiled the make-up of the Shadow frontbench — and there were some notable snubs and omissions.In the Liberals, Jane Hume...
What Albo learnt from Scomo's Hawaii moment
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been on the ground in the flood-ravaged NSW Mid North Coast, and as PK and Tom Crowley discuss, that's exactly what the community expects of leaders.And the Prime...
How do the Liberals rebuild?
As the Liberals and Nationals look to get the Coalition band back together, the Liberal party remains deeply divided on the factors that led to their crushing election defeat. PK brings us inside the...
The Nationals are 'holding a gun to the Liberal Party’s head', says Malcolm Turnbull | Insiders: On Background
On Tuesday, the Coalition split. Then an internal war between the Liberals and Nationals broke out. By Thursday, olive branches were offered. The two parties aren’t re-united just yet, but talks are...
Are the Coalition getting back together?
After a public and messy break-up, the Liberal and National parties have agreed to delay announcing their respective frontbench picks "in good faith". So, will the separation be short-lived?And if the...
Why the Coalition breakup is 'weird'
The Nationals have broken up with the Liberals, ending the Coalition agreement for the first time since 1987. But Nationals leader David Littleproud says he hopes they can get back together — before...
Why the Nats broke up with the Libs
This was supposed to be a Question Time episode, but while Fran and PK were answering brilliant questions from listeners — the Nationals announced they would be splitting from the Liberals. So they...
The PM heads to Rome
Following the Pope’s inauguration in Rome, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been busy networking with world leaders.Back in Australia, the Greens have a new leader, and the Liberal party’s internal...
Another round of climate wars? "Oh God no!" | Insiders On Background
After a bruising election defeat, the Coalition is putting all of its policies up for review - including net zero. One of the biggest supporters of net zero by 2050 is big business. Australian...
Three leadership contests in one week
It’s rare to have three leadership votes in a week but that’s what we’ve seen as the fallout from the Federal Election continues. Sussan Ley has become the first ever female leader of the Liberal...
Is Sussan Ley facing a glass cliff?
New Liberal leader Sussan Ley has promised to move a divided party room back to the 'sensible centre'. But with huge challenges ahead of her, some commentators are questioning whether Sussan Ley is...
What Sussan Ley's leadership means for the Liberals
Sussan Ley has made history, as the first woman to lead the Liberal party in its 80-year history. Ley fended off Angus Taylor, in an "agonisingly close" leadership contest, but with the significant...
Surprises and snubs in Labor reshuffle
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's new frontbench, including some surprises and sideways moves.Among the key changes Michelle Rowland has moved to the role of Attorney General, while...
On Background || Liberal Party: What's next?
The Liberals lost their leader, Peter Dutton, and face what some are calling an existential crisis. What direction will it now go in? Fiona Scott is federal vice president of the Liberal Party and a...
Why the Liberals could shift to MAGA
In a shock move, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has defected from the Nationals, to sit in the Liberal party room.Speculation is whirring she will run as Deputy Liberal leader, on a ticket with...
Why Bandt and Dutton's losses share 'parallels'
First Peter Dutton, and now Adam Bandt — Labor's redwave has swept away two party leaders. So, how do the Liberals and Greens move forward — and who is in line for the leadership?And Anthony Albanese...
Factional fights left, right and centre
The Prime Minister is facing his first test after being re-elected, with Labor party factions and states jostling for positions on a renewed frontbench.And the leadership of the Liberals, Nationals —...
How the Coalition 'failed' young voters
For the first time young voters bumped out the boomers, to take their place as the largest voting cohort in Saturday’s election. While the Coalition thought they’d covered their bases and reached...
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