Politics Now
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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 We...
Recent Episodes
256 episodes
Are politician perks a 'pisstake'?
The Albanese Government's agenda has been overshadowed by scrutiny on political entitlements and expenses. And while Communications and Sport Minister...
Why the housing crisis is such a 'wicked problem'
Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.
But since the e...
Will Anika Wells keep her job?
AUKUS is going "full steam ahead" — that's the message from the Trump administration. But is it all smooth sailing ahead for the security partnership?...
Barnaby makes One Nation flirtation official
After months of speculation, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. So, will the New England MP be able to furth...
Tackling racism 'not a priority' for Govt, says Race Discrimination Commissioner
A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework.
Will Labor muscle-up on gambling reforms?
The Albanese Government is spruiking its social media ban and urging social media companies to comply as the deadline looms. And while Opposition lead...
Social media ban looms. Are we ready?
Communications Minister Anika Wells has used a National Press club address to talk-up the impending social media ban, and put platforms on notice.
Is the 'jobs for mates' era over?
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...
Albanese and the low-key 'royal wedding'
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...
Economic Report Card | Insiders On Background
Labor is feeling pretty good about life heading into the summer.
But not everything is going swimmingly.
Inflation edged higher during th...
Barnaby to defect and enviro laws to pass
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...
Is Labor the better economic manager?
The Australian election study has found Coalition has lost its perceived advantage on economic management, with Labor taking the crown. It comes as th...
High steaks for Pauline and Barnaby
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has made Barnaby Joyce dinner in her parliamentary office — using the humble sandwich press to grill some steaks.
Net zero gains for Sussan Ley
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 a...
Why miners want a deal done on new environment laws | Insiders On Background
With the final parliamentary sitting of the year fast approaching, the Federal Government is eager to pass its environmental law reforms.
There...
Did the PM get his ideal COP outcome?
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...
Labor’s COP out on science
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 l...
Another leader bites the dust
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 rol...
Sussan Ley is 'fighting for her political life'
The race for leadership - and perhaps the very soul of the Liberal Party - is on.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spent last week negotiating with...
Sussan Ley killed net zero. Will it save her?
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 j...
The long road to treaty | Insiders On Background
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.
Why the Libs ditched net zero
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...
Liberals face net zero D-Day
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 part...
Annabel Crabb on our 'unusual' democracy
With an impartial and beloved electoral body, preferential and compulsory voting — and of course election day sausage sizzles — Australia's democratic...
Do leaders need political conviction?
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 sha...
The Whitlam dismissal | Insiders On Background
It's been 50 years since arguably the most dramatic moment in Australia’s political history – the dismissal of the Whitlam Government.
It came a...
Does the Coalition respect Sussan Ley?
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...
Can Sussan Ley survive the summer?
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...
A rate 'bump in the road' for Labor
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...
Are the Coalition about to split (again)?
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 throug...
Can Labor reform Australia's environment laws? | Insiders On Background
How is it possible to both save the environment, while also speeding up decisions on mining, housing and energy projects? Environment Minister Murray...
Did Sussan Ley overreach on 'shirtgate'?
Environment Minister Murray Watt has introduced environment reform laws into parliament — but it's still not clear if the Greens or the Coalition will...
Antony Green on the rise of One Nation
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...
Is Labor ‘taking the piss’ on integrity?
The Albanese Government came to power promising to increase transparency and integrity in politics, but a new report card shows Labor is failing on si...
Is this Labor's biggest test yet?
The Albanese Government is muscling up for a fight on its key environmental reform bill, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPB...
What does Trump really think about China? | Insiders On Background
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 co...
How Albanese won Trump over
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'...
What Trump's China message means for Australia
Anthony Albanese says Donald Trump's comments about US Ambassador Kevin Rudd were "just banter", while Liberal Senator Jane Hume says calls for the Am...
Albanese heads home with a Trump card
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump have finally met.
The two world leaders inked a landmark deal on critical minerals...
Is Barnaby the new Pauline Hanson?
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...