Australian Politics

The prospects of an Australian republic – and predictions for the federal budget

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian political reporter Paul Karp is joined by Essential Media’s Peter Lewis and the Australia Institute’s Ebony Bennett to analyse the latest...

Is it too early to start talking about a republic? Your questions answered

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, while parliament is suspended, Guardian Australia’s politics team sit down to answer your questions. We cover when the right time is to s...

Immigration minister Andrew Giles on Labor’s plan for building pathways to permanency

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chief political correspondent Sarah Martin talks to Andrew Giles, Australian minister for immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs, about La...

What remit will the federal Icac have - and has the jobs summit set a new path for government decision making?

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Sarah Martin, is joined by Peter Lewis from Essential Media and Ebony Bennett and Bill Brown fro...

Minister Julie Collins on Labor’s plan for Australia’s housing crisis

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chief political correspondent Sarah Martin talks to Julie Collins, the federal housing minister, about Labor’s election promise to build 30,000 affo...

Ed Husic on innovation, migration and standing up to gas companies

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chief political correspondent Sarah Martin speaks to industry and science minister, Ed Husic, about how to encourage more innovation in Australia, if ...

Morrison’s secret portfolios – and is Australia’s economy broken?

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chief political correspondent Sarah Martin is joined by Essential Media’s Peter Lewis and the Australia Institute’s Ebony Bennett to analyse the l...

Pat Conroy on Labor’s engagement with our Pacific neighbours

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Martin, Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, talks to the minister for international development and the Pacific, who is newly ...

Tanya Plibersek on Labor’s plans for Australia’s environment

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s environment and water minister, Tanya Plibersek, talks to Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, about how Labor wil...

Can Labor build on the support for an Indigenous voice to parliament?

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, is joined by the executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, and deputy director of...

Chris Bowen on landmark climate legislation, negotiating with the Greens and what’s yet to come

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a week of debate and negotiation, the government has managed to pass its climate legislation. Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine...

Labor’s economic statement: how much trouble are we really in?

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy is joined by Shane Wright and Greg Jericho to discuss Jim Chalmers’ economic statement – its predictions on inflation and wages g...

How will Labor tackle climate change and cost of living as parliament returns?

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, is joined by the executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, and deputy director of...

Belittling Labor’s 43% target is ‘crazy’: Felicity Wade on climate action

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Felicity Wade from the Labor Environment Action Network joins political editor Katharine Murphy to discuss the group’s view of overhauling Australia...

Adam Bandt on working with Labor on climate action

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Greens leader Adam Bandt talks to political editor Katharine Murphy about the upcoming parliament, Labor’s 43% emissions target, and the need to wor...

Can Labor confront the reality of Covid?

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, is joined by the executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, and deputy editor of t...

Dutton’s move to the right, the new parliament and kingmakers: your questions answered

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the start of federal parliament inches closer, Guardian Australia’s Canberra bureau answers some of your most burning political questions – fro...

Jim Chalmers on Labor’s economic plan for resilience during difficult times

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Treasurer Jim Chalmers talks to political editor Katharine Murphy about how Labor will manage inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, increased...

Is the new Labor government ambitious enough?

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia political editor Katharine Murphy is joined by Richard Denniss, the chief economist at the Australian Institute, and John Remington...

Chris Bowen’s response to the energy crisis in Labor’s first fortnight

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Political editor Katharine Murphy and newly appointed energy and climate change minister Chris Bowen discuss how he’s working with states and territ...

How will Peter Dutton and David Littleproud reshape the Coalition?

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Liberal MP Peter Dutton was nominated and elected opposition leader, with the Nationals MP David Littleproud replacing Barnaby Joyce as...

Will Peter Dutton help or hinder Anthony Albanese’s mandate?

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia political editor Katharine Murphy speaks to the Essential director Peter Lewis and The Australia Institute chief economist Richard ...

Can Labor do anything to fix the problems in our economy?

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, discusses the election result and the country’s economic situation with economics col...

After a wild ride, Labor wins historic 2022 federal election

21 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese will be the prime minister of Australia, perhaps in minority government with independents who campaigned on climate change, integrity...

Poll predictions, supply and confidence, and election-night drinking games: your campaign questions answered

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the 2022 federal election campaign, Guardian Australia’s politics team are answering questions from listeners. This week we cover what ...

Poll analysis: how could this election journey end?

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the last few days of Australia’s federal election campaign we’ve seen the polls tighten and Labor’s lead shrink. Guardian Australia political...

Tax cuts v wage rises, leaked polling and extraordinary pork barrelling: your campaign questions answered

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the election campaign, Guardian Australia’s politics team answers questions from listeners. This week we cover how minor party preferen...

Gaffes, cutting spending and which Liberal politician would you rather be: your campaign questions answered

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the election campaign, Guardian Australia’s politics team answers questions from listeners. This week they cover gaffes, gotcha questio...

Policies not personalities a key factor in deciding Australia’s next government – Australian politics podcast

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Three weeks out from the federal election, Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Sarah Martin and executive director of Essential, Pete...

Preferences and why the Greens target progressive seats: your campaign questions answered

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the election campaign, Guardian Australia’s politics team answers questions from listeners. This week they cover preferences, how they ...

Dogwhistles and the battle for marginal seats: your campaign questions answered

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the election campaign, Guardian Australia’s politics team answers questions from listeners. This week they cover LNP divisions over War...

Will female voters be the decisive force in Australia’s 2022 election?

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the federal election in full swing, Guardian Australia political editor Katharine Murphy and Peter Lewis, the executive director of Essential, un...

From Albanese’s gaffe to protest votes: Guardian Australia’s politics team answers your campaign questions

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each week of the election campaign the politics team will be answering your questions on the podcast. This week they cover how Scott Morrison and Anth...

Two election pitches for the future of Australia

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of our new Campaign Catchup podcast, political editor Katharine Murphy breaks down the opening election salvos from the major par...

Jim Chalmers on Labor’s road to the federal election

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Political editor Katharine Murphy talks to shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers about Labor’s roadmap for the imminent federal election, budget fallout and...

As the election nears Scott Morrison can’t escape his own reputation | Australian Politics podcast

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the federal election to be called imminently, Katharine Murphy unpacks the latest Essential Poll with Peter Lewis, the executive director of Esse...

‘A tumultuous period’: Josh Frydenberg on being treasurer during Covid and the 2022 election

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Political editor Katharine Murphy and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg reflect on his terms in parliament with the Morrison government, and discuss the polit...

‘It is time for change, we have to try something new’: Jacqui Lambie on the upcoming election

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Political editor Katharine Murphy and Senator Jacqui Lambie discuss the political outlook of Tasmanians in the lead-up to the election, how the local ...

The floods have damaged Scott Morrison but it’s not over yet

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Political reporter Paul Karp joins Peter Lewis, the executive director of Essential, and Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute, to...

Health to be a big decider in South Australian election

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will South Australians change government this weekend? Political editor Katharine Murphy and chief political correspondent Sarah Martin discuss the cl...

Penny Wong on Labor’s plans for rebuilding diplomatic relations

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy talks to Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Penny Wong, about the Aukus deal, Scott Morrison’s approach to China relations and...

Australia as the 2022 election nears: is there a mood for change?

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy analyses the Guardian Essential poll with Essential’s executive director Peter Lewis. They examine how the major political parties ...

The global implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to the Australian National University’s professor of international security and intelligence studies John Blaxland and Guard...

Wages, inflation and cost of living: crucial issues ahead of Australia’s election

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to economics writers Shane Wright and Greg Jericho to discuss the state of Australia’s economy, the upcoming federal budget ...

Essential poll analysis:​ Coalition’s national security scare campaign may have backfired

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy analyses the Guardian Essential poll with Essential’s executive director Peter Lewis. They examine how people have reacted to the l...

‘Wild and ruthless’: Katharine Murphy on surprise rebellion and familiar tactics

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy discusses with Jane Lee the drama of the federal parliament’s first sitting fortnight – from the failed Religious Discrimination ...

Sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins on a turning point in Australian politics

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to Jenkins about the parliamentary response to her inquiry and what needs to practically change to make a difference in Austra...

An increasingly tough election for Labor to win

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy analyses the Guardian Essential poll with Peter Lewis, the executive director of Essential. They’re both interviewed by Ebony Benne...

Your questions answered by the Guardian’s Canberra bureau

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia’s team of political reporters look at the year to come in politics. What seats could the Coalition lose this...

Simon Birmingham on the budget forecast, economic recovery and the Jenkins review

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to finance minister Simon Birmingham about the mid-year budget update, jobs and wage growth, and how the Coalition is respondi...

The year in politics with the Guardian’s Canberra bureau

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia’s team of political reporters answer your most burning political questions. What lies ahead for Scott Morris...

Peter Lewis on polling in the lead-up to an election year

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to the executive director of Essential about how Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese are polling post-Covid lockdowns and the ...

Jim Chalmers on Labor’s plan for Australia’s economy

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to the federal shadow treasurer about the ALP’s economic and climate policy ahead of an election year

China’s acting ambassador to Australia on Taiwan, diplomacy and a damaged relationship

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia’s foreign affairs and defence correspondent Daniel Hurst speaks to China’s acting ambassador to Australia, Wang Xining, on the ...

Australia navigates the relationship with France, Aukus and the G20

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At the G20 in Rome in the wake of the controversial Aukus deal in which Australia opted to buy nuclear submarines from the US and UK and ditch the $90...

A plan for net zero that’s worse than nothing?

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Scott Morrison finally released what he said was a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. But is it? In the final episode of Guardian Aus...

Helen Haines on the need for a federal anti-corruption commission

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to the independent Indi MP Helen Haines about her plan to reintroduce a federal integrity commission bill to the lower house n...

Australia’s climate indecision continues as Scott Morrison heads to Glasgow

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor Adam Morton about the Coalition’s approach to net zero emissions an...

This week in politics with the Guardian’s Canberra bureau

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia’s team of political reporters answer your most burning political questions. Will Scott Morrison attend the C...

Matt Kean on climate change, the Coalition and the economic case for net zero

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to New South Wales energy minister Matt Kean about the state’s plan to cut emissions in half by 2030 – a move that has add...

Greg Jericho and Shane Wright on Australia’s economy and a post-Covid election

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to Guardian Australia’s economics writer Greg Jericho and the senior economics correspondent for the Age and the Sydney Morn...

Tosca Looby on Strong Female Lead, and Julia Gillard’s fight against sexism

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to Tosca Looby, the director of SBS’s latest feature documentary Strong Female Lead, about the sexism Julia Gillard faced as...

Labor’s Michelle Rowland and Chris Bowen on western Sydney’s Covid crisis

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to Labor Greenway MP Michelle Rowland and her colleague McMahon MP Chris Bowen about how their constituents are coping with Sy...

Karen Middleton on the consequences of an unwinnable war in Afghanistan

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to the Saturday Paper’s chief political correspondent, Karen Middleton, about the situation in Afghanistan and the Australia...

Josh Frydenberg on nation’s Covid response and climate change action – Australian politics podcast

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The federal treasurer joins Katharine Murphy to discuss the Coalition government’s approach to the pandemic recovery, and climate plans in preparati...

‘Terribly scary’: Katy Gallagher on her personal Covid experience – Australian politics podcast

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shadow finance minister Katy Gallagher is the chair of the Senate select committee into the federal government’s response to Covid-19. This week, he...

Keith Pitt on Australia’s energy ambitions - Australian politics podcast

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks with the federal resources minister, Keith Pitt, about the government’s gas-fired recovery plan, the export of energy resour...

Doherty Institute’s Jodie McVernon on Covid modelling – Australian politics podcast

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks with Prof Jodie McVernon, the director of epidemiology at the Doherty Institute, about how lockdowns went from being unaccepta...

Gabrielle Chan on why you should definitely care about farming

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks to journalist Gabrielle Chan about her upcoming book, Why you should give a f*ck about farming. Gabrielle talks about how farm...

Eight years on, what’s happening with offshore detention?

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks with the executive director of Refugee Legal, David Manne, to discuss Australia’s history of offshore detention and the ongo...

Andrew Giles on car parks and accountability – Australian politics podcast

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy interviews the federal Labor MP Andrew Giles on why he wrote to the auditor general regarding the $660m Coalition car park ...

Julia Banks on barriers and boys’ clubs in Parliament House – Australian politics podcast

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy interviews former federal Liberal MP Julia Banks – the only member of her party to win a seat held by the opposition at t...

Matt Canavan on leadership and why he doesn’t want a net zero policy – Australian politics podcast

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy interviews Nationals senator Matt Canavan on Australia’s climate wars. The Nationals’ reinstated party leader, Barnaby ...

What is the National party’s plan after Barnaby Joyce’s resurrection? – Australian politics podcast

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the National party voting to return Barnaby Joyce as leader and deputy prime minister earlier this week, Katharine Murphy sits down with Gabriell...

How will the new UK free trade deal impact Australia? – Australian politics podcast

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks with Australia’s trade minister, Dan Tehan, about the new agreement struck with Britain. From more tariff-free meat to visa ...

Why won’t the government release the Biloela family? – Australian politics podcast

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia’s team of Canberra reporters answer your most burning political questions. Will Scott Morrison mak...

Anthony Albanese on Scott Morrison, the pandemic and the next election – Australian politics podcast

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy speaks with Anthony Albanese to mark his two years as Labor leader. How can the leader increase his visibility? How has Scott Morriso...

Will the government bring an Indigenous voice to parliament? – Australian politics podcast

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy talks to Liberal senator Andrew Bragg about his new book Buraadja, which details the successes and failures of the Liberal ...

Why is the Morrison government building a $600m gas power plant? – Australian politics podcast

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The federal government this week confirmed it would spend up to $600m on a new gas-fired power plant in NSW’s Hunter region, despite the Internation...

How the budget will impact Australia’s mental health system – Australian politics podcast

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy talks to Christine Morgan, CEO of the national mental health commission, about the budget’s $2.3bn mental health package which the ...

‘A challenging environment’: Simon Birmingham on the budget and parliament’s workplace culture

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy talks to the finance minister in an exclusive interview ahead of the federal budget. They discuss the ongoing challenges the Covid pa...

Has Australia’s economy escaped the pandemic? – Australian Politics podcast

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Katharine Murphy sits down with economics writers Shane Wright and Greg Jericho to discuss the Australian economy. With house prices soarin...

Can Australia keep up with the world’s climate progress? – Australian politics podcast

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy speaks with Erwin Jackson, the policy director at Investor Group on Climate Change, to discuss the Biden administration’s...

How can Australia get to net zero by 2050? – Australian politics podcast

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy sits down with Labor MP Chris Bowen to talk about Labor’s potential roadmap to zero net emissions. Why is Australia lagging so badl...

Is Scott Morrison safe until the election? – Australian politics podcast

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy sits down with fellow Canberra reporters Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and Amy Remeikis to answer your most urgent political questions. Is ...

David Littleproud on getting farmers on board with the climate flight

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy sits down with the Nationals’ deputy leader, David Littleproud, to discuss the party’s stance on reducing carbon emissions. They ...

Asio chief: 'no direct lessons' from Christchurch but 'this can happen to us'

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a sit-down interview, political reporter Daniel Hurst speaks to Asio chief Mike Burgess about lessons from Christchurch and why the organisation is...

Kate Jenkins on addressing workplace risks in parliament – Australian politics podcast

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy talks to sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins as she starts her investigation into parliament’s workplace culture. Jenkins ...

Sarah Hanson-Young on the reckoning of parliament – Australian politics podcast

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a turbulent two weeks in parliament, Katharine Murphy talks to Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young about her experiences in fighting toxic culture...

Tackling online extremism in Australia – Australian politics podcast

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy and Daniel Hurst talk to Liberal senator James Paterson about his new role as the chair of Australia’s security and intelligence co...

What steps can we take to change the toxic culture in parliament? – Australian politics podcast

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katharine Murphy speaks to Labor MPs Peta Murphy and Kate Thwaites after the allegations made by a former Liberal staffer, Brittany Higgins,...

Will there be a federal election this year? – Australian politics podcast

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy sits down with her team in Canberra to answer your most urgent political questions for 2021. When will the government roll out a vacc...

How did Keith Wolahan defeat Kevin Andrews in the battle for Menzies? – Australian politics podcast

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the first episode of the Australian politics podcast for 2021, Katharine Murphy talks with former special forces captain and barrister Keith Wolaha...

The loneliness epidemic of 2020 – Australian politics live podcast

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Looking back at the year, Katharine Murphy sits down with Labor MP Andrew Giles and Liberal MP Fiona Martin to discuss Australia’s other epidemic: l...

Tony Burke: the government is failing Australian workers – Australian politics live podcast

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On the last sitting day of parliament, politics editor Katharine Murphy and political reporter Paul Karp talk to Labor MP Tony Burke about the governm...

Will Australia treat big tech as publishers? – Australian politics live podcast

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katharine Murphy talks to MP Anne Webster after her defamation case against conspiracy theorist Karen Brewer. Webster intends to bring forward legisla...

How innovation and immigration will save the economy and the climate – Australian politics live podcast

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week politics editor Katharine Murphy talks to Victorian frontbencher Clare O’Neil about Labor’s vision for Australia’s workforce. With mou...

What's Australia's end game with China? – Australian politics live podcast

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With China’s increasingly authoritarian assertiveness clashing against Australia’s agenda, Katharine Murphy sits down with Daniel Hurst to discuss...

Helen Haines on why we need a strong federal integrity commission

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While the Coalition has been delaying introducing its own federal anti-corruption bill, the independent member for Indi, Helen Haines, has drafted her...

After the ACT election, will Labor and the Greens form a national coalition?

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Guardian Australia political editor Katharine Murphy speaks to the ACT chief minister, Labor’s Andrew Barr, and to the attorney general, Shane Ratte...