Politics Now

Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has committed to "fixing" the News Bargaining Code to ensure platforms contribute their "fair share", unveiling an exposure draft ...

The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has joined with other world leaders to express gratitude that the US President was unharmed after a a shooter crashed the venue of t...

John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants.'  | Insiders

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during...

Casey Briggs answers your election questions

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a very special Question Time edition of The Party Room, Chief Elections and Data Analyst Casey Briggs joins PK to get stuck into all of your wonde...

Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the leaves on the parliamentary budget tree change colour, Labor has unveiled an enormous NDIS overhaul — promising major savings in the upcomin...

The political price of NDIS savings

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years.Under...

The gas tax squeeze

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whether the government likes it or not, momentum is building around a gas profits tax.What began as a simmering grassroots and political push has acc...

Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation?

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says reining in NDIS spending will “easily be the most important” source of budget savings as the Albanese Government look...

‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s National Defence Strategy was unveiled this week, with more money for drones and missiles and an unapologetic commitment to the US-alli...

A world full of predators

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A National Defence Strategy, an oil refinery fire, a regional charm offensive by the PM, a bleak global outlook from the IMF and a new Opposition imm...

It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the US for as G20 finance meeting, the IMF has delivered a dire warning about global economic growth and inflation...

Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has called for Australia to "discriminate based on values" and suggested some migrants represent a "net drain" to Aust...

Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony...

Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background. 

The populist elephant in the room

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fran and PK let you know about all of the news "adjacent" TV they've been watching — and then get stuck into some brilliant listener queries on thi...

Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US alliesPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefir...

Can you deliver reform during a crisis?

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his upcoming trip to Singapore, as the government continues to "build resilience" amid global uncertain...

Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph?

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Over 1000-days since the landmark Murphy report was handed down, Anthony Albanese has announced his government's long awaited gambling advertisement ...

Did Albo's address meet the moment?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare national address overnight, warning Australians about "uncertain times" ahead — but sending the me...

Is Albanese the 'man with a plan'?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to deliver a rare national address this evening — the first national address since the COVID pandemic.While ...

Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the fuel excise cut will "make a difference", but the Treasurer is warning the cut could take weeks to flow thro...

Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months.It comes as N...

Reform or handout? That is the question for the Government ahead of the budget

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The global economic fallout from the Middle East war is still emerging, but things are not looking good.  It's a conundrum for the Federal Governmen...

Capping off a 'binfire' political week

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia has been in the firing line of another Donald Trump "spray", with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declaring he "won't comment on commentary...

Progressive patriotism v sovereignty

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed National Cabinet will meet again to coordinate a national response to the ongoing fuel crisis. But shou...

All fetta! Australia-EU trade deal inked

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After nearly a decade of negotiations, Australia and the European Union have signed a landmark free trade agreement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ...

Which political party is listening to Australians?

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Labor Malinaukus Government claimed a landslide victory in the South Australian election over the weekend, cementing what PK calls the Premier's ...

Demand for fuel has gone up, but when will petrol prices come back down? 

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal government says there's no shortage of fuel supply in Australia, amid the ongoing war in Iran.So why some regional service stations unab...

Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

All eyes are on the South Australian election this week, which promises to be the first real test of One Nation's skyrocketing support in recent poll...

Hastie takes on a 'petulant' Trump

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie has blasted the US President's social media post criticising Australia and other ...

How one swing voter decided the rate hike

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a decision that was widely anticipated, the RBA hiked the interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, taking the cash rate to 4.1 per cent.It wasn't ...

Was Labor slow to act on fuel fears?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has ruled out sending a navy ship to the strait of Hormuz, as fuel woes continue to bite at home. And while the Energy Minist...

Dennis Richardson: Intelligence findings into Bondi terror attack "cannot wait"

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former spy boss tells David Speers agencies need any Royal Commission's findings and recommendations into potential intelligence failings before the ...

Is One Nation capturing young voters?

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is economic grievance the only reason some voters are flirting One Nation — and if so, why aren't more Millennials and Gen Z also supporting the mi...

A big week of resignations

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PK reckons this is the biggest week of politics (so far) this year.And with the Albanese Government announcing a "purely defensive" deployment to the...

A big week of resignations

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PK reckons this is the biggest week of politics (so far) this year.And with the Albanese Government announcing a "purely defensive" deployment to the...

Welcome to Matt Canavan’s ‘hyper-Australia’

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan has claimed the National Party leadership, with Victorian MP Darren Chester elected as Deputy Nationals leader.The ne...

Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has confirmed Australia will deploy a military surveillance plane and missiles to the middle east, after a request from the UAE. A...

Will Farrer be One Nation's 'holy grail'?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed Australia is considering a request by some Gulf countries to provide military assistance, as they try to de...

Should Aus join Canada's middle power fightback? | Insiders On Background

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's Prime Minister has wrapped up his friendly three day visit to Australia. Melissa Clarke sat down with the Lowy Institute's Sam Roggeveen fo...

Why petrol prices are 'kryptonite' for governments

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While parliament was back in session, it was global affairs that dominated the week in politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to back th...

Why petrol prices are 'cryptonite' for governments

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While parliament was back in session, it was global affairs that dominated the week in politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to back th...

The review Liberals tried to bury

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A scathing review of the Liberal party's election performance has been laid bare, despite the Liberal party's federal executive trying to suppress it...

The new world disorder

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the war in the Middle East expands, the US President Donald Trump has warned a "big wave" of strikes is still yet to come. But back home, both the...

Why Albanese backed Trump's Iran attack

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the United States and Israel's joint strikes in Iran, saying Australia stands with the Iranian people.Me...

Can tax reform fix Australia's housing crisis?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Treasurer has confirmed his department is looking at changes to both the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing rules ahead of the May b...

PM 'mops up' as Ley officially exits

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Opposition leader Sussan Ley has tendered her immediate resignation from parliament, officially sparking a by-election in her seat of Farrer. ...

A ‘difficult’ week for the PM

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, he's promising to focus on "economics over politics" - but what will Labor actually...

Albanese's 'troubling' bomb scare

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefly evacuated from the Lodge overnight, due to a bomb threat linked to performances in Australia by a classic...

Why is Albanese ruling out a republic referendum?

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has voluntarily written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to offer support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of ...

Is Albanese playing 'mind games' in Farrer?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has continued his hardline rhetoric on so-called ‘ISIS Brides’, but now Opposition leader Angus Taylor has upped the ante, with ...

What is the government doing about 'ISIS families' wanting to return?

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Government hardens its stance on 'ISIS families' trying to leave Syria.

Women and children in Syrian camp "will end up in Australia" | Insiders On Background

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The debate over immigration, border control and social cohesion hardened this week, after a group of women and children in northern Syria attempted t...

Why is Albanese taking a hard line on 'ISIS brides'?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a tough line on the so-called 'ISIS brides' attempting to return to Australia from Syrian camps. So, how mu...

Is Taylor's frontbench battle ready?

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Liberal leader Angus Taylor has announced his shadow frontbench, promising to blend generational change with proven experience. Angus Taylor's key al...

By-election booby traps || LIVE SHOW

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's The Party Room live!  Fran and PK were joined on stage by ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs at the Mardi Gras Fair Day festival in Sydne...

The radical realignment of the right

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Newly minted Liberal leader Angus Taylor has made it clear a tougher approach to immigration is on the agenda. In his first address as Opposition lea...

Ley out, Taylor in. What happens next? | Insiders On Background

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Liberal Party has elected Angus Taylor as its new leader, defeating Sussan Ley in a spill motion on Friday. 

Taylor triumphs, Ley resigns. What next?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Angus Taylor has emerged as the new Liberal leader, beating Sussan Ley 34 votes to 17. The new Liberal leader says the party is facing a "change or d...

It's on! Taylor v Ley spill

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After a drawn out process, Angus Taylor has officially announced he'll challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. But while many Liberal frontb...

Taylor set to strike... but how?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pressure is mounting on Liberal leadership hopeful Angus Taylor to declare his hand and mount a challenge against Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadersh...

Taylor set to strike... but how?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pressure is mounting on Liberal leadership hopeful Angus Taylor to declare his hand and mount a challenge against Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadersh...

Big personalities, protests and polling

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Around 6000 people gathered at Town Hall to rally against the Israeli President's visit overnight, 27 people were arrested during clashes with office...

Coalition frenemies promise to unite

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Coalition members say they are united ahead of the Parliamentary sitting week...but are they? It’s only been three weeks since David Littleproud sa...

What is Thriving Kids? | Insiders On Background

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Insiders On Background is back for 2026! This week we are diving into the federal government's model for its Thriving Kids program. The program is ...

A week of parliamentary drama

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a week of high drama in parliament, from Shakespeare novels to soap opera references, but while the Liberal-Nationals chaos continued to ta...

Should we expect bold budget ideas?

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government is selling off an estimated $3-billion-dollars’ worth of defence sites, so what does the "significant" overhaul of Australi...

Is a rate rise the government's fault?

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The RBA board has held its first monetary policy meeting for 2026 - and a cash rate lift is the result.After the Coalition split dominated the start ...

Has Albanese got his mojo back?

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government should have been starting the week on the backfoot, but the infighting of the Liberal and Nationals' has kept the focus squar...

Is Labor tackling gendered violence?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In 2022, the Albanese Government joined its state and territory counterparts to commit to ending violence against women and children in a generation....

Why timing is everything in politics

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With parliament set to return next week, Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor have met and while the discussions have been described as "constructive" they...

Spills, inflation and One Nation - oh my!

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a scorching start to the parliamentary year - and not just because of the weather.Sussan Ley is holding on, but pressure is building and Liber...

Is a rate hike now imminent?

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nationals leader David Littleproud is set to face a leadership challenge on Monday, with Queensland MP Colin Boyce announcing a spill motion, stating...

Could 'freelancers' decide the Liberals' future?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The political heat remains on Opposition leader Sussan Ley, and while the jostle to replace her as Liberal leader continues behind the scenes, modera...

Is Sussan Ley's leadership 'toast'?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Liberal leadership tensions continue to grow, with Sussan Ley’s role as Opposition leader seen as untenable in the wake of the Coalition split....

Libs, Nats, One Nation and the fight for the right

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The dust has settled on the Nationals' explosive decision to quit the Coalition, but questions are continuing to swirl about Sussan Ley and David Lit...

The Coalition is 'done'. Are Ley and Littleproud too?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud ac...

The Coalition is 'done'. Are Ley and Littleproud too?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud ac...

Are the Nationals testing Sussan Ley?

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has passed its gun reforms and watered down hate laws after a late night sitting of the Senate.But three Nationals frontbench...

Are the Nationals testing Sussan Ley?

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has passed its gun reforms and watered down hate laws after a late night sitting of the Senate.But three Nationals frontbench...

Will hate speech laws split the Coalition?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government is set to pass its hate speech and gun reform bills through the parliament. It comes after Labor split the omnibus legislatio...

Parliament returns - but it's not 'politics as usual'

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time since the Bondi terror attack, MPs from across the country have returned to Canberra.The first morning saw sombre speeches from a ...

Labor accountability and negative gearing caution

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there more women in the Senate than in the House of Representatives? Is it just convention stopping Senators from being major party leaders? ...

Will Ley rejecting hate speech laws backfire?

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a big week in Australian politics, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalling parliament early to deal with hate speech and gun buyback...

Kerrynne Liddle doesn't believe in one-size-fits-all

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kerrynne Liddle represents a lot of firsts.The Arrernte woman is the first indigenous Senator for South Australia, the first indigenous woman to win ...

Why Kevin Rudd resigned as US Ambassador

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a surprise move,  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the US Ambassador Kevin Rudd will step down from the role at the end of March - a...

Is Albanese's year off to a bumpy start?

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Politics Now is back after a summer recess and PK and Jacob have lots of thoughts about what happened over the break!And as extreme weather continues...

Why the PM announced a royal commission

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.The announcement comes in the wake o...

Gambling ban, the glass cliff and Dutton’s ‘disappearance'

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More than two years on from the Murphy review, where is the Albanese government on gambling reform — and is there growing disquiet in the backbench...

Larissa Waters is a shameless optimist

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Greens Leader Larissa Waters has described herself as someone who was elected to “get shit done”. But what does that actually mean?As the first G...

Why 2026 will be a 'pollster's picnic'

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pollsters are already preparing for an interesting year ahead.One Nation's support has surged, while Coalition support has slumped. So, are politicia...

Josh Burns on how you create change

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Burns is a bit of a rising star in the Australian Labor Party. The Member for Macnamara is an increasing presence in the party - often unafraid...

A political year in review

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Politics Now - The Party Room - live! In this Canberra Theatre live show, recorded at the start of December, Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas w...

Tim Wilson on what makes a good society

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

He’s often described as a Liberal moderate - but that’s a label this MP is uncomfortable with.The member for Goldstein Tim Wilson spent a term in...

Why immigration is back on the agenda

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is often celebrated for its multiculturalism, and lauded as an immigration success story.But in politics, debates over immigration are comp...

A 'not perfect' PM acts on Bondi

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has acknowledged he could have done more to combat antisemitism, and is "fully supporting and adopting" antisemitism e...

The hard questions about Bondi begin

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Three days after the horrific attack on Jewish people at Bondi Beach, political lines are being drawn.The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this mornin...

John Howard's warning to Anthony Albanese

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The fallout from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack is continuing to ricochet across Australia and around the globe. Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier ...

Will the Bondi shooting lead to gun reform?

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, the Prime Minister has vowed to "dedicate every single resource required" to the response. Anthony Alba...

Are politician perks a 'pisstake'?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government's agenda has been overshadowed by scrutiny on political entitlements and expenses. And while Communications and Sport Ministe...