Politics Now

Is Australia ready for the AI transformation? | Insiders on Background

12 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Executive director of the Tech Policy Design Institute, Johanna Weaver, says Australia is well-placed to navigate the AI transformation while maintai...

Labor goes back to basics

11 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is holding a Medicare card. Tony Abbott is spruiking a national tour. "Ditch the witch" is back in the headlines. Everything old i...

Is the Prime Minister ready to 'cop it'?

10 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - ...

Pocock sparks data centre debate

09 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the three-day inquiry into the Albanese Government's proposed NDIS overhaul gets underway, the Opposition hasn't ruled out doing a deal with the G...

Labor's populism pushback

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese says voter frustration with the system formed the backdrop for Labor's budget — saying if governments don't respond to the circums...

Lachlan Harris warns Labor's budget isolates voters amid One Nation rise | Insiders on Background

05 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese government passed the first tranche of its tax legislation through the lower house this week but is still facing backlash from investors...

One Nation is surging. Why aren't the Greens?

05 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PK is still making her way through a rewatch of The West Wing — and she and Fran have some big thoughts about the idealistic vision of politics the...

Trump's tariffs and AUKUS awkwardness

04 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged there's an "ideological disagreement" with the US, after the Trump Administration confirmed they'll ...

Why Labor won't sink AUKUS

03 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks.Albanese Government frontbenchers have come...

AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock'

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat.The former Labor minister is leading an ...

Could Pauline Hanson become PM?

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new poll has One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, as the Albanese Government loses some skin in the wake of the budget.An...

Father of Inland Rail says 'this thing is on and unstoppable' | Insiders on Background

29 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The federal government has shelved plans to develop Inland Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane but the man who's known as the project's father says negot...

Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation bef...

Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation bef...

Political wedges and a welfare shake-up

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labor may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting ...

Albanese stares down tax push back

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Household energy bills are set to drop by up to 10 per cent, with the Albanese government crediting renewables and batteries for the decrease.It's a ...

A new 'teal' party?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Parliament is back in session and there's speculation a new party could be on the horizon.Independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have confirm...

Tech sector warns tax could "double" under CGT changes | Insiders on Background

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The decision to change capital gains tax rules for all investments, rather than just property, has sparked backlash from young investors, entrepreneu...

We answer your smart budget questions

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Was this a budget in desperate need of more graphs?Labor’s budget pitch is still making headlines - but it may not be happy about all of them.First...

Bad budgets 'linger'.Will this one?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers continue their big budget sell, they've faced fierce backlash from small business o...

Tim Wilson's 'call to arms' for Liberals

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has used a National Press Club Address to outline his vision for the Liberals.As PK tells David Speers the speech functio...

A 'vibe check' on capital gains tax

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The fight over Labor’s proposed capital gains tax changes isn’t brewing - it’s already here.Small business owners, founders and investors are p...

Is the post-budget bounce dead?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's a big budget contest of ideas underway, as Labor and the Coalition try to sell their alternate visions for Australia to voters.Or as Jacob pu...

How will negative gearing and CGT changes shift the property market? | Insiders

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week's federal budget included an overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax rules in a bid to move thousands of homes from the hand...

Taylor swings big on tax. Will it pay-off?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Opposition leader Angus Taylor used his first budget in reply speech to lay out some big bold policy ideas, saying he hopes Australians can "begin to...

Battle of the budgets begins

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continue their big budget sell, Opposition leader Angus Taylor is gearing up to deliver...

Did Labor's 'reform budget' deliver?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled his highly anticipated fifth budget, claiming it's the "most ambitious and important in decades".Housing tax refo...

Will Labor's budget 'pull up the ladder'?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labor is leaning into housing this budget, with big tax reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax to form the centrepiece.It's all in a bid t...

Where One Nation will target next

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a seismic shift in the Australian political landscape, with One Nation claiming it's first ever lower-house seat.The minor party's lands...

Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Farrer has been held by the Coalition for nearly 80 years but the seat looks almost certain to be won by One Nation's David Farley or Independent can...

Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Farrer has been held by the Coalition for nearly 80 years but the seat looks almost certain to be won by One Nation's David Farley or Independent can...

Will the budget annoy 'rich boomers'?

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a budget focused week in politics, but the arrival of a cohort of so-called ISIS brides has stolen some of that pre-budget spotlight.And sp...

Did we invent podcasting?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It turns out Fran and PK may have invented podcasting? Well, maybe not quite .. but they have been getting behind the microphone to bring you The Par...

It's all about 'sovereign capability'

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $10 billion energy security package, including a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, in what the government is c...

Should politicians be 'radically honest'?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government is locking in a trio of tax reforms, with capital gains tax, negative gearing and the taxation of trust funds all set to feat...

Australia-Japan: friends with benefits?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have held bi-lateral talks, lauding the "quasi-alliance" and fr...

How productivity can save the Australian economy | Insiders

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With just 10 days to go, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is putting the final touches the budget. Dr Chalmers has made clear productivity is a priority for t...

Jim Chalmers is running up that inflation hill

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a busy but "bitsy" week in politics, and while Pauline Hanson's "sexy" plane and the announcement of a new US Ambassador to Australia brief...

Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation has surged to a whopping 4.6 per cent, the highest level since 2023, as fuel shocks caused by the US-Iran war continue to bite.But the cost...

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...