Politics Now

Albanese sharpens criticism of the Israeli government

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and images of starving children emerge,  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly criticised the Isra...

How do we fix the childcare sector? || Insiders: On Background

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 48th parliament is now officially underway, and while it's full of fresh faces — particularity on the Albanese Government's side — is it stil...

How did Sussan Ley perform in her first Question Time?

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Pomp, ceremony and political division

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 48th Parliament has officially begun, but amid the pomp and ceremony, the Albanese Government has signed a joint statement calling for an immedia...

The 'stark' gender split in parliament

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As parliamentarians descend on Canberra for the first sitting week of the 48th parliament, Anthony Albanese is warning Labor to avoid complacency. A...

What does the PM's trip to China mean for Taiwan? | Insiders On Background

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 tr...

Laura Tingle on the PM, Trump and Xi

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

What the PM did and didn't say to President Xi Jinping

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 dipl...

Does Labor have a chance to be ambitious about housing?

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A spotlight is once again on the government’s ambitious signature housing targets, following unexpected revelations from an ABC Freedom of Informat...

Will the PM find a friend in China?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China has rolled out the red carpet for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.While our biggest trading partner is lobbing love bombs, our most powerful al...

Charm Offensive: China and US relations | Insiders On Background

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mi...

'Racism' in the NT police. Will the government push for change?

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Monday Coroner Elisabeth Armitage delivered her long-awaited findings into the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. So, as Warlpiri Elders call for...

Will Trump's tariffs make medicine more expensive?

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's tariffs have re-entered the chat. The US President's latest announcement — primarily the potential for steep tariffs on pharmaceutic...

Why the RBA held rates

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Is Australia's multicultural project in trouble?

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has roundly condemned a series of "shocking" antisemitic incidents, which Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has labelled "an attack...

Linda Burney: Yoorrook Commission lays "very fine blueprint for the way forward"

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first formal truth-telling commission, the Yoorrook Justice Commission, has found genocide was committed against Aboriginal people in Victoria. ...

Our childcare system is facing a 'reckoning'

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Education Minister Jason Clare has admitted that it's taken "too long" to standardise Working with Children Checks across Australia, with the topic o...

What Labor needs to do about child safety

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

State and Federal Governments are facing a "reckoning", after a childcare worker was charged with over 70 offences — and now another man has also b...

Can Albo fix our 'messy' gas market?

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Why Albo is under pressure to meet Trump

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the deadline for Donald Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs looms, Anthony Albanese has reiterated his call that US tariffs on Australia should b...

Kylie Moore-Gilbert on the situation in the Middle East | Insiders On Background

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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" i...

Sussan Ley's 'I'm not Dutton' speech

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 vi...

Has Trump stopped Iran developing a nuclear weapon?

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Australia backs Trump in Israel-Iran war

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has thrown his support behind the Trump Administration's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, suggesting Australia supports action...

 What's tax reform got to do with productivity? | Insiders on Background

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tax reform is back on the political agenda!

Why Australia is shifting its language on Israel-Iran

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Why the PM chasing Trump could look 'desperate'

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ope...

Did Trump 'snub' Albanese?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Will Albo get a Trump deal at any cost?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wit...

What Israel's strike on Iran means for Australia

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel has confirmed it has launched strikes on "dozens" nuclear and military targets in Iran — reportedly killing the Head of Iran's Revolutionary...

Tariff triumph or trouble? | Insiders On Background

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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'?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government is playing down the Trump Administration's review of the AUKUS agreement, with Deputy leader Richard Marles suggesting the mo...

Why Australia sanctioned Israeli Ministers

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Au...

Why AI means reform in Albo's second term

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 rene...

Will beef be on the menu when Albanese meets Trump?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Is Australia drone-ready? | Insiders on Background

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What lessons can Australia learn from Ukraine's drone attack on far-flung Russian air bases?

Albo's Trump-sized headache

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has re-entered the domestic political frame this week, doubling the tariffs on steel and aluminium, while his defence secretary urges Au...

Can Albo get a tariff deal with Trump?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the UK carves out a partial exemption on the Trump administration's tariffs, Opposition leader Sussan Ley is urging the Albanese Government to neg...

Why Dorinda Cox left the Greens for Labor

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sparke...

PM stares down US defence spending demand

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-P...

Quantum Leap | Insiders On Background

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Laura Tingle on when politics is at its best

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Coalition's shadow cabinet shakeup

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After officially reuniting as the Coalition, Sussan Ley and David Littleproud unveiled the make-up of the Shadow frontbench — and there were some n...

What Albo learnt from Scomo's Hawaii moment

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wh...

How do the Liberals rebuild?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Nationals are 'holding a gun to the Liberal Party’s head', says Malcolm Turnbull | Insiders: On Background

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Tuesday, the Coalition split. Then an internal war between the Liberals and Nationals broke out. By Thursday, olive branches were offered. The two...

Are the Coalition getting back together?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a public and messy break-up, the Liberal and National parties have agreed to delay announcing their respective frontbench picks "in good faith"...

Why the Coalition breakup is 'weird'

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Nationals have broken up with the Liberals, ending the Coalition agreement for the first time since 1987. But Nationals leader David Littleproud ...

Why the Nats broke up with the Libs

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This was supposed to be a Question Time episode, but while Fran and PK were answering brilliant questions from listeners — the Nationals announced ...

The PM heads to Rome

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following the Pope’s inauguration in Rome, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been busy networking with world leaders.Back in Australia, the Green...

Another round of climate wars? "Oh God no!" | Insiders On Background

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 n...

Three leadership contests in one week

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ha...

Is Sussan Ley facing a glass cliff?

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 co...

What Sussan Ley's leadership means for the Liberals

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 cl...

Surprises and snubs in Labor reshuffle

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's new frontbench, including some surprises and sideways moves.Among the key changes Michelle Rowla...

On Background || Liberal Party: What's next?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Why the Liberals could shift to MAGA

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Why Bandt and Dutton's losses share 'parallels'

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Factional fights left, right and centre

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is facing his first test after being re-elected, with Labor party factions and states jostling for positions on a renewed frontben...

How the Coalition 'failed' young voters

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Coalitio...

Trump praises Albo and has ‘no idea’ who Dutton is

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Calls from world leaders have been flooding in to congratulate Anthony Albanese on his win — including one from US President Donald Trump. He claim...

Peter Dutton's post-mortem

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Voters have handed Anthony Albanese and Labor a ringing endorsement. But the Coalition has suffered what Fran Kelly has labelled a "shellacking" -  ...

Labor wins the election and Dutton loses his seat

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has been returned as Prime Minister, in a Labor landslide. On top of a bruising defeat for his party, Opposition leader Peter Dutton...

Australia votes || Insiders On Background

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Australia goes to the polls, David Speers asks what have we learnt from this election campaign? 

Send this to your mate before they vote

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over a quarter of Australians have already cast their ballots, but for the rest of you - while you're lining up for your democracy sausage, what are ...

Who won the election campaign?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton lay out their final pitches to voters before election day – PK, Fran and David Crowe unpack who won the campai...

How Albanese has 'transformed' this campaign

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton are jetting across the country in a last-minute campaign blitz to shore up voters ...

Casey Briggs on why Australia is a nation of swingers

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are more soft and undecided voters than ever in this election. What are the major parties doing to win them over this late in the game? With f...

Can culture wars win elections?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we enter the final week of the election campaign both leaders are hoping to win over undecided voters. Will Peter Dutton’s opposition to some We...

On Background || Defending Australia

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does Australia need to increase defence spending? 

Question Time: Why politicians don't back 'brave' ideas

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So many of you have questions about next week's federal election, and Fran and PK are here to answer them all. Will Victorian voters punish the Alba...

Kinder or stronger. What do voters want?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton muscle up for the final week of the campaign, the two leaders have laid out distinctly different visions on lead...

Why Dutton wants an election fight on defence

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With just 10-days until the election, Peter Dutton has unveiled the Coalition's defence policy — pledging to lift spending by $21 billion dollars o...

How will the Pope's death impact the election?

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The death of Pope Francis has geopolitical implications, but domestically, it falls in the final two weeks of the federal election campaign.So, in a ...

How much do voters know about Dutton?

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As voters get ready to cast pre-poll ballots on Tuesday, the image of Peter Dutton with a petrol hose in his hand will be at the top of their minds —...

Betting the house || Insiders On Background

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Housing unaffordability - it’s been one of the biggest voter concerns heading into this election. Both major parties know this is a huge issue – ...

Why young women are key this election

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the election campaign passes the midway point, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have tried to sharpen their election pitches — but not without ...

Albo and Dutton muscle up in leaders' debate

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have faced off in their second leaders' debate of the election campaign, laying out what they claim are two differe...

The bank of mum, dad and Dutton

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the leaders continue to spruik their housing policies, Peter Dutton has confirmed he'll assist his kids with a house deposit "at some stage".It co...

Albo and Dutton move on housing. Is it enough?

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton both used their respective election campaign launches to unveil new housing policies. But experts have been critica...

Will the Qld 'Greenslide' hold this election?

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After visiting electorates across the Sunshine State, Claudia Long joins PK from Brisbane airport — but will she make her flight?And can Anthony Al...

Power Play || Insiders On Background

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Dutton is promising cheaper gas as one of his centerpiece promises in this election campaign. The idea is to have an east coast gas reservation...

Dutton the subject of alleged terror plot

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Dutton has unveiled he was the subject of an alleged foiled terror plot. Anthony Albanese says he's reached out to Peter Dutton and has warned ...

Global markets shake the election campaign

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Week two of the election campaign gas been a frantic one. We've had a leaders  debate, we’ve had policy backdowns and a fair bit of new policy.But...

Why is Dutton being hailed by the left?

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Dutton has now unveiled the details of the Coalition's gas reservation policy. It's aimed at reducing power bills for Australians — but there...

Did Albanese or Dutton win the first leaders' debate?

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have gone head-to-head in their first leaders' debate of this campaign — so who came out on top?Patricia Karvelas...

Why Western Sydney could decide the election

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Western Sydney will be one of the key battlegrounds at the upcoming election — as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton try to win over disenfranchised...

Dutton's 'Olympic-sized backflip' on WFH

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Dutton has abandoned his party's working from home policy, apologising and admitting it was a mistake. The policy backflip comes as the Austra...

Defence not a "bargaining chip" in Trump negotiations || Insiders On Background

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former Prime Minister John Howard says defence should never be used as a bargaining chip in negotiating exemptions from Donald Trump’s tariffs. Spe...

Annabel Crabb on talking tough and falling off stage

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The fallout from the Trump tariffs decision is continuing to dominate the campaign. Anthony Albanese is talking tough but he also took a tumble quite...

Will Trump's Liberation Day affect the election?

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has announced "Liberation Day" with a 10% tariff on Australian imports. So how will it impact on the election? Anthony Albanese says the...

Why Albo and Dutton are muscling up on Trump

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As round two of US tariffs loom, the Opposition leader Peter Dutton says he will fight with Donald Trump — or any other world leader to protect the...

How Trump could hurt 'DOGE Dutton's' chances

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump dominated the political day, as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton were peppered with questions over the looming trade tariffs.And Treasu...

Why Albanese has pulled ahead in polls

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton hit campaign trail, setting aside more gas for the domestic market or direct subsidies for power bills are the t...

Election 2025 - it's on! || Insiders

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Well election 2025, is now well and truly underway. The Prime Minister has fired the starters gun. Australians will be off to the polls on May 3rd. ...

Annabel Crabb and PK on the leaders' election pitches

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired the starters gun on the Federal election — and both leaders have unveiled their opening election pitches ...

Battle of the election bribes

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A tax cut, or a cut to the fuel excise? A battle over "budget sweeteners" has emerged on the eve of the election.Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor has co...

Why Albanese is wedging Dutton on tax cuts

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Albanese Government has used its post-Budget momentum to pile pressure on Peter Dutton ahead of his Budget reply speech on Thursday night — try...