Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled his highly anticipated fifth budget, claiming it's the "most ambitious and important in decades". Housing tax reform was the centrepiece of the wartime budget, with changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount announced. Labor says the reforms will allow 75,000 new people to afford their first home, but does the move go far enough to address intergenerational inequity? Will voters reward them for taking a risk - or punish them for "breaking a...
May 12, 2026•23 min
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 to address intergenerational inequity — but as Tom tells PK, grandfathering could "directly undermine" that and feed into accusations the Albanese Government is "pulling the ladder up" on a new generation. As PK says, the way Labor "frames" the reforms is key both to win over voters and ward of future scare campaigns. But while the Albanese Governme...
May 12, 2026•22 min
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 landslide victory in the former Coalition heartland of Farrer came with a warning shot from leader Pauline Hanson — "One Nation is coming for your seat next." So, as the recriminations continue, PK and Jacob discuss if "operation Angus" has failed the Coalition and what base the party has left. PK points out the party have lost their city heartland and ...
May 11, 2026•29 min
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 candidate Michelle Milthorpe.
May 08, 2026•11 min
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 candidate Michelle Milthorpe.
May 08, 2026•11 min
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 speaking of budgets, is Treasurer Jim Chalmer's fifth set to be more exciting than the others? Well, PK admits she's excited at the "opening of a can" but both her and Fran agree that with promise of this being a big reforming budget, it's more closely watched than usual. And when should politicians change their mind — and when is it just 'dishonest'...
May 08, 2026•34 min
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 Party Room for a whopping 10 years! To celebrate a whole decade of the podcast, they were joined on stage by special guests Lenore Taylor and Casey Briggs to reflect on how Australian politics has shifted over the last 10 years , and where things are headed next. So, with the Farrer by-election looming, is the Coalition legitimising One Nation by prefe...
May 07, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $10 billion energy security package, including a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, in what the government is calling a major step towards energy sovereignty. The announcement lands just days out from the budget, and in the mix of RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning the government to be careful spending doesn't add to inflation, following yesterday's rate rise. And as a group of so-called “ISIS brides” and their children prepare to return to Australia, the...
May 05, 2026•28 min
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 feature in the budget. PK and Raf Epstein are aligned on the need for the Government to deliver "big reform". PK says she's "troubled" by the way Labor is avoiding making the case for changes they believe in during the "bear-pit of an election" and using the changes to Stage 3 Tax Cuts as the "template" rather than an exception. Raf has other thoughts. ...
May 05, 2026•33 min
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have held bi-lateral talks, lauding the "quasi-alliance" and friendship between the two-nations. As Jacob tells PK, Anthony Albanese has been engaging in extensive "alliance-work" over the last few months, with the subtext of those bilateral talks becoming overt — "we are worried about the US and what Donald Trump is doing to alliances." Meanwhile, the reverberations are continuing after the death of Kumanjayi ...
May 04, 2026•29 min
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 this term of parliament. So who better to ask about the upcoming budget than the Productivity Commission. David Speers sat down with Commission Chair Danielle Wood for this week's Insiders On Background.
May 01, 2026
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 briefly took the spotlight, the economy has been the key focus. Inflation has dramatically spiked, the Prime Minister has effectively ruled out a gas profits tax and housing reforms are starting to take shape. But as Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson continue their battle of the barbs, Shane Wright has a few Kate Bush inspired sugges...
Apr 30, 2026•33 min
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 of living hasn't stopped One Nation leader Pauline Hanson from taking to social media to celebrate her "sexy" new private plane. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit out at the announcement, labelling the Senator a "wholly owned subsidiary" of billionaire Gina Rinehart — so could the optics hurt the minor party? It comes as Anthony Albanese delivered hi...
Apr 29, 2026•22 min
The Prime Minister has committed to "fixing" the News Bargaining Code to ensure platforms contribute their "fair share", unveiling an exposure draft of the legislation. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has nominated former Republican Congressman David Brat for the role of US ambassador to Australia. And Mel and PK are in fierce agreement about the glory of Canberra in autumn, but reporting suggests the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson — who were previously touted for the posting — w...
Apr 28, 2026•24 min
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 the White House Correspondents' dinner. But back home, support for Donald Trump and the US alliance is under strain, could that also spell trouble for One Nation? And as the Farrer by-election gets closer, could the Coalition preferencing the minor party get them their first lower house seat in 30-years? Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it al...
Apr 27, 2026•26 min
Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during his first term of office. He joined David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.
Apr 24, 2026
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 wonderfully nerdy questions. Including, what does the preparation for election night look like behind the scenes? Why is Queensland the only state without an Upper House/Senate? Are Gen Z men still leaning left? And is expanding the size of parliament a good idea? Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at th...
Apr 23, 2026•32 min
As the leaves on the parliamentary budget tree change colour, Labor has unveiled an enormous NDIS overhaul — promising major savings in the upcoming budget. So, has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally used some of his political capital with the "bold" reforms? And what are the political risks, as many in the disability community remain alarmed about the implications from the overhaul? Meanwhile, momentum is growing for a gas profits tax, with an unlikely political grouping all supporting the...
Apr 23, 2026•39 min
The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years. Underpinned by four key pillars, the reform looks to rein in spending and "unsustainable growth" and clamp down on the "chaotic free-for-all-market that's built up". And while the move will generate key budget savings, it doesn't come without political costs for Labor — but as David tells PK, the government clearly thinks they'll "get points for making ...
Apr 22, 2026•25 min
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 accelerated amid the global energy crisis, with pressure mounting on the government to act. A Greens-led inquiry into the issue begins today. But is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listening? At the same time, both the government and opposition are sharpening their housing messages - but which one will land with voters? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epste...
Apr 21, 2026•28 min
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says reining in NDIS spending will “easily be the most important” source of budget savings as the Albanese Government looks to make the scheme "sustainable". And while the Treasurer confirmed a "whole range" of tax reforms remain on the table, is consensus growing across political aisles and the community for changes like a gas profits tax? Meanwhile, One Nations' primary vote has slumped across two key polls today, so is Donald Trump's erratic behaviour causing some blow-...
Apr 20, 2026•32 min
Australia’s National Defence Strategy was unveiled this week, with more money for drones and missiles and an unapologetic commitment to the US-alliance. Kim Beazley is a former Defence Minister during the Hawke Government, a long-serving Labor Leader in opposition, a former Ambassador to the United States and now Chair of the Australian War Memorial. He sat down with David Speers for this week’s Insiders On Background.
Apr 17, 2026•27 min
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 immigration policy — it's been another big week in politics. So, is the Albanese Government's boost to defence spending the right move — or at least a sign they're "on the right track"? And as Anthony Albanese continues his regional "petro-diplomacy" with visits to Brunei and Malaysia — is securing supply now even more important due to the Corio refine...
Apr 16, 2026•42 min
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. So, with less than a month to go until budget night, will this still be the big reforming budget we were expecting? Meanwhile, the Opposition is facing scrutiny for its newly unveiled immigration policy — so are there details beyond the "vibes"? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a sh...
Apr 15, 2026•25 min
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has called for Australia to "discriminate based on values" and suggested some migrants represent a "net drain" to Australia. PK and Tom Crowley discuss how the Coalition's long awaited immigration policy is big on rhetoric but relatively light on detail. Tom says if the intention was just to "send a signal" to voters shifting to One Nation, Pauline Hanson will simply "send a louder signal" — while PK notes that "you can never out One Nation on immigration". And the...
Apr 14, 2026•26 min
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 Albanese has reiterated that Australia hasn't been asked to assist, and called for the resumption of negotiations and an end to the conflict. It comes as Anthony Albanese prepares to visit his counterparts in Malaysia and Brunei for another round of "petro-diplomacy", as he attempts to shore up fuel and fertiliser supplies with the region. And navy...
Apr 13, 2026•27 min
Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background.
Apr 10, 2026•22 min
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 this Question Time edition of the Party Room. Does the political centre shift over time? Are the 24-hour news cycle and social media diluting the quality of legislation? And is populism the answer, or just a symptom of our fracturing global order? Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.ne...
Apr 09, 2026•28 min
An extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US allies Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, but criticised US President Donald Trump's "inappropriate" threats that a "whole civilisation will die". The condemnation came after Nationals leader Matt Canavan urged the PM to make it clear he didn't support the US President's rhetoric. So, is most of the criticism of Donald Trump actually coming from the right? And as Anthony Albanese prepar...
Apr 08, 2026•27 min
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his upcoming trip to Singapore, as the government continues to "build resilience" amid global uncertainty. It comes as the US President has again criticised Australia and NATO allies for their lack of help, as his deadline for Iran to agree to a ceasefire or face "complete demolition" looms. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is trying to put the final touches on his fifth budget, which the PM warns will be finalised later than usual. But as spending ...
Apr 07, 2026•29 min
