This episode of Politics Now analyzes the implications of the US halting aid to Ukraine and Australia's potential response, including sending troops. The discussion covers the stances of key political figures like Albanese and Dutton. The podcast also pivots to domestic policy, examining Peter Dutton's proposal to require public servants to return to full-time office work and the political ramifications.
This episode of Politics Now dissects the fallout from the Donald Trump-Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting and its implications for Australia's foreign policy and alliance with the US. The hosts discuss the challenges faced by Prime Minister Albanese in balancing domestic priorities with escalating international crises, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and navigating the evolving US stance under Trump. They also explore the potential for a 'khaki election' focused on national security versus voter concerns about cost of living, and the looming question of election timing amidst global uncertainty and domestic events.
This episode of Politics Now analyzes the recent Chinese military exercises off the Australian coast, exploring the motivations behind China's actions and the implications for Australia's defense strategy. The discussion covers China's naval capabilities, potential intelligence gathering, and the messy communication surrounding live-fire exercises. It also addresses the debate on increasing defense spending, the challenges of building public support, and the uncertainty surrounding US alliances under a potential second Trump administration, particularly regarding AUKUS and critical minerals.
Should political parties ditch small target strategies and go for 'high risk, high reward' campaigns? And Peter Dutton's declaration of shares in major banks the day before the Rudd Government announced a bank bailout package in 2009 has been in the spotlight — but what's the political impact been? And why is the Coalition always counted as a single voting bloc in polls — rather than being separated into the Liberals and Nationals? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer all your questions on Th...
Despite a recent spending blitz from the Albanese Government in the lead up to the election, voters aren't yet resonating with the Government's message. So, how does the Prime Minister cut through? And while there's bipartisan agreement between the major increasing Medicare funding by $8.5 billion, there's division between the two major parties on how they'll fund it. Peter Dutton has suggested that if elected, his Government would save $6 billion each year through cuts to the public sector – an...
Labor has raised the alarm about what they say is the “highly unusual” timing of some of Peter Dutton’s share purchases, but the Opposition is crying foul, claiming Labor is running a “grubby” and “desperate” smear campaign. And Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been in Washington DC meeting with his US counterpart Scott Bessent. But has he had any success trying to convince the Trump Administration to exempt Australia from US tariffs?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now...
Patricia Karvelas peels back the curtain on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Q+A appearance. Audience members questioned Anthony Albanese on cost-of-living, social cohesion, housing and global relations. So, how well did the Prime Minister respond? And will these be the key issues that frame the election? Patricia Karvelas breaks it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]...
The Prime Minister was hoping to launch a legacy-defining policy on the weekend with his big boost to Medicare funding, targeted to making bulk-billed GP visits available to more Australians. But it only took a few hours for Peter Dutton to adopt the same position, in an attempt to avoid an election fought over Medicare funding. Where does healthcare rate on the list of concerns for voters in 2025, and who are they more likely to believe when it comes to funding GPs? Also on the weekend, two fre...
As tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States intensify, peace talks are underway—but without Ukraine at the table. The US and Ukrainian presidents have exchanged sharp words, with President Trump labelling Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a dictator without elections" and falsely accusing him of starting the war. Zelenskyy has fired back, claiming Trump is trapped in Russian "disinformation space."
As the election campaign looms, the RBA has handed down a highly anticipated rate cut, Clive Palmer has launched a new political party — and now commercial pilots have been warned of a potential hazard in airspace between Australia and New Zealand, where three Chinese warships are conducting military exercises. But on the global stage, Donald Trump has labelled Ukrainian President a "dictator" — and suggested Russia "holds the cards" when it comes to peace talks. So, has Anthony Albanese been st...
ASIO boss Mike Burgess has delivered his annual threat assessment, unveiling that ASIO had foiled plots by foreign nations to assassinate critics — and issuing a warning about interference at the upcoming election. And the Albanese Government has been on a media blitz after the RBA announced the first interest rate cut in four-years. But is it enough to change votes at the ballot box? Alan Kohler , ABC Finance expert joins Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly on The Party Room. Got a burning questio...
Clive Palmer has launched a new Trump-inspired political party, days after United Australia's High Court bid to re-register failed. The PM has labelled it a "distortion of democracy" — but will it have any cut through? And the fallout from the interest rate cut continues, as the Albanese Government and Peter Dutton's Opposition present two very different narratives on the economy. Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning politica...
The RBA has handed down the first cut to interest rates since 2020, and the Albanese Government is breathing a sigh of relief. So, what does the decision actually mean for the Government and the election?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
As the election looms, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are sharpening their election slogans — but what are the key seats that could determine the result of the election? Casey Briggs, ABC Elections Analyst joined Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas LIVE at Fair Day Festival
Two new opinion polls show the Albanese government on the back foot as the election inches closer — and for the first time Peter Dutton seems to be openly entertaining the possibility of a minority government. It comes as the Opposition leader floated the idea that if elected, his government would consider divestiture powers to break up Australia's insurance giants. So, what's behind Peter Dutton's strategy? Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning ques...
From Monday February 17, The Party Room is getting a new look and a whole lot more politics. We're calling it 'Politics Now', the ABC's new home for political podcasts, and we're really excited for all the coverage we have planned of the coming federal election. Politics Now will dive into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we’ll be in your feed with cove...
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a spring in his step this week, after it was revealed a carve out on US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium was "under consideration". But will the PM's political luck run out before the election? It comes as the first sitting fortnight of the year comes to an end, with the crossbench decrying the Labor-Coalition deal on electoral reforms as a major party "stitch up". Independents Helen Haines and Zali Stegall have suggested they...
Parliament returned this week, but the Albanese Government's momentum was quickly derailed after Donald Trump's announcement the US would "own" the Gaza strip. And while both the PM and Opposition leader declared they still support a two-state solution — they were both reticent to rebuff the US President's claims — with Peter Dutton labelling Trump "a big thinker". So, is the Government walking on eggshells over concerns about possible future tariffs? And back home, Hate Speech laws are expected...
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has increasingly spruiked his "anti-woke agenda" across social media and podcasts. So, is he trying to appeal to disenfranchised male voters - and could that be his ticket to government? And amid a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney, NSW police have found a caravan found with explosives and the address of a Jewish synagogue inside. The Prime Minister has joined the NSW Premier condemning this as an act of terror. Phil Coorey, AFR Political Editor joins Patrici...
Amid a spate of anti-Semitic attacks, the Prime Minister bowed to mounting pressure and called an emergency National Cabinet meeting. But the Opposition slammed the Government for being too slow to act, with Peter Dutton suggesting Anthony Albanese hadn't shown leadership on the issue. And with US President Donald Trump now officially back in the White House, how will Australia's relationship fare? Laura Tingle, ABC 730 Chief Political Correspondent joins Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly on The ...
As the 2025 federal election looms large, both the Albanese Government and the Dutton Coalition are strategising about their electoral pathway to form Government — so, what key seats are in play for both sides? And could the third party vote be set to increase even further in 2025? Antony Green, ABC's Chief Election Analyst joins Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Ti...
The typical Australian home now costs eight times the median household income and rents have soared to a record high. And while political battlelines are being drawn as we gear up for an election, what can actually be done from a policy perspective? Brendan Coates, Housing and Economic Security Program Directo r at Grattan Institute joins Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Que...
As the election year gets underway, questions are being raised about voters' satisfaction with the Albanese Government — and according to an ANU survey, there might be some alarming signs. Indeed dissatisfaction with the direction of the country is at the same level as it was just before the Morrison government lost the election. So, what will this actually mean as Australians cast their ballot? Professor Nicholas Biddle, Head of the School of Politics and International Relations at Australian N...
It seems the election contest has tightened, with a minority government — of either stripe — now seeming increasingly likely. And recent Redbridge Group research has found the Coalition is now the favourite to win the largest share of seats in parliament — and clinch minority government. So, what trends are driving this? Kos Samaras, Director Strategy and Analytics at Redbridge Group and Tony Barry, Director Corporate Affairs and Communications at Redbridge Group join Patricia Karvelas on The Pa...
As the dust settles on the parliamentary year, election strategies and catchphrases are already being tested by all sides of politics. Anthony Albanese has promised voters that he's "got your back", while the Greens have put the government on notice for a formal power-sharing agreement if the election results in a minority Labor government. Clare Armstrong, National Political Editor for News Corp joins Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Got a burning po...
In a mammoth final sitting day for the year, the Albanese Government managed to rush 31 bills through the Senate — including key policy measures on housing, migration, and social media reform. But how is Australia's "world leading" social media ban for under 16s being received and can it actually be enforced? Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke break it down on The Party Room bonus episode. Listen back to the full episode of The Party Room with Sarah Ferguson and Paul Karp. Got a burning question? ...
As governments grapple with social cohesion, what impact is polarisation and partisanship having on on the community — and what qualities do voters actually want to see in political leaders? Mike Baird, Former Premier of NSW and CEO of the Susan McKinnon Foundation joins Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]...
As the Albanese Government tries to ram its jam-packed agenda through parliament, speculation is mounting it could be the final sitting fortnight not just of the year — but before the election. It comes as Peter Dutton is squaring up for a fight on migration, refusing to support Labor's proposed international student caps, which he's labelled "a dogs breakfast". Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent joins Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Go...
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US election. But where did Kamala Harris' campaign go wrong - and what what will Trump's return to the White House mean for Australia? And under the shadow of the US election, the Prime Minister seemingly soft launched Labor's election campaign. Pledging to wipe 20 per cent off the student debt of 3 million. But will the policy win back young voters? Nick Bryant, former US correspondent for the BBC and author of...
While there's a long way to go, early US election results show Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump appears to have the lead over Democrat Presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the Electoral College count. Trump has won the battleground swing state of North Carolina, while other swing states are leaning Republican. So, what emerging trends are we seeing - did the "bros" get off the couch and vote? And what role has the economy played in swaying votes?David Lipson, ABC Political Editor ...
