Why is Albanese ruling out a republic referendum?

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

Australia is the first Commonwealth country to back the proposal, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it clear his government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum on becoming a republic, instead announcing this morning that high speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney could be "shovel ready" in two-years time. So, is this long promised train any closer to becoming a reality?

And the landmark Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion has officially begun, with Commissioner Virginia Bell outlining the scope of the inquiry.

Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long 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 thepartyroom@abc.net.auRead Claudia's exclusive here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/working-with-children-check-parents-sick/106370632