Politics Now A big week of resignations
Mar 12, 2026
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow, offers authoritative analysis of a frantic political week. Short segments cover Australia’s defensive ADF deployment to the UAE and whether it counts as entering the conflict. They discuss the Iranian women’s soccer asylum case and its delicate rescue. Internal Nationals leadership change and a Royal Commission resignation are also examined.
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Defensive Deployment Is Still Entering The War
- Australia’s deployment to the UAE marks an entry into the Middle East conflict despite being framed as defensive.
- Michelle Grattan argues the line between defensive and offensive is blurred given personnel, surveillance plane and missile systems sent to protect UAE and Australians.
Weapons And Will Determine How Long The War Lasts
- The conflict's duration hinges on weapons stockpiles and political will, not just battlefield success.
- Michelle notes Iran's cheap drones versus Gulf reliance on expensive missiles, creating a munitions crunch for partners like the UAE.
Expect Inflation Pressure And Watch RBA Meetings
- Prepare for economic knock‑on effects from the war, especially on fuel and inflation.
- Michelle flagged the RBA may revise mid‑year inflation forecasts and that next meetings are "live" for possible rate rises.