

Politics with Michelle Grattan
The Conversation
The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2013 • 23min
Barnaby Joyce
On this episode Minister for Agriculture and Nationals deputy leader Barnaby Joyce talks about agriculture and the white paper, the role of the Nationals and his new role in the house of representatives.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Dec 5, 2013 • 27min
Chris Bowen
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen talks to Michelle Grattan about his hectic year, Australia's fiscal situation and much more.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Dec 3, 2013 • 30min
Adam Bandt
Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt speaks to Michelle Grattan about his role on the crossbench, the future of the party and much, much more.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Nov 27, 2013 • 23min
Colin Barnett
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett talks about COAG, independent schools in WA, GST and much more.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Nov 25, 2013 • 21min
Carmen Lawrence
On this episode Michelle speaks to Carmen Lawrence about life after politics, John Curtin's legacy and her work with the University of Western Australia.
**Recorded at the Curtin Family Home in Cottesloe, Western Australia**Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Nov 19, 2013 • 29min
Andrew Wilkie
MP for Denison Andrew Wilkie, formally of ONA and a whistleblower, talks to Michelle about the Snowden revelations of Australia's spying on Indonesia.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Nov 12, 2013 • 31min
Mitch Hooke
Mitch Hooke has been CEO of the Minerals Council for 12 years, he is about to step down. Michelle talks to him about the future of mining in Australia, the industries relationship with Labor and much, much more.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Nov 10, 2013 • 34min
Brendan Nelson
Monday is Armistice Day and so Michelle spoke to war memorial chief Brendan Nelson about Australia at war, the war memorial and planned commemorations for the 100 year anniversary of World War One. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Nov 6, 2013 • 30min
Sam Dastyari
New senator and former NSW ALP secretary talks about the Labor Party's future, where they went wrong during the election and what he wants to achieve as a senator. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Oct 29, 2013 • 32min
George Wright
ALP National Secretary and campaign director for the Labor Party George Wright talks about the 2013 election campaign, the carbon tax, Labor going forward and what went wrong in government.
Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025


