Politics with Michelle Grattan

Cyclone Alfred wreaks havoc as leaders await Trump tariff decision: election special episode 2 with Amanda Dunn and Michelle GrattanFrom cyclones to school funding announcements, there have been lot of issues - and disruptions - for the prime minister and opposition leader.As we gear up for a Federal election, Politics + Society Editor Amanda Dunn and Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan sit down to talk about this week's key issues. Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly🔎 search for The Conversation Weekly Scam Factories takes you inside Southeast Asia’s brutal scam compounds. We meet the people lured into the industry, reveal how they become trapped and trafficked and track their desperate attempts to escape. We track the organised crime groups and corrupt politicians linked to the operations and chart the industry’s explosive growth: hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to scam. And we try to answer the question, are they victims or criminals, or can they be both?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.

Tensions are rising between Australia and China as live fire drills spark heated discussions about foreign relations. Political strategies unfold with the opposition lobbying for tariff exemptions amid looming election pressures. Recent political decisions ignite debates on voter loyalty and cost of living issues, while allegations against key figures shape public perceptions. A critical Medicare investment aims to support low-income individuals, drawing scrutiny on opposition tactics. The looming election announcement adds urgency to the political landscape.

We're joined today by Tom Rogers, recently retired as Electoral Commissioner. As commissioner, Rogers oversaw three federal elections and the Voice referendum.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

We talk to productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood about the housing challenge, as well as Australia's parlous productivity performance generally.

Joining us on this podcast is Nationals leader David Littleproud to talk about the upcoming election and how he's "joined at the hip" with Peter Dutton. 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

We're joined by John Blaxland and Richard Holden to talk about the impact of global uncertainties will have on 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

Anthony Albanese joins us on the podcast to discuss ongoing issues in Australia, his experience in the top job and his pitch to voters for this years election.  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

Appropriately, we finish our podcast for 2024 talking to Treasurer Jim Chalmers and his shadow, Angus Taylor because, as the saying goes, "it's the economy, stupid!"  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

Mark Dreyfus joins the podcast to talk about his family's story of fleeing Nazi Germany, his own and his community's experience with antisemitism, and his reaction to criticism of the government.  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.

Simon Birmingham joins the podcast to talk about the highs and lows of his time in politics and the Liberal Party, as well as to share his biggest regret and a couple of anecdotes.   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