

Australian Politics
The Guardian
Guardian Australia's political editor Tom McIlroy and team at Parliament House examine what’s happening in Australian politics and why it matters to you
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 2, 2024 • 29min
Mike Burgess on the former Australian politician recruited by foreign spies – Australian Politics podcast
Mike Burgess, head of ASIO, discusses betrayal by a former politician recruited by foreign spies. Topics include increased community tensions during the Israel-Gaza conflict and the need for more oversight. Insights shared on foreign espionage threats, national security measures, risks to dissidents in diaspora communities, and challenges faced in undercover operations. Emphasis on accountability, oversight, and ASIO's powers in addressing security concerns.

Feb 28, 2024 • 26min
Essential Report: are voters warming to Peter Dutton?
Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Paul Karp talks to Peter Lewis from Essential Media about voters’ changing perceptions of Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton. They discuss what qualities make for successful opposition leaders and whether Dutton’s stance on issues such as asylum seekers and workplace relations play to his favour.

Feb 23, 2024 • 24min
Pat Conroy on Labor’s ‘enhanced lethality’ revamp of Australia’s warships – Australian Politics podcast
Daniel Hurst, Guardian Australia’s foreign affairs and defence correspondent, speaks to minister for defence industry Pat Conroy about the Albanese government’s decision on Tuesday to increase naval funding, following advice that the country’s warships were too old and not suited for strategic threats. Minister Conroy also discusses the treaty with Tuvalu to manage vulnerability to sea level rises, and humanitarian assistance to the Middle East.

Feb 16, 2024 • 32min
Max Chandler-Mather on why house prices need to go down
Max Chandler-Mather discusses the tax system inflating house prices and proposes changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. The podcast delves into the inequities of property investment, advocating for fairer housing policies such as rent control and public housing investment. It critiques the Help to Buy scheme and calls for urgent solutions to address homelessness crisis.

Feb 14, 2024 • 23min
Essential report: are voters up for cracking down on negative gearing?
Chief political correspondent Paul Karp talks to Peter Lewis from Essential Media on the voter responses to Labor’s changes to the stage-three tax cuts. They also discuss changes to Peter Dutton’s and Anthony Albanese’s approval and disapproval ratings, and the impact (if any) Taylor Swift could have on Australian politics

Feb 9, 2024 • 24min
Jane Hume on why the Coalition supported Labor’s changes to tax cuts
Shadow finance minister Jane Hume discusses why the Coalition supported Labor's tax cuts, potential tax changes after the next election, and electoral reforms. The podcast also covers discussions on electoral law amendments, challenges for new parties and independents, and the issue of money in politics.

Feb 2, 2024 • 24min
Jim Chalmers on why a politically contentious change to stage-three tax cuts is worth it
Chief political correspondent Paul Karp talks to the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, about the thinking behind the changes to the stage-three tax cuts. They also discuss how the budget will aim to help reduce inflation while also providing further cost of living relief

Feb 1, 2024 • 24min
Essential Report: Will Labor’s tax changes set them up for success?
Chief political correspondent Paul Karp talks to Peter Lewis from Essential Media on the groups most supportive of tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners. They also discuss changes to Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese’s approval and disapproval ratings over the summer break. In the aftermath of the Indigenous voice referendum outcome, voters were also asked about nationalism on Australia Day and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander living standards

Dec 15, 2023 • 40min
Has the referendum “information war” changed political reporting? - Your questions answered
As we approach the end of the year, Guardian Australia’s politics team sits down to answer your questions. They cover dream parliament procedural reforms, the waning moderate pool in the Coalition, how misinformation has impacted political reporting and fairness in reporting on the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East

Dec 13, 2023 • 32min
Essential report: political mistrust and frustration at the end of the year
Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, is joined by Essential Media’s Peter Lewis to discuss how cost of living and inaction on climate and housing affordability are making voters pessimistic about the future.


