

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

Jun 13, 2025 • 24min
Senator Maria Kovacic on what the Coalition needs to move forward
‘If we don’t listen it’s not going to get better for us – it will get worse,’ says the NSW Liberal moderate and newly appointed shadow assistant minister, joining Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy to discuss her party’s future

Jun 6, 2025 • 23min
Nicolette Boele on climate, business and making a difference
Nicolette Boele was declared the winner in the Sydney seat of Bradfield this week, after a month of counting and recounting in her race against Liberal Gisele Kapterian. She is preparing to take her seat in parliament after a wafer-thin victory of just 26 votes. Boele speaks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about why Labor needs to stop “walking both sides of the fence” on climate and energy and where she thinks the government could improve productivity.

May 14, 2025 • 25min
Guardian Essential report: can Labor live up to expectations?
Post-election Albanese has seen a surge in popularity but what is the electorate expecting from a second term Labor government and can they deliver during challenging times? Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Josh Butler sits down with chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis.

Apr 30, 2025 • 15min
Guardian Essential report: is the real question now just how big Labor’s victory will be?
Just days out from the crucial vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll shows steady support for Labor. But with a significant number of undecided voters and a strong field of independents, questions remain about how convincing their victory will really be. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, sits down with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, to explore more. Please note the correct Essential poll two-party basis figure is Labor leading the Coalition 52% to 48%

Apr 16, 2025 • 19min
Guardian Essential report: as Labor pulls further ahead, can Dutton outmanoeuvre Albanese?
As the election draws near, Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition in the latest Essential poll, raising new questions about what Peter Dutton needs to do to shift the momentum in his favour. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy sits down with Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis to unpack the strategies and dynamics shaping the two major parties’ campaigns

Apr 2, 2025 • 22min
Guardian Essential report: power v poise – Australian Politics podcast
At the electoral crossroads, Guardian Australia’s political reporter Krishani Dhanji talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about what risks and rewards await Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese as they gamble over the projection of strong v steady leadership to win the hearts and minds of Australian voters. Plus: who would people most want to have a beer with?

Mar 19, 2025 • 23min
Guardian Essential report: as Albanese’s approval rating rises, why do the lads stand out? – Australian Politics podcast
As the prime minister hits his highest approval ratings in 18 months, the Guardian Essential poll goes deep into demographics this week. Why do young Australian men support Trump and Dutton more than anyone else? Could Dutton take advantage of this trend? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Josh Butler talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about the shifting political landscape ahead of a delayed election

Mar 6, 2025 • 23min
Guardian Essential report: How do the major parties plan to win your vote?
Has the interest rate cut made any difference to how people intend to vote at the upcoming federal election? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss how voters are responding to major political parties’ campaign rhetoric on key issues affecting their lives

Feb 18, 2025 • 21min
Guardian Essential report: how do you make voters care about policy? – Australian Politics podcast
Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss the mood of voters and look at the challenges of running a successful election campaign in the era of Trump

Dec 6, 2024 • 37min
Does the economy need a defibrillator? Cherelle Murphy on what might get it going again
Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Cherelle Murphy, chief economist for EY Oceania, about this week’s sluggish national accounts figures and how the government can revive a barely breathing economy


