Politics Now
ABC Australia
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 20min
Reform or handout? That is the question for the Government ahead of the budget
Chris Richardson, independent economist and principal at Rich Insight, explains the scale and fallout of the global energy shock. He discusses rising pump prices and living‑standards hits, why inflation may stay elevated, and the Reserve Bank’s policy dilemma. He weighs the political trade‑offs ahead of the May budget and whether leaders will choose reform or short‑term relief.
33 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 28min
Capping off a 'binfire' political week
They unpack global fallout from Donald Trump’s comments and how Australian ministers are handling the flak. Allies, trust and strategies around international conflict get a close look. Lively chat on who might form opposition in South Australia and what makes a party "major." Debate on Greens’ strategy, fuel shortages versus renewables, and whether tax changes are political salesmanship.
16 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 27min
Progressive patriotism v sovereignty
A tense debate over whether federal leaders should act now on the unfolding fuel shortage and its political optics. Lived scenes of empty bowsers and plans for rationing, distribution and a national coordinator. A swing to sovereignty and industrial rescue rhetoric. The ripple effects of One Nation's SA surge, corporate courting and shifting preference politics.
21 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 26min
All fetta! Australia-EU trade deal inked
A landmark Australia–EU trade and defence agreement and the long road of decade‑long negotiations. Fierce debate over cheese labels like feta and Prosecco and who wins from tariff changes. Farmers angry about beef quotas and political fallout for parties. Concerns about fuel, consumer confidence and 1970s‑style economic risks. A stalled gambling review and new tactics targeting women.
9 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 29min
Which political party is listening to Australians?
A deep dive into South Australia’s seismic election result and what it means for major parties. A close look at One Nation’s surprising surge and how protest votes translate under different voting systems. Housing and immigration are flagged as key voter drivers. The conversation ends on a national fuel and energy squeeze and the practical policy choices that could follow.
36 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 25min
Demand for fuel has gone up, but when will petrol prices come back down?
Malcolm Roberts, CEO of the Australian Institute of Petroleum, speaks for major refiners and fuel suppliers. He explains how global oil prices and local retail pricing cycles pushed pump prices up. He discusses regional diesel demand, why independents struggle for supply, government emergency powers and how long prices could stay elevated.
9 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 41min
Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election
Casey Briggs, ABC Chief Elections Analyst and Adelaide commentator, breaks down why Pauline Hanson has become the main character in the South Australian contest. He talks polling surges for One Nation and whether that support will convert into seats. He outlines risks to the Liberals, preference tactics, and what booth-level results will reveal about shifting voter loyalties.
27 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 25min
Hastie takes on a 'petulant' Trump
A fiery reaction to a US presidential social post and whether allied responses or naval help were requested. A spotlight on sovereign capability, supply-chain resilience and domestic manufacturing choices. Intense debate over fuel supply options and who will take the blame for rising petrol pain. Tension around the RBA rate hike, budget pressures and looming housing tax reform.
4 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 19min
How one swing voter decided the rate hike
Carrington Clarke, business and markets journalist known for clear economic analysis, breaks down the RBA’s 0.25% rate hike and the lone vote that decided it. He links Middle East tensions to rising energy prices and inflation risks. They explore how higher rates and global uncertainty shape the Treasurer’s budget choices and possible reforms.
18 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 29min
Was Labor slow to act on fuel fears?
Discussion of regional fuel shortages and panicked jerry can buying. Debate over using emergency reserves and insurance-style strategies to protect supply. Scrutiny of government messaging and contingency planning for prolonged disruption. Conversation on ruling out naval deployment overseas and public appetite for deeper involvement. Links between fuel pain, rising interest rates and political consequences.
