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
8 snips
May 12, 2026 • 23min
Did Labor's 'reform budget' deliver?
A deep dive into sweeping housing tax reforms, from tightened negative gearing to capital gains taxed above inflation. Discussion of who pays and who benefits after trust and offset changes. Analysis of the budget's revenue boost and inflation, plus the political risks of reversing past promises and timing big reform.
May 12, 2026 • 22min
Will Labor's budget 'pull up the ladder'?
A deep dive into proposed housing tax changes, including negative gearing and capital gains adjustments. They flag possible grandfathering and new-home carve-outs and how those moves could reshape who can buy. They also unpack likely trust and minimum tax reforms and the risks those changes pose for small business and political optics.
May 11, 2026 • 29min
Where One Nation will target next
A deep dive into One Nation's shock lower-house win and what it means for the political map. They trace how conservative vote-splitting and shifting heartlands opened the path to success. Discussion turns to where the party might target next, especially suburban battlegrounds like Western Sydney. The conversation also links this to international populist gains and recent UK local election shocks.
6 snips
May 8, 2026 • 11min
Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders
A tight by-election in rural NSW pits long-standing party control against rising independents and minor parties. Voters talk hospitals and urgent staffing needs as a top local concern. Cost of living, housing pressure and water and farming costs are driving political shifts. Many residents express disillusionment with major parties and worry about the implications of a One Nation win.
14 snips
May 8, 2026 • 34min
Will the budget annoy 'rich boomers'?
They break down pre-budget drama and a big $64 billion reprioritisation announcement. Arrival of so-called ISIS brides and airport disruptions spark debate about security, rehab and costs. Listeners ask when political change is honest versus flip-flopping. Gas profits tax, domestic gas reservation plans and the PM's stance on existing contracts get close scrutiny.
May 7, 2026 • 1h 2min
Did we invent podcasting?
Casey Briggs, ABC chief elections and data analyst who dives into booth-level numbers, and Lenore Taylor, journalist and political commentator, join a live anniversary chat. They discuss One Nation's resurgence and its impact on Coalition strategy. They dig into shifting voter demographics, Millennials and Gen Z rising, and how budgets and political courage shape future campaigning.
May 5, 2026 • 28min
It's all about 'sovereign capability'
A deep dive into a $10 billion plan to build a government-owned fuel reserve and boost sovereign capability. Discussion of how pre-announcing measures shapes Budget Night attention. Examination of rising rates, RBA warnings about inflation risks, and the trade-offs in fiscal restraint. Coverage of returning ISIS-linked families, security planning, monitoring costs and community sensitivities.
4 snips
May 5, 2026 • 33min
Should politicians be 'radically honest'?
Tax reform leaks spark debate over capital gains, negative gearing and trust taxation. Discussion on whether political promises should be kept or revised mid-term. The ethics of withholding plans and the demand for radical transparency come up. Possible one-off tax cuts and targeted offsets are weighed against inflation and budget pressures.
9 snips
May 4, 2026 • 29min
Australia-Japan: friends with benefits?
Talks about deepening defence and diplomatic ties with Japan and worries about being pulled into regional tensions. Discussion of wider alliance-building as doubts grow about US reliability. Preview of an imminent federal budget with talk of spending restraint and tax options. Coverage of a child’s death, calls for inquiries, and the political sensitivity around Indigenous grief and policy.
22 snips
May 1, 2026 • 0sec
How productivity can save the Australian economy | Insiders
Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission and economist who advises government on productivity and tax, discusses reforms to lift national living standards. She covers housing tax distortions, resilience and fuel security, targeted climate incentives, regulatory red tape cuts, corporate tax ideas and incentives for business investment. Short, focused conversation on policy levers to boost long-term economic performance.
