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
18 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 41min
Did Albo's address meet the moment?
Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at The West Australian, brings sharp federal politics and policy insight. She unpacks why Anthony Albanese gave a rare national address and whether it delivered. Conversations cover fuel prices and pump-priming measures, messaging to avoid panic, the government's economic priorities ahead of budget time, and shifting language on the US-Iran conflict.
15 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 24min
Is Albanese the 'man with a plan'?
They debate a surprise national address and the political risks of claiming to be the "man with the plan". They unpack fuel stockpile data, rationing thresholds and business support measures. They argue over calls to send assets to the Strait of Hormuz and the practical limits of military contribution. They touch on an AI deal with Anthropic and what it means for policy and local industry.
9 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 33min
Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax
They dissect the fuel excise cut and whether motorists will actually feel the $19 saving. The political tradeoffs between optics and economics get a sharp airing. Discussion of shifting politics from left-right to top-bottom and the rise of populist pressure. Debate over a parliamentary inquiry and the chances of a gas profits tax before the budget.
12 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 30min
Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel
They unpack sudden cuts to the fuel excise and a temporary wipe of heavy vehicle charges and what that means for drivers and the budget. They debate whether cheaper petrol will actually curb demand and whether extra global fuel supplies exist. They explain a four-stage energy security plan and weigh political optics as leaders shift tone on the Middle East and domestic strategy.
17 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.
39 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.
