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
9 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 33min
Jim Chalmers is running up that inflation hill
Shane Wright, senior economics correspondent at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, breaks down the recent CPI spike and what petrol-driven inflation means for interest rates. He discusses housing tax reforms, intergenerational ownership stats, and the politics around a gas profits tax. Short, sharp takes on budget signalling, energy diplomacy and who really owns Australia’s property market.
6 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 22min
Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics
They unpack a sharp inflation jump to 4.6% and blame fuel shocks from the Middle East. They debate political spin and budget pressure as leaders weigh tax choices. The prime minister’s pre-budget framing and a ruled-out gas profits tax get scrutiny. A social media post about a donated private plane sparks discussion on optics and big-money influence in politics.
Apr 28, 2026 • 24min
Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra?
Discussion of a new exposure draft to make tech platforms pay for news and how that payment model might work. Debate over whether Meta, Google and TikTok will comply or push back and who would get the funds. Coverage of a plan to double Australia’s fuel reserves and the political tensions it raises. Analysis of a controversial US ambassador pick and changes at Defence leadership.
4 snips
Apr 27, 2026 • 26min
The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia
They unpack the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting and what it means for political violence. They explore how Donald Trump's image is hurting his support in Australia and the ripple effects for One Nation. They dig into Coalition preferencing choices in the Farrer by-election and the wider immigration and culture-war debates shaping Australian politics.
6 snips
Apr 24, 2026 • 0sec
John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants' | Insiders
John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser and ex-UN ambassador known as a foreign policy hawk on Iran, discusses the uncertain state of the Iran conflict. He argues Trump lacks clear objectives and outlines what regime change might entail. He talks about securing Gulf shipping, targeting Iran's military capabilities, and the wider implications for U.S. global leadership.
Apr 23, 2026 • 32min
Casey Briggs answers your election questions
Casey Briggs, ABC Chief Elections and Data Analyst, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how election nights are prepared. He breaks down the technical setup, mapping and rehearsals. He explains why Queensland has no upper house and weighs unicameral pros and cons. He explores Gen Z voting trends, debates proportional representation, and considers changes to parliament size.
10 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 39min
Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms
Sarah Ferguson, senior ABC journalist and 7.30 host, analyses federal politics and policy. She breaks down the surprising scale and speed of the NDIS overhaul. She examines new functional tests, risks of automated assessments, integrity and fraud controls, and the political fallout. She also explores the politics around a proposed gas profits tax and regional fuel security.
Apr 22, 2026 • 25min
The political price of NDIS savings
A deep dive into a major overhaul of disability support and its plan to cut costs and reassess eligibility. They unpack the scale of projected savings, provider and community support changes, and the push to limit growth. Political fallout, polling math and the risk of reversals are all examined in a brisk, news-driven discussion.
Apr 21, 2026 • 28min
The gas tax squeeze
A heated debate over a gas profits tax and the forces driving it takes center stage. Tensions between fuel security and taxing windfall profits are explored. Political maneuvering around housing policy and big housing targets comes under scrutiny. The conversation highlights potential budget moves and the electoral risks of tax changes.
12 snips
Apr 20, 2026 • 32min
Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation?
Discussion of budget pressures and where savings might come from, especially concerns about NDIS growth and alleged wastage. Debate over shifting responsibilities to states and the Thriving Kids proposal. Conversation about tax reform momentum, including capital gains and a contentious gas profits idea. Analysis of One Nation's polling slump and whether ties to Trump and internal scandals are costing political support.
