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
Mar 13, 2026 • 19min
Dennis Richardson: Intelligence findings into Bondi terror attack 'cannot wait'
Dennis Richardson, former senior intelligence, defence and foreign affairs official who led a targeted inquiry into the Bondi attack, argues findings on intelligence cannot wait until year-end. He discusses why he resigned, trade-offs between a standalone review and a Royal Commission, and options for a second interim report. He stresses urgency, timing and the need for timely recommendations.
Mar 13, 2026 • 22min
Is One Nation capturing young voters?
They explore which demographics are shifting toward One Nation and why economic grievance and cultural anxiety matter. They probe how social media algorithms and separate information bubbles can amplify radical views. They discuss strategic reasons Labor may skip a by-election in Farrer and what that means for campaigning. They also consider the Liberal Party's challenges with female representation.
Mar 12, 2026 • 41min
A big week of resignations
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow, offers authoritative analysis of a frantic political week. Short segments cover Australia’s defensive ADF deployment to the UAE and whether it counts as entering the conflict. They discuss the Iranian women’s soccer asylum case and its delicate rescue. Internal Nationals leadership change and a Royal Commission resignation are also examined.
8 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 24min
Welcome to Matt Canavan’s ‘hyper-Australia’
A leadership shake-up in the Nationals sparks talk of a bold 'hyper-Australia' pitch and strategic moves to reclaim right‑wing voters. Sudden resignations and behind‑the‑scenes tensions with coalition partners get unpacked. The conversation also shifts to a controversial Iranian delegation and questions about visa decisions and transparency.
11 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 27min
Is Australia 'participating' in the Middle East war?
Discussion of Australia sending a surveillance plane, missiles and personnel to the Middle East. Debate over whether the deployment is defensive or makes Australia a participant in the conflict. Breakdown of a late-night phone call between the prime minister and Donald Trump and what it signals about alliances. Coverage of five Iranian women's footballers seeking asylum and the government's handling of their cases.
Mar 9, 2026 • 23min
Will Farrer be One Nation's 'holy grail'?
Jacob Greber, ABC political reporter and Farrer correspondent, gives on-the-ground analysis of the Farrer by-election and regional concerns. He discusses Australia's possible non-offensive military support to Gulf states. He outlines polling showing One Nation leading, the coalition's preference dilemma, and local voter issues like water buybacks, diesel and freight.
6 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 17min
Should Aus join Canada's middle power fightback? | Insiders On Background
Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, offers sharp analysis on middle‑power strategy and Indo‑Pacific security. He discusses Mark Carney’s warning about the rules‑based order. He questions Australia’s dependence on the US, the limits AUKUS places on sovereignty, and the need to diversify partnerships beyond great powers.
Mar 5, 2026 • 38min
Why petrol prices are 'kryptonite' for governments
Cameron Stewart, Chief International Correspondent at The Australian, offers sharp reporting on global affairs. He discusses US‑Israeli strikes and their impact on the rules‑based order. He explains why Australia quietly backed the strikes and the political risks for Albanese. He calls petrol prices "kryptonite" for governments and outlines evacuation and budget pressures amid Middle East tensions.
Mar 4, 2026 • 22min
The review Liberals tried to bury
A leaked 64-page review of the Liberal Party’s election performance and efforts to suppress it are unpacked. Internal campaign mistakes, leadership appraisals and structural problems get sharp attention. The conversation also covers economic messaging, inflation risks from Middle East tensions, and Mark Carney’s push for middle-power cooperation.
21 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 30min
The new world disorder
They unpack the widening Middle East war and its geopolitical ripple effects. They discuss US rhetoric on rules of engagement and uncertainty about objectives. They cover risks to the global rules-based order, displacement and migration pressures. They flag economic fallout: oil shocks, inflation worries and complications for budget planning and politics.
