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
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Is 'fear' behind Labor's super-sized backdown?
Phil Coorey, Senior Political Journalist at the Australian Financial Review, shares insights on Labor's recent backdown on superannuation tax policies. He discusses the political fears and internal pressures influencing the decision, while analyzing the balance the Coalition must strike amid diverse party dynamics. The role of Paul Keating in advocating for superannuation is highlighted, along with the complexities surrounding the tax implications and the criticism from the Greens. Coorey also previews Albanese's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump amid these changing political tides.
Oct 15, 2025 • 24min
Channelling Farage or chasing Teals?
James Paterson argues that the Liberal Party must unite to avoid a split, warning against both Farage-style populism and a teal approach. He critiques past policy failures and highlights the need for clarity in the party's identity. Paterson identifies crucial areas for reform, including housing and energy, while advocating for a balanced stance on migration. The hosts also discuss the implications of a potential split and the importance of strategic policy development in the party's recovery, all while keeping an eye on upcoming political events.
12 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 22min
Why support for One Nation is rising
Support for One Nation is surging, with demographic shifts revealing that Gen X outer-suburban voters are increasingly drawn to its message. The discussion highlights how grievances, particularly around immigration, shape this support. Pauline Hanson's relatable style and the lack of major party responses to key issues like housing and education may further solidify One Nation's influence. The recent Coalition reshuffle adds intrigue, especially with Jane Hume's absence from the frontbench, raising questions about its impact on urban voter outreach.
8 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 25min
Did Albo hand Chalmers an 'excrement sandwich'?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers surprises everyone with a backdown on the controversial super tax changes, raising questions about Prime Minister Albanese's absence. As tensions rise over the Middle East ceasefire, the hosts explore Australia's political response and the delicate balancing act around Palestinian recognition. Additionally, they dive into the upcoming ban on social media for those under 16, discussing its challenges and implications for privacy. Will this be a step toward a more controlled digital landscape?
18 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 24min
Optus' communication breakdown | Insiders On Background
Luke Coleman, CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, shares expert insights on the recent Optus outage that jeopardized the triple-zero emergency network. He explains how a firewall upgrade caused the disruption and why the failure took time to detect. Coleman discusses the complexities of device roaming during outages and the investigation into whether the issues were network or device-related. He evaluates Optus' reporting obligations, potential enforcement actions, and the future of emergency call systems, stressing the importance of industry collaboration for safety.
Oct 9, 2025 • 37min
Leaky Liberals and Optus email blunders
Charles Croucher, Nine News Political Editor, dives into the chaos of Senate Estimates this week. He discusses the Optus outage, spotlighting a misplaced email that added fuel to the fire. The pressure on Communications Minister Anika Wells escalated as the Opposition zeroed in on her. They also explore the internal strife within the Coalition, particularly Andrew Hastie's surprising backbench shift and the leaks threatening the Liberals' cohesion. Croucher provides insight into the challenges facing the Albanese Government, revealing the complexities of recent political dynamics.
8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Is this an episode of Utopia?
An email about the Optus outage landed in the wrong government inbox, leaving Senators baffled. The fallout raises questions about accountability and a potential parliamentary inquiry. Meanwhile, tensions rise as the Coalition critiques the government over the return of IS families and the lack of transparency. Discussions also explore the new AFP Commissioner's focus on national security and the implications for mandatory sentencing. It's a whirlwind of political drama and scrutiny in the chaotic world of government communications.
20 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 26min
Did Labor ignore triple zero 'red flags'?
Brett and Raf explore the alarming reliability of emergency call systems as bushfire season looms. They dive into past telco outages and the government's overlooked warnings. The duo debates proposed laws aimed at improving the system and critiques the sluggish government response to previous failures. They also examine the broader societal tensions in Australia reflecting current events and lament the loss of civility in public discourse. Tune in for insights on accountability and the necessity of cultural change to prevent future outages.
20 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 23min
Peter Dutton enters the chat
The discussion heats up as Peter Dutton criticizes Andrew Hastie for the Coalition's election loss. With Hastie's resignation from the frontbench, tensions rise in the Liberal Party. Insights reveal Hastie's lack of visibility during the campaign and the impact on his leadership. Meanwhile, the hosts analyze potential successors and the effectiveness of James Patterson. As parliament convenes, the dynamics within the party are under scrutiny, especially regarding Susan Ley’s leadership. Plus, a significant Papua New Guinea treaty is on the horizon!
7 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 12min
🚨What Hastie quitting means for Sussan Ley
Andrew Hastie's shock resignation from the Coalition frontbench has rattled the Liberal Party, citing deep divisions over immigration policy. His move signals a complex shift towards party renewal, with tensions between targeting right-wing voters and centrist audiences. The discussion touches on global centre-right trends influencing local dynamics, as well as the role of James Patterson in restoring unity. The political landscape is poised for change as Sussan Ley's leadership comes under scrutiny amidst these unfolding events.
