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
Sep 22, 2025 • 25min
Australia splits with US to recognise Palestine
Australia has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, stirring diplomatic discussions and raising questions about its effects. The move puts the country at odds with the US, sparking speculation about potential meetings between leaders. Meanwhile, the Optus outage, linked to tragic incidents, has prompted an investigation and scrutiny over communication failures. Additionally, the political landscape sees shifts with Andrew Hastie's controversial social media activity as the Coalition navigates fundraising and leadership challenges.
19 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 18min
Matt Kean urging opposition to back govt's 2035 emissions target || Insiders: On Background
Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority and former New South Wales Treasurer, dives into Australia’s ambitious plan to cut emissions by 62 to 70% by 2035. He discusses how shifting to renewables can lower electricity bills and support the rise of electric vehicles. Kean also emphasizes the importance of land use and carbon removal strategies, urging collaboration with farmers for better soil health. His insights reveal the critical need for stable policy to attract investment and drive meaningful change.
7 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 40min
Labor unveils 2035 climate targets. What next?
Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at Guardian Australia, joins the discussion to delve into the Albanese Government's ambitious 2035 climate targets, set between 62-70%. He highlights the resurgence of climate debates within the Coalition, focusing on Sussan Ley's stance against pursuing net zero at any cost. The conversation shifts to Ley's economic vision, exploring internal tensions among party members. Additionally, McIlroy analyzes Albanese's Pacific diplomacy and upcoming UN engagements, including key issues like Palestinian recognition and the AUKUS agreement.
Sep 17, 2025 • 19min
Did Trump just confirm a meeting with Albo?
Donald Trump recently criticized an Australian journalist's questions, suggesting they could harm Australia, which led to speculation about his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The discussion dives into the intricacies of international relations as Albanese navigates a failed defense treaty with Papua New Guinea. The hosts also explore the complexities of diplomacy in Trump's world, using literary references to illustrate how small gestures between leaders can carry significant weight. Will these diplomatic tensions signal more challenges ahead?
Sep 16, 2025 • 26min
Will Ley survive the climate wars?
Joining the discussion is Raf Epstein from ABC Radio in Melbourne, known for his insightful political commentary. The podcast delves into the internal discord within the Coalition over climate policies, as key members threaten resignations over the emissions reduction target. Raf and Brett Worthington dissect Sussan Ley's leadership challenges and the potential fallout from these divisions. They also touch on the broader implications for the Liberal Party and the nation's climate strategy amid rising economic pressures and global responsibilities.
10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
Will Labor's climate target be ambitious?
The Albanese Government is gearing up to reveal its 2035 emissions reduction target amidst a troubling climate assessment. Discussion centers on the potential for more ambitious climate goals despite significant policy challenges. Meanwhile, the focus on defense spending, including a $12 billion naval investment, raises questions about balancing climate ambitions with economic and security priorities. The military agreement with Papua New Guinea also highlights Australia's strategic moves in the Pacific against regional influences.
11 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 21min
What should Australia's 2035 climate target be?
In this engaging discussion, Erwin Jackson, Head of Australian programs for Climate Works Centre, shares insights on Australia’s upcoming 2035 climate target and the challenges that lie ahead. He emphasizes balancing industry survival with climate goals and the critical role of renewable energy in achieving these ambitions. Jackson explores economic benefits tied to sustainable investments and Australia’s pivotal position in the global renewable energy shift. The conversation also covers how clear policies and international cooperation are essential for effective climate action.
Sep 11, 2025 • 38min
Is Sussan Ley's leadership in trouble?
In a gripping discussion, Anna Henderson, Chief Political Correspondent at SBS News, breaks down the recent chaos within the Liberal Party following Sussan Ley's demotion of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. They explore the implications of internal factional battles on Ley's leadership authority. Henderson also sheds light on Prime Minister Albanese's actions at the Pacific Islands Forum, questioning Labor's dual approach to climate change. The conversation unpacks the deep divides in political sentiments and the evolving landscape of Australian politics.
Sep 10, 2025 • 0sec
PM condemns Israel's Qatar strike
The Prime Minister condemned Israel's airstrike in Qatar, calling it a breach of sovereignty. This move raises questions about potential ceasefire talks in Gaza. Meanwhile, the discussion shifts to Australia's diplomatic efforts at the Pacific Islands Forum and how it's countering China's growing influence. Political tensions in Australia surrounding immigration and net zero targets also spark debate, as public perception of recent protests reveals a more complicated societal response.
Sep 9, 2025 • 23min
Battle of the bribes in the Pacific
Tensions are rising within the Liberal Party as Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa-Price faces backlash over her comments on Indian migrants. The Prime Minister's diplomatic mission to the Pacific is complicated by a stalled security pact with Vanuatu. As Australia grapples with a changing geopolitical landscape, the discussion uncovers the transactional nature of Pacific diplomacy. Amidst concerns of rising gang violence in Melbourne, the podcast also touches on the impact of immigration on political narratives and the urgent push for climate commitments.
