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
Aug 25, 2025 • 22min
A housing pitch and a net zero brawl
The government is making bold moves on housing, fast-tracking a 5% deposit scheme while pausing energy efficiency requirements. A fierce debate erupts within the Coalition over net zero commitments, with Barnaby Joyce reigniting tensions. Regulations surrounding building codes are under scrutiny, raising questions about their effectiveness. There's a satirical critique of government aid favoring the wealthy amidst changing policies. The interplay of climate policy and community support adds another layer to the housing narrative, highlighting the financial complexities of energy transitions.
9 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 17min
Are working-age Australians being ripped off by the tax system? || Insiders: On Background
In this engaging discussion, Aruna Sathenapali, Head of the Grattan Institute, shares insights from the recent Economic Reform Roundtable on Australia’s tax system. She emphasizes the urgent need for tax reform to promote fairness, particularly for working-age Australians facing inequities in income taxation. Aruna critiques the tax-free status for retirees and explores disparities affecting high and low-income earners. The conversation also touches on simplifying complex tax processes and the necessity of a broad public understanding to drive meaningful change.
Aug 21, 2025 • 40min
Sizzle or fizzle? The verdict on the Roundtable
Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for Guardian Australia, joins the conversation to unpack the recent Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra. The atmosphere was upbeat, with participants eager to avoid 'regulatory hairballs' and discuss sustainable funding for the NDIS. McIlroy dives into the implications of Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood and its impact on relations with Israel. They also touch on the delicate balance of international diplomacy, especially amidst ongoing tensions and the need for clear communication in foreign policy.
Aug 20, 2025 • 18min
Netanyahu lashes out and Tony Burke fires back
Tensions rise as Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke hits back at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who accused Australian leaders of weakness. The podcast dives into the evolving diplomatic dynamics, highlighting the delicate balance of Australia's foreign policy toward Israel and Palestine. In a surprising twist, the Prime Minister skips a pivotal economic meeting, raising questions about leadership in challenging times. Additionally, the discussion covers vital reforms impacting health and productivity, emphasizing the need for innovative policy solutions amidst debate.
Aug 19, 2025 • 0sec
Tension in a tit-for-tat visa cancellation
Tensions escalate as Australia cancels a visa for an Israeli MP, prompting a swift retaliatory move from Israel. The discussion dives into the nuanced balance between free speech and public sentiment. Amidst this, Australia hosts an Economic Reform Roundtable, where optimism reigns, but questions linger about its true implications. Conversations also explore the intersection of cancel culture with economic productivity, showcasing the diverse political dynamics at play. The impact of documentary storytelling on global awareness is also highlighted, emphasizing the power of narratives in shaping perceptions.
Aug 18, 2025 • 23min
Putting productivity on the Reform Roundtable
Australia’s productivity chief emphasizes the need for a growth mindset in government policy. Urgent reforms for childcare safety are discussed against a backdrop of troubling abuse stories. The challenges of navigating political discourse on productivity versus short-term revenue solutions take center stage. Additionally, there's a delve into the complexities of AI regulation and the necessity for clearer communication in policy proposals. Finally, the podcast touches on Australia’s geopolitical stance and recent actions against Qantas regarding workplace justice.
Aug 15, 2025 • 23min
Let AI boost productivity and growth, business leaders urge against 'over-regulation' || Insiders: On Background
Andrew McKellar, Head of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discusses Australia’s productivity challenges and regulatory reforms. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach between environmental regulations and efficient construction processes. McKellar advocates for leveraging AI to boost job creation while addressing concerns over job displacement and intellectual property rights. He also touches on urgent tax reforms needed to support business investment and sustainable government funding amid economic pressures.
Aug 14, 2025 • 36min
Whose economic summit is it anyway?
Melissa Clarke, a Radio National Breakfast political correspondent, joins the discussion on pressing Australian political matters. They dive into the looming economic reform summit, emphasizing the critical drop in productivity highlighted by the RBA. Clarke also reveals behind-the-scenes tensions between Prime Minister Albanese and Treasurer Chalmers over ownership of the agenda. Additionally, they analyze the significant diplomatic implications of Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood, illustrating its impact on both domestic and international fronts.
Aug 13, 2025 • 27min
What the PM thinks about a four day work week
The push for a four-day work week takes center stage, sparking debate among policymakers. Tensions rise as the Prime Minister and Treasurer express conflicting views on economic goals. Rising unemployment and stagnating productivity raise critical questions for Australia's economic future. Insights into interest rates reveal their impact on housing and voter concerns. Meanwhile, the political discourse on Palestinian statehood intertwines with domestic priorities, showcasing how even pop culture figures are influencing political narratives.
Aug 12, 2025 • 29min
A win for Labor as the RBA cuts rates
The RBA's recent decision to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points brings relief to mortgage holders, raising questions about Labor's political gains. The hosts dissect the political implications of this economic shift while reflecting on Australia's historic stance towards Palestinian statehood. They explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how political parties differ in their approaches. Additionally, they navigate the nuances of diplomacy regarding Gaza, all while weaving in light-hearted pop culture references.
