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
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.
Mar 2, 2026 • 21min
Why Albanese backed Trump's Iran attack
Discussion about Australia's public support for US and Israeli strikes in Iran and how leaders framed the response. Debate over whether Australia was involved operationally through bases or intelligence. Questions about the legality and future participation are raised. Political fallout at home and risks to Australians abroad and the economy are explored.
17 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 24min
Can tax reform fix Australia's housing crisis? | Insiders On Background
Bernie Fraser, former Treasury Secretary and Reserve Bank Governor, brings decades of public policy and economic experience. He discusses how tax settings have pushed housing demand and whether negative gearing or the capital gains discount should change. He also highlights supply barriers like land and materials and argues tax tweaks must pair with supply measures.
7 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 21min
PM 'mops up' as Ley officially exits
Sussan Ley’s sudden resignation and the resulting by-election in Farrer take center stage. Listeners probe the political risks of changing negative gearing and capital gains rules. Debate turns to how economic reform, polling and electoral calculations shape party strategy. Questions also probe recent leadership missteps and efforts to recalibrate progressive patriotism and national unity.
Feb 26, 2026 • 0sec
A ‘difficult’ week for the PM
Jacob Greber, 7.30 Political Editor and on-the-ground correspondent in Farrer, provides local electoral analysis. He reports voter mood and key local concerns like health, water and childcare. The conversation also covers the PM's controversial 'difficult' remark, debates over capital gains tax and budget knife-edge politics ahead of major fiscal decisions.
Feb 25, 2026 • 23min
Albanese's 'troubling' bomb scare
A sudden bomb threat forced a prime ministerial evacuation tied to concerts by a China‑banned group. Discussion turns to rising threats against politicians, online radicalisation and whether political leaders can cool public rhetoric. They also cover how security concerns might deter people from entering politics and shift into inflation, interest rates and looming budget pain.
Feb 24, 2026 • 25min
Why is Albanese ruling out a republic referendum?
They discuss a bold move to remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the royal succession and whether it is mainly symbolic. They debate why the prime minister rules out a referendum on becoming a republic right now. They cover the start of a Royal Commission into anti‑Semitism and doubts about its tight timeline. They scrutinize revived high‑speed rail plans and skeptical delivery claims.
