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
Feb 23, 2026 • 26min
Is Albanese playing 'mind games' in Farrer?
Discussion of Albanese using local radio in Farrer to send political signals ahead of a by-election. Examination of likely candidates and the Nationals–Liberal rivalry shaping the contest. Debate over a Coalition bill to criminalise assistance to people linked to IS and its legal and humanitarian pitfalls. Analysis of One Nation's effect on shifting policy tone and rhetoric.
10 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 17min
Women and children in Syrian camp "will end up in Australia" | Insiders On Background
Abel Rizvi, former Deputy Secretary of the Australian Department of Immigration and now migration policy commentator. He unpacks legal duties for returning citizens and how exclusion orders and passports law work. He explains why intelligence and procedural fairness complicate refusals. He outlines return permits, children's separation issues, citizenship cancellation limits and why most in the cohort may be allowed back.
Feb 19, 2026 • 39min
Why is Albanese taking a hard line on 'ISIS brides'?
Phil Coorey, political editor at The Australian Financial Review, offers sharp federal politics analysis. He discusses why Anthony Albanese is taking a hard line on Australians in Syrian camps. They probe whether political calculation, One Nation influence and legal limits shape policy. The conversation also covers the Coalition reshuffle and what its new messaging signals.
Feb 18, 2026 • 28min
Is Taylor's frontbench battle ready?
A new shadow frontbench sparks debate about generational change and rewarded allies. Tensions between unity and talent are explored. Tim Wilson's role as shadow treasurer and Claire Chandler's promotion get close scrutiny. Discussions cover party fractures, Nationals' return, migrant community relations, and whether culture-war messaging can win votes.
Feb 17, 2026 • 39min
By-election booby traps | LIVE SHOW
Casey Briggs, ABC Chief Elections and Data Analyst who decodes polling and voting patterns. Discussion covers Farrer by-election dynamics and whether One Nation can surge. They explore how parties are pitching to Gen Z and millennials. Conversation also looks at national realignment, urban losses and what new leadership’s strategy means for rebuilding support.
10 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 25min
The radical realignment of the right
A tense leadership shakeup and the party's rightward shift take center stage. They debate a tough new immigration stance and a controversial banned-countries idea. Strategic use of hardline figures and efforts to win city voters with economic messages are explored. The toll on women's representation and whether turmoil benefits the governing party are also discussed.
8 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 23min
How will Taylor bring the Liberals back from the brink? | Insiders On Background
Fiona Scott, former Liberal MP and party vice-president, gives insider perspective on recent leadership change. She discusses why the switch happened and the party’s need for structural reform. She talks about gender optics, modern campaigning and data, and how immigration and coalition tensions shape strategy.
11 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 0sec
Taylor triumphs, Ley resigns. What next?
A sudden leadership change and a high‑stakes resignation set up a party reckoning. They unpack why moderates swung behind Angus Taylor and how his 'protect our way of life' pitch reshapes messaging. The mix of small‑government policy, urban voter outreach, and the looming Farrer by‑election offers the first real test of the new direction.
12 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 30min
It's on! Taylor v Ley spill
Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent, breaks down the sudden Liberal leadership challenge. She explains the chaotic rollout, factional plotting and the tactical fight over Sussan Ley’s survival. They also cover electoral risks around women and young voters and the bargaining over deputy options.
8 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 25min
Taylor set to strike... but how?
Mounting pressure on Angus Taylor to declare a leadership challenge and the mechanics behind a potential spill. Debate over whether a public petition matters and which factions could swing the numbers. How Sussan Ley is handling internal criticism. Isaac Herzog's Canberra visit and the political risks around it. A look at public attitudes, protest dynamics and parliamentary business on superannuation tax.
