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 10, 2026 • 25min
Big personalities, protests and polling
A large protest at Town Hall and clashes with police dominate the conversation. Internal turmoil and leadership pressure swirl inside the Liberal party. Questions about polling reliability and whether rising One Nation support reflects immigration policy shifts are explored. Listeners’ queries drive debate about political futures and public reaction.
Feb 9, 2026 • 26min
Coalition frenemies promise to unite
Coalition members claim unity while insiders debate whether recent splits and negotiated terms will hold. Discussion centers on Sussan Ley's position, the optics of weakness and the risk of a leadership spill. They cover bad polling, right-wing strategy and procedural hurdles to removing leaders. Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney after the Bondi attack raises tensions and political balancing acts.
13 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 19min
What is Thriving Kids? | Insiders On Background
Professor Frank Oberclade, paediatrician and researcher who co-chaired the Thriving Kids Advisory Group, explains the government's new model for early childhood supports. He outlines a continuum-based approach to identifying needs, how targeted referrals and services will work, plans to upskill GPs and community workers, and how states will manage funding and equity challenges.
Feb 5, 2026 • 34min
A week of parliamentary drama
David Speers, ABC political lead and regular commentator, provides sharp analysis of parliamentary chaos, Coalition split negotiations and looming leadership risk. He also covers the RBA rate rise, budget pressure and talk of capital gains tax reform. International tensions from Isaac Herzog's visit and NDIS reform implications round out the conversation.
10 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 25min
Should we expect bold budget ideas?
They dig into the government’s planned $3 billion defence land sell-off and what it could mean for housing and local communities. They talk heritage and commuting worries as sites are divested. They unpack budget pressure from inflation and recent rate rises and debate whether big fiscal reforms are realistic in May. They also discuss political optics, opposition weakness and state-level right-wing dynamics.
28 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 23min
Is a rate rise the government's fault?
A recent cash rate lift and what it means for cost of living and mortgage pain. Political debate over whether government policies helped trigger the rise. Shifting parliament dynamics after the Liberals and Nationals split. Tactics the government might use in the budget to ease pressure. Rising leadership tension and how party polling could shape next moves.
Feb 2, 2026 • 29min
Has Albanese got his mojo back?
They unpack how Liberal and Nationals infighting has reshaped political headlines. They highlight a surprising poll surge for One Nation and what it means for conservative voters. They explain leadership manoeuvres, timing options for party spills and the fallout from clandestine all-male meetings. They also flag big donor influence, campaign money trends and looming donation reforms.
Jan 30, 2026 • 26min
Is Labor tackling gendered violence?
Claudia Long, ABC political reporter who covers gendered violence and policy, breaks down the national 10-year blueprint. She discusses the 2024 homicide spike and rapid review. She outlines calls for a national watchdog, funding pressures, the manosphere’s impact on youth violence, and the challenges of cross-jurisdictional coordination.
9 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Why timing is everything in politics
A tense leadership meeting in Melbourne and the awkward optics of a male-dominated leadership push. Why timing and internal arithmetic drive moves for power within the Coalition. How a split between Liberals and Nationals would affect nominations, fundraising and campaign logistics. The appeal and staying power of Pauline Hanson and what that means for broader right‑wing politics.
Jan 29, 2026 • 35min
Spills, inflation and One Nation - oh my!
Melissa Clarke, Radio National political correspondent and commentator, breaks down coalition infighting and leadership friction. She explores the Nationals' surprise leadership challenge and whether One Nation can translate rising traction into lower house wins. She also outlines the political fallout from a surprise inflation spike and what it means for budget and rate politics.
