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
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.
9 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 0sec
Is a rate hike now imminent?
Nationals leadership turmoil and a spill motion in Queensland create fresh coalition instability. December inflation surprised at 3.8%, ramping up pressure on the RBA and markets for a rate rise. Discussion covers trimmed mean readings, budget implications, political fallout, and possible renegotiation of the coalition partnership.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 25min
Could 'freelancers' decide the Liberals' future?
A tense leadership scramble within the Liberal party and whether undecided 'soft middle' MPs could tip its future direction. Political maneuvering by contenders, moderates rallying, and the impact of electoral survival on choices. A federal-state standoff over hospital funding and budget pressures. Rising protests, climate-linked heatwaves, and migration visa issues add to the national mood.
20 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
Is Sussan Ley's leadership 'toast'?
Tension inside the Liberal ranks after a Coalition split puts one leader on shaky ground. Conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are jockeying for influence and possible leadership roles. A new US ambassador pick and reactions to Donald Trump’s Afghanistan remarks shift focus to foreign policy. The discussion highlights internal party divides and who might wield power next.
28 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 24min
Libs, Nats, One Nation and the fight for the right
The recent split of the Nationals from the Coalition has ignited fierce debates about their future and leadership dynamics. Key figures like Sussan Ley may face challenges, and questions arise about a potential alliance with One Nation. The discussion explores whether a right-wing bloc could dominate politics, as well as the Liberals' struggle to reclaim centrist voters amid shifting political identities. Tune in for insights on how these changes might reshape the political landscape in Queensland and beyond!
18 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 28min
The Coalition is 'done'. Are Ley and Littleproud too?
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation and a political analyst, delves into the shock collapse of the Coalition as the Nationals sever ties with the Liberals. She discusses the contentious timing of the split coinciding with a National Day of Mourning and speculates on the future of Sussan Ley’s leadership. Grattan also examines the implications for David Littleproud, the rise of One Nation’s influence, and how Prime Minister Albanese plans to capitalize on the chaos. Political futures are tangled, and the stakes have never been higher.
9 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 18min
Are the Nationals testing Sussan Ley?
Gun reforms are officially passed, but the tension within the Nationals Coalition is boiling over. Three frontbenchers defied party lines and voted against hate laws, challenging Opposition leader Sussan Ley's authority. The hosts delve into the implications of potential sackings and the risk of a coalition split. As the government adjusts its strategy, they ponder the future of hate laws and reflect on unity during the upcoming National Day of Mourning. It's a whirlwind of political intrigue and leadership challenges!
Jan 20, 2026 • 25min
Will hate speech laws split the Coalition?
The Albanese Government is pushing through hate speech and gun reform bills amidst chaotic scenes in Parliament. Tensions brew in the Coalition, especially with the Nationals hesitating to support new hate laws. Internal divisions within the Liberal Party highlight their struggle to align on key issues like standing with Jewish communities. Gun law changes seem likely to pass with Greens support, but what will it mean politically for existing parties? The discussion dives into the complexities of criminalizing hate speech and the potential risks involved.
Jan 19, 2026 • 26min
Parliament returns - but it's not 'politics as usual'
After the recent Bondi terror attack, MPs returned to Canberra amid emotional speeches and calls for bipartisanship. The podcast delves into the complexities of proposed gun reforms and the ongoing debate around hate speech legislation. A surprising poll reveals One Nation's rise, surpassing the Coalition for the first time, sparking discussions about internal party dynamics and leadership pressures. With looming negotiations and political responsibilities in the air, the hosts highlight key moments and what to watch in the coming parliamentary sessions.
