PlatPhorm Podcasts

PlatPhorm Podcasts

Politics Now

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'.

Open publisher feed

200 indexed items · language not specified · active

Community rank is loading…

Episodes

7/13/2026

Has One Nation support hit a ceiling? artwork

episode · Checking source

Has One Nation support hit a ceiling?

Politics Now

It's another poll Monday, this time with PK and Clare! A new Resolve poll in the SMH and The Age shows support for One Nation has slipped, with leader Pauline Hanson's likeability also taking a tumble. In what will be a major relief for under fire Opposition leader Angus Taylor, the Coalition has benefited — picking up support. It comes as the Opposition leader rebukes One Nation and their economic credentials for the first time, so is the Coalition settling on a new strategy? And Labor is riding high after a successful week of international diplomacy, but there are "spotfires" building for Treasurer Jim Chalmers, ahead of the second tranche of budget tax measures. Meanwhile, as the Royal Commission on Antisemitism is this week shifts its focus to universities, the Government has announced it'll require higher education institutions to adopt definitions of antisemitism. Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's analysis here Labor scoring own goals while Coalition distracted by One Nation threat Read Clare's piece here Labor's trust tax proposal leaves small businesses waiting to see what states will do with stamp duty Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/10/2026

Australia has a deficit dilemma, could means-testing wealth be the solution? artwork

episode · Checking source

Australia has a deficit dilemma, could means-testing wealth be the solution?

Politics Now

Dire budget deficits for years to come and stalling productivity growth are painting a bleak economic picture. Against this backdrop, a new policy idea has emerged: if Australia can't rely on productivity growth and tax reform to fix the budget blackhole, what about means-testing wealth? Peter Harris is the former chair of the Productivity Commission and now board director at the Policy Institute Australia. He told Jacob Greber, for this week's Insiders On Background, means testing wealth - including the family home - for paid parental leave, aged care, pensions and childcare could fix the budget blackhole.

Episode details Publisher page

7/9/2026

Modi, the Pacific and THAT podcast artwork

episode · Checking source

Modi, the Pacific and THAT podcast

Politics Now

It's been a big week on the international stage for Anthony Albanese, from a Pacific blitz to bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Melbourne. While a Chinese missile test threatened to overshadow the diplomacy tour, was the destabilising move actually a "cherry-on-top" for Australia — pushing Pacific nations closer to us? Back home, the fallout from the Telstra outage is continuing and so are the politics. So, did the Opposition "jump the shark?" And of course there was THAT podcast appearance and subsequent "unequivocal apology" from the PM this week. So, what are the risks for politicians trying to engage in new media to reach voters? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Stephen Dziedzic, ABC Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Reporter on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/8/2026

The politics of an outage artwork

episode · Checking source

The politics of an outage

Politics Now

A nationwide Telstra outage has caused chaos for commuters and businesses and prompted Communications Minister Anika Wells to return early from leave. And artificial intelligence is back in the spotlight, with Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton suggesting now is the time to embed safety into AI. It comes ahead of the Labor Conference where an internal debate over AI is set to get "messy". Meanwhile, a stoush is brewing between drug-makers and the Federal Government. Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare's piece here — Critical Drugs could be pulled from PBS amid pricing stoush Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/7/2026

PM rebukes 'provocative' missile test artwork

episode · Checking source

PM rebukes 'provocative' missile test

Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned China's missile test in the Pacific as a "provocative act", suggesting it destablises the region. It comes as the PM holds bilateral talks with his Solomon Islands counterpart and continues his regional diplomacy blitz. And back home, as preparations get underway for the Federal Labor Conference, there are already some clear battlelines taking shape. Melissa Clarke and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/6/2026

A Pacific push and podcast blunder artwork

episode · Checking source

A Pacific push and podcast blunder

Politics Now

Australia has a new military alliance, signing a mutual defence pact with Fiji. Australia has long had a defence alliance with the US and New Zealand. Last year, an historic pact with Papua New Guinea forged a new direction for Australia and now a similar pledge has been made with Fiji. The "Ocean of Peace" alliance leaves the door opened to a multilateral pact that could see Australia, PNG, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga form a military alliance. But while riding high on the success of Pacific diplomacy, the Prime Minister has been forced to apologise "unequivocally" for remarks he made on a podcast. Melissa Clarke and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/3/2026

After 250 years what is America celebrating this Independence Day? artwork

episode · Checking source

After 250 years what is America celebrating this Independence Day?

Politics Now

Today marks 250 years since America's declaration of Independence. As the United States struggles with domestic divisions and its role as a global superpower, is the Founding Fathers' "Great Democratic Experiment" over? Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos sat down David Speers to discuss whether the United States can pull back from the brink.

Episode details Publisher page

7/3/2026

Labor's political pickle on house prices artwork

episode · Checking source

Labor's political pickle on house prices

Politics Now

It's Question Time! And there are no Dorothy Dixers in sight! But before Fran and PK tackle your "top-notch" queries, Fran checks in on PK after TV series Ponies was cancelled after just one season — luckily she still has The West Wing to rewatch. But they both agree the best thing on our screens at the moment is The World Cup, go the Socceroos (otherwise known as the 'Mantildas')! Then it's time for Partyroomers questions, including: the politics of house prices, do people follow how-to-vote cards? Have politicians undervalued the arts? And what lower house seat could Pauline Hanson run for? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever questions The Party Room: Question Time edition. Listen to Thursday's episode here 🎧 Labor cleans off the barnacles Listen here to 🎧 Antony Green on the tests ahead for One Nation Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

7/2/2026

Labor cleans off the barnacles artwork

episode · Checking source

Labor cleans off the barnacles

Politics Now

It's mid-winter break eve and the Albanese Government has been "cleaning off the barnacles" before the recess. They pressed their luck introducing gambling ad restrictions to parliament, but it seems the Greens and Coalition will send the legislation to an inquiry. Meanwhile, the housing debate is still taking up lots of oxygen, as auction clearance rates hit six-year lows. Labor is holding their nerve and betting the house their budget tax changes will pay-off in the long run. And the soul-searching has continued for the Liberals this week, after Newspoll saw the Coalition's primary support slip to a historic low of 17 per cent. So, while parliament goes on break, will all sides of politics be keeping their foot on the accelerator? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Anna Henderson , Chief Political Correspondent at SBS on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au If you or anyone you know needs help, contact: National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 Lifeline on 13 11 14 Headspace on 1800 650 890

Episode details Publisher page

7/1/2026

The odds-on Labor's gambling reform artwork

episode · Checking source

The odds-on Labor's gambling reform

Politics Now

Labor's long awaited legislation to restrict gambling advertising is set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but the Coalition could join the Greens in punting it to an inquiry. So, will the Albanese Government have to "give ground" and grant Coalition amendments if they want this to pass? And in the wake of PwC and KPMG scandals, Labor unveiling an option paper to improve regulation of accounting and audit firms. So, what's on the table? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/30/2026

Should the Liberals 'rebrand'? artwork

episode · Checking source

Should the Liberals 'rebrand'?

Politics Now

As volatility in the housing market continues, Labor is defending its budget tax changes and backing Treasury modelling on house price growth. But while Labor is in a "wicked position" on housing, are they simply strapping in for a "white knuckle ride" for the next few months? Meanwhile, Opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has doubled down on calls for the Liberals to "rebrand", suggesting the party needs to refresh and cut through. The idea has been widely panned by her party colleagues, but is there merit to it? Patricia Karvelas and David Lipson break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/29/2026

Crocodile Dundee enters the chat artwork

episode · Checking source

Crocodile Dundee enters the chat

Politics Now

It's a classic "poll Monday" with Jacob and PK! Polling from Newspoll and Redbridge has One Nation's support dipping slightly, with Labor taking back the mantle of most popular political party. It comes after Pauline Hanson's combative National Press Club address — so is Labor's strategy to fight the surging populist party bearing some fruit? Meanwhile, the Coalition's woes have continued, with the Opposition's primary support hitting a historic low of 17 per cent in Newspoll. It comes as disquiet bubbles up inside the partyroom — with Angus Taylor's leadership under pressure as he fails to cut through on One Nation. And Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan has entered the political chat. He's told the AFR Pauline Hanson was a "pelican" if she thinks Australia could or should be a monoculture. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's piece here As Taylor struggles to handle Hanson, Hastie talks tough on One Nation Listen here to Antony Green on the tests ahead for One Nation Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/26/2026

'She doesn't give a rats about you': Amanda Vanstone on Pauline Hanson | Insiders On Background artwork

episode · Checking source

'She doesn't give a rats about you': Amanda Vanstone on Pauline Hanson | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

While Pauline Hanson struggled to define what she meant by a 'monoculture', Angus Taylor hesitated to back in the long held liberal party policy of a multiculturalism. Former Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone says she is disappointed in the Opposition Leader.

Episode details Publisher page

6/26/2026

Antony Green on the tests ahead for One Nation artwork

episode · Checking source

Antony Green on the tests ahead for One Nation

Politics Now

Once a fringe party, One Nation is now the most popular party in Australia, according to a series of polls… The historic polling highs have come with more scrutiny but also a further platforming of the minor party — and its leader — as Australia assesses whether One Nation could be a legitimate party of government.. Today on Politics Now, ABC Election Analyst Emeritus Antony Green on what the polling tells us and the tests ahead for One Nation. Listen here to Antony Green on the rise of One Nation Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/25/2026

Taylor fumbles and Labor locks in artwork

episode · Checking source

Taylor fumbles and Labor locks in

Politics Now

It's been a massive week in politics both in and outside of parliament. Labor is set to pass its negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes with the support of the Greens, granting only minor concessions in exchange. Meanwhile, the terms monoculture and multicultural have echoed through the chambers of parliament this week. Opposition leader Angus Taylor found himself in hot water after side-stepping a series of questions about his support for the ideas. But he's not the only politician having to do some clean up, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson declaring the Socceroos are actually an example of mono-culturalism, to some raised eyebrows in the Senate. And the idea of a so-called teal party has become a reality, but while Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched Community Strong, how will it actually work? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by David Speers on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/24/2026

Clean up on aisle Angus artwork

episode · Checking source

Clean up on aisle Angus

Politics Now

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has tried to mop-up, after avoiding a series of questions about his support for multiculturalism. But has he made things any clearer? And right after the Labor-Greens deal to pass budget tax changes, the Coalition have offered the Albanese Government a pathway to pass its NDIS overhaul this fortnight. As Clare tells PK, the move is "tidy politicking" from Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam — as the Government already agreed to an eight-week inquiry into the NDIS in exchange for Greens support on tax changes. Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare's piece here Tax experts and self-managed super funds criticise Labor–Greens deal as 'policy on the run' Listen to ABC Business Daily here An inflationary mixed bag Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/23/2026

What Albanese can learn from Starmer's fall artwork

episode · Checking source

What Albanese can learn from Starmer's fall

Politics Now

The Albanese Government has secured the support of the Greens to pass its capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, but not without some concessions. While it's welcome news for Labor, will the extended NDIS inquiry present a "political headache" in the months ahead? Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation. So, what lessons are there for the Albanese government here at home? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/22/2026

Pragmatic politics or dirty deals? artwork

episode · Checking source

Pragmatic politics or dirty deals?

Politics Now

Parliament is back for the final sitting fortnight before the mid-winter break. The Albanese Government is eager to pass its key budget measures, but will the Greens waive through tax reforms in exchange for an extended NDIS inquiry? Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has convened a virtual nation cabinet to discuss fuel security, as the Government winds down its fuel excise cut. But as global turbulence continues, the PM hasn't ruled out a further extension if needed. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's analysis here - Concerns over AI and data centres a dangerous force Labor must confront Read Jacob's analysis here - Hanson's bulldozer moment could be a sign of new promiscuity in donor politics Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

6/19/2026

Is the government's tax reform turning into a "freak show"? | Insiders On Background artwork

episode · Checking source

Is the government's tax reform turning into a "freak show"? | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

The federal government has backed down on its budget tax changes, announcing larger concessions for small business and carve outs for startups. Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar told David Speers the reforms resemble a “freak show”.

Episode details Publisher page

6/19/2026

Budget backdowns, scrutiny and Gina's bulldozer artwork

episode · Checking source

Budget backdowns, scrutiny and Gina's bulldozer

Politics Now

PK and Melissa Clarke are on a unity ticket that this has been one of the biggest weeks in politics this year. So, before they answer your clever questions they dig into the response to Labor's capital gains tax carve-outs, the latest from the US-Iran ceasefire and of course Gina Rinehart's curious orange bulldozer stunt. And then it's over to the partyroomers! Does Labor need more outspoken backbenchers? Will One Nation stand-up to the scrutiny of an election campaign? Are politicians speaking to renters? And why are data centres facing some backlash? Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke answer your queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition. Catch up on Thursday's ep here: Annabel Crabb on a doozy of a week Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page