Politics Now Labor accountability and negative gearing caution
Jan 16, 2026
What keeps women in the Senate? Discover the dynamics of party selection and workload. With a weakened opposition, is government accountability suffering? Delve into the effects of constant criticism on public trust and party credibility. Housing policy takes center stage, revealing caution on negative gearing since 2019, while immigration's role in the housing crisis is discussed—small impact, but skilled migrants are key. Tune in for engaging insights on the shifting political landscape!
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Why Leaders Come From The House
- Political leaders almost always come from the House because it's the arena of the fiercest daily debate and visibility.
- Fran Kelly notes John Gorton was an exception who moved to the lower house to consolidate leadership.
Why Many Powerful Women Are Senators
- Powerful women often sit in the Senate because it offers different roles, quieter influence and sometimes an easier party pathway.
- Patricia Karvelas highlights Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher as examples of understated but central power.
Fix Democracy By Reforming Rules
- Strengthen accountability with electoral and campaign-reform measures like longer terms and donation limits.
- Use transparency tools such as the National Integrity Commission and robust Senate estimates to improve scrutiny.