Politics Now A week of parliamentary drama
Feb 5, 2026
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.
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Coalition Split Undermines Opposition
- The Coalition's split is playing out as public theatre, weakening its effectiveness in Question Time.
- Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly note the split undermines opposition scrutiny and creates political chaos for voters.
Rate Rise Shifts Political Focus
- The RBA rate rise refocused political attention onto household pain and the government's budget choices.
- David Speers warns this will be a year of pain for households and a major political challenge for the Albanese Government.
Set A Clear Deadline For Unity
- The Liberal Party needs a clear deadline and either reunite the Coalition or form a full Liberal front bench quickly.
- David Speers advises a firm timeline to avoid prolonged disarray and restore operational opposition functions.
