Niki Savva

Join veteran political journalist Niki Savva, who witnessed the Whitlam dismissal firsthand, and author Troy Bramston, who has extensively researched this pivotal moment in Australian history. Savva recounts the chaotic atmosphere on the day of the dismissal, her insights on Gough Whitlam's ambitious reform agenda, and the confusion in Parliament following the shocking news. Bramston delves into John Kerr's controversial role, the palace's warnings, and the lasting impact of this political crisis on Australia's governance.

Niki Savva, a seasoned Canberra political journalist and author of 'Earthquake: the election that shook Australia,' dives into the seismic shifts following the 2025 federal election. She reveals why the Coalition's massive defeat was shocking yet predicted and how their cultural war focus alienated voters. Savva discusses Albanese's recovery post-referendum and critiques Dutton's missteps and alignment with Trump, which harmed the Coalition's credibility. Additionally, she highlights the evolving political landscape and the need for Labor to leverage its mandate for reform.

Tom McIlroy, author and political correspondent, teams up with Niki Savva, a political commentator, to dive into the touchstone that is Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles'. They discuss how the controversial painting's purchase by the Whitlam Government in 1973 reverberated through Australian politics, affecting public perception and national identity. The conversation also explores the emotional legacy of the artwork and the complexities of political portraiture, particularly in how art shapes our views of politicians today.