Tom McIlroy

This week’s discussion features Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent at Guardian Australia, and Jo Tovey, National News Editor at Guardian Australia. They dive into the Liberal Party's historic election of its first female leader, Sussan Ley, and the challenges she faces. The conversation also touches on the Nationals' leadership battle, the Greens' new leader Larissa Waters, and the potential shifts in party strategies. Ultimately, they ponder how these changes could reshape the future landscape of Australian politics.

Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for The Guardian, dives into the surprising split of the Nationals from their longtime coalition with the Liberals. He discusses the historic implications of this breakup and the driving factors behind it, such as climate policy disagreements and the call for more collaborative decision-making. McIlroy also analyzes how this shift could impact future political alliances, the Nationals' potential as a minor party, and what it means for the political landscape in Australia.

Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for Guardian Australia, shares insights on the Liberal Party's most significant crisis in decades. With Peter Dutton's departure, leadership uncertainty looms large. McIlroy discusses internal conflicts and the party's struggle to regain urban support. He explores the tension between centrist and right-wing factions, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and reevaluation of strategies. The conversation highlights the necessity of urgent reforms to rebuild voter trust amid a rapidly changing political landscape.

Guest Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia's political editor, shares insights from New York on Albanese's significant announcement at the UN recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. He discusses the timing of this decision and its potential to widen Australia's rift with the US amid the Gaza conflict. McIlroy analyzes international reactions, including Netanyahu's criticism, and speculates on future Australian diplomatic responses. He also touches on behind-the-scenes efforts to engage with Trump and other priorities in Albanese's UN agenda.

Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at Guardian Australia, joins the discussion to delve into the Albanese Government's ambitious 2035 climate targets, set between 62-70%. He highlights the resurgence of climate debates within the Coalition, focusing on Sussan Ley's stance against pursuing net zero at any cost. The conversation shifts to Ley's economic vision, exploring internal tensions among party members. Additionally, McIlroy analyzes Albanese's Pacific diplomacy and upcoming UN engagements, including key issues like Palestinian recognition and the AUKUS agreement.

In a deep dive into Australian politics, Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for Guardian Australia, discusses the looming influence of Donald Trump on the 2025 election. With a cost-of-living crisis at the forefront, candidates Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton must navigate shifting voter sentiments. McIlroy highlights how Trump's persona complicates local political discourse and impacts public perception. The conversation also touches on Australia's unique compulsory voting system and its implications for candidate strategy.

Tom McIlroy, political editor at Guardian Australia, dives into recent political shifts, including a Labor-Greens deal on environmental laws amid lengthy negotiations. He discusses the motivations behind Labor's pragmatic partnership with the Greens and the removal of forestry exemptions. The episode also covers Barnaby Joyce's surprising defection to One Nation and the implications of Pauline Hanson's controversial stunts. McIlroy analyzes how these moves may influence voter sentiment and shift political dynamics ahead of upcoming budgets.

Tom McIlroy, Chief Political Correspondent for Guardian Australia, joins the conversation to unpack the recent Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra. The atmosphere was upbeat, with participants eager to avoid 'regulatory hairballs' and discuss sustainable funding for the NDIS. McIlroy dives into the implications of Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood and its impact on relations with Israel. They also touch on the delicate balance of international diplomacy, especially amidst ongoing tensions and the need for clear communication in foreign policy.

Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter focused on firearm ownership in Australia, joins political editor Tom McIlroy to discuss the urgent need for gun law reform following the Bondi Beach attack. They reveal alarming statistics about rising gun ownership and highlight regulatory gaps that compromise safety. The duo delves into proposed governmental solutions and assesses the political landscape, including bipartisan support and resistance from the gun lobby. They also touch on the critical intersection of addressing antisemitism and ensuring community security in the wake of violence.

Political editor Tom McIlroy lends his expertise to dissect the ongoing controversy surrounding Anika Wells’ travel expenses. He delves into the hidden expenses system that fuels public outrage and discusses how optics clash with the realities of a cost-of-living crisis. The $100,000 UN trip raises eyebrows, especially with last-minute upgrades to business class. Tom also examines family travel entitlements and the implications of public scrutiny on ministers, all while noting the lack of appetite for reform in the rules governing these perks.