Politics with Michelle Grattan
The Conversation
The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
Andrew Jakubowicz on repairing our 'fragile' multicultural nation
The multiculturalism expert says increased tensions since the October 7 attacks have raised 'the tideline of hate speech' in Australia.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Oct 2, 2025 • 26min
James Paterson on Andrew Hastie, Sussan Ley and himself
Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson canvasses the economy and the budget, says the Liberals need to sort out its stance on net zero sooner rather than later.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Sep 25, 2025 • 33min
Former diplomat Ian Parmeter on an Israel-led 'one-state solution'
The former Australian ambassador turned scholar says despite more countries recognising Palestine as a state, a peaceful two-state solution is slipping away.
Sep 17, 2025 • 25min
Tony Wood on 'politics trumping climate policy' and the hard road ahead
The energy expert says Australia's only on track to cut its emissions by around 50% by 2035 – 'so we're going to have to step up the pace' in the next decade.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Sep 3, 2025 • 19min
Abul Rizvi on how silence and stalling stoke anti-migrant fears
A former deputy secretary of the immigration department under the Howard government says 'it's time politicians on both sides pulled up their socks'.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Aug 28, 2025 • 27min
Health Minister Mark Butler on kids on the NDIS through to aged care funding
The health minister also says fewer kids are now vaping because of the government's ban, which 'exploded' as a health problem during the COVID years.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Aug 19, 2025 • 34min
Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien and industry chief Andrew McKellar's reform wish list
Both men say the government has a 'spending problem' and are urging the federal government to think beyond raising taxes – especially for business.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Aug 14, 2025 • 18min
Union boss Sally McManus on the push for shorter work hours in the age of AI
McManus doesn't expect instant wins on shorter work hours from next week's economic summit, but says it still needs to be on the table – along with AI protections.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Aug 13, 2025 • 35min
Jim Chalmers wants roundtable to 'crack open' the challenge of slow housing approvals
Housing is on the agenda at next week's productivity roundtable, with the Treasurer wanting better regulation and faster approvals to build more homes.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Aug 7, 2025 • 25min
Talking about 'blokes' issues' with ex-Olympian and Labor MP Dan Repacholi
The former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersThe Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
