
Politics with Michelle Grattan
The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 31min
Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians
The shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and social services says we need 'unpleasant conversations' to achieve real outcomes – like keeping families together.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.

Jun 26, 2025 • 29min
Treasury veteran Ken Henry on the "enormous damage" the tax system does to young people
Former secretary of the Treasury Ken Henry joins us to talk about his 40+ years experience in working to reform Australia's tax system. Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

Jun 17, 2025 • 35min
An 'impatient' Jim Chalmers on taking political risks in Labor's second term
From new ways to fast-track cheaper homes and renewable energy to bigger tax reforms, Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells the podcast his door is open for fresh ideas.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

Jun 11, 2025 • 27min
Senator Tammy Tyrrell on wild days in Tasmania
On the podcast this week we're joined by Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell to discuss chaotic state of politics on the Apple Isle.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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 30min
Historian Emma Shortis warns against falling into Trump's trade traps
Ahead of Anthony Albanese's likely first meeting with Donald Trump this month, a US politics expert says 'begging' for lower tariffs would be a mistake.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.

May 29, 2025 • 31min
Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals
We're joined by Liberal Zoe McKenzie who was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. She joins us to talk about the Liberal party future.

May 21, 2025 • 22min
Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the 'dark shadow' of global instability
From super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parziament returns in July.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.

May 20, 2025 • 22min
Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the 'dark shadow' of global instability
From super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parliament returns in July.

May 14, 2025 • 30min
Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI
Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh is charged with lifting Australia's stagnant productivity. He says AI may help us do less drudge work, such as sending endless emails.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.

May 8, 2025 • 20min
David Pocock wants us to aim for up 90% reduction in emissions
David Pocock joins us today to talk about the new Senate situation, his aspirations for the next three years and the election generally. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.