

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

Sep 3, 2025 • 21min
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:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Aug 28, 2025 • 29min
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:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Aug 19, 2025 • 35min
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:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

Aug 14, 2025 • 20min
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:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Aug 13, 2025 • 37min
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:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Aug 7, 2025 • 26min
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/newslettersYour support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Jul 31, 2025 • 31min
YouTube, podcasters and leading economists: Allegra Spender on how she's trying to influence tax reform
The influential crossbench MP warns young working people are going backwards financially. She also backs the government's proposed YouTube ban for kids – for now.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Jul 24, 2025 • 24min
Chris Bowen on why it's ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31
We're joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen who outlines Australia's ongoing energy transition.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Jul 16, 2025 • 42min
Malcolm Turnbull on Australia's 'dumb' defence debate
The former prime minister warns debate about national security has 'never been dumber' – and AUKUS risks costing Australia far more than anyone wants to admit.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Jul 10, 2025 • 25min
Larissa Waters on why we deserve more than a government that just tinkers
With the government's big win at the election, how hard will the Greens push on legislation this term. We ask new leader Senator Larissa Waters. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersYour support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025


