

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

Jun 25, 2015 • 26min
Malcolm Turnbull
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull sits down with Michelle to talk about the government's new anti-online piracy measures, Zaky Mallah on ABC's Q&A, gay marriage and much more.

Jun 15, 2015 • 22min
Sarah Hanson-Young
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young sits down with Michelle to talk about personal attacks on her, the accusations that people smugglers were paid by Australian officials to turn their boat around, stripping the citizenship of dual citizens engaged in terrorist activity, gay marriage, and much more.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

Jun 3, 2015 • 26min
Bruce Billson
Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson sat down to talk to Michelle about the budget, the small business tax cuts, cabinet leaks, gay marriage and much more.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.

May 27, 2015 • 24min
Richard Di Natale
Greens leader Richard Di Natale spoke to Michelle about how he is adjusting to leading the party, gay marriage, the Coalition and Labor's deal on the RET and more.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

May 19, 2015 • 17min
Nick Xenophon
Michelle Grattan speaks to Senate independent Nick Xenophon about an iron ore price inquiry, the budget, higher education deregulation and more.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.

May 13, 2015 • 17min
Tony Burke
Labor's Finance Spokesman Tony Burke talks to Michelle about the government's budget, the prospect of an early election and the upcoming Labor conference.

May 13, 2015 • 16min
Mathias Cormann
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann sits with Michelle to talk about the government's budget, an early election and getting measures through the Senate.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

May 13, 2015 • 13min
Jennifer Westacott
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott joined Michelle to talk about the BCA's reaction to Tuesday's federal budget.

May 11, 2015 • 25min
Sussan Ley
Health Minister Sussan Ley joins Michelle to talk about the federal budget, the pharmacist agreement, the AMA, Medicare reform, being a woman in cabinet and much more. 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

May 5, 2015 • 22min
Josh Frydenberg
Michelle and Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg talk about preparations for next week's budget, big company tax dodging, gay marriage and much more. 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.


