Politics with Michelle Grattan

John Hewson, a former federal Liberal leader, talks to Michelle Grattan about Barry O'Farrell and the federal budget.

The government is putting the cost to the budget of pensions to the front and centre of the economic debate. John Brogden, chief of the financial services council, is recommending extensive changes to retirement policy. 

The Catholic Church has been at the centre of many damaging claims before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Truth Justice and Healing Council, a group established to coordinate the Catholic Church’s engagement with the royal commission and to develop a reform agenda around the handling of child sexual abuse, sits down with Michelle Grattan for a wide ranging talk.

As a tough budget nears, health seems high on the cuts agenda, despite promises to not cut in the area, made during the election campaign. AMA Federal President Dr Steve Hambleton sits down with Michelle Grattan to talk about the upcoming budget, Medicare, and much, much more.

Chief Government Whip Philip Ruddock has had a long career in politics, entering parliament in 1973. He talks his role as immigration minister in the Howard government, the racial discrimination act changes and much more.

Manager of opposition business and shadow finance minister Tony Burke has already held some of the most difficult and controversial portfolios in government and continues to tackle difficult areas in opposition. Michelle and Tony talk about Manus, the government's budget numbers and how Labor plan to get back to government.

Independent member for Indi Cathy McGowan fought one of the most interesting campaigns of the 2013 election, defeating Sophie Mirabella in what had been a safe Liberal seat. Cathy joins Michelle to talk about people power, life as an MP and her electorate. 

Michelle Grattan sits down with G20 sherpa Heather Smith to discuss the ins-and-outs of the massive event, which will be hosted by Australia later this year.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane sits down with Michelle Grattan to talk about racial discrimination in Australia and the much debated 18c legislation.

Michelle Grattan sits down with the Minister for Communication Malcolm Turnbull to talk about the NBN, the ABC and gay marriage.