Politics with Michelle Grattan

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.

The always interesting leader of the Palmer United Party Clive Palmer talks to Michelle Grattan about running businesses while in parliament, the upcoming Tasmanian and Western Australian elections and the Titanic 2.

Tim Wilson is Australia's human rights commissioner and former policy director for the IPA. He talks to Michelle Grattan about the new position, his stance on a varied array of topics and his future.

Labor spokesman for Immigration and Border Protection Richard Marles talks to Michelle Grattan about Labor's border protection policies, the Manus Island incident and the closure of Alcoa in his electorate.