

Australian Politics
The Guardian
Guardian Australia's political team examine what’s happening in Australian politics and why it matters to you
Episodes
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Aug 8, 2025 • 20min
Andrew Bragg on AI, housing and what the Coalition got wrong
Two weeks out from Labor’s economic roundtable, the Coalition’s shadow minister for productivity, housing and homelessness, Andrew Bragg, joins us to talk about the biggest challenges facing the economy. Speaking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, he cautions against over-regulating artificial intelligence, reflects on the Coalition’s missteps with migrant communities, and reveals how he still carves out time for long runs and audiobooks amid the chaos of federal politics

Aug 1, 2025 • 28min
From Palestine to jobseeker and keeping children safe online: Tanya Plibersek on Labor’s tough calls – Australian Politics podcast
Tanya Plibersek, one of Labor’s most recognisable political figures and the minister for social services, joins us as the government faces big decisions at home and abroad. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to her about the push to recognise Palestinian statehood, the jobseeker rate and the urgent fight to keep children safe online

Jul 31, 2025 • 19min
Guardian Essential report: Albanese starts second term with solid approval, but Trump presidency looms – Australian Politics podcast
As Anthony Albanese readies his second‑term reform agenda, Guardian Australia’s Josh Butler speaks with Essential Media’s Peter Lewis about the elephant in the room: Australia’s dependence on the US and how its high‑stakes defence gambles could shape both his leadership and the nation’s strategic future

Jul 25, 2025 • 22min
Resetting the Liberals: Zoe McKenzie on reform, climate and winning back women
As parliament resumes, the focus shifts to how the major parties plan to reset. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to Liberal MP for Flinders and shadow assistant minister Zoe McKenzie. She isn’t convinced by quotas but says the party needs meaningful reform if it’s serious about bringing more women into the fold – and winning back their trust at the ballot box. She also weighs in on the climate challenge ahead for her party and for Sussan Ley as they try to find a credible path to net zero

Jul 14, 2025 • 27min
Jim Chalmers on uncertainty and ambition
Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy one of his key measures of success in the future is making Australia’s budget more sustainable. They discuss the challenge of meeting housing targets, how the morning news affects his plans and what he hopes can come out of his meeting with the G20 finance ministers this week

Jul 11, 2025 • 24min
Accountability, robodebt and regional housing: Helen Haines unpacks it all
Tom McIlroy speaks to independent MP Helen Haines to talk through her ambitious agenda for the new parliamentary term, her sharp disappointment with the robodebt royal commission fallout, and what the government’s response says about political accountability

Jul 4, 2025 • 22min
O’Brien on Liberal ‘soul-searching’ amid nuclear and net-zero policy review
After a bruising election loss, the Coalition is at a crossroads. Can it reinvent itself as a credible alternative to Labor, or will internal divisions over nuclear energy, net zero and the Liberal party’s identity doom it to another term in opposition? Guardian Australia chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks with the deputy opposition leader, Ted O’Brien, about the road ahead – from climate policy to rebuilding trust – and whether the Coalition can rise from the ashes of defeat

Jun 27, 2025 • 23min
Greens leader Larissa Waters on holding the Labor government to account — Australian Politics podcast
The new leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters from Queensland talks about her vision for the party, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and why she believes this is a moment for bold reforms Labor must rewrite current environment laws which ‘facilitate development’, says Larissa Waters

Jun 20, 2025 • 23min
Coalition frontbencher Julian Leeser on why a closer alliance with the US is necessary
In a year shaped by rising global tensions and growing concerns over social cohesion at home, the shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, presents his views on Australia’s place in the world

Jun 13, 2025 • 24min
Senator Maria Kovacic on what the Coalition needs to move forward
‘If we don’t listen it’s not going to get better for us – it will get worse,’ says the NSW Liberal moderate and newly appointed shadow assistant minister, joining Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy to discuss her party’s future