
Australian Politics
Guardian Australia's political team examine what’s happening in Australian politics and why it matters to you
Latest episodes

May 14, 2025 • 25min
Guardian Essential report: can Labor live up to expectations?
Post-election Albanese has seen a surge in popularity but what is the electorate expecting from a second term Labor government and can they deliver during challenging times? Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Josh Butler sits down with chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis.

Apr 30, 2025 • 15min
Guardian Essential report: is the real question now just how big Labor’s victory will be?
Just days out from the crucial vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll shows steady support for Labor. But with a significant number of undecided voters and a strong field of independents, questions remain about how convincing their victory will really be. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, sits down with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, to explore more. Please note the correct Essential poll two-party basis figure is Labor leading the Coalition 52% to 48%

Apr 16, 2025 • 19min
Guardian Essential report: as Labor pulls further ahead, can Dutton outmanoeuvre Albanese?
As the election draws near, Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition in the latest Essential poll, raising new questions about what Peter Dutton needs to do to shift the momentum in his favour. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy sits down with Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis to unpack the strategies and dynamics shaping the two major parties’ campaigns

Apr 2, 2025 • 22min
Guardian Essential report: power v poise – Australian Politics podcast
At the electoral crossroads, Guardian Australia’s political reporter Krishani Dhanji talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about what risks and rewards await Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese as they gamble over the projection of strong v steady leadership to win the hearts and minds of Australian voters. Plus: who would people most want to have a beer with?

Mar 19, 2025 • 23min
Guardian Essential report: as Albanese’s approval rating rises, why do the lads stand out? – Australian Politics podcast
As the prime minister hits his highest approval ratings in 18 months, the Guardian Essential poll goes deep into demographics this week. Why do young Australian men support Trump and Dutton more than anyone else? Could Dutton take advantage of this trend? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Josh Butler talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about the shifting political landscape ahead of a delayed election

Mar 6, 2025 • 23min
Guardian Essential report: How do the major parties plan to win your vote?
Has the interest rate cut made any difference to how people intend to vote at the upcoming federal election? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss how voters are responding to major political parties’ campaign rhetoric on key issues affecting their lives

Feb 18, 2025 • 21min
Guardian Essential report: how do you make voters care about policy? – Australian Politics podcast
Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss the mood of voters and look at the challenges of running a successful election campaign in the era of Trump

Dec 6, 2024 • 37min
Does the economy need a defibrillator? Cherelle Murphy on what might get it going again
Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Cherelle Murphy, chief economist for EY Oceania, about this week’s sluggish national accounts figures and how the government can revive a barely breathing economy

Dec 4, 2024 • 25min
Guardian Essential report: do voters’ views on housing and wages spell trouble for Labor?
Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, discuss the public’s disappointment with Labor’s handling of the housing crisis and what that means for the party in the lead-up to a federal election

Nov 29, 2024 • 42min
Chris Bowen on Cop29, reducing emissions and rolling out renewables
Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with the federal minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen. They discuss the wins and losses from the recent Cop29 climate conference in Baku, the pace of the transition to renewables and whether Australia needs to brace for blackouts over summer