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

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

Jun 6, 2025 • 23min
Nicolette Boele on climate, business and making a difference
Nicolette Boele was declared the winner in the Sydney seat of Bradfield this week, after a month of counting and recounting in her race against Liberal Gisele Kapterian. She is preparing to take her seat in parliament after a wafer-thin victory of just 26 votes. Boele speaks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about why Labor needs to stop “walking both sides of the fence” on climate and energy and where she thinks the government could improve productivity.

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