Australian Politics

This week Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia’s team of Canberra reporters answer your most burning political questions. Will Scott Morrison make an exception for the Biloela family? How will Australians be affected by the new Medicare changes? What is the conspiracy theory surrounding Dan Andrews?

Katharine Murphy speaks with Anthony Albanese to mark his two years as Labor leader. How can the leader increase his visibility? How has Scott Morrison shaped himself against a backdrop of crises? Is Labor ready to tackle another election contest in the face of the 2019 loss?

This week Katharine Murphy talks to Liberal senator Andrew Bragg about his new book Buraadja, which details the successes and failures of the Liberal party’s approach to Indigenous affairs. Bragg, who has strongly endorsed constitutional recognition, outlines how parliament can introduce an Indigenous voice and honour the Uluru Statement from the Heart, while upholding parliamentary sovereignty

The federal government this week confirmed it would spend up to $600m on a new gas-fired power plant in NSW’s Hunter region, despite the International Energy Agency saying there should be no new investments in coal, oil or gas. Katharine Murphy sits down with environment editor Adam Morton to investigate why. With more affordable and cleaner options available, what’s the justification? What impact will this have on the economy and the environment?

Katharine Murphy talks to Christine Morgan, CEO of the national mental health commission, about the budget’s $2.3bn mental health package which the Coalition has touted as ‘the largest single mental health and suicide prevention’ plan. Will the extra funding fix systemic problems? Or will the proposal fail when it comes to negotiating with the states and territories? For immediate support, you can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

Katharine Murphy talks to the finance minister in an exclusive interview ahead of the federal budget. They discuss the ongoing challenges the Covid pandemic holds for Australia’s economy, and Birmingham’s personal reflections on parliament’s cultural reckoning

This week, Katharine Murphy sits down with economics writers Shane Wright and Greg Jericho to discuss the Australian economy. With house prices soaring, stimulus payments being reduced and a budget on the way, what can people expect financially over the coming months?

This week Katharine Murphy speaks with Erwin Jackson, the policy director at Investor Group on Climate Change, to discuss the Biden administration’s pressure on Australia to cut greenhouse gas emissions faster than planned. With the global summit of 40 world leaders held this week, how will Australia face up to the challenge of transitioning to a net zero world?

Katharine Murphy sits down with Labor MP Chris Bowen to talk about Labor’s potential roadmap to zero net emissions. Why is Australia lagging so badly behind in the electric vehicle market? Why have the past 10 years needed for crucial changes been squandered? How will Labor win over voters who are reluctant for the looming and necessary transition?

Katharine Murphy sits down with fellow Canberra reporters Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and Amy Remeikis to answer your most urgent political questions. Is Scott Morrison’s approval rating high enough to keep him in office? Why haven’t the promised 4m Covid vaccines been rolled out? Does the toxic culture within parliament extend outside the Coalition?