Australian Politics

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?

Katharine Murphy sits down with the Nationals’ deputy leader, David Littleproud, to discuss the party’s stance on reducing carbon emissions. They discuss how communities in regional areas want to see progress in tackling climate change, and whether the party is ready to address the facts or continue its turbulent stance

In a sit-down interview, political reporter Daniel Hurst speaks to Asio chief Mike Burgess about lessons from Christchurch and why the organisation is no longer using the umbrella term ‘rightwing extremism’ • Australia’s spy chief vows to call out rightwing terrorism when there’s a specific threat

Katharine Murphy talks to sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins as she starts her investigation into parliament’s workplace culture. Jenkins discusses the risk factors in all workplaces which can heighten the risk to safety, and how she plans to bring about cultural change in Canberra