Australian Politics

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

After a turbulent two weeks in parliament, Katharine Murphy talks to Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young about her experiences in fighting toxic cultures in the workplace. They discuss the ways women in the spotlight can be supported, and whether the domino-like effect will continue

Katharine Murphy and Daniel Hurst talk to Liberal senator James Paterson about his new role as the chair of Australia’s security and intelligence committee. After the the US Capitol riot and the Christchurch attack, what threats does Australia face from terrorism, and how should extremism be managed in online spaces?