Politics Now
ABC News
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news.
On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions.
On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 5, 2026 • 34min
A week of parliamentary drama
David Speers, ABC political lead and regular commentator, provides sharp analysis of parliamentary chaos, Coalition split negotiations and looming leadership risk. He also covers the RBA rate rise, budget pressure and talk of capital gains tax reform. International tensions from Isaac Herzog's visit and NDIS reform implications round out the conversation.
Feb 4, 2026 • 25min
Should we expect bold budget ideas?
They dig into the government’s planned $3 billion defence land sell-off and what it could mean for housing and local communities. They talk heritage and commuting worries as sites are divested. They unpack budget pressure from inflation and recent rate rises and debate whether big fiscal reforms are realistic in May. They also discuss political optics, opposition weakness and state-level right-wing dynamics.
18 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 23min
Is a rate rise the government's fault?
A recent cash rate lift and what it means for cost of living and mortgage pain. Political debate over whether government policies helped trigger the rise. Shifting parliament dynamics after the Liberals and Nationals split. Tactics the government might use in the budget to ease pressure. Rising leadership tension and how party polling could shape next moves.
Feb 2, 2026 • 29min
Has Albanese got his mojo back?
They unpack how Liberal and Nationals infighting has reshaped political headlines. They highlight a surprising poll surge for One Nation and what it means for conservative voters. They explain leadership manoeuvres, timing options for party spills and the fallout from clandestine all-male meetings. They also flag big donor influence, campaign money trends and looming donation reforms.
Jan 30, 2026 • 26min
Is Labor tackling gendered violence?
Claudia Long, ABC political reporter who covers gendered violence and policy, breaks down the national 10-year blueprint. She discusses the 2024 homicide spike and rapid review. She outlines calls for a national watchdog, funding pressures, the manosphere’s impact on youth violence, and the challenges of cross-jurisdictional coordination.
9 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Why timing is everything in politics
A tense leadership meeting in Melbourne and the awkward optics of a male-dominated leadership push. Why timing and internal arithmetic drive moves for power within the Coalition. How a split between Liberals and Nationals would affect nominations, fundraising and campaign logistics. The appeal and staying power of Pauline Hanson and what that means for broader right‑wing politics.
Jan 29, 2026 • 35min
Spills, inflation and One Nation - oh my!
Melissa Clarke, Radio National political correspondent and commentator, breaks down coalition infighting and leadership friction. She explores the Nationals' surprise leadership challenge and whether One Nation can translate rising traction into lower house wins. She also outlines the political fallout from a surprise inflation spike and what it means for budget and rate politics.
9 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 0sec
Is a rate hike now imminent?
Nationals leadership turmoil and a spill motion in Queensland create fresh coalition instability. December inflation surprised at 3.8%, ramping up pressure on the RBA and markets for a rate rise. Discussion covers trimmed mean readings, budget implications, political fallout, and possible renegotiation of the coalition partnership.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 25min
Could 'freelancers' decide the Liberals' future?
A tense leadership scramble within the Liberal party and whether undecided 'soft middle' MPs could tip its future direction. Political maneuvering by contenders, moderates rallying, and the impact of electoral survival on choices. A federal-state standoff over hospital funding and budget pressures. Rising protests, climate-linked heatwaves, and migration visa issues add to the national mood.
20 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 32min
Is Sussan Ley's leadership 'toast'?
Tension inside the Liberal ranks after a Coalition split puts one leader on shaky ground. Conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are jockeying for influence and possible leadership roles. A new US ambassador pick and reactions to Donald Trump’s Afghanistan remarks shift focus to foreign policy. The discussion highlights internal party divides and who might wield power next.
