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
Dec 5, 2025 • 18min
Tackling racism 'not a priority' for Govt, says Race Discrimination Commissioner
Kiri Siviraman, Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner, is at the forefront of anti-racism efforts, having developed the National Anti-Racism Framework. She discusses the alarming rise in racism, highlighting neo-Nazi activities and the systemic failures that fuel such movements. Kiri reviews how targets of racism have shifted over time and expresses frustration with the government's minimal response to her framework. She advocates for a positive duty in workplaces and calls for informed discussions on immigration to prevent scapegoating migrants for broader societal issues.
Dec 4, 2025 • 40min
Will Labor muscle-up on gambling reforms?
Anna Henderson, the SBS Chief Political Correspondent, dives into key political debates. She discusses the Albanese Government's push for a social media ban aimed at kids, its potential pitfalls, and the skepticism surrounding it. Henderson also addresses the mounting pressure for online gambling ad reforms, highlighting the challenges the government faces in acting on the bipartisan Murphy review. Additionally, she reviews the damaging findings of the 'jobs for mates' report and questions whether real change can emerge from entrenched political cultures.
Dec 3, 2025 • 19min
Social media ban looms. Are we ready?
Communications Minister Anika Wells outlines a potential social media ban for under-16s, stirring debate over enforcement and parental perspectives. While discussing this, the hosts highlight delays in necessary gambling ad reforms from years past. They also examine the political dynamics affecting decision-making within the Labor party, questioning whether pressure from party members might prompt action. The conversation touches on the economic landscape, hinting at trends that might influence future policy decisions.
Dec 2, 2025 • 32min
Is the 'jobs for mates' era over?
A scathing report reveals that government appointments often resemble patronage, threatening public trust and political credibility. The discussion highlights the need for independent selection laws and cooling-off periods for officials. Amidst this, a newly unveiled inquiry addresses sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force, exposing cultural inertia. Meanwhile, significant defense reforms aim to streamline acquisition processes. Also, the potential resurgence of One Nation and speculations about Barnaby Joyce's future add to the political intrigue.
Dec 1, 2025 • 0sec
Albanese and the low-key 'royal wedding'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's secret wedding at The Lodge sparked discussions about its timing and public interest. The hosts humorously note details like a ring-bearing dog in a tutu. However, they shift focus to serious challenges ahead for Labor, examining missed environmental targets and inflation risks. There's a cautionary take on AEMO's warnings regarding energy stability. As they conclude, the hosts ponder political momentum and the future viability of Labor amidst opposition turmoil.
12 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 22min
Economic Report Card | Insiders On Background
In this engaging discussion, Aruna Sathmapali, CEO of the Grattan Institute, and economist Chris Richardson delve into the critical priorities for the government's new year agenda. They explore the implications of rising inflation and argue against the effectiveness of household energy rebates. Both experts stress the need for strategic spending cuts, emphasizing waste reduction and targeted reforms ahead of the May budget. They also highlight the urgency of boosting productivity to support essential services and climate goals.
Nov 27, 2025 • 39min
Barnaby to defect and enviro laws to pass
Tom McIlroy, political editor at Guardian Australia, dives into recent political shifts, including a Labor-Greens deal on environmental laws amid lengthy negotiations. He discusses the motivations behind Labor's pragmatic partnership with the Greens and the removal of forestry exemptions. The episode also covers Barnaby Joyce's surprising defection to One Nation and the implications of Pauline Hanson's controversial stunts. McIlroy analyzes how these moves may influence voter sentiment and shift political dynamics ahead of upcoming budgets.
Nov 26, 2025 • 0sec
Is Labor the better economic manager?
A recent election study reveals Labor has overtaken the Coalition in perceived economic management. The Treasurer grapples with rising inflation and public service re-prioritizations while Ted O'Brien targets young voters with a warning about the crumbling intergenerational compact. The hosts discuss the implications of new inflation data and debate labor policies, such as extending energy rebates amidst fiscal pressures. As the political landscape shifts, Albanese promotes steady governance, signaling a cautious approach to upcoming challenges.
Nov 25, 2025 • 23min
High steaks for Pauline and Barnaby
Pauline Hanson cooks steaks for Barnaby Joyce in a parliament sandwich press, amid rising tensions over his political direction. Hanson's rare Senate suspension is dissected, revealing her framing of victimhood for political gain. The hosts dive into the stalled gambling reform debate within Labor, exploring the possibility of a conscience vote. As internal dynamics shift, the pressures on party leaders come to light, setting the stage for a politically charged week ahead.
Nov 24, 2025 • 26min
Net zero gains for Sussan Ley
The hosts dive into the Albanese Government's push for the EPBC environment laws as Parliament reconvenes. A new poll reveals a concerning 24% support for the Coalition, leading to a discussion on Sussan Ley's shaky leadership. They question if abandoning net zero actually swayed voters, especially within One Nation. Trade-offs in the EPBC bill pose challenges, particularly around native forest logging and emissions. The discussion wraps up with insights into internal party dynamics and the potential impact of energy prices on political strategies.
