Politics Now
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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
9 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 24min
Optus' communication breakdown | Insiders On Background
Luke Coleman, CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, shares expert insights on the recent Optus outage that jeopardized the triple-zero emergency network. He explains how a firewall upgrade caused the disruption and why the failure took time to detect. Coleman discusses the complexities of device roaming during outages and the investigation into whether the issues were network or device-related. He evaluates Optus' reporting obligations, potential enforcement actions, and the future of emergency call systems, stressing the importance of industry collaboration for safety.
Oct 9, 2025 • 37min
Leaky Liberals and Optus email blunders
Charles Croucher, Nine News Political Editor, dives into the chaos of Senate Estimates this week. He discusses the Optus outage, spotlighting a misplaced email that added fuel to the fire. The pressure on Communications Minister Anika Wells escalated as the Opposition zeroed in on her. They also explore the internal strife within the Coalition, particularly Andrew Hastie's surprising backbench shift and the leaks threatening the Liberals' cohesion. Croucher provides insight into the challenges facing the Albanese Government, revealing the complexities of recent political dynamics.
8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Is this an episode of Utopia?
An email about the Optus outage landed in the wrong government inbox, leaving Senators baffled. The fallout raises questions about accountability and a potential parliamentary inquiry. Meanwhile, tensions rise as the Coalition critiques the government over the return of IS families and the lack of transparency. Discussions also explore the new AFP Commissioner's focus on national security and the implications for mandatory sentencing. It's a whirlwind of political drama and scrutiny in the chaotic world of government communications.
10 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 26min
Did Labor ignore triple zero 'red flags'?
Brett and Raf explore the alarming reliability of emergency call systems as bushfire season looms. They dive into past telco outages and the government's overlooked warnings. The duo debates proposed laws aimed at improving the system and critiques the sluggish government response to previous failures. They also examine the broader societal tensions in Australia reflecting current events and lament the loss of civility in public discourse. Tune in for insights on accountability and the necessity of cultural change to prevent future outages.
10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 23min
Peter Dutton enters the chat
The discussion heats up as Peter Dutton criticizes Andrew Hastie for the Coalition's election loss. With Hastie's resignation from the frontbench, tensions rise in the Liberal Party. Insights reveal Hastie's lack of visibility during the campaign and the impact on his leadership. Meanwhile, the hosts analyze potential successors and the effectiveness of James Patterson. As parliament convenes, the dynamics within the party are under scrutiny, especially regarding Susan Ley’s leadership. Plus, a significant Papua New Guinea treaty is on the horizon!
7 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 12min
🚨What Hastie quitting means for Sussan Ley
Andrew Hastie's shock resignation from the Coalition frontbench has rattled the Liberal Party, citing deep divisions over immigration policy. His move signals a complex shift towards party renewal, with tensions between targeting right-wing voters and centrist audiences. The discussion touches on global centre-right trends influencing local dynamics, as well as the role of James Patterson in restoring unity. The political landscape is poised for change as Sussan Ley's leadership comes under scrutiny amidst these unfolding events.
Oct 3, 2025 • 19min
Will Palestinians support Trump's peace plan? | Insiders on Background
Dr. Omar Awadala, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, shares insights on the Trump peace plan. He emphasizes the Palestinian Authority's welcome of a ceasefire focus to alleviate humanitarian crises. Awadala argues for detailed guarantees from the U.S., particularly regarding Israeli withdrawal. He highlights the need for international recognition of Palestinian statehood and dismisses Netanyahu's objections. Additionally, he discusses the role of Hamas and the expectation for a protective international mission, all hinging on U.S. enforcement for success.
12 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Is Australia more than a middle power?
Matthew Knott, Foreign Affairs and National Security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, joins the discussion on Australia's evolving global role. He explores Prime Minister Albanese's recent international trip, highlighting Australia's increased ambition in Middle East diplomacy. Knott critiques Albanese's speech at the UK Labour Conference for its partisan tone. He also discusses the implications of international relationships, including AUKUS and social media initiatives, amid rising global complexities.
Oct 1, 2025 • 22min
Is Labor putting out the housing fire or fanning the flames?
The Prime Minister returns home to tackle Australia’s housing crisis, questioning if current measures are genuine fixes. Discussion revolves around a 5% deposit guarantee for first-home buyers and whether it truly addresses the housing shortage. The podcast dives into topics like rising construction costs, labor shortages, and fairness for young buyers. Political reactions from the Coalition and Greens highlight differing views on supply and demand, while the ambitious target of 1.2 million homes raises skepticism about feasibility.
Sep 30, 2025 • 27min
Trump has a plan for peace. Will it work?
Olivia Caisley, Acting Defence Correspondent at ABC, joins to dissect Trump’s ambitious 20-point peace plan with Netanyahu aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict. They examine key elements like a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, debating its feasibility. Olivia also dives into Australia’s diplomatic stance on Palestine and the recent Optus outage—highlighting its impact on emergency services and public frustration. The discussion captures the intertwining of international diplomacy and domestic politics, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
