Politics Now

Vassal Moroschnchenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, passionately defends his country amid escalating tensions with Russia and complex U.S. relations. He discusses the absence of Ukraine in crucial peace talks and critiques President Trump's comments on Ukrainian leadership. The ambassador highlights the importance of robust U.S. support in the fight against Russian aggression and the broader implications for sovereignty and democracy worldwide. Additionally, he touches on Australia's diplomatic efforts and the harrowing story of captured Australian fighter Oscar Jenkins.

Tom Crowley, an insightful ABC journalist known for his sharp political analysis, delves into pressing issues of the week. He discusses the implications of Donald Trump's comments on Ukraine and how Australia's PM, Anthony Albanese, has approached these tensions. The conversation also covers the Reserve Bank's rate cut, Clive Palmer's new political party, and the complex balance Australia faces with China, especially amid military exercises in the region. A riveting exploration of politics in a changing world!

Alan Kohler, an ABC finance expert, shares his insights on the impacts of a recent interest rate cut and its political implications. The conversation digs into whether this economic shift can sway voters as the election looms. Kohler highlights ASIO’s chilling threat assessment regarding foreign interference and plots, emphasizing the intersection of national security and economic concerns. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Labor Party's strategies amidst declining popularity and the broader implications of social media on election integrity.

Clive Palmer has launched a new political party inspired by Donald Trump, stirring controversy and debate about its impact on democracy. The recent interest rate cut has sparked varied reactions from the government and opposition, framing their economic narratives. The discussion dives into Palmer's ambitions and past failures, alongside the pressing issues of the cost of living crisis. Insightful analysis reveals the election dynamics at play, particularly regarding campaign spending and public perception of financial relief measures.

The RBA has handed down the first cut to interest rates since 2020, and the Albanese Government is breathing a sigh of relief. So, what does the decision actually mean for the Government and the election?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

As the election looms, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are sharpening their election slogans — but what are the key seats that could determine the result of the election?Casey Briggs, ABC Elections Analyst joined Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas LIVE at Fair Day Festival

Two new opinion polls show the Albanese government on the back foot as the election inches closer — and for the first time Peter Dutton seems to be openly entertaining the possibility of a minority government.It comes as the Opposition leader floated the idea that if elected, his government would consider divestiture powers to break up Australia's insurance giants. So, what's behind Peter Dutton's strategy?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

From Monday February 17, The Party Room is getting a new look and a whole lot more politics. We're calling it 'Politics Now', the ABC's new home for political podcasts, and we're really excited for all the coverage we have planned of the coming federal election.Politics Now will dive 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 detail of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on ‘Insiders On Background’.If you were already following The Party Room you don't need to do a thing, you'll get next week's episode automatically. Just look for Politics Now on the Listen app.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a spring in his step this week, after it was revealed a carve out on US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium was "under consideration". But will the PM's political luck run out before the election?It comes as the first sitting fortnight of the year comes to an end, with the crossbench decrying the Labor-Coalition deal on electoral reforms as a major party "stitch up". Independents Helen Haines and Zali Stegall have suggested they will overhaul the reforms if re-elected.Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow at the University of Canberra joins Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Parliament returned this week, but the Albanese Government's momentum was quickly derailed after Donald Trump's announcement the US would "own" the Gaza strip.And while both the PM and Opposition leader declared they still support a two-state solution — they were both reticent to rebuff the US President's claims — with Peter Dutton labelling Trump "a big thinker". So, is the Government walking on eggshells over concerns about possible future tariffs?And back home, Hate Speech laws are expected to pass — after the Government agreed to Coalition demands on mandatory sentencing. But two Independents also played an interesting role brokering an agreement in the Parliament.Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent joins Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au