Politics Now

As the Treasurer prepares for a crucial Budget announcement, tensions rise in Australian politics. The Albanese Government's efforts to secure voter support amid economic challenges are examined. The dynamic between Labor and Peter Dutton becomes an election focal point, raising stakes on both sides. A lighthearted look at political controversies includes a campaign sign incident that's less serious than it seems. Plus, insights into Canada's political landscape and the timing of election strategies add depth to the conversation.

Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, shares her expertise on enhancing Australian living standards and economic productivity. She discusses pressing issues like the recent decline in productivity and its effects on wages. Wood also critiques the potential cuts to the public service, questioning their economic justification. Additionally, she delves into the importance of technology and education in overcoming productivity challenges and explores innovative models like hybrid work environments.

The podcast dives into the complexities of proposing multiple referendums and how the current political climate poses challenges. It discusses the benefits of a tougher stance on figures like Donald Trump for Australian leaders. The impact of returning to the office versus remote work on productivity is examined, along with its economic implications. The idea of 'wokeness' is scrutinized, questioning its current relevance. Lastly, strategies for navigating electoral challenges and enhancing women's representation in politics are highlighted.

As the budget looms, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been softening up voters for some challenging figures — pointing to the economic uncertainty Trump's trade wars have unleashed. But will voters be looking for a cost-of-living sugar hit?Meanwhile, Peter Dutton raised the prospect of another referendum — but it's had a lukewarm reception from his own party. The Prime Minister has also pounced on the dissent and labelled it "a thought bubble without the thought."Lenore Taylor, Guardian Australia Editor 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

There's a growing sense of frustration and confusion in the Coalition, after Peter Dutton's renewed referendum push.The move follows a series of policy ideas floated by the Opposition leader that haven't been wholly backed in by other party members. So, is there a sense of disunity emerging in Coalition ranks?And the Opposition leader has promised to fast-track a decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf gas extension in WA if he wins the election - accusing Tanya Plibersek of being the "minister for no mining". So, what's the strategy here?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers  break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Melissa Clarke, an ABC political journalist renowned for her insights, joins the discussion around Peter Dutton's proposed referendum on deporting dual nationals guilty of serious crimes. They explore the political implications of this controversial move, scrutinizing claims about national security and the ethical dilemmas of stripping citizenship. The conversation takes a deeper dive into public disillusionment with referendums and the disconnect between political strategies and the real issues facing Australians today.

In the wake of the Trump administration imposing tariffs, the stability of Australia's alliance with the United States has been in the spotlight — with some questioning what that means for the AUKUS agreement.So, as concerns grow over the future of the agreement under Donald Trump — is the Albanese Government taking notice?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 

Around the world the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs have been hotly debated this week. While the Australian Government has decided not to impose any retaliatory measures, other countries have hit back with reciprocal tariffs - escalating the risk of a trade war and fueling inflation globally.  But how is this playing in Donald Trump’s own backyard? David Speers interviews the Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, Michael Strain about what this means for the US economy and how domestic dissatisfaction and political pressure could motivate the Trump administration to overturn their policy. 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has always had strong political instincts — but as the election nears, he's made a series of political miscalculations.So, has Peter Dutton's political instinct been blunted — and is he losing his strategic advantage?Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb  break it all down on Politics Now.You can read Annabel's column here.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

Opposition leader Peter Dutton says under his leadership Australia would secure a tariff deal with Donald Trump — suggesting the lack of carve out is a failure of Anthony Albanese's leadership.The Prime Minister has hit back, suggesting Peter Dutton is living in a "fantasy". So, has the Opposition leader come out too hard on this — and will voters buy his sales pitch?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