Politics Now

As communities on the east coast brace for the impact of Cyclone Alfred, speculation is rife that the storm will force the Prime Minister to delay calling the election. So, is a May election now likely — and is there a political opportunity amid the crisis?And as Donald Trump rewrites the global world order, where does Australia stand?John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs 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

As Queensland and NSW brace for the impact of Cyclone Alfred, the natural disaster could also wreak havoc on election timing.Opposition leader Peter Dutton says Anthony Albanese would have "tin in his ear" if he called the election this weekend — and the Prime Minister has cancelled plans to head to WA for their state election this weekend.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers 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

US President Donald Trump has reportedly hit "pause" on U.S. assistance to Ukraine, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flagged he would "give consideration" to any request for Australian troops to be sent to UkraineSo, what does the US administration's move mean for global world order?And Peter Dutton has flagged that public servants' working from home arrangements would be scrapped if he's elected. Labor is trying to paint the move as anti-women, but the Coalition argues it'll boost productivity.Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long 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

The podcast dives into the chaotic Trump-Zelenskyy meeting and its ripple effects on Australian politics. Prime Minister Albanese emphasizes the moral imperative of supporting Ukraine, while questioning the stability of Australia's alliance with the US. The discussion highlights Australia's need to rethink defense strategies amid rising geopolitical tensions, especially with China. Additionally, the timing of elections amid natural disasters unveils the complicated interplay of politics and public perception in times of crisis.

Richard McGregor, a Senior Fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute, shares his insights on recent Chinese military activities off Australia’s coast, raising alarms as the country faces an election. He delves into China's growing naval power, its advanced technologies, and implications for regional security. The conversation also highlights communication gaps during military exercises and discusses how Australia might navigate these challenges, especially with the AUKUS alliance amidst geopolitical shifts and economic dependencies on critical minerals.

Can political parties afford to take risks with their campaigns? The debate heats up as the current government faces scrutiny over past financial decisions, particularly Peter Dutton's controversial bank share holdings. Also discussed is the Coalition's unified voting bloc status and the impact of strategic electoral differences. As the political landscape shifts, the challenges of appealing to younger voters and the complexities of controversial proposals, like nuclear energy, reveal the intricate dynamics at play in Australia’s politics.

Paul Sakkal, a Federal Political Correspondent with the SMH and The Age, joins the discussion on the Albanese Government's struggles to connect with voters despite increased spending initiatives. They explore the contentious bipartisan agreement to boost Medicare funding and the contrasting strategies of each party. Polling reveals slipping support for Labor, driving conversations about voter disconnection and party credibility. The podcast also touches on the ongoing housing crisis and the complexities of addressing community concerns amid political maneuvers.

The podcast dives into the political fallout regarding Peter Dutton's share purchases, with Labor accusing him of unusual timing while Dutton defends against what he calls a smear campaign. It also covers Treasurer Jim Chalmers' diplomatic efforts in Washington, relating to trade tensions and tariffs. Amid rising tensions, the presence of a Chinese flotilla in Australian waters raises serious political concerns. The discussion shifts to the government's defense spending and the significance of unwavering alliances with the U.S. as elections loom.

The discussion reveals the Prime Minister's candid responses during a recent Q&A, tackling pressing issues like the housing crisis and cost-of-living concerns. Engaging stories from the audience highlight the importance of social cohesion and safety for minorities. The episode captures the balance between serious political topics and lighthearted moments, including a surprising discussion about plastic straws. It emphasizes the value of democratic engagement in addressing community needs and gauging public sentiment ahead of the upcoming election.

The debate over Medicare funding heats up as the Prime Minister unveils a significant boost, only for Peter Dutton to mirror his stance. Voter concerns about healthcare are rising, especially among the younger population. Polls reflect diverging trajectories for the leaders, with one suggesting a drop for Labor and the other showing gains for Albanese. The discussion delves into trust in political parties regarding health policies and how these dynamics might influence the 2025 election.