Insiders

How many older Australians is the government willing to squeeze to help fund a bigger and better aged care sector? And how hard is it willing to squeeze them?

The Albanese Government’s latest effort to meet its climate targets is focused on the vehicle industry. It wants to bring Australia into line with the rest of the developed world – with a new emissions standard. Under the plan – car makers would have to sell more electric and low emissions vehicles from next year. If they’re only selling gas guzzlers – they would have to pay a price. Consultations closed on Monday night – and unsurprisingly the industry is split between those who sell diesel utes – and those who sell electric cars. The Coalition is opposing the whole thing. But this could be a mere skirmish in the bigger debate that’s coming. Peter Dutton has confirmed he’ll soon announce a policy to roll-out large-scale nuclear plants on the sites of old coal generators. The cost is unknown – and the government says it’s an idea from fantasy land.David Speers interviews Energy & Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen about the government’s view on the nuclear debate and industry feedback to the emission standards. Anna Henderson, Jennifer Hewett, and Peter Hartcher are on the couch to discuss the government’s new superannuation paid parental leave scheme, the Greens’ ambitious new housing policy, the ASEAN summit and more. 

The Liberal Party this week preselected its candidate for the safe seat of Cook – vacated by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Simon Kennedy is a management consultant. He doesn’t currently live in Cook and ran unsuccessfully for the party in another seat at the last election. Still – he won a thumping majority when branch members voted on Monday night. Gwen Cherne – the only woman in the race ran a distant third – despite living on the border of the electorate, despite an impressive international CV and despite an endorsement from John Howard. So what happened? And is the Liberal Party doing enough to address the problems identified in its own review after the last election – when women turned against the Morrison Government?David Speers talks to Charlotte Mortlock, founder of Hilma’s Network – which is trying to boost the number of women in the Coalition’s parliamentary ranks – to find out why more women aren’t being preselected in the Liberal Party.Insiders: On Background digs a little deeper into an issue that will be covered on the show each week with an expert to better understand the debates dominating politics.

Peter Dutton is confident of his ability to turn public opinion around — but can he convince Australians that nuclear energy is the best way to transition to net zero emissions?

Insiders takes the stage for a special live show – with an audience – from Adelaide Writers Week. David Speers' guest is South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, while a panel of returning favourite Sarah Martin, Mark Kenny and Clare Armstrong discuss the washup of the Dunkley by-election.

Yesterday’s by-election was billed as a crucial mid-term test for both sides of politics. And when the results came in last night – the Albanese Government emerged as the winner. At the close of counting – Labor’s primary vote remained virtually unchanged – at 41%. The Liberal vote jumped nearly 7% - but this was largely scooping up votes on the right – thanks to One Nation and the Palmer United Party deciding not to run.For the government – it’s vindication of the Prime Minister’s gamble to break a promise and offer everyone a tax cut.While for the Opposition – the strategy of blaming the government for everything from cost-of-living pain, the release of immigration detainees and a so-called “ute tax” weren’t enough.David Speers interviews Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan about the results. Niki Savva, Paul Sakkal, and Patricia Karvelas give their analysis from the couch. Mike Bowers talks the week in pictures with Fiona Katauskas. 

Leaders from across South-East Asia are set to descend on Melbourne next week – but why? The ASEAN Summit is marking 50 years since Australia became the first “dialogue partner” with the region, and the anniversary coincides with a critical strategic juncture with China. David Speers speaks to the man who came up with the idea to bring the conference to Australia's doorstep – former Indonesian Ambassador Gary Quinlan.

As Dunkley voters prepare for a by-election this first electoral contest for the year is likely to help define the strategies both sides of politics adopt as they eye the next election.

If Australia is going to prosper in the years ahead – we’re going to need far more tertiary educated workers. That’s the central finding of the Universities Accord report out today – which recommends sweeping changes to recruit more students – particularly from regional, remote, and disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s calling for a shake-up of course fees, more resources for regional unis, more financial support for those struggling to make ends meet while studying, and an overhaul of student loan repayments. Is the government up for serious reform and investment? We’ll find out soon.In the meantime – we’re 6 days out from the Dunkley by-election – the first real test for Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton this year. The Prime Minister’s pitch to voters over the past week has been all about cost-of-living – talking up his tax cuts and better news on wage growth. While the Opposition Leader has been hammering away on his favoured ground - border protection. Listen to the full episode of this week's Insiders.

Join David Speers for the first episode of Insiders: On Background. The new podcast digs a little deeper into an issue that will be covered on the show each week with an expert to better understand the debates dominating politics.This week, the team visits the seat of Dunkley ahead of a crucial by-election on March 2. Both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will be sweating on the outcome, which will determine their immediate political fortunes. David chats to Redbridge pollsters Kos Samaras and Tony Barry about the state of play for both parties, and looks at whether this really will be a referendum on cost of living.