Podcast
Politics Now
Hosted by ABC Australia · EN
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'.
121episodes
Episodes
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A world full of predators
Apr 1600:43:25Tap to summarizeA National Defence Strategy, an oil refinery fire, a regional charm offensive by the PM, a bleak global outlook from the IMF and a new Opposition immigration policy — it's been another big week in politics.So, is the Albanese Government's boost to defence spending the right move — or at least a sign they're "on the right track"? And as Anthony Albanese continues his regional "petro-diplomacy" with visits to Brunei and Malaysia — is securing supply now even more important due to the Corio refinery fire?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber are joined by Peter Hartcher, Chief Political and International Editor at the SMH and the Age The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auGet free tickets to THE PARTY ROOM LIVE SHOW here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/10-years-of-the-party-room-tickets-1987025124637?aff=oddtdtcreator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim
Apr 1500:26:24Tap to summarizeAs Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the US for as G20 finance meeting, the IMF has delivered a dire warning about global economic growth and inflation.So, with less than a month to go until budget night, will this still be the big reforming budget we were expecting?Meanwhile, the Opposition is facing scrutiny for its newly unveiled immigration policy — so are there details beyond the "vibes"?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auGet free tickets to THE PARTY ROOM LIVE SHOW here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/10-years-of-the-party-room-tickets-1987025124637?aff=oddtdtcreatorListen to ABC Business Daily here: A warning from the IMF - ABC listenListen to Tuesday's Politics Now episode here: Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work? - ABC listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration
Apr 1400:27:37Tap to summarizeOpposition leader Angus Taylor has called for Australia to "discriminate based on values" and suggested some migrants represent a "net drain" to Australia.PK and Tom Crowley discuss how the Coalition's long awaited immigration policy is big on rhetoric but relatively light on detail. Tom says if the intention was just to "send a signal" to voters shifting to One Nation, Pauline Hanson will simply "send a louder signal" — while PK notes that "you can never out One Nation on immigration".And the Albanese Government is set to inject billions of dollars into drones, as it prepares to unveil it's National Defence Strategy Review on Thursday.Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auGet free tickets to THE PARTY ROOM LIVE SHOW here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/10-years-of-the-party-room-tickets-1987025124637?aff=oddtdtcreator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work?
Apr 1300:28:30Tap to summarizeUS President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia hasn't been asked to assist, and called for the resumption of negotiations and an end to the conflict.It comes as Anthony Albanese prepares to visit his counterparts in Malaysia and Brunei for another round of "petro-diplomacy", as he attempts to shore up fuel and fertiliser supplies with the region.And navy chief, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been announced as the incoming Chief of Australian Defence Force, while Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the first ever female army chief.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auGet tickets to THE PARTY ROOM LIVE SHOW here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/10-years-of-the-party-room-tickets-1987025124637?aff=oddtdtcreator READ JACOB'S ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-11/albanese-singapore-fuel-iran-hormuz-recession-us-prestige/106552818 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background
Apr 1000:22:53Tap to summarizeIsrael's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The populist elephant in the room
Apr 900:29:06Tap to summarizeFran and PK let you know about all of the news "adjacent" TV they've been watching — and then get stuck into some brilliant listener queries on this Question Time edition of the Party Room.Does the political centre shift over time? Are the 24-hour news cycle and social media diluting the quality of legislation? And is populism the answer, or just a symptom of our fracturing global order?Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auPK and Fran's TV watchlist:PK - Ponies, on BingeFran - Tehran, on Apple TV+Landman, on Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances
Apr 800:28:31Tap to summarizeAn extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US alliesPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, but criticised US President Donald Trump's "inappropriate" threats that a "whole civilisation will die".The condemnation came after Nationals leader Matt Canavan urged the PM to make it clear he didn't support the US President's rhetoric. So, is most of the criticism of Donald Trump actually coming from the right?And as Anthony Albanese prepares to head to Singapore to meet with his counterpart to discuss energy security, he's also spoken with the Chinese Premier overnight. So, as Australia looks to region to shore-up supply chains, is Donald Trump unintentionally uniting other regional allies?Jacob Greber and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Can you deliver reform during a crisis?
Apr 700:30:39Tap to summarizePrime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his upcoming trip to Singapore, as the government continues to "build resilience" amid global uncertainty.It comes as the US President has again criticised Australia and NATO allies for their lack of help, as his deadline for Iran to agree to a ceasefire or face "complete demolition" looms.Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is trying to put the final touches on his fifth budget, which the PM warns will be finalised later than usual. But as spending pressures compound, can the Albanese Government deliver "ambitious reform" — or will it be back to basics?Jacob Greber 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.auRead Clare's piece on Farrer here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-07/farrer-candidate-funded-by-rupert-murdoch-son-in-law/106535826 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph?
Apr 600:31:21Tap to summarizeOver 1000-days since the landmark Murphy report was handed down, Anthony Albanese has announced his government's long awaited gambling advertisement reform.The move came on the Thursday before the Easter long weekend, with critics disappointed the reforms are too timid and don't go far enough. So, has the prime minister landed on a "half pregnant" position on gambling reform? And is there a clear pathway to get the legislation through parliament?And as the Easter long weekend comes to a close, there's some positive news about fuel supply — with Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen declaring fuel shipments look good for April through to May.Jacob Greber and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auRead Clare's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-05/gambling-advertising-labor-anthony-albanese-murphy-report/106510878 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Did Albo's address meet the moment?
Apr 200:42:16Tap to summarizePrime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare national address overnight, warning Australians about "uncertain times" ahead — but sending the message the government has their back. But after frenzied speculation, did it fall flat — or did it meet the moment?It comes amid lots of "pump priming" from the government, as Labor tries to "take the sting" out of petrol prices and keep small businesses afloat. The big price tags come ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth budget in May, which the PM has reiterated will be "ambitious".And as the US-Iran conflict continues to rage, Labor seems to have shifted its language towards de-escalation.Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.auTickets to our live show will be announced SOON! Watch this space!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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