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...
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Nov 12, 2026 · 27:00
This week, Victoria has had EVERYTHING. For Ben Carroll it was a No Good, Very Bad week of dire polls and even direr headlines from a corruption royal commission. One Nation had…
Nov 12, 2026 · 41:00
The Prime Minister may be at COP, but the Albanese Government's focus has very intentionally been on domestic issues this week. Anthony Albanese delayed his trip to chair ERC…
Nov 11, 2026 · 27:00
New home loans have plummeted, falling across the board. A downturn in investor loans drove the decline, plunging a whopping 30 per cent, but investors weren't the only group to…
Nov 10, 2026 · 28:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an AI safety watchdog will be set up after the Medicare breach. The Albanese Government will introduce mandatory safety and security…
Nov 9, 2026 · 30:00
It's poll Monday — and you know what that means! PK and Jacob dig into new polling showing voter trust in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has plummeted. Only 20 per cent of…
Nov 6, 2026 · 20:30
ANU's James O'Donnell joins David Speers to explain what's behind the Scanlon Index numbers.
Nov 5, 2026 · 30:00
"You cannot microwave a field campaign." Air and ground games, AI lies and microwaves - all part of the invisible push to win votes in Victoria. Have they lost the keys to the…
Nov 5, 2026 · 38:00
The US Democrats have taken control of both the House and the Senate, in what's been labelled a "blue tsunami" and a "Republican shellacking". It was an election race watched…
Nov 4, 2026 · 21:00
As the results of the US midterm elections start to roll in, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned there could be economic consequences for Australia. The Treasurer says Australians…
Nov 3, 2026 · 36:00
As households brace for possible fifth interest rate rise this year, Labor ministers have been trying to manage expectations. Raf thinks the Albanese Government is struggling to…
Nov 2, 2026 · 31:00
Tensions have emerged between the Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as cost of living pressures continue to bite. The Treasurer has played down the…
Oct 30, 2026 · 22:14
Professor Pat McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen, tells David Speers in this week's Insiders: On Background State and Federal governments share responsibility for the failing…
Oct 29, 2026 · 26:00
South of the Murray, ghosts of premiers past loom over the current leaders. What influence are Dan Andrews and Jeff Kennett still having on the way Victorians vote? And has the…
Oct 29, 2026 · 47:00
Is Australia about to enter a period of "long economic pain"? Stubborn inflation and the prospect of another interest rate rise next week is putting fresh pressure on the…
Oct 28, 2026 · 25:00
Australia's latest inflation figures are in, and it's not good news. Inflation ran hotter than expected in September, raising the prospect of another interest rate rise next…
Oct 27, 2026 · 30:00
The Coalition has finally put some numbers on its plans to cut government spending, identifying more than $30 billion in proposed savings. But every cut comes at a cost. So what…
Oct 26, 2026 · 28:00
"We look forward to the day you return to this place, and I get to say the following nine words: 'I give the call to the member for Indi.'" Parliament is back and tearful…
Oct 23, 2026 · 30:19
Former Finance Minister and now OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann says the cost-of-living crunch is fuelling frustration and pulling voters to populist parties.
Oct 22, 2026 · 27:00
Victoria's political leaders are fessing up to drug taking and not paying for petrol. The major parties aren't banning abortion, but instead competing to make abortion free.…
Oct 22, 2026 · 42:00
The devastating alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines has sent shock waves through Australian politics across the week. Urgent questions about the safety of our elected…
Oct 21, 2026 · 26:00
How do you keep politicians safe without shutting the public out? Following the alleged attack on Helen Haines, calls for greater protection are growing, as MPs grapple with the…
Oct 20, 2026 · 29:00
"This wasn't an accident. This was a deliberate act.” Stark words have been shared by the Prime Minister following a devastating alleged attack on Independent MP Helen Haines…
Oct 19, 2026 · 29:00
Tensions inside the Greens are boiling over. WA Senator Jordon Steele-John says rumours about his conduct are being weaponised for political purpose - allegations he strongly…
Oct 16, 2026 · 26:13
After prompting an intervention from the Prime Minister over the ATO's controversial credit card ban, ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar unpacks the fallout and the…
Oct 16, 2026 · 33:00
It’s Question Time - and not just any Question Time - a Victorian state election special! With one of the most consequential state elections of 2026 fast approaching, Victoria…
Oct 15, 2026 · 42:00
It’s been a strange sitting week in Canberra, with the Albanese government trying to push through a packed legislative agenda - only to find itself repeatedly dragged onto…
Oct 14, 2026 · 24:00
Are the Prime Minister and his treasurer working together, or are they being played off against one other? Midway through a sitting week, the government has managed to put itself…
Oct 13, 2026 · 32:00
The political fight is moving more and more online. AI companies want to build, train and expand in Australia, but the welcome mat now comes with conditions - including from a…
Oct 12, 2026 · 29:00
Parliament is back for another sitting week and Jacob Greber is back on the podcast! But as Jacob tells PK, it's already looking like a "tricky" week for the Albanese government,…
Oct 9, 2026 · 28:12
Professor Carolyn Evans is the Chair of Universities Australia and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Oct 8, 2026 · 45:00
While the government faces criticism from all sides over its economic management after the latest RBA cash rate hike, the Coalition is pitching dramatic cuts to immigration as a…
Oct 7, 2026 · 25:00
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has undertaken a media blitz, as he tries to sell the Coalition's immigration policy. But he's already facing significant backlash from the…
Oct 6, 2026 · 31:00
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the Coalition's immigration policy, promising the "biggest cut to immigration in the history of this country". PK tells Raf she sees…
Oct 5, 2026 · 31:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen are in Fiji for pre-COP talks. But back home the Opposition has labelled the high-level climate talks a…
Oct 2, 2026 · 28:06
Former Greens leader, Adam Bandt, now chief executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation, says working with the government is key to delivering reform.
Oct 2, 2026
It's Question Time! But first, Fran does a West Wing welfare check on PK (she's in the slump part of the series). And then it's over to your brilliant questions, including: Is it…
Oct 1, 2026 · 37:00
The economy has been the key story of the political week, with an interest rate rise and some less than rosy inflation figures compounding Labor's economic woes. A war over words…
Sep 30, 2026 · 26:00
NSW David Shoebridge has emerged as the new Greens leader, using his first pitch to hammer economic messages and vow to "replace Labor". And while he signalled the Greens would…
Sep 29, 2026 · 33:00
The Greens are looking for a new leader, after Larissa Waters stepped down from the top job for health reasons. It comes as the Greens languish in the polls, while One Nation…
Sep 28, 2026 · 29:00
PK is back from her break! And she's got some big thoughts about how the political "argy bargy" around the OpenAI Medicare data breach is playing out. The Coalition is pushing…
Sep 25, 2026 · 26:16
Fortescue founder Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest warns uncontrollable AI could decide the best way to stop climate change is to get rid of humanity.
Sep 24, 2026 · 43:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dropped an "AI bomb" in the middle of UN week, announcing that an Open AI agent hacked into a Medicare portal. So, as debate rages at the UN…
Sep 23, 2026 · 26:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued his push for global AI safeguards at the UN general assembly, positioning himself as a global leader on tackling online harm. It…
Sep 22, 2026
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg has reignited the super wars, with a pitch he says is about generating a "sophisticated debate" over the policy. As Clare tells Raf, internal…
Sep 21, 2026
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing his online safety charm offensive at the UN this week, after a quick visit to tour Apple headquarters in Silicon Valley. It follows…
Sep 18, 2026 · 40:18
As AI bosses warn of the growing threat the technology poses to humanity, the International Committee of the Red Cross is pushing for new global rules to govern AI-powered…
Sep 18, 2026 · 26:00
It's Question Time! But first, Fran and PK catch-up on what's been an "intense and wild" week. PK is still mad she didn't get to choose George Michael as her expert subject on…
Sep 17, 2026 · 49:00
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled Labor's long awaited migration plan, including a crackdown on overstayers and a ballot for backpackers. It comes after One Nation…
Sep 16, 2026 · 24:00
The AI fight keeps getting messier. As all sides weigh in on copyright, creators, investment and whether Australia can afford to miss the next tech wave, Anthony Albanese is…
Sep 15, 2026 · 27:00
The AI debate has moved from science fiction to superpower contest, with tech leaders warning of the risks while Donald Trump insists the US must beat China. So where does that…
Sep 14, 2026 · 29:00
One Nation has unveiled a plan to slash migration by 750,000 over three years, sparking swift backlash from industry and both Labor and Coalition. But as Clare and PK discuss,…
Sep 11, 2026 · 31:02
There's a one-in-three chance that China could invade Taiwan in 2028, that is the dire warning being spelled out by Kevin Rudd.
Sep 10, 2026 · 41:00
It was a big week of both policy and politicking in parliament. All sides laid out their pitches to win over voters; Labor's Digital Duty of Care, One Nation's pitch for early…
Sep 9, 2026 · 26:00
The Prime Minister has dismissed concerns about censorship in Labor's digital duty of care bill as "disingenuous", as divisions emerge in the Coalition over the policy. It comes…
Sep 8, 2026 · 24:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's draft Digital Duty of Care legislation, vowing to give people "choice and control" over their social media feeds. The…
Sep 7, 2026 · 25:00
Parliament is back for another sitting fortnight and "rival ideas" are already dominating the agenda. The Albanese Government is set to unveil draft Digital Duty of Care…
Sep 4, 2026 · 22:28
ACOSH Chief Executive Laura Hunter tells David Speers there's no evidence cutting the tobacco excise would work.
Sep 4, 2026 · 27:00
It's Question Time! But first, Fran tells PK about how it felt to spot herself swimming in footage of the Coogee shark attack and why she's not letting the experience keep her…
Sep 3, 2026 · 41:00
Labor has now come face-to-face with the threat from One Nation. One Nation's decisive victory at the WA state by-election of Secret Harbour came with a message for Anthony…
Sep 2, 2026 · 23:00
It's Wednesday, so you know what that means — it's another data day with David and PK! New GDP figures have just landed, rising 0.4 per cent in the June quarter. It's a little…
Sep 1, 2026 · 31:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed off questions about tensions between China and Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum, saying he's focused on "outcomes and unity". As PK…
Aug 31, 2026 · 29:00
One Nation's resounding win at the WA Secret Harbour by-election was watched closely by political insiders in Canberra. The historic state by-election win came with a warning…
Aug 28, 2026 · 24:12
As rates sexual violence amongst teens continues to rise, author and founder of Teach Us Consent, Chanel Contos says part of the problem is the social media algorithms. She's…
Aug 27, 2026 · 42:00
National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead?…
Aug 26, 2026 · 33:00
It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation? Meanwhile, NT Labor MP…
Aug 25, 2026 · 23:00
Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia. WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed…
Aug 24, 2026 · 32:00
One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders. One Nation leader…
Aug 21, 2026 · 25:34
Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade.
Aug 21, 2026 · 23:00
It's time for our Question Time! But first, Fran checks in on where PK is up to on the West Wing and gives a TV show recommendation of her own. Then they get stuck into your…
Aug 20, 2026 · 42:00
It's been a very successful legislative week for the Albanese Government, with Labor and the Coalition teaming up to pass a suite of bills. But it seems the big battles are only…
Aug 19, 2026 · 30:00
It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills. David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just…
Aug 18, 2026 · 25:00
Labor will pass its gambling bill with Coalition support, after the amended legislation was signed off by both party rooms. And while some Opposition members have crossed the…
Aug 17, 2026 · 33:00
A familiar fight has re-emerged on WA's GST deal, after the Productivity Commission labelled the arrangement a "costly mistake" in its interim report. But is this an issue the…
Aug 14, 2026 · 25:14
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor are poised to reach a deal on NDIS reforms, with the bill set to pass parliament early next week.
Aug 14, 2026 · 29:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a "productive, constructive, lengthy and substantial" phone call with US President Donald Trump. Tariffs, AUKUS , AI and "a few personal…
Aug 13, 2026 · 44:00
Parliament returned this week but while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor edged closer to key deals on legislation behind the scenes, other stories stole the…
Aug 12, 2026 · 25:00
Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan…
Aug 11, 2026 · 34:02
A deal on Labor's gambling bill is getting closer, as Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor hold talks to thrash out a deal. But it seems there are still internal divisions in both…
Aug 10, 2026 · 31:00
Parliament is back this week, with politicians descending on the nation's capital for a stacked sitting fortnight. After playing hardball, the Albanese Government is signalling…
Aug 7, 2026 · 35:15
Former Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble explains how the global AI race could reshape our national security.
Aug 7, 2026 · 39:00
It's Question Time! But before they get stuck into your brilliant questions, PK and Mel dig into some political developments. A scandalous text sent by the ACT Opposition leader…
Aug 6, 2026 · 41:00
The Prime Minister and Opposition leader have been on leave this week, but their absence hasn't led to a quieter news cycle. A two-day parliamentary inquiry into gambling…
Aug 5, 2026 · 27:00
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a national press club address, a very unusual move, where he was expected to announce sweeping cuts to immigration. The decision…
Aug 4, 2026 · 27:00
Betting giants Tabcorp and Sportsbet have faced a grilling at the parliamentary inquiry on gambling. The short inquiry has only run for two-days, but both Clare and PK agree it's…
Aug 3, 2026 · 33:00
House prices are falling across the country, with the downturn no longer just confined to Sydney and Melbourne according to new Cotality data. Social Services Minister Tanya…
Jul 31, 2026 · 28:34
If anyone can answer that, it's eminent journalist and political historian Paul Kelly. In his new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism, The Australian's editor-at-large traces the…
Jul 30, 2026 · 44:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing a new progressive threat, with 28-year-old Cheek Media Co founder Hannah Ferguson confirming she'll run as an independent in the PM's…
Jul 29, 2026 · 29:00
Integrity in politics is back in the spotlight, with Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson all facing their own questions about transparency. And the inflation…
Jul 28, 2026 · 28:00
Victorians have a new premier, with Ben Carroll taking on the state's top job, after a chaotic caucus meeting. Jacinta Allan stepped down ahead of the caucus vote, saying she…
Jul 27, 2026 · 33:00
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership spill, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll confirming he will run for the Labor leadership. It comes after a delegation of…
Jul 24, 2026 · 21:08
The rise of One Nation this year has been crushing for the coalition, but it is also posing a threat to Labor. Outgoing National ALP President and former Treasurer, Wayne Swan…
Jul 24, 2026 · 23:00
Labor has adopted new language on gambling regulation and backed telehealth for voluntary assisted dying in its party platform. And while the party has been unwilling to air its…
Jul 23, 2026 · 27:00
Day one of the National Labor conference has wrapped up, with Anthony Albanese's political authority on full display. The Prime Minister used his opening address to speak about…
Jul 22, 2026
It's a bonus Question Time edition! And today, Fran and PK are diving into some of YOUR big questions about the behind the scenes machinations and optics of Australian politics.…
Jul 22, 2026 · 27:00
The National Labor Conference is about to get underway, with a gas exports tax, gambling reform and artificial intelligence shaping up as key battlegrounds But while there will…
Jul 21, 2026 · 23:00
Order and control have been hallmarks of Anthony Albanese's leadership, but they're also at the centre of his approach to cooking. Annabel Crabb joins PK to discuss what's shaped…
Jul 20, 2026 · 24:00
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has robustly defended her appearance on controversial far-right agitator Tommy Robinson's podcast amid backlash. But while the minor party has…
Jul 17, 2026 · 23:41
Artificial intelligence is dominating the political agenda, with the federal government announcing plans to legislate guardrails for data centres and protect artists' copyright.…
Jul 17, 2026 · 35:00
It's Question Time! But before Fran and PK dive into your clever questions, they wrap up the latest political developments. Pauline Hanson's podcast interview with far-right UK…
Jul 16, 2026 · 44:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's landmark AI address has dominated the political week. But was the announcement of National AI standards a bit of an "about face" from the PM,…
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