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PlatPhorm Podcasts

Politics Now

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'.

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Episodes

6/18/2026

Annabel Crabb on a doozy of a week artwork

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Annabel Crabb on a doozy of a week

Politics Now

The Prime Minister and Treasurer have announced carve outs to their capital gains tax changes. So, has Anthony Albanese "blinked" under pressure? Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has delivered her first National Press Club address in her 30-years in politics — so why did she take to the podium now? And how are Labor and the Coalition positioning as more scrutiny falls on the surging minor party? Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb break it all downon The Party Room. Read Annabel's column here Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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6/17/2026

Pauline Hanson goes mainstream artwork

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Pauline Hanson goes mainstream

Politics Now

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career. In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader linked housing issues to immigration, railed against multiculturalism, labelled net-zero a "hoax", called for an overhaul of IR laws and rebuked other parties for copying her policies. So, will the address make Pauline Hanson even more electable? Or does it open her up to some political risks ahead? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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6/16/2026

Is 'hyperbolic' politics reducing trust? artwork

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Is 'hyperbolic' politics reducing trust?

Politics Now

The AFP is looking into allegations Israeli forces sexually assaulted Australian activists who were detained after attempting to reach Gaza last month. It comes after a meeting between the Australian activists, federal ministers Penny Wong and Anne Aly and senior members of the AFP. Israel has denied the claims. Meanwhile back home, there's been a heated exchange over the CGT and negative gearing inquiry, with the Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson telling Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth to "grow up" and "get a breathalyser". So, what does the exchange tell us about the current tone of our political debate? And is heightened rhetoric reducing trust in politics? Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke 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

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6/15/2026

How Labor fights the polls for Pauline artwork

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How Labor fights the polls for Pauline

Politics Now

Pauline Hanson is now the preferred Prime Minister - ahead of the actual Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor - if the latest Resolve poll is anything to go by. Yes, it’s a big “if”. But it’s also not the sort of number the major parties can laugh off. As One Nation’s rise moves from protest vote to serious political threat, what is Labor’s strategy to stop the bleed - and is it working? Meanwhile, another fight is opening over the budget, as a two-day Senate inquiry into the government’s tax measures begins. Labor says it is still consulting, business groups are lining up with their demands. So where does the negotiation land - and how much will the government have to give? Plus - PK and Jacob unpack the breaking news around a US-Iran ceasefire, and whether the hope of a lasting peace deal in the Middle East can hold. 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.au

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6/11/2026

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Labor goes back to basics

Politics Now

The Prime Minister is holding a Medicare card. Tony Abbott is spruiking a national tour. "Ditch the witch" is back in the headlines. Everything old is new again in politics this week. So what should we make of it all? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian to discuss everything from the NDIS inquiry to the continuing attempts to sell the Budget measures and discussion around Coalition preferences to One Nation. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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6/10/2026

Is the Prime Minister ready to 'cop it'? artwork

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Is the Prime Minister ready to 'cop it'?

Politics Now

As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - while trying to read the mood at home. Could some distance between the Prime Minister and Donald Trump be politically useful, as fuel prices, global instability and the Strait of Hormuz dominate the conversation one again? And while Transport Minister Catherine King insists the fuel excise cut will end, is the government ready to cop the political pain - or will it have to bite the bullet and extend it? Meanwhile, Labor is still trying to sell its war-time budget. Capital gains tax carve-outs are starting to take shape, while the Greens are open to backing Labor’s tax changes in exchange for a longer NDIS inquiry. Plus, six months after Australia introduced its social media ban for under-16s, Apple’s CEO is crediting the country for new child safety controls - with the UK and EU watching closely. But are the restrictions actually making a difference? 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.au

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6/9/2026

Pocock sparks data centre debate artwork

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Pocock sparks data centre debate

Politics Now

As the three-day inquiry into the Albanese Government's proposed NDIS overhaul gets underway, the Opposition hasn't ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to extend the hearings. And the great data centre debate is back in the spotlight, with Independent Senator David Pocock calling Australians to get a fair return as the industry continues to boom. Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke 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

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6/8/2026

Labor's populism pushback artwork

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Labor's populism pushback

Politics Now

Anthony Albanese says voter frustration with the system formed the backdrop for Labor's budget — saying if governments don't respond to the circumstances there will be "a continued rise of populism." But as another poll shows One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, are the Albanese Government acting too slowly? And as scrutiny increases on One Nation, there have been a series of gaffes over the details of their housing policy. So, do rusted on voters care about the messiness, or are they just looking to shake-up the system? 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.au

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6/5/2026

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6/5/2026

One Nation is surging. Why aren't the Greens? artwork

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One Nation is surging. Why aren't the Greens?

Politics Now

PK is still making her way through a rewatch of The West Wing — and she and Fran have some big thoughts about the idealistic vision of politics the series presents. But after some very important TV chat, they get stuck into some brilliant listener questions, including: Does the parliamentary attendance record of politicians matter? Why haven't the Greens capitalised on the populist wave like One Nation has? And how do the texting arrangements between political journalists and politicians actually work? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever queries on this Question Time edition of The Party Room. Listen to Thursday's The Party Room ep here Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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6/4/2026

Trump's tariffs and AUKUS awkwardness artwork

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Trump's tariffs and AUKUS awkwardness

Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged there's an "ideological disagreement" with the US, after the Trump Administration confirmed they'll slap a 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian goods. It comes as AUKUS "awkwardness" is continuing for Labor, so will the issue continue to kick off at the Labor conference next month — or will the Government nip it in the bud before then? And One Nation's mainstreaming is continuing, with Pauline Hanson locking in a leaders address at the National Press Club after an explosive new Redbridge poll in the AFR showed One Nation was the most popular party in Australia. And back in the parliament, the Albanese Government has passed their first tranche of budget tax reforms through the house, but the Greens and Coalition have raised concerns about what they say are "god-like" discretionary tax changes after they become law. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed the criticism as a "beat-up" but are they in for a battle ahead in the Senate? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor at Nine News 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

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6/3/2026

Why Labor won't sink AUKUS artwork

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Why Labor won't sink AUKUS

Politics Now

There are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks. Albanese Government frontbenchers have come out in force to defend the policy, but PK and David Speers agree despite the backlash there's "no chance" Labor will walk away from AUKUS. It comes as Australia and the Solomon Islands agree to begin negotiations on a comprehensive strategic agreement. It's a coup for the Albanese Government as they look to counter the rising presence of China in the region. Meanwhile, new GDP figures have landed with Treasurer Jim Chalmers labelling them "solid in the circumstances", but is it just the AI data centre boom keeping us afloat? 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

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6/1/2026

AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock' artwork

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AUKUS goes off 'like a frog in a sock'

Politics Now

Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat. The former Labor minister is leading an independent inquiry into the $368 billion defence deal, after confirmation Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. The Opposition is also taking a swing, warning the revised arrangement could leave Australia with older submarines, shorter operating lives, and a future capability gap. So is this just another round of AUKUS anxiety - or a real problem for the government? Plus, a big moment for One Nation as David Farley is sworn in as the new member for Farrer, and early signs he may take a different tone from Pauline Hanson. And how will Labor, the Liberals, and One Nation position themselves on a rise to the minimum wage? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein 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

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6/1/2026

Could Pauline Hanson become PM? artwork

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Could Pauline Hanson become PM?

Politics Now

A new poll has One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, as the Albanese Government loses some skin in the wake of the budget. And One Nation leader Pauline Hanson isn't ruling out becoming prime minister in the future, saying she "has the ability" and is considering a tilt at a lower house seat at the next election. Meanwhile, the Coalition has seemingly failed to capitalise on voter discontent with the budget, so will new Liberal Party President Tony Abbott rejuvenate the base? 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 Read PK's analysis here

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5/29/2026

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5/28/2026

Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party artwork

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Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party

Politics Now

The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break. The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor managed to pull the focus back to housing? Meanwhile, another cohort of IS-linked women and children have returned to Australia from Syria this week, causing some political friction for Labor and possibly feeding into One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's platform. And while speculation about a so-called 'teal party' was the talk of the town at the beginning of the week, it seems the idea has run out of steam already. Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow and University of Canberra on The Party Room. Hear Michelle Grattan's IV with Keith Wolahan here . Hear Fran on Radio National Hour here . Watch PK on Afternoon Briefing here . Editor's note: This podcast was recorded prior to the AFP confirming a 34 year-old Melbourne woman, who returned from a Syrian detention camp last year, has been charged with terrorism offences. 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

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5/27/2026

Political wedges and a welfare shake-up artwork

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Political wedges and a welfare shake-up

Politics Now

Labor may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting widely looks like they won't cave "quickly". And the Opposition has unveiled a political wedge of its own, threatening to withhold crucial support for Labor's NDIS overhaul without an inquiry into CGT and negative gearing changes in exchange. Meanwhile, the Government has announced a major welfare shake-up, but new inflation figures and the return of more so-called ISIS brides could steal some of the spotlight. 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 ABC Business Daily dig deeper into the inflation figures here

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5/26/2026

Albanese stares down tax push back artwork

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Albanese stares down tax push back

Politics Now

Household energy bills are set to drop by up to 10 per cent, with the Albanese government crediting renewables and batteries for the decrease. It's a good news story for Labor, as the fight over capital gains tax changes continues to dominate parliament — and the Prime Minister doubles down. But the Government isn't the only one feeling the heat, with outgoing National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton fronting up for a grilling in Senate estimates. Patricia Karvelas 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.au

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5/25/2026

A new 'teal' party? artwork

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A new 'teal' party?

Politics Now

Parliament is back in session and there's speculation a new party could be on the horizon. Independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have confirmed conversations about forming a party with like-minded so-called "teals" are underway. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has given the idea a tick of approval, but many fellow crossbenchers have already confirmed they won't be joining. So, is this just a "thought experiment" or could a party of independents become a reality? Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has confirmed the first tranche of budget measures will be introduced to parliament on Thursday. So, while Anthony Albanese has "doubled down" on the dissent, can Labor get the legislation through the Senate with support from The Greens? 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 Read PK's analysis here Read Jacob's analysis here

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