PlatPhorm Podcasts

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'.

Open publisher feed

200 indexed items · language not specified · active

Community rank is loading…

Episodes

4/29/2026

Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics artwork

episode · Checking source

Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics

Politics Now

Inflation has surged to a whopping 4.6 per cent, the highest level since 2023, as fuel shocks caused by the US-Iran war continue to bite. But the cost of living hasn't stopped One Nation leader Pauline Hanson from taking to social media to celebrate her "sexy" new private plane. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit out at the announcement, labelling the Senator a "wholly owned subsidiary" of billionaire Gina Rinehart — so could the optics hurt the minor party? It comes as Anthony Albanese delivered his "largest" pre-budget speech. Speaking at a Chamber of Minerals and Energy event in WA, the PM effectively ruled out a gas profits tax in the budget — saying it wasn't the time to jeopardise regional partnerships. 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/28/2026

Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra? artwork

episode · Checking source

Did Sylvester Stallone snub Canberra?

Politics Now

The Prime Minister has committed to "fixing" the News Bargaining Code to ensure platforms contribute their "fair share", unveiling an exposure draft of the legislation. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has nominated former Republican Congressman David Brat for the role of US ambassador to Australia. And Mel and PK are in fierce agreement about the glory of Canberra in autumn, but reporting suggests the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson — who were previously touted for the posting — weren't so keen on a move to the bush capital. And the Opposition has unveiled a plan to double Australia's fuel reserves, as energy security remains a key focus for the Government. Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/27/2026

The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia artwork

episode · Checking source

The Trump 'ick factor' in Australia

Politics Now

Anthony Albanese has joined with other world leaders to express gratitude that the US President was unharmed after a a shooter crashed the venue of the White House Correspondents' dinner. But back home, support for Donald Trump and the US alliance is under strain, could that also spell trouble for One Nation? And as the Farrer by-election gets closer, could the Coalition preferencing the minor party get them their first lower house seat in 30-years? 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 Listen to QT with Casey Briggs on ABC Listen or Apple

Episode details Publisher page

4/24/2026

John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants' | Insiders artwork

episode · Checking source

John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants' | Insiders

Politics Now

Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during his first term of office. He joined David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.

Episode details Publisher page

4/23/2026

Casey Briggs answers your election questions artwork

episode · Checking source

Casey Briggs answers your election questions

Politics Now

In a very special Question Time edition of The Party Room, Chief Elections and Data Analyst Casey Briggs joins PK to get stuck into all of your wonderfully nerdy questions. Including, what does the preparation for election night look like behind the scenes? Why is Queensland the only state without an Upper House/Senate? Are Gen Z men still leaning left? And is expanding the size of parliament a good idea? Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Episode details Publisher page

4/23/2026

Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms artwork

episode · Checking source

Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms

Politics Now

As the leaves on the parliamentary budget tree change colour, Labor has unveiled an enormous NDIS overhaul — promising major savings in the upcoming budget. So, has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally used some of his political capital with the "bold" reforms? And what are the political risks, as many in the disability community remain alarmed about the implications from the overhaul? Meanwhile, momentum is growing for a gas profits tax, with an unlikely political grouping all supporting the push. However, as the PM looks to shore-up fuel security in the region, has he gone cold on the idea? Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Sarah Ferguson, ABC 730 Host on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au Watch Sarah's IV with Health Minister Mark Butler here: https://iview.abc.net.au/video/SEGS2026106594290 Catch up on Afternoon Briefing here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/afternoon-briefing Catch up on The Radio National Hour: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-radio-national-hour

Episode details Publisher page

4/22/2026

The political price of NDIS savings artwork

episode · Checking source

The political price of NDIS savings

Politics Now

The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years. Underpinned by four key pillars, the reform looks to rein in spending and "unsustainable growth" and clamp down on the "chaotic free-for-all-market that's built up". And while the move will generate key budget savings, it doesn't come without political costs for Labor — but as David tells PK, the government clearly thinks they'll "get points for making some tough and hard decisions" even if it means a rough political road ahead. 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/21/2026

The gas tax squeeze artwork

episode · Checking source

The gas tax squeeze

Politics Now

Whether the government likes it or not, momentum is building around a gas profits tax. What began as a simmering grassroots and political push has accelerated amid the global energy crisis, with pressure mounting on the government to act. A Greens-led inquiry into the issue begins today. But is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listening? At the same time, both the government and opposition are sharpening their housing messages - but which one will land with voters? 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/20/2026

Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation? artwork

episode · Checking source

Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation?

Politics Now

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says reining in NDIS spending will “easily be the most important” source of budget savings as the Albanese Government looks to make the scheme "sustainable". And while the Treasurer confirmed a "whole range" of tax reforms remain on the table, is consensus growing across political aisles and the community for changes like a gas profits tax? Meanwhile, One Nations' primary vote has slumped across two key polls today, so is Donald Trump's erratic behaviour causing some blow-back against the minor party? 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 Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-20/australias-lucky-country-mantle-has-slipped/106581228 Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-18/inflation-war-making-may-budget-harder/106577912

Episode details Publisher page

4/17/2026

‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background artwork

episode · Checking source

‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

Australia’s National Defence Strategy was unveiled this week, with more money for drones and missiles and an unapologetic commitment to the US-alliance. Kim Beazley is a former Defence Minister during the Hawke Government, a long-serving Labor Leader in opposition, a former Ambassador to the United States and now Chair of the Australian War Memorial. He sat down with David Speers for this week’s Insiders On Background.

Episode details Publisher page

4/16/2026

A world full of predators artwork

episode · Checking source

A world full of predators

Politics Now

A 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.au Get 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/15/2026

It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim artwork

episode · Checking source

It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim

Politics Now

As 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.au Get 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 Listen to ABC Business Daily here: A warning from the IMF - ABC listen Listen to Tuesday's Politics Now episode here: Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work? - ABC listen

Episode details Publisher page

4/14/2026

Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration artwork

episode · Checking source

Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration

Politics Now

Opposition 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.au Get 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/13/2026

Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work? artwork

episode · Checking source

Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work?

Politics Now

US 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.au Get 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/10/2026

Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background artwork

episode · Checking source

Israel 'assumed' Iran would not disrupt the global supply chains | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background.

Episode details Publisher page

4/9/2026

The populist elephant in the room artwork

episode · Checking source

The populist elephant in the room

Politics Now

Fran 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.au PK and Fran's TV watchlist: PK - Ponies, on BingeFran - Tehran, on Apple TV+Landman, on Paramount+

Episode details Publisher page

4/8/2026

Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances artwork

episode · Checking source

Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances

Politics Now

An extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US allies Prime 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/7/2026

Can you deliver reform during a crisis? artwork

episode · Checking source

Can you deliver reform during a crisis?

Politics Now

Prime 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.au Read 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

Episode details Publisher page

4/6/2026

Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph? artwork

episode · Checking source

Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph?

Politics Now

Over 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.au Read Clare's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-05/gambling-advertising-labor-anthony-albanese-murphy-report/106510878

Episode details Publisher page

4/2/2026

Did Albo's address meet the moment? artwork

episode · Checking source

Did Albo's address meet the moment?

Politics Now

Prime 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.au Tickets to our live show will be announced SOON! Watch this space!!

Episode details Publisher page