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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

3/5/2026

Why petrol prices are 'kryptonite' for governments artwork

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Why petrol prices are 'kryptonite' for governments

Politics Now

While parliament was back in session, it was global affairs that dominated the week in politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to back the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran, so what does this say about the rewriting of the rules based order — and Labor's strategy with the Trump administration? And it comes as the Canadian Prime Minister, and fellow middle power ally, Mark Carney visits Australia. The world leader came armed with a warning, urging sovereignty as the global architecture is crumbling. And how did new Opposition leader Angus Taylor perform for his first week in parliament? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Cameron Stewart , Chief International Correspondent at the 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

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3/4/2026

The review Liberals tried to bury artwork

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The review Liberals tried to bury

Politics Now

A scathing review of the Liberal party's election performance has been laid bare, despite the Liberal party's federal executive trying to suppress it. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used Question Time to table all 64-pages of the report, in what Andrew Hastie called a "boss move". The review slams a "notable absence of reflection" from key figures involved in the campaign, but former Opposition leader Peter Dutton has called it a "gratuitously personal hit job." And Canadian President Mark Carney has kicked off his Australia visit, so as the Middle East conflict continues, will he use two key addresses to push forward his middle power strategy? 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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3/3/2026

The new world disorder artwork

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The new world disorder

Politics Now

As the war in the Middle East expands, the US President Donald Trump has warned a "big wave" of strikes is still yet to come. But back home, both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have repeatedly stated that don't expect the US to ask for Australian military support. The conflict is already sending shock-waves across markets, with RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning inflation expectations could become "unanchored" and refusing to rule out another interest rate hike later this month. 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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3/2/2026

Why Albanese backed Trump's Iran attack artwork

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Why Albanese backed Trump's Iran attack

Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the United States and Israel's joint strikes in Iran, saying Australia stands with the Iranian people. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has side-stepped questions about the legality of the operations, saying it was for the US and Israel to explain and suggesting the Government "wouldn't anticipate [Australia] participating in the future". But Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson has indicated the Liberals would support Australia assisting if it's "in the national interest".. So, as parliament returns for another sitting fortnight the conflict in the Middle East is set to dominate the agenda — with things already heating up in the Senate. 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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2/27/2026

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Can tax reform fix Australia's housing crisis? | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

The Treasurer has confirmed his department is looking at changes to both the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing rules ahead of the May budget.

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2/27/2026

PM 'mops up' as Ley officially exits artwork

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PM 'mops up' as Ley officially exits

Politics Now

Former Opposition leader Sussan Ley has tendered her immediate resignation from parliament, officially sparking a by-election in her seat of Farrer. In a statement Sussan Ley said she hoped her election as the first female to lead the Liberal party would "pave the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed" in the role. Are changes to negative gearing and capital gains actually politically risky for Labor? And as Anthony Albanese tries to 'mop up' after his Grace Tame misstep, are his political instincts as sharp as they once were? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions on 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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2/26/2026

A ‘difficult’ week for the PM artwork

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A ‘difficult’ week for the PM

Politics Now

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, he's promising to focus on "economics over politics" - but what will Labor actually do to address intergenerational inequity? The prime minister has attempted to walk back labelling former Australian of The Year Grace Tame "difficult", suggesting he was referring to her difficult life - a move Grace Tame has blasted on social media. And Jacob Greber has been on the ground in Farrer, checking the electorates pulse ahead of the impending by-election - so what do voters want from their representative and where are they looking to cast their vote? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Jacob Greber, 730 Political Editor 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

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2/25/2026

Albanese's 'troubling' bomb scare artwork

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Albanese's 'troubling' bomb scare

Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefly evacuated from the Lodge overnight, due to a bomb threat linked to performances in Australia by a classical Chinese dance and music group that is banned in China. It comes as threats against parliamentarians are on the rise and just weeks after the AFP Commissioner warned that federal politicians and high office holders were being targeted by violent offenders. So, as the threat is condemned across the political aisle, is the price of public life becoming too high? And will calls for the temperature to be lowered actually cut through? And as inflation comes in hotter expected once again, does it put further pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to find savings in the upcoming budget? 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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2/24/2026

Why is Albanese ruling out a republic referendum? artwork

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Why is Albanese ruling out a republic referendum?

Politics Now

Anthony Albanese has voluntarily written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to offer support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession. Australia is the first Commonwealth country to back the proposal, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it clear his government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum on becoming a republic, instead announcing this morning that high speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney could be "shovel ready" in two-years time. So, is this long promised train any closer to becoming a reality? And the landmark Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion has officially begun, with Commissioner Virginia Bell outlining the scope of the inquiry. Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long 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 Claudia's exclusive here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/working-with-children-check-parents-sick/106370632

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2/23/2026

Is Albanese playing 'mind games' in Farrer? artwork

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Is Albanese playing 'mind games' in Farrer?

Politics Now

Anthony Albanese has continued his hardline rhetoric on so-called ‘ISIS Brides’, but now Opposition leader Angus Taylor has upped the ante, with a bill that would make it illegal to assist Australians with links to the Islamic State return home. The Albanese Government has dismissed the idea, what role is One Nation having on the changing tone of the debate? And the PM has been busy hitting the airwaves on commercial radio stations in the electorate of Farrer, but as a by-election looms in Sussan Ley's seat what is Anthony Albanese signalling with his visit? Patricia Karvelas 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 PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/one-nation-coalition-labor-isis-brides/106369478 Read Clare's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-22/albanese-government-premiers-peter-malinauskas-david-crisafulli/106349260

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2/20/2026

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Women and children in Syrian camp "will end up in Australia" | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

The debate over immigration, border control and social cohesion hardened this week, after a group of women and children in northern Syria attempted to return to Australia.

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2/19/2026

Why is Albanese taking a hard line on 'ISIS brides'? artwork

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Why is Albanese taking a hard line on 'ISIS brides'?

Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a tough line on the so-called 'ISIS brides' attempting to return to Australia from Syrian camps. So, how much is anti-immigration rhetoric and the rise of One Nation influencing the 'hard line' team Labor is taking? And Angus Taylor has unveiled his new look shadow frontbench, so what does it signal about the Coalition's agenda? Are are we hearing the same messages, but just new 'stronger messengers'? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Phil Coorey, Political Editor at The Australian Financial Review 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 PK's Four Corners 'Realignment' here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2026/video/NC2603H003S00 Listen to the Politics Now: The Interview with Tim Wilson here - https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/politics-now-the-interview-tim-wilson/106148248

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2/18/2026

Is Taylor's frontbench battle ready? artwork

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Is Taylor's frontbench battle ready?

Politics Now

Liberal leader Angus Taylor has announced his shadow frontbench, promising to blend generational change with proven experience. Angus Taylor's key allies have been rewarded with big portfolios, but some key moderates — like newly minted shadow treasurer Tim Wilson — have also been kept in the tent. So, as the party turns their focus squarely to the economy, will the reshuffle pay dividends? And will it keep the party united? 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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2/17/2026

By-election booby traps | LIVE SHOW artwork

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By-election booby traps | LIVE SHOW

Politics Now

It's The Party Room live! Fran and PK were joined on stage by ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs at the Mardi Gras Fair Day festival in Sydney on Sunday. There was wonderfully nerdy wordplay ("the member for Hume and the member named Hume"), Farrer by-election analysis and a look at what parties are offering Gen Z and Millennial voters — who are the largest voting bloc. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au Watch PK's Four Corners 'Realignment' here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2026/video/NC2603H003S00

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2/16/2026

The radical realignment of the right artwork

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The radical realignment of the right

Politics Now

Newly minted Liberal leader Angus Taylor has made it clear a tougher approach to immigration is on the agenda. In his first address as Opposition leader, he declared that “the door must be shut” to people who don’t align with “Australian values.” So, if the party shifts further to the right, to chase voters back from One Nation, what does that mean for voters in the centre? Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. You can watch PK's Four Corners at 0830pm Monday on ABC TV, or anytime on ABC iview READ PK'S ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/liberal-party-right-wing-division-realignment-four-corners/106331358 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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2/13/2026

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How will Taylor bring the Liberals back from the brink? | Insiders On Background

Politics Now

The Liberal Party has elected Angus Taylor as its new leader, defeating Sussan Ley in a spill motion on Friday.

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2/13/2026

Taylor triumphs, Ley resigns. What next? artwork

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Taylor triumphs, Ley resigns. What next?

Politics Now

Angus Taylor has emerged as the new Liberal leader, beating Sussan Ley 34 votes to 17. The new Liberal leader says the party is facing a "change or die moment" and has promised to "protect the Australian way of life." Following the defeat, Sussan Ley has confirmed she'll resign from her seat of Farrer, sparking a by-election. It'll be the first big test for Angus Taylor's leadership. So, what does the election of Angus Taylor signal for the future direction of the Liberal party? Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong 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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2/12/2026

It's on! Taylor v Ley spill artwork

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It's on! Taylor v Ley spill

Politics Now

After a drawn out process, Angus Taylor has officially announced he'll challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. But while many Liberal frontbenchers have followed Angus Taylor and quit the shadow frontbench, it doesn't look like the Opposition leader will go down without a fight. And while the Albanese Government has been throwing barbs from the sidelines in Question Time, do they need to watch out for hubris? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent on The Party Room.Hear this week's bonus question time episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/big-personalities-protests-and-polling-/106326394 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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2/11/2026

Taylor set to strike... but how? artwork

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Taylor set to strike... but how?

Politics Now

Pressure is mounting on Liberal leadership hopeful Angus Taylor to declare his hand and mount a challenge against Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. The Shadow Defence Minister is expected to quit the Shadow frontbench, with other Liberals expected to follow, paving the way for a leadership spill. But some moderates are calling on Angus Taylor to launch a petition and prove he has the numbers first. Melissa Clarke 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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2/10/2026

Big personalities, protests and polling artwork

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Big personalities, protests and polling

Politics Now

Around 6000 people gathered at Town Hall to rally against the Israeli President's visit overnight, 27 people were arrested during clashes with officers, with some footage appearing to show police throwing punches at demonstrators. NSW Police have defended their response, while Premier Chris Minns says their actions were "proportionate." Meanwhile, Liberal leader Sussan Ley has survived today's party room meeting, but Fran and PK say there's now an "unstoppable push" for change — so when will leadership aspirant Angus Taylor strike and will he land a mortal blow? So, would Sussan Ley quit her seat of Farrer if she's overthrown as leader? Can we trust polling? And with One Nation gaining traction, have Labor done enough on immigration? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions 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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