Politics Now

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  Should the Greens work with Labor or try to replace it? | Insiders On Background 03.10.2026 28分

  Former Greens leader, Adam Bandt, now chief executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation, says working with the government is key to delivering reform. 
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  Albanese's selfie diplomacy 02.10.2026

  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 bad for brand for Anthony Albanese to snap selfies with Donald Trump? Are Community Strong a new threat on Labor's right? Why isn't the Coalition's policy return bracket creep cutting through — and what does that say about the party leader Angus Taylor? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Inflation is up. Labor's mojo is down 01.10.2026 37分

  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 emerged over a discrepancy in the "emphasis" RBA Governor and Treasurer Jim Chalmers placed on the war in the Middle East. Labor struggled to land a message that connected with voters and they also lost some of their political mojo along the way. So, is this just a run of the mill midterm slump? And it's not just the Opposition holding the Albanese Government's feet to the fire over cost-of-living, with new Greens leader David Shoebridge focusing his stump speech on the economy and vowing to replace Labor. But not everyone in the Greens is fully behind the new leadership, with NSW Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi making her disappointment known. Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor for 9News on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Are the Greens shifting further left? 30.09.2026 26分

  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 fill the policy vacuum left by Labor, are the minor party united around his leadership? Meanwhile, the economic blows keep rolling in for Labor, with the latest CPI figures handed down today painting another bleak picture for inflation. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and RBA Governor Michele Bullock aren't necessarily saying different things about what's fuelling inflation, but PK and David agree there's a big difference in "emphasis". So, as the Government struggles to find a path through the economic malaise, is Opposition leader Angus Taylor capitalising? 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 [email protected]
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  Who will lead the Greens? 29.09.2026 33分

  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 capitalises on the anti-establishment vote.So, as populism surges, will the minor party's next leader be able to seize the momentum? And the RBA is widely expected by economists and financial markets to raise interest rates today. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has undertaken a media blitz to try and manage expectations ahead of the decision. But is acknowledging persistent inflation enough for voters? Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. 🎧Listen to PK's podcast chat with Larissa Waters here: Larissa Waters is a shameless optimist Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Does Labor have the ‘midterm blues’? 28.09.2026 29分

  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 back on consequences for OpenAI over the breach, while the Greens have called for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to appear before a Senate inquiry over the matter. It comes as Finance Minister Katy Gallagher flags legislation on AI guardrails could be introduced to parliament before the end of the year. But as Raf tells PK "it's just gesture politics but voters want the gesture". Meanwhile, as voters brace for another interest rate rise tomorrow, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been talking up a $6billion improvement to budget bottom-line. But are they paying attention, or is this about Labor trying to gain some traction in the "attention economy"? And PK tells Raf she thinks the Albanese Government is experiencing the "mid-term blues" as they struggle with a difficult series of challenges. Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  What's the bigger threat to humanity: climate change or AI? 26.09.2026 26分

  Fortescue founder Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest warns uncontrollable AI could decide the best way to stop climate change is to get rid of humanity.
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  A big week for existential dread 24.09.2026 43分

  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 General Assembly over the need for AI safeguards, do the optics of the situation help Anthony Albanese's case? It's been a big week on the global stage for the PM, as he brushes shoulders with leaders of fellow middle powers and even managed to snap a selfie with US President Donald Trump. But back home, are voters taking notice? Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers whipped out his crystal ball and delivered a forecast on what Australia will look like in 40-years and it's not a rosy picture for younger generations.(Clare and Ryan have some serious existential dread to share) It comes as the Opposition has vowed to "take a chainsaw" to Labor's climate and energy agenda, promising to repeal a swag of climate and energy policies within 30 days if elected. So, is this just a response to One Nation? And speaking of One Nation, Barnaby Joyce suggested partnership talks between the minor party and Coalition were back in frame. Coalition MPs quickly lined up to shoot that idea down, but, could it become a political and mathematical reality for the parties of the right? Fran Kelly and Clare Armstrong are joined by Ryan Heath, Launch Editor of Politico Australia on The Party Room. Read PK's analysis here The economy needs migration and data centres. Voters hate both Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Albanese’s UN super intelligence 23.09.2026 26分

  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 comes as US President Donald Trump rejects calls for AI regulation, announcing he will now refer to the tech as "super intelligence" across official documents. And in a rare public intervention, the Trump Administration has criticised the Albanese Government's "digital duty of care" proposal. But despite their different approaches, Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump managed to snap a selfie after quick meeting on the sidelines of summit. Clare Armstrong 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 [email protected]
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  Is the Coalition joining the super wars? 22.09.2026

  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 divisions remain in the Coalition over superannuation, with some concerned about slaying the "sacred cow" that is superannuation. But Raf thinks this might just be the Opposition "blowing off the cobwebs on the policymaking machine" and starting to rebuild their policy ammunition for the election battle ahead. And calls for a Royal Commission into domestic violence have re-emerged after a spate of alleged domestic violence deaths over the weekend. So, how are governments responding? Clare Armstrong and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare's piece here Dating app harms fuel calls to extend digital duty of care to platforms Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Albanese's AI era 21.09.2026

  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 the PM's calls for international cooperation on AI guardrails, amid global uncertainty over the use and safety of Artificial Intelligence. But back home there are questions about how Australia's own AI national standards will be implemented. It comes as Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveils the latest intergenerational report, with artificial intelligence set to have the "defining influence" on the economy. Clare Armstrong and Cam Wilson break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare's latest piece here Intergenerational Report charts falling fertility, aging population and housing divide Read Cam's latest piece here AI companies would need to report 'rogue' incidents under proposed national standards Read PK's analysis here The economy needs migration and data centres. Voters hate both Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  The AI arms race: ICRC pushes for new rules for autonomous weapons in war | Insiders On Background 19.09.2026 40分

  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 autonomous weapons in war.
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  Howard bingo and pollies on pods 18.09.2026 26分

  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 Mastermind, but host and friend of the quiz show Marc Fennell dials in to commiserate and offer some advice. And as Fran reveals her special subject, she learns about the 'John Howard bingo' the team has been playing behind the scenes. Then it's onto your brilliant questions, including; Do politicians leave the talking points behind on podcasts? Will Pauline Hanson be included in the next leaders' debate? And should politicians avoid attacking the One Nation leader personally? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are answer your questions on The Party Room: Question Time edition. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Labor's immigration crackdown 17.09.2026 49分

  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 kicked off the week with details on their immigration policy and as the Coalition finalises the details of it's own plan. So, while all three-parties are on a unity ticket about reducing temporary immigration, there's key political distinctions in who they are each targeting, and how. And Pauline Hanson has given a very qualified apology after telling a podcast Aboriginal Australians were the “most primitive race on earth", declaring she's sorry if anyone was offended.  It comes amid a string of other remarks which have been widely condemned and it seems the scrutiny has the One Nation leader feeling the heat. Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Karen Middleton, political journalist and columnist for The Monthly on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Labor's 'narrow path' and 'stinky sausage' 16.09.2026 24分

  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 trying to walk a very narrow path. Can he have “all of the desserts but none of the calories” - welcoming AI investment while defending creatives from being sold down the river? Meanwhile, the government is back in the spotlight over a sports grant in Health Minister Mark Butler’s seat. Is this just the "stinky sausage" of Australia’s “Frankenmonster” federation - or a pork-barrelling problem for Labor? And finally - a Labor migration policy is incoming. But after One Nation got in first, can the government land its pitch with the voters it needs most, or will it just keep wedging the Opposition? Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare Armstrong's reporting on Labor's $5 million pledge here. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  Are Australians 'surrender monkeys' on AI? 15.09.2026 27分

  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 leave Australia?  Can it lead the way in any meaningful sense - on safety, copyright, data centres and investment - or is the Albanese government stuck trying to manage the risks while chasing the productivity upside? Meanwhile, hundreds of jobs are going at Whyalla, raising a harder question for government - after all the public money and political effort, what is actually left to save? And Pauline Hanson makes a rare apology. 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 [email protected]
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  Should Albanese’s dead mum be off-limits? 14.09.2026 29分

  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, One Nation's political strategy has been effective. The minor party has once again managed to set the agenda and essentially "run the week". But, beyond the clever political management do the figures stack-up? It comes as an emotional Anthony Albanese pushes back on Pauline Hanson's remarks about his mother, stating "kindness isn't weakness, nastiness is". The PM has been backed in by politicians of all stripes, as Labor and the Coalition point to a pattern of behaviour from the One Nation leader, as her stoush with the liberals Andrew Hastie continues. So, could the ultra-personal sledges come back to hurt Pauline Hanson? 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 [email protected]
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  Kevin Rudd sounds alarm on Australia becoming 'complacent' | Insiders On Background  12.09.2026 31分

  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.
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  Is Pauline Hanson losing this culture war? 10.09.2026 41分

  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 super access and the Coalition's proposal to ban burning the flag. Meanwhile, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie took the fight directly to One Nation this week, labelling Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce "lying cowards" over a One Nation cartoon that called him a "traitor" — over his involvement in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial. Coalition MPs have lined up to back in Andrew Hastie. So, has it given them something to coalesce around? And has it placed Pauline Hanson on the wrong side of a culture war? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Phil Coorey, political editor at the AFR on The Party Room Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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  The PM's swing at the ABC 09.09.2026 26分

  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 as Anthony Albanese faces questions about an undeclared honorary membership at the Marrickville Golf Club, after the club was awarded $6 million via an "invite only" grant scheme. The PM is adamant he wasn't aware of his honorary membership and has taken a swing at the ABC in the process. And an annual report into Australia's progress in ending violence against women and children has been tabled, with Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence commissioner Micaela Cronin warning government policy has not meaningfully reduced rates of sexual violence. 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 [email protected]