Cut Through

Politics editor Bernard Keane returns to the podcast to answer subscriber questions in a dedicated Q&A episode. What does he think of critics who say there is “nothing to see here” on union corruption in Victoria’s Big Build? Is there any substance to rumours that Anthony Albanese would leave politics before the next election? Will the global campaign to introduce a wealth tax – advocated by the likes of Gary Stevenson and Gabriel Zucman – make headway in Australia?

Keane and Cut Through host Crystal Andrews tackle the following questions:

What kind of Labor leader is Anthony Albanese?
Where will the government land in its approach to AI policy?
Should people question the Watson report into CFMEU corruption?
Will Snowy Hydro 2.0 be “worth it” in the end?
Is an Australian wealth tax on the horizon?
How is Australia’s ageing population contributing to socioeconomic issues?

Want to ask us a question? Send an email to letters@crikey.com.au or contact us using the secure methods detailed here: https://www.crikey.com.au/tip-off-crikey/

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How did Karl Stefanovic rise to the pinnacle of TV stardom, and what does his move to even smaller screens say about the current state of Australian media? Tina Quinn joins the podcast to go behind-the-scenes of her latest article for Crikey, which saw her speak to a long list of sources who worked alongside Stefanovic — from junior producers all the way up to senior management — about how he really got to the top.

Quinn and host Crystal Andrews discuss what made Stefanovic “special”, the one industry development that changed Australian TV for the worse, and why we might never see a TV personality like Karl again.

Have a tip for us or want to ask a question? Send an email to letters@crikey.com.au or contact us using the secure methods detailed here: https://www.crikey.com.au/tip-off-crikey/

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Read more:
Insiders reveal the real story behind Karl Stefanovic, a monster of Nine’s own making
Job cuts, takeovers and mergers can’t fix the mess that is Australian TV
The Stefanovic saga and Hanson’s haymaker: it’s all part of Australia’s surging right-wing moment
Gina Rinehart joins Australia’s billionaire media moguls. You’re welcome, One Nation
The Free Speech and Free Fall of Karl Stefanovic on Fourth Estate podcast
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Crikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you.
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There was a flurry of activity in parliament as politicians tried to make the last sitting fortnight before the winter break really count. So it’s the perfect time to bring Cut Through back from our mid-year break – re-energised and ready to call it as we see it!

Crikey’s politics writer Rachel Withers joins readers’ editor Crystal Andrews and reporter-at-large Charlie Lewis to discuss the highs and the lows, from the announcement of Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender’s new party “Community Strong Australia”, to the Greens’ role as policy gatekeepers, and why Barnaby Joyce is clearly not helping One Nation MP David Farley learn the ropes.

Plus, where does Nuclear for Australia get its cash from… and is Bridget McKenzie up to something?

Have a tip for us or want to ask a question? Send an email to letters@crikey.com.au or contact us using the secure methods detailed here: https://www.crikey.com.au/tip-off-crikey/

Read more:

Does Steggall and Spender’s new party go against the independent movement — or strengthen it? by Tina Quinn
What Liberal-types like Jason Falinski get wrong about the ‘teals’
Labor is playing a dangerous game on gambling reform
Tax reform has winners and losers. Business makes an ugly loser
One Nation now has to hold itself together — and grow by Leonardo Puglisi
Tip on Nuclear for Australia’s merch sales
What is Bridget McKenzie up to?
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Crikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you.
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The 2026 federal budget was one of the more “memorable” in recent history. Despite the vast majority of measures having already been aired in the media weeks prior, Jim Chalmers kept one major reveal for budget night: a three-part tax reform, winding back the favourable settings of capital gains tax, negative gearing and private trusts.

The mainstream media has been bleating about “broken promises”, but do voters actually care if the government changes its mind in pursuit of better policy? Politics editor Bernard Keane and readers’ editor Crystal Andrews discuss what they liked in the budget, what was disappointing and the missed opportunity of the gas export tax.

Plus, does Angus Taylor have any hope of improving the Coalition’s fortunes with his budget reply speech?

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Crikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you.
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There are just three days until the Farrer by-election and – for the first time ever – it looks like voters won’t be electing a National or Liberal MP to represent them in Sussan Ley’s old seat.. Instead, the frustration with establishment politics has seen independent Michelle Milthorpe and One Nation’s David Farly emerge as the frontrunners in a fierce and unpredictable campaign

To help you follow the final days of the by-election campaign, Crikey politics reporter Anton Nilsson and Region Riverina editor Oliver Jacques join this special early episode of the podcast. We discuss the water policy problems that all candidates agree is a top priority for the region, the collapse of the Coalition’s reputation in regional Australia, and how public scrutiny over big donations from the likes of Gina Rinehart has impacted the campaign.

Plus, Nilsson and Jacques give their prediction for who will claim Farrer on Saturday.

Read more:
How One Nation is riding a wave of anger over water towards a federal breakthrough
‘You can only sell so many stubby holders’: We asked the Farrer frontrunners about the role of big money in politics
Just how ‘teal’ is independent Farrer candidate Michelle Milthorpe?
In the seat of Farrer, candidates are united by their concern for water, and disdain for Labor
The Coalition’s pitch to Farrer voters: only we can topple a Labor government. But can they?
Richard Hendrie wants to stop the ‘right-wing slogfest’ in Farrer
Farrer could start the duopoly’s downfall — and blare a klaxon horn for the Liberals

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Crikey’s independent journalism is supported by readers — 98% of our revenue comes from our subscribers. We’re not accountable to billionaires; we’re accountable to you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.