The Frontbench

The Frontbench exposes what's really happening behind closed doors at Parliament House. Join Political Editor Peter van Onselen and Reporter Nicholas Comino each Tuesday as they tell you who's winning, who's losing, the drama behind the scenes and how the big decisions in Canberra affect you. In this episode, Peter and Nicholas discuss the political fallout from rising interest rates, noting the irony of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor movement blaming Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock for an economic situation largely fuelled by government spending and stagnant productivity. They also explore the strained relationship between Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, pointing out how the PM seems to be distancing himself from Chalmers ahead of potential economic trouble. Finally, they delve into Albanese's recent pattern of bending the truth regarding community grants and why his behaviour makes him similar to a famous character from the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Frontbench exposes what's really happening behind closed doors at Parliament House. Join Political Editor Peter van Onselen and Reporter Nicholas Comino each Tuesday as they tell you who's winning, who's losing, the drama behind the scenes and how the big decisions in Canberra affect you. In this episode, Peter and Nicholas open by addressing the tragic attack on Independent MP Helen Haines in regional Victoria. The conversation then pivots to the controversial "dirt sheet" recently circulated about Haines by the Prime Minister's Office, exploring the political motivations behind it and Anthony Albanese's refusal to apologise or admit fault. The pair also discuss the broader decline of the "social contract" in modern politics, the pitfalls of politicians attempting viral social media trends, and analyse the upcoming Victorian state election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Frontbench exposes what's really happening behind closed doors at Parliament House. Join Political Editor Peter van Onselen and Reporter Nicholas Comino each Tuesday as they tell you who's winning, who's losing, the drama behind the scenes and how the big decisions in Canberra affect you. In this episode, Peter and Nicholas dissect the recent parliamentary week, starting with the apparent contradictions between Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers over resolving an ATO dispute for businesses. They examine the Greens' internal turmoil, as newly-appointed leader David Shoebridge faces a major crisis surrounding one of his senators. The discussion also covers the Albanese government's controversial sell-off of historical defence land, including Sydney's Victoria Barracks, and the persistent rumours of Josh Frydenberg’s political comeback following his book launch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Frontbench exposes what's really happening behind closed doors at Parliament House. Join Political Editor Peter van Onselen and Reporter Nicholas Comino each Tuesday as they tell you who's winning, who's losing, the drama behind the scenes and how the big decisions in Canberra affect you.In this episode Peter and Nicholas discuss the shifting dynamics in Australian politics, focusing on One Nation's strategic posturing in recent polls and Pauline Hanson's hypothetical offer of supply to the Coalition. The pair also delve into the rumours of Josh Frydenberg's political comeback in Kooyong, and preview the upcoming parliamentary session, highlighting the internal Labor struggles surrounding Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Frontbench exposes what's really happening behind closed doors at Parliament House. Join Political Editor Peter van Onselen and Reporter Nicholas Comino each Tuesday as they tell you who's winning, who's losing, the drama behind the scenes and how the big decisions in Canberra affect you.In this episode Peter and Nicholas analyse the Coalition’s proposed cuts to immigration and the shifting public sentiment on mass migration. They also examine The Greens appointing David Shoebridge as the new leader, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's soft power diplomacy at the Pre-COP31 summit, and the Reserve Bank of Australia's recent interest rate hike, including Michelle Bullock’s pointed remarks on government spending and stagnant productivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.