Politics Now

South of the Murray, ghosts of premiers past loom over the current leaders.
What influence are Dan Andrews and Jeff Kennett still having on the way Victorians vote? 
And has the media already picked a side to campaign for?
Raf Epstein and Herald Sun Associate Editor James Campbell break it all down on Politics Now: Victoria.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Is Australia about to enter a period of "long economic pain"? 
Stubborn inflation and the prospect of another interest rate rise next week is putting fresh pressure on the Albanese government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is facing calls to rein in government spending, while the Opposition has unveiled $31 billion in proposed cuts. 
But managing the economy in the current international climate is a difficult task - can either side (or anyone else) stick the economic landing? And is telling Australians the government knows they're "doing it tough" enough anymore?
Meanwhile, Senate estimates delivered its usual mix of scrutiny and political theatre, with the ABC drawn into a dispute over One Nation's use of Bluey in its political cartoons, and Senator Fatima Payman apologising for controversial comments following the alleged attack on Helen Haines.
And as parliament grapples with calls to lower the political temperature, cost-of-living pressures continue to fuel public frustration. So how will it all play out as the country heads towards a potentially difficult summer, and the Prime Minister embarks on a busy schedule of overseas travel?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong are joined by Ashleigh Raper, Political Editor at Network 10 on The Party Room.
Read Clare's analysis here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Australia's latest inflation figures are in, and it's not good news.
Inflation ran hotter than expected in September, raising the prospect of another interest rate rise next week. So can the Albanese government reshape its economic narrative in a way the Australian public will buy?
Meanwhile, the Greens have entered the debate with a major new tax plan, promising cost-of-living relief funded by higher taxes on gas and resources.
And alongside all that, there's a sewerage problem that just won't go away for the Prime Minister.
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

The Coalition has finally put some numbers on its plans to cut government spending, identifying more than $30 billion in proposed savings.
But every cut comes at a cost. So what is Angus Taylor signalling would get the chop, and who would feel the impact?
Meanwhile, with another interest rate rise looming, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is challenging his critics to explain what they would cut instead.
And Senate estimates is delivering some uncomfortable moments - parliamentary officials are raising concerns about vicious online abuse, while independent senator Fatima Payman has invoked the alleged attack on Helen Haines in a heated dispute over staffing.
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.
Read Tom's analysis here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

"We look forward to the day you return to this place, and I get to say the following nine words: 'I give the call to the member for Indi.'"
Parliament is back and tearful tributes to Helen Haines have brought a rare moment of unity across the political divide. But the cracks are showing.
From political rhetoric to censorship and increased security, MPs are divided on what needs to change. While some are calling for greater civility, others are warning against restricting robust political debate.
And with Question Time returning and a packed legislative agenda ahead, how long can this moment of unity last?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Read PK's latest column here.
ICYMI, listen to our latest episode of Politics Now: Victoria here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au