Politics Now

As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - while trying to read the mood at home.
Could some distance between the Prime Minister and Donald Trump be politically useful, as fuel prices, global instability and the Strait of Hormuz dominate the conversation one again?
And while Transport Minister Catherine King insists the fuel excise cut will end, is the government ready to cop the political pain - or will it have to bite the bullet and extend it?
Meanwhile, Labor is still trying to sell its war-time budget. Capital gains tax carve-outs are starting to take shape, while the Greens are open to backing Labor’s tax changes in exchange for a longer NDIS inquiry.
Plus, six months after Australia introduced its social media ban for under-16s, Apple’s CEO is crediting the country for new child safety controls - with the UK and EU watching closely. But are the restrictions actually making a difference?
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

As the three-day inquiry into the Albanese Government's proposed NDIS overhaul gets underway, the Opposition hasn't ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to extend the hearings.
And the great data centre debate is back in the spotlight, with Independent Senator David Pocock calling Australians to get a fair return as the industry continues to boom.
Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke 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

Anthony Albanese says voter frustration with the system formed the backdrop for Labor's budget — saying if governments don't respond to the circumstances there will be "a continued rise of populism."
But as another poll shows One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, are the Albanese Government acting too slowly?
And as scrutiny increases on One Nation, there have been a series of gaffes over the details of their housing policy. So, do rusted on voters care about the messiness, or are they just looking to shake-up the system?
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley 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 Albanese government passed the first tranche of its tax legislation through the lower house this week but is still facing backlash from investors and businesses.

PK is still making her way through a rewatch of The West Wing — and she and Fran have some big thoughts about the idealistic vision of politics the series presents.
But after some very important TV chat, they get stuck into some brilliant listener questions, including:
Does the parliamentary attendance record of politicians matter? Why haven't the Greens capitalised on the populist wave like One Nation has? And how do the texting arrangements between political journalists and politicians actually work?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever queries on this Question Time edition of The Party Room.
Listen to Thursday's The Party Room ep here
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au