Politics Now

There are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks.
Albanese Government frontbenchers have come out in force to defend the policy, but PK and David Speers agree despite the backlash there's "no chance" Labor will walk away from AUKUS.
It comes as Australia and the Solomon Islands agree to begin negotiations on a comprehensive strategic agreement. It's a coup for the Albanese Government as they look to counter the rising presence of China in the region.
Meanwhile, new GDP figures have landed with Treasurer Jim Chalmers labelling them "solid in the circumstances", but is it just the AI data centre boom keeping us afloat?
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]

Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat.
The former Labor minister is leading an independent inquiry into the $368 billion defence deal, after confirmation Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. 
The Opposition is also taking a swing, warning the revised arrangement could leave Australia with older submarines, shorter operating lives, and a future capability gap. So is this just another round of AUKUS anxiety - or a real problem for the government?
Plus, a big moment for One Nation as David Farley is sworn in as the new member for Farrer, and early signs he may take a different tone from Pauline Hanson.
And how will Labor, the Liberals, and One Nation position themselves on a rise to the minimum wage?
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein 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]

A new poll has One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, as the Albanese Government loses some skin in the wake of the budget.
And One Nation leader Pauline Hanson isn't ruling out becoming prime minister in the future, saying she "has the ability" and is considering a tilt at a lower house seat at the next election.
Meanwhile, the Coalition has seemingly failed to capitalise on voter discontent with the budget, so will new Liberal Party President Tony Abbott rejuvenate the base?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber 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]
Read PK's analysis here

The federal government has shelved plans to develop Inland Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane but the man who's known as the project's father says negotiations are underway to resurrect it.

The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break.
The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor managed to pull the focus back to housing?
Meanwhile, another co-hort of IS-linked women and children have returned to Australia from Syria this week, causing some political friction for Labor and possibly feeding into One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's platform.
And while speculation about a so-called 'teal party' was the talk of the town at the beginning of the week, it seems the idea has run out of steam already.
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow and University of Canberra on The Party Room.Hear Michelle Grattan's IV with Keith Wolahan hereHear Fran on Radio National Hour here Watch PK on Afternoon Briefing here