Politics Now

It's been a busy but "bitsy" week in politics, and while Pauline Hanson's "sexy" plane and the announcement of a new US Ambassador to Australia briefly took the spotlight, the economy has been the key focus.
Inflation has dramatically spiked, the Prime Minister has effectively ruled out a gas profits tax and housing reforms are starting to take shape. But as Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson continue their battle of the barbs, Shane Wright has a few Kate Bush inspired suggestions for the budget playlist.
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Shane Wright, senior economics correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald on The Party Room.
Read Shane's piece on the capital gains tax here
Got a burning question?
Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Inflation has surged to a whopping 4.6 per cent, the highest level since 2023, as fuel shocks caused by the US-Iran war continue to bite.
But the cost of living hasn't stopped One Nation leader Pauline Hanson from taking to social media to celebrate her "sexy" new private plane. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit out at the announcement, labelling the Senator a "wholly owned subsidiary" of billionaire Gina Rinehart — so could the optics hurt the minor party?
It comes as Anthony Albanese delivered his "largest" pre-budget speech. Speaking at a Chamber of Minerals and Energy event in WA, the PM effectively ruled out a gas profits tax in the budget — saying it wasn't the time to jeopardise regional partnerships.
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]

The Prime Minister has committed to "fixing" the News Bargaining Code to ensure platforms contribute their "fair share", unveiling an exposure draft of the legislation.
Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has nominated former Republican Congressman David Brat for the role of US ambassador to Australia. And Mel and PK are in fierce agreement about the glory of Canberra in autumn, but reporting suggests the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson — who were previously touted for the posting — weren't so keen on a move to the bush capital.
And the Opposition has unveiled a plan to double Australia's fuel reserves, as energy security remains a key focus for the Government.
Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke 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]

Anthony Albanese has joined with other world leaders to express gratitude that the US President was unharmed after a a shooter crashed the venue of the White House Correspondents' dinner.
But back home, support for Donald Trump and the US alliance is under strain, could that also spell trouble for One Nation? And as the Farrer by-election gets closer, could the Coalition preferencing the minor party get them their first lower house seat in 30-years?
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 hereRead Jacob's analysis here Listen to QT with Casey Briggs on ABC Listen or Apple

Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? 
Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during his first term of office.
He joined David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.