Politics Now

The devastating alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines has sent shock waves through Australian politics across the week.
Urgent questions about the safety of our elected representatives, and the state of political debate, are being asked. 
As Haines remains critically ill in hospital, politicians across the political spectrum are sharing their own experiences of threats, harassment and abuse, particularly against women. But how do we keep politicians safe, without shutting them off from the communities they represent?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the political temperature to be turned down, while Australia's security agencies warn of a growing climate of anger, division and intolerance. So, what does turning down the temperature actually look like? And who should take responsibility for the increasingly hostile political environment?
Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has apologised over a controversial cartoon mocking Jacqui Lambie's medical condition. But does the backdown signal a change in political discourse, or is there a much bigger conversation to be had about the limits of political satire?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by David Speers on The Party Room.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

How do you keep politicians safe without shutting the public out?
Following the alleged attack on Helen Haines, calls for greater protection are growing, as MPs grapple with the threats that come with public life - while the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
And as political leaders urge everyone to turn down the temperature, Pauline Hanson has gone from telling Jacqui Lambie to “get over it”, to apologising over a One Nation cartoon. 
Is this a rare backdown? Or simply damage control?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.
And a reminder - every Friday until the Victorian election, catch Raf Epstein in the Politics Now feed for Politics Now: Victoria.
Sexual assault support lines:
Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578
Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

"This wasn't an accident. This was a deliberate act.”
Stark words have been shared by the Prime Minister following a devastating alleged attack on Independent MP Helen Haines yesterday afternoon, who remains in a critical condition.
As Australia learns more about what unfolded outside her Wangaratta office, shock now turns to questions about the safety of our elected representatives.
Calls to “turn down the political temperature” are growing louder - but is that the right message?
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.
And a reminder - every Friday until the Victorian election, catch Raf Epstein in the Politics Now feed for Politics Now: Victoria.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Tensions inside the Greens are boiling over.
WA Senator Jordon Steele-John says rumours about his conduct are being weaponised for political purpose - allegations he strongly denies.
Now he’s taken to social media to insist he’s “not on leave" - and accused his own party leader, David Shoebridge, of pressuring him to step aside.
So with a new leader trying to find his feet, just how damaging is this very public dispute for the Greens?
And PK and Jacob has some free advice for Labor following a tense sitting week - is it time for a reshuffle?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Read Senator Jordon Steele-John's full statement here.
Read Jacob's latest analysis here.
Read PK's column here.
Listen to our Victorian election special Question Time with Raf Epstein here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

After prompting an intervention from the Prime Minister over the ATO's controversial credit card ban, ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar unpacks the fallout and the government's impending trust tax changes.