Politics Now

Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $10 billion energy security package, including a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, in what the government is calling a major step towards energy sovereignty.
The announcement lands just days out from the budget, and in the mix of RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning the government to be careful spending doesn't add to inflation, following yesterday's rate rise.
And as a group of so-called “ISIS brides” and their children prepare to return to Australia, the political pressure is shifting again - from budget discipline to national security and the government’s capacity to hold the line on both.
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 Albanese Government is locking in a trio of tax reforms, with capital gains tax, negative gearing and the taxation of trust funds all set to feature in the budget.
PK and Raf Epstein are aligned on the need for the Government to deliver "big reform". PK says she's "troubled" by the way Labor is avoiding making the case for changes they believe in during the "bear-pit of an election" and using the changes to Stage 3 Tax Cuts as the "template" rather than an exception. Raf has other thoughts.
So, is what we want from politicians actually "radical honesty", or can they keep some ambitions in the bottom drawer?
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] to ABC Business Daily here

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have held bi-lateral talks, lauding the "quasi-alliance" and friendship between the two-nations.
As Jacob tells PK, Anthony Albanese has been engaging in extensive "alliance-work" over the last few months, with the subtext of those bilateral talks becoming overt — "we are worried about the US and what Donald Trump is doing to alliances."
Meanwhile, the reverberations are continuing after the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the Opposition has called for an inquiry, but as Sorry Business commences, the family calls for unity and for time to grieve.
And with the budget just over a week away, speculation has reached "fever-pitch", so is the Treasurer preparing us for a tough budget?
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]

With just 10 days to go, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is putting the final touches the budget. 
Dr Chalmers has made clear productivity is a priority for this term of parliament. So who better to ask about the upcoming budget than the Productivity Commission. 
David Speers sat down with Commission Chair Danielle Wood for this week's Insiders On Background.

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]