Politics Now

Nationals’ leader David Littleproud is set to face a leadership challenge on Monday, with Queensland MP Colin Boyce announcing a spill motion, stating the National party is committing "political suicide" by splitting from the Coalition.
Meanwhile, inflation figures for December landing at a much higher than expected 3.8 per cent. The figure raises the likelihood of a rate hike when the RBA meets next week and adds to the cost-of-living challenge facing the Albanese government.
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.
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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The political heat remains on Opposition leader Sussan Ley, and while the jostle to replace her as Liberal leader continues behind the scenes, moderates are talking down the prospect. But could the 'soft middle' and 'freelancers' in the Liberal party actually decide its future direction? 
It comes as the Albanese government tries to land a last-minute deal with states and territories over hospital funding but are they ready to come to the table?
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.LISTEN TO IMMIGRATION EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/why-immigration-is-back-on-the-agenda-/106038954
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 Liberal leadership tensions continue to grow, with Sussan Ley’s role as Opposition leader seen as untenable in the wake of the Coalition split.
But while conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are shaping up as the key contenders, Liberals want to sort out which of them will run for the position before triggering a spill, to avoid further messiness.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has announced Defence Department boss Greg Moriarty as the new US Ambassador, after Kevin Rudd announced his early departure from the role. It comes as Anthony Albanese labels US President Donald Trump’s remarks that allied troops “stayed a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan as "not acceptable".
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The dust has settled on the Nationals' explosive decision to quit the Coalition, but questions are continuing to swirl about Sussan Ley and David Littleproud's future.
So, where to next for the Liberals and the Nationals? Could the Nationals and One Nation form a new Coalition? Could the Liberal party regain votes in the centre?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions on this special edition of The Party Room. 
Got a burning question?
Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Opposition leader Sussan Ley forcing his party into an "untenable" position and said they could not sit in Coalition under her leadership. 
It comes on the National Day of Mourning for Bondi, which was intended to be a day of unity and healing for the country. So, is this the end of the Coalition for good? And while questions are swirling about Sussan Ley's leadership, there are also questions about David Littleproud's hold on his position.
On a week where it looked like the Prime Minister would be in the hot seat, how did the Opposition again become the story?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation on The Party Room.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-22/optics-diabolical-liberals-nationals-split-chaos-reigns/106256942
Got a burning question?
Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]