Politics Now

The Coalition has finally put some numbers on its plans to cut government spending, identifying more than $30 billion in proposed savings.
But every cut comes at a cost. So what is Angus Taylor signalling would get the chop, and who would feel the impact?
Meanwhile, with another interest rate rise looming, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is challenging his critics to explain what they would cut instead.
And Senate estimates is delivering some uncomfortable moments - parliamentary officials are raising concerns about vicious online abuse, while independent senator Fatima Payman has invoked the alleged attack on Helen Haines in a heated dispute over staffing.
Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.
Read Tom's analysis here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

"We look forward to the day you return to this place, and I get to say the following nine words: 'I give the call to the member for Indi.'"
Parliament is back and tearful tributes to Helen Haines have brought a rare moment of unity across the political divide. But the cracks are showing.
From political rhetoric to censorship and increased security, MPs are divided on what needs to change. While some are calling for greater civility, others are warning against restricting robust political debate.
And with Question Time returning and a packed legislative agenda ahead, how long can this moment of unity last?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Read PK's latest column here.
ICYMI, listen to our latest episode of Politics Now: Victoria here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Former Finance Minister and now OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann says the cost-of-living crunch is fuelling frustration and pulling voters to populist parties.

Victoria's political leaders are fessing up to drug taking and not paying for petrol. The major parties aren't banning abortion, but instead competing to make abortion free. 
Politics has changed. 
The tectonic plates of politics are shifting beneath our feet. Within weeks, Victorians will start voting in the November state election. 
So, what does all of this tell us about the future of politics in Australia? 
Raf Epstein and Patricia Karvelas break it all down on Politics Now: Victoria.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

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