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Politics Now

ABC Australia
Politics Now
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392 episodes

  • Politics Now

    Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party

    28/05/2026 | 40 mins.
    The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break.
    The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor managed to pull the focus back to housing?
    Meanwhile, another co-hort of IS-linked women and children have returned to Australia from Syria this week, causing some political friction for Labor and possibly feeding into One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's platform.
    And while speculation about a so-called 'teal party' was the talk of the town at the beginning of the week, it seems the idea has run out of steam already.
    Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow and University of Canberra on The Party Room.Hear Michelle Grattan's IV with Keith Wolahan hereHear Fran on Radio National Hour here Watch PK on Afternoon Briefing here
  • Politics Now

    Budget bills, 'wedgies' and a teal party

    28/05/2026 | 40 mins.
    The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break.
    The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor managed to pull the focus back to housing?
    Meanwhile, another cohort of IS-linked women and children have returned to Australia from Syria this week, causing some political friction for Labor and possibly feeding into One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's platform.
    And while speculation about a so-called 'teal party' was the talk of the town at the beginning of the week, it seems the idea has run out of steam already.
    Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow and University of Canberra on The Party Room.
    Hear Michelle Grattan's IV with Keith Wolahan here.
    Hear Fran on Radio National Hour here.
    Watch PK on Afternoon Briefing here.
    Editor's note: This podcast was recorded prior to the AFP confirming a 34 year-old Melbourne woman, who returned from a Syrian detention camp last year, has been charged with terrorism offences.
    Got a burning question?
    Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
  • Politics Now

    Political wedges and a welfare shake-up

    27/05/2026 | 24 mins.
    Labor may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting widely looks like they won't cave "quickly".
    And the Opposition has unveiled a political wedge of its own, threatening to withhold crucial support for Labor's NDIS overhaul without an inquiry into CGT and negative gearing changes in exchange.
    Meanwhile, the Government has announced a major welfare shake-up, but new inflation figures and the return of more so-called ISIS brides could steal some of the spotlight.
    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] Business Daily dig deeper into the inflation figures here
  • Politics Now

    Albanese stares down tax push back

    26/05/2026 | 29 mins.
    Household energy bills are set to drop by up to 10 per cent, with the Albanese government crediting renewables and batteries for the decrease.
    It's a good news story for Labor, as the fight over capital gains tax changes continues to dominate parliament — and the Prime Minister doubles down.
    But the Government isn't the only one feeling the heat, with outgoing National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton fronting up for a grilling in Senate estimates.
    Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley 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]
  • Politics Now

    A new 'teal' party?

    25/05/2026 | 31 mins.
    Parliament is back in session and there's speculation a new party could be on the horizon.
    Independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have confirmed conversations about forming a party with like-minded so-called "teals" are underway. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has given the idea a tick of approval, but many fellow crossbenchers have already confirmed they won't be joining. So, is this just a "thought experiment" or could a party of independents become a reality?
    Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has confirmed the first tranche of budget measures will be introduced to parliament on Thursday. So, while Anthony Albanese has "doubled down" on the dissent, can Labor get the legislation through the Senate with support from The Greens?
    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 here
    Read Jacob's analysis here
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About Politics Now
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust. From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news. On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions. On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
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