Politics Now

In 2022, the Albanese Government joined its state and territory counterparts to commit to ending violence against women and children in a generation.
But while Labor says they've made ending violence a key priority, with more than $4 billion for women's safety initiatives, where are things four years on?
And with a wraparound approach needed to counter the issue, is a national watchdog urgently needed to ensure recommendations are actually implemented?
Claudia Long joins Patricia Karvelas for this special edition of 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]
Family and domestic violence support:
1800 Respect national helpline:1800 737 732
Women's Crisis Line:1800 811 811
Men's Referral Service:1300 766 491
Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):131 114
Relationships Australia:1300 364 277
NSW Domestic Violence Line:1800 656 463
Qld DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811
Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:1800 015 188
ACT 24/7 Crisis Line:(02) 6280 0900
Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:1800 608 122
SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line:1800 800 098
WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline:1800 007 339
NT Domestic violence helpline:1800 737 732

With parliament set to return next week, Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor have met and while the discussions have been described as "constructive" they've failed to agree on who should run for the leadership. So, where to next — and what are the optics of a meeting room full of 'blokes' when the Liberal party has a woman problem?
And why do some voters connect with Pauline Hanson? And what the deadline for choosing candidates for the election if the Coalition remains split? (ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs makes a guest appearance to help us answer that one.)
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly  answer your question on 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] TO THE ANTONY GREEN EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/antony-green-on-one-nation-s-rise/105947830 READ ABC ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/coalition-pauline-hanson-liberals-nationals-one-nation/106278234

It’s a scorching start to the parliamentary year - and not just because of the weather.
Sussan Ley is holding on, but pressure is building and Liberal party leadership questions remain unresolved following the Coalition's dramatic split last week. To add to the political drama, Nationals leader David Littleproud has faced his own unexpected leadership challenge, from Queensland backbencher Colin Boyce.
At the same time, One Nation is gaining traction - not just in the polls but in public life, as Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration message reaches new platforms and audiences. Could they convert rising support into lower house seats?
And just as the government hoped to capitalise on opposition chaos, inflation figures have spiked - bringing the threat of another rate rise, and a potential shift in the political narrative. So what questions will be answered - and what new ones will be formed - as we head into the first full parliamentary sitting fortnight next week?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down with Melissa Clarke, ABC Radio National Breakfast political correspondent on 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]

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.
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 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]