Politics Now

While the government faces criticism from all sides over its economic management after the latest RBA cash rate hike, the Coalition is pitching dramatic cuts to immigration as a way to ease voters' economic pain. But can either major party meet the expectations of a frustrated electorate?
Plus, Anthony Albanese navigates the tricky optics of another international diplomacy event at the pre-COP in Fiji, as the government fights suggestions the summit was a flop.
And what does a major High Court ruling on scope three emissions mean for the future of Australia's coal industry?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Ron Mizen, political correspondent at The Australian Financial Review The Party Room.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has undertaken a media blitz, as he tries to sell the Coalition's immigration policy.
But he's already facing significant backlash from the business sector, who are warning of the implications for economic growth.
Labor on the other hand have been giving the Coalition some "clear air" to sell the policy, which David Speers thinks is because the Government doesn't want a fight on immigration.
As PK notes, why would the Albanese government prosecute the case, when big business is doing it for them?
Meanwhile, OpenAI executives have faced a "bit of a grilling" at a Senate Inquiry. It comes in the wake of the recent Medicare breach and as the Albanese Government prepares to legislation national AI standards.
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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the Coalition's immigration policy, promising the "biggest cut to immigration in the history of this country".
PK tells Raf she sees this as the Coalition attempting to "outbid" One Nation on immigration — but she's not convinced the Opposition (or anyone else for that matter) can.
Raf sees the pitch as a response to the "existential threat" facing the Coalition and an attempt to "neutralise" immigration as an issue.
But he reckons the lurch to the right could further alienate mainstream voters, and notes the Liberals are sitting on a "a razor wire fence with their rhetoric and their policy".
Meanwhile, the Greens' think tank has called for publicly owned supermarkets to break up the Coles and Woolworths duopoly.
It's a bold idea that "supercharges" a similar commitment from popular New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. So, is this this kind of "crazy brave" thinking the Greens need to cut through?
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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen are in Fiji for pre-COP talks.
But back home the Opposition has labelled the high-level climate talks a "farce" and criticised Labor's investment during a cost of living crisis. So, could this critique backfire for the Coalition in the future?
Meanwhile, Queensland's crackdown on the tobacco black market is showing some early promise, with legal cigarette purchases increasing by 55 per cent. It's put a "spring" in federal Labor's step and given them a foothold back in the illegal tobacco debate.
And is the politics of pragmatism and 'the sensible centre' disappearing as the world becomes more "shouty". PK and Claudia have some big thoughts to share.
Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long break it all down on Politics Now.
📖 Read PK's analysis here: The mood's changed. The Greens and Liberals aren't chasing the sensible centre
🎧Listen to PK's podcast chat with Larissa Waters here: Larissa Waters is a shameless optimist
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Former Greens leader, Adam Bandt, now chief executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation, says working with the government is key to delivering reform.