Politics Now

As households brace for possible fifth interest rate rise this year, Labor ministers have been trying to manage expectations.
Raf thinks the Albanese Government is struggling to sell its economic narrative, noting people inside Labor as well as punters are asking "where is the vision, where is the hope"?
And CHOGM is chugging along - while PK didn't want to deliver a second rendition of the Beach Boys Kokomo on the podcast today, she's got big thoughts on the optics of the Prime Minister near yachts.
Meanwhile, Victoria is about to enter caretaker mode and the election campaign is in full swing.
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.🎧Hear ABC Business Daily's analysis of the rates decision here 
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Tensions have emerged between the Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as cost of living pressures continue to bite.
The Treasurer has played down the claims, but stability and unity have been hallmarks of the Albanese Government, so is this a narrative Labor can turn around?
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is overseas for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and he's faced some heat at home over his attendance.
Jacob and PK agree that while such trips will always come with some domestic blowback, that's not a reason not to attend.
It comes as the McKinnon index finds trust in politicians and satisfaction with democracy have fallen. And PK thinks a new AI ad from Victorian Labor might be a good example of how trust can be eroded.
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Read PK's analysis here: Disunity is death, but can the federal government rein in the blame game?
Read Jacob's analysis here: Politics is an image game, and the government needs to find better visuals
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

Professor Pat McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen, tells David Speers in this week's Insiders: On Background State and Federal governments share responsibility for the failing system.

South of the Murray, ghosts of premiers past loom over the current leaders.
What influence are Dan Andrews and Jeff Kennett still having on the way Victorians vote? 
And has the media already picked a side to campaign for?
Raf Epstein and Herald Sun Associate Editor James Campbell 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
Editor's note: The Victorian Liberal Party has selected Roshena Campbell as its candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region in the upcoming election.
Roshena Campbell is the wife of Herald Sun associate Editor James Campbell.

Is Australia about to enter a period of "long economic pain"? 
Stubborn inflation and the prospect of another interest rate rise next week is putting fresh pressure on the Albanese government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is facing calls to rein in government spending, while the Opposition has unveiled $31 billion in proposed cuts. 
But managing the economy in the current international climate is a difficult task - can either side (or anyone else) stick the economic landing? And is telling Australians the government knows they're "doing it tough" enough anymore?
Meanwhile, Senate estimates delivered its usual mix of scrutiny and political theatre, with the ABC drawn into a dispute over One Nation's use of Bluey in its political cartoons, and Senator Fatima Payman apologising for controversial comments following the alleged attack on Helen Haines.
And as parliament grapples with calls to lower the political temperature, cost-of-living pressures continue to fuel public frustration. So how will it all play out as the country heads towards a potentially difficult summer, and the Prime Minister embarks on a busy schedule of overseas travel?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong are joined by Ashleigh Raper, Political Editor at Network 10 on The Party Room.
Read Clare's analysis here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au