Politics Now

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

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

Australia's latest inflation figures are in, and it's not good news.
Inflation ran hotter than expected in September, raising the prospect of another interest rate rise next week. So can the Albanese government reshape its economic narrative in a way the Australian public will buy?
Meanwhile, the Greens have entered the debate with a major new tax plan, promising cost-of-living relief funded by higher taxes on gas and resources.
And alongside all that, there's a sewerage problem that just won't go away for the Prime Minister.
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au