Politics Now

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

The decision to change capital gains tax rules for all investments, rather than just property, has sparked backlash from young investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Was this a budget in desperate need of more graphs?
Labor’s budget pitch is still making headlines - but it may not be happy about all of them.
First, PK and Clare Armstrong unpack the breaking news overnight of another possible return of ISIS-linked Australian women and children from Syria, as well as the fallout over Australian activists detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla headed to Gaza.
Then, it’s a bonus Question Time: Budget special!
Is Labor going big on reform because it expects to negotiate later? How do pre-budget leaks and “speculation” actually make their way into the media? Where could any budget windfall end up? And could blocked legislation ever trigger a double dissolution?
Plus - why do politicians still struggle to explain big economic decisions clearly, and is there still a path back for moderate Liberal voters?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstong 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]

As the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers continue their big budget sell, they've faced fierce backlash from small business owners over changes to the CGT discount.
While Labor billed this as a "housing reform budget", did they fail to lay the groundwork for broader taxation changes — and have they lost control of the narrative?
And Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has capitalised on the discontent, laying out vision that backs and rewards "self-starters". So, has he offered up an economic lifeline for Liberals?
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Phil Coorey, AFR Political Editor on The Party Room.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has used a National Press Club Address to outline his vision for the Liberals.
As PK tells David Speers the speech functioned as a "call to arms for what the Liberal Party's chief mission should be".
And what we didn't hear from Tim Wilson was as interesting as what we did in this set-piece speech — with David pointing out that the Shadow Treasurer was squarely focused on "aspiration, small business, start-ups" avoiding immigration and culture war issues.
So, is his "classic Liberal" vision something fellow Liberals can coalesce around?
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]