Politics Now

How do you keep politicians safe without shutting the public out?
Following the alleged attack on Helen Haines, calls for greater protection are growing, as MPs grapple with the threats that come with public life - while the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
And as political leaders urge everyone to turn down the temperature, Pauline Hanson has gone from telling Jacqui Lambie to “get over it”, to apologising over a One Nation cartoon. 
Is this a rare backdown? Or simply damage control?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.
And a reminder - every Friday until the Victorian election, catch Raf Epstein in the Politics Now feed for Politics Now: Victoria.
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Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

"This wasn't an accident. This was a deliberate act.”
Stark words have been shared by the Prime Minister following a devastating alleged attack on Independent MP Helen Haines yesterday afternoon, who remains in a critical condition.
As Australia learns more about what unfolded outside her Wangaratta office, shock now turns to questions about the safety of our elected representatives.
Calls to “turn down the political temperature” are growing louder - but is that the right message?
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.
And a reminder - every Friday until the Victorian election, catch Raf Epstein in the Politics Now feed for Politics Now: Victoria.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Tensions inside the Greens are boiling over.
WA Senator Jordon Steele-John says rumours about his conduct are being weaponised for political purpose - allegations he strongly denies.
Now he’s taken to social media to insist he’s “not on leave" - and accused his own party leader, David Shoebridge, of pressuring him to step aside.
So with a new leader trying to find his feet, just how damaging is this very public dispute for the Greens?
And PK and Jacob has some free advice for Labor following a tense sitting week - is it time for a reshuffle?
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Read Senator Jordon Steele-John's full statement here.
Read Jacob's latest analysis here.
Read PK's column here.
Listen to our Victorian election special Question Time with Raf Epstein here.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

After prompting an intervention from the Prime Minister over the ATO's controversial credit card ban, ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar unpacks the fallout and the government's impending trust tax changes.

It’s Question Time - and not just any Question Time - a Victorian state election special!
With one of the most consequential state elections of 2026 fast approaching, Victoria has been on your minds. So PK and Fran enlist friend of the podcast and Victorian political expert Raf Epstein to tackle your questions.
What role will the Victorian Greens play in the election? Are party preferences genuinely hard to find - or being hidden? And what’s with all the weird minor party names popping up?
Then there’s the One Nation factor. How could preferences translate into seats? Will the result fairly reflect the mood of the state? And could One Nation’s performance reshape Victoria’s electoral system in the future?
After a busy sitting week, Patricia Karvelas, Fran Kelly and ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings host Raf Epstein unpack how Australia’s “political epicentre” could unfold on The Party Room: Question Time edition.
Got a burning question?
The Party Room: Question Time is taking a short break from next week, but keep sending your questions through. Send short voice recordings to PK and Fran at thepartyroom@abc.net.au and we’ll answer them when Question Time returns.
And a reminder - every Friday until the Victorian election, catch Raf Epstein in the Politics Now feed for Politics Now: Victoria.