Politics Now

The AI fight keeps getting messier.As all sides weigh in on copyright, creators, investment and whether Australia can afford to miss the next tech wave, Anthony Albanese is trying to walk a very narrow path. Can he have “all of the desserts but none of the calories” - welcoming AI investment while defending creatives from being sold down the river?Meanwhile, the government is back in the spotlight over a sports grant in Health Minister Mark Butler’s seat. Is this just the "stinky sausage" of Australia’s “Frankenmonster” federation - or a pork-barrelling problem for Labor?And finally - a Labor migration policy is incoming. But after One Nation got in first, can the government land its pitch with the voters it needs most, or will it just keep wedging the Opposition?Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke break it all down on Politics Now.Read Clare Armstrong's reporting on Labor's $5 million pledge here.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The AI debate has moved from science fiction to superpower contest, with tech leaders warning of the risks while Donald Trump insists the US must beat China. So where does that leave Australia? Can it lead the way in any meaningful sense - on safety, copyright, data centres and investment - or is the Albanese government stuck trying to manage the risks while chasing the productivity upside?Meanwhile, hundreds of jobs are going at Whyalla, raising a harder question for government - after all the public money and political effort, what is actually left to save?And Pauline Hanson makes a rare apology.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

One Nation has unveiled a plan to slash migration by 750,000 over three years, sparking swift backlash from industry and both Labor and Coalition.But as Clare and PK discuss, One Nation's political strategy has been effective. The minor party has once again managed to set the agenda and essentially "run the week". But, beyond the clever political management do the figures stack-up?It comes as an emotional Anthony Albanese pushes back on Pauline Hanson's remarks about his mother, stating "kindness isn't weakness, nastiness is".The PM has been backed in by politicians of all stripes, as Labor and the Coalition point to a pattern of behaviour from the One Nation leader, as her stoush with the liberals Andrew Hastie continues. So, could the ultra-personal sledges come back to hurt Pauline Hanson?Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong 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]

There's a one-in-three chance that China could invade Taiwan in 2028, that is the dire warning being spelled out by Kevin Rudd.

It was a big week of both policy and politicking in parliament.All sides laid out their pitches to win over voters; Labor's Digital Duty of Care, One Nation's pitch for early super access and the Coalition's proposal to ban burning the flag.Meanwhile, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie took the fight directly to One Nation this week, labelling Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce "lying cowards" over a One Nation cartoon that called him a "traitor" — over his involvement in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial.Coalition MPs have lined up to back in Andrew Hastie. So, has it given them something to coalesce around? And has it placed Pauline Hanson on the wrong side of a culture war?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Phil Coorey, political editor at the AFR on The Party RoomGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Prime Minister has dismissed concerns about censorship in Labor's digital duty of care bill as "disingenuous", as divisions emerge in the Coalition over the policy.It comes as Anthony Albanese faces questions about an undeclared honorary membership at the Marrickville Golf Club, after the club was awarded $6 million via an "invite only" grant scheme.The PM is adamant he wasn't aware of his honorary membership and has taken a swing at the ABC in the process.And an annual report into Australia's progress in ending violence against women and children has been tabled, with Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence commissioner Micaela Cronin warning government policy has not meaningfully reduced rates of sexual violence.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]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's draft Digital Duty of Care legislation, vowing to give people "choice and control" over their social media feeds.The Government's policy framing comes as some in the Coalition — including Opposition leader Angus Taylor — have raised concerns over censorship.Meanwhile, One Nation has continued to sell its super policy, with One Nation Treasury spokesperson Barnaby Joyce engaging in series of heated exchanges over modelling.And it seems the Coalition might have been gazumped again, with reports they were preparing a similar policy of their own. So, as the super wars continue, is Labor on the safe ground they think they are?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.🎧Listen to ABC Business Daily here — The numbers behind One Nation's super planGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Parliament is back for another sitting fortnight and "rival ideas" are already dominating the agenda.The Albanese Government is set to unveil draft Digital Duty of Care legislation by the end of the week, while One Nation has unveiled its plan to allow Australians who rent or pay a mortgage to divert a portion of their super payments as salary for up to three years.As PK tells Jacob, the Coalition is again starting the week on the backfoot — "who is in the field? It's Labor and One Nation."So, while One Nation's super plan cuts through, do the economics stack up?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

ACOSH Chief Executive Laura Hunter tells David Speers there's no evidence cutting the tobacco excise would work. 

It's Question Time! But first, Fran tells PK about how it felt to spot herself swimming in footage of the Coogee shark attack and why she's not letting the experience keep her out of the water.And then it's onto your brilliant questions! Will the floods in Nepal renew the focus on climate change? Why are politicians so focused on NOM immigration? And aside from Australian politics, what expert subject would Fran and PK choose?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down on The Party Room: Question Time edition.🎧Listen to Fran's IV with Coogee shark hero Charlie Verco hereGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Labor has now come face-to-face with the threat from One Nation.One Nation's decisive victory at the WA state by-election of Secret Harbour came with a message for Anthony Albanese and Federal Labor — so are they listening? And how are they positioning?And a war over words broke out this week, after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the PM of inciting violence by labelling far-right populist parties "divisive, dangerous and downright dishonest".There was pushback across the political spectrum, with some including conservative Liberal MP Garth Hamilton calling out the "hypocrisy at play".Meanwhile, online safety was back up in lights as the Albanese Government looks to introduce draft legislation on a digital duty of care in coming weeks.And the Coalition has announced its new tobacco policy, which would slash the tobacco excise by 80 per cent. So, will the policy have cut through, and does it put pressure on the Government?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Jason Koutsoukis, The Saturday Paper's special correspondent on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's Wednesday, so you know what that means — it's another data day with David and PK!New GDP figures have just landed, rising 0.4 per cent in the June quarter. It's a little stronger than markets were expecting, so what will it mean for interest rates?Meanwhile, Teach Us Consent founder Chanel Contos has taken to the stage at the National Press Club to push for an "opt-in" model for social media algorithms.So, is the move to "fix our feeds" something Labor is actively considering as part of the digital duty of care?It comes as political tensions over housing continues to simmer, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long-view as the market softens.But as industry concerns over housing construction costs and workforce availability grow, does it shift the debate on immigration?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.🎧 Listen to ABC Business Daily's GDP breakdown here 🎧Listen to Chanel Contos on Insiders On Background here Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed off questions about tensions between China and Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum, saying he's focused on "outcomes and unity".As PK tells Clare, Australia hopes not being viewed as on overbearing bully in the Pacific works in our favour — rather Labor's approach to diplomacy is "carrots not sticks".Back home, Labor has unveiled a raft of proposed changes to privacy laws, but ruled out an import ban on smart glasses.Clare says she expects the broader digital sphere will be the legislative focus for the Albanese Government for the rest of the year, as Anthony Albanese starts to view online safety as his legacy policy.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Read Clare's analysis and reporting hereAustralia risks missing out on AI economic boom due to 'slow' business uptake, Treasury saysAustralia in a 'sliding doors' moment to determine who reaps rewards of AI boomGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

One Nation's resounding win at the WA Secret Harbour by-election was watched closely by political insiders in Canberra.The historic state by-election win came with a warning from One Nation that there are "no safe seats". So, is Federal Labor concerned — and what lessons are they taking?It comes as two new polls show Labor and One Nation remain neck-and-neck.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]

As rates sexual violence amongst teens continues to rise, author and founder of Teach Us Consent, Chanel Contos says part of the problem is the social media algorithms. She's calling on the government to step in and legislate to "fix our feeds".

National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead?Fran, PK and Ash Raper certainly think so. As Ash tells PK and Fran, it was a bit like a big family gathering you brace for but that ends up being highly uneventful.Queensland and the Northern Territory secured carve outs on the energy used for AI data centre development, but has Anthony Albanese set them a bit of a challenge when it comes to lowering energy costs?And while the WA GST deal has been up in lights this week, a state by-election in the once safe Labor electorate of Secret Harbour is being watched closely in Canberra, as One Nation looks like they could win.Meanwhile, One Nation has been in clean-up mode, clarifying their immigration policy after Farrer MP David Farley's Insiders interview. But does the mop-up harm them, or are voters more focused on the "vibe"?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Ashleigh Raper, Network 10 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]

It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation?Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here?And PK and David couldn't help but remember the incomparable Dolly Parton. They both marvel at her ability to bridge political divides and remain a political enigma.And David reminds us of Anthony Albanese's interaction with the country music star — and spoiler it includes an oversized tour bus.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 [email protected]

Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia.WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed WA" while the local paper has dubbed Anthony Albanese "WA's Daddy".But the move has been received far less warmly across other states and territories, and it's not the only issue where tensions are likely to flare at National Cabinet tomorrow.There's a stoush brewing over national AI data centre energy rules, with Queensland and the Northern Territory Governments pushing back on measures requiring the use of renewable energy for new developments.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders.One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was quick out of the blocks, stating the party's target was "less than half Labor's current level", while Deputy leader Barnaby Joyce claimed the minor party's immigration policy has been consistent all along.And as the Victorian election gets closer, Labor and the Coalition are unveiling core promises. So, will Victorian Labor's free dental push have federal implications?Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here — The AI sleeper issue that could sway Australian electionsGot a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade. 

It's time for our Question Time! But first, Fran checks in on where PK is up to on the West Wing and gives a TV show recommendation of her own.Then they get stuck into your brilliant questions, including:Will AI deepfakes be a big risk at the next election? It comes as Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC this week confirmed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the figure most frequently used in deepfake scams and as Independent Zali Stegall proposed a bill to require AI-generated content that could mislead voters to be clearly identified.And should Prime Ministers and Federal Ministers 'retire' to local politics? And have they ever done so? Fran and PK have big thoughts.Also, has the link between immigration and housing been overstated in the current political climate?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever questions on The Party Room: Question Time Edition.Listen to our 'premium' Thursday ep here 🎧: A big week of dealmakingGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's been a very successful legislative week for the Albanese Government, with Labor and the Coalition teaming up to pass a suite of bills.But it seems the big battles are only just beginning, with the implementation of the changes presenting a key challenge for Labor.Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has hauled the Israeli Ambassador in for a meeting to express Australia's disappointment after Israel cleared the soldiers who were involved in a strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in April 2024.Penny Wong has declared a "difficult time" in the relationship between Australia and Israel, saying there are "unanswered questions" about the strikes.And there's a super scare campaign brewing in the Labor party, after One Nation suggested access to superannuation be lightened up. So, is Treasurer Jim Chalmers onto a winner here?Tobacco tax is also back in the spotlight, with One Nation suggesting the tobacco excise is cut by 75 per cent to curb a rampant black market.NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns is also onboard will reducing the price of legal tobacco, so is he "100 per cent wrong" as frontbencher Tanya Plibersek suggested?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor at 9News on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills.David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just a party that says "no" and can compromise in the national interest.Meanwhile, for Anthony Albanese the successful passage of key legislation shows his "mastering of the parliamentary arts" and ability to maximise Labor's pathways through parliament.But PK thinks the big fight on the NDIS is still to come, as Health Minister Mark Butler reads the riot act to the states and tells them their "honour" is at stake if they don't implement Thriving Kids as planned.And the debate on a tobacco tax has reached its smoke point, after One Nation called for the excise to be slashed by 75 per cent.Labor has so far stared down calls to reduce the excise, as the tobacco black market grows exponentially — but will something have to shift here?Also, PK asks why there's been SO MUCH Lycra around Parliament today.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]

Labor will pass its gambling bill with Coalition support, after the amended legislation was signed off by both party rooms.And while some Opposition members have crossed the floor on the bill, suggesting the tweaks didn't go far enough — PK and Claudia don't think this issue will continue to linger for Labor.Meanwhile, Opposition leader Angus Taylor has issued the Albanese Government with an ultimatum: fast track a fix to the so-called 'widow's tax' or the Coalition won't back the NDIS overhaul.PK thinks the move is all about the Opposition leader "trying to make himself more relevant" as a political player.And the Albanese government has agreed to his demands, so does this effectively put Angus Taylor back in the frame?Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long 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]

A familiar fight has re-emerged on WA's GST deal, after the Productivity Commission labelled the arrangement a "costly mistake" in its interim report.But is this an issue the Albanese Government has any appetite for? Or do the political stakes have to be higher?And speaking of old stoushes, the super wars appear to be back on the agenda, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers declaring the next federal election will be a "referendum" on superannuation.It follows One Nation leader Pauline Hanson calling for rules to be "lightened up" to allow people to dip into their retirement savings to help with the cost of living. So, is Labor gearing up for a super scare campaign?Meanwhile, parliament has returned for another sitting week, with Labor "confident" they'll strike a deal with the Coalition on the NDIS.Also, it's poll Monday! And PK is seriously considering a listener suggestion to rebrand Monday episodes to "Poll-a-tics Now."Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here - Is One Nation chasing the pink vote?Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor are poised to reach a deal on NDIS reforms, with the bill set to pass parliament early next week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a "productive, constructive, lengthy and substantial" phone call with US President Donald Trump.Tariffs, AUKUS , AI and "a few personal issues" were all on the agenda in the wide-ranging conversation.And PK and Clare have big thoughts about bins, well one bin in particular.Nigel Farage has already declared victory over Count Binface in the UK Clacton by-election, but PK and Clare think the whole saga tells an important story about our times.Meanwhile, Clare declares the so-called melon-saga "done" and PK tells us just how much fruit she eats (alot).Also, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan quits politics and Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns that populism poses risks for national security.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Parliament returned this week but while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor edged closer to key deals on legislation behind the scenes, other stories stole the spotlight.Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg delivered a "loosey-goosey" and far-ranging speech ostensibly focused on housing reform.But the Senator's signature blunt style may have seen him step on some of his colleagues' toes along the way.Meanwhile, the PM was dogged by the so called "melon-gate" saga and calls for him to issue an apology to the Japanese Prime Minister — calls he appears to be staring down.And One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce made a bold call, telling PK that One Nation is the "gayest" party in Australian politics.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Katina Curtis, Senior Political Correspondent with Capital Brief on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan to slash Net Overseas Migration to just 180,000 people per year on average and dramatically reduce red tape.Meanwhile, the so-called 'melon-gate' saga continues to linger for the PM, with the Opposition referring an apparent leak of correspondence between Japan and Australia to the Australian Federal Police.But as David says, under the surface things are looking a little friendlier, with Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor set to hold another round of talks on key legislation.And PK has a breaking yarn about a One Nation WA candidate who has described gay people as having a mental illness, with his profile swiftly scrubbed from the One Nation website.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 [email protected]

A deal on Labor's gambling bill is getting closer, as Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor hold talks to thrash out a deal.But it seems there are still internal divisions in both Labor and the Coalition to work through before negotiations can be finalised.Meanwhile, Japan has dismissed the PM's podcast melon gaffe as "sensationalised" in a formal letter, but domestic politicians have been less forgiving. So, does Anthony Albanese have to "suck it up" and apologise?And South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a Royal Commission into AI. So, how will it work — and what are the federal implications?Also, it's Census Day — so whether you're a "filler-inner" like Raf, or an enthusiastic observer like PK, it's a very important day that has big political and policy implications for the future.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Parliament is back this week, with politicians descending on the nation's capital for a stacked sitting fortnight.After playing hardball, the Albanese Government is signalling some openness to negotiations on gambling reforms, particularly around inducements.But gambling ad reform isn't the only issue Labor is hoping to tie-up over the next two weeks, as they look to "clean off the barnacles."And Anthony Albanese's appearance on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne is continuing to haunt him, but this time for a different reason.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here — Anthony Albanese is a dominant force in cabinet and that comes with risksListen to our Question Time edition here — A spicy text and an AI stoushGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Former Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble explains how the global AI race could reshape our national security.

It's Question Time! But before they get stuck into your brilliant questions, PK and Mel dig into some political developments.A scandalous text sent by the ACT Opposition leader has raised a whole host of questions, including whether or not politicians are allowed to find their jobs boring.And the brewing fight between the Albanese Government and its NT and QLD counterparts over AI data centres.Then it's time for your questions, including are Labor failing to sell their policies? Will Anthony Albanese shake-up his frontbench before the next election? And how do journalists maintain neutrality?Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are answer your clever queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Prime Minister and Opposition leader have been on leave this week, but their absence hasn't led to a quieter news cycle.A two-day parliamentary inquiry into gambling dominated the agenda, hardening political opposition to Labor's gambling bill and mounting pressure on Anthony Albanese to go further — so will he?Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's last minute press club cancellation became a story in and of itself. The Minister was set to unveil sweeping immigration changes, which are reportedly hitting internal roadblocks.It comes as Pauline Hanson once again banned the ABC, The Guardian and the Age from a One Nation event. It's far from the first time, so how should the media respond — and is this just about dominating the attention economy once again?And in developing news, prominent Labor figure and maverick backbencher Ed Husic has announced he'll take leave, after a car accident.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at the Guardian on The Party Room.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a national press club address, a very unusual move, where he was expected to announce sweeping cuts to immigration.The decision not to address the press club this week came less than 48-hours before the speech, with a spokesperson confirming it was "clear that some elements of the speech would not be finalised".Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has moved to quell a brewing fight over the so-called "widow's tax", unveiling a proposal to close the loophole.And Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is facing his first test as leader. The state's anti-corruption watchdog found serious and concerning conduct by senior public officers, including ministers, MPs and public servants, during a bitter pay dispute with the state's firefighters union.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]

Betting giants Tabcorp and Sportsbet have faced a grilling at the parliamentary inquiry on gambling.The short inquiry has only run for two-days, but both Clare and PK agree it's been high impact. PK points to how it could frame the political agenda when parliament returns next week, while Clare says she doesn't see a path through the Senate without Labor's bill "being tougher and more restrictive" on gambling promotions and advertisements.Meanwhile, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has stared down a direct threat from One Nation.And as bird flu continues to spread, Clare has an important public service announcement: you can't stockpile eggs!Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong 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]

House prices are falling across the country, with the downturn no longer just confined to Sydney and Melbourne according to new Cotality data.Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says there's never "been a better time to be a first home buyer in Australia", while Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pointed to Treasury modelling that house price growth would slow by about 2 per cent in the short term.It comes as a two-day inquiry into Labor's gambling advertising legislation gets underway, with growing calls for the Albanese Government to ban inducements. So, will Labor be forced to give ground here?Meanwhile, One Nation has unveiled upper house candidates for the upcoming Victorian election, with the ABC and others not given the details for the press conference.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]

If anyone can answer that, it's eminent journalist and political historian Paul Kelly.In his new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism, The Australian's editor-at-large traces the seismic shifts in Australian politics that sent the Liberal Party into a downward spiral.Paul Kelly sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing a new progressive threat, with 28-year-old Cheek Media Co founder Hannah Ferguson confirming she'll run as an independent in the PM's Grayndler seat.And Victorian politics that stole much of the spotlight this week, but will a leadership change be enough for Victorian Labor to reset ahead of the state election? And how is Federal Labor viewing the chaos?And the Albanese Government has confirmed the fuel excise cut will come to an end this weekend.It comes as inflation comes in cooler for the June quarter, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged there is more to do — so should we expect a bit of a bumpy road ahead?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Tom Crowley, ABC economics reporter on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Integrity in politics is back in the spotlight, with Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson all facing their own questions about transparency.And the inflation figures for the June quarter have landed, and its better news than what most economists were expecting. So, what will it mean for the RBA's August cash rate decision?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 [email protected]

Victorians have a new premier, with Ben Carroll taking on the state's top job, after a chaotic caucus meeting.Jacinta Allan stepped down ahead of the caucus vote, saying she believed it was the best thing for the Labor party and the Victorian people.Ben Carroll has already moved to distinguish his leadership from his predecessor, announcing a royal commission into the construction sector.But there are transactional costs to swapping leaders, so will the move be enough to lift Victorian Labor out of the doldrums ahead of the November election?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 [email protected]

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership spill, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll confirming he will run for the Labor leadership.It comes after a delegation of Labor MPs met with the Premier to urge her to resign, but it doesn't seem Jacinta Allan is willing to step aside without a fight.Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese's control of Labor was on full display at the ALP national conference, Labor backbencher Ed Husic has warned the culture of debate isn't valued as it should be.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Editor's Note: The Fitzgerald Inquiry was instigated by Queensland's police minister and deputy premier, Bill Gunn, in May 1987 — not then Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen as was incorrectly stated in the podcast. It was established by Order in Council while Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen was absent on a US trade mission. Initially expected to last about six weeks, the inquiry spent almost two years conducting a comprehensive investigation of long-term systemic political corruption and abuse of power in Queensland, changing the policing and political landscape in Queensland and across Australia.Read PK's analysis here — Labor's national conference triumph had an unseen trade-offRead Jacob's analysis here - Labor conference proves a masterclass in political trade-offsGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The rise of One Nation this year has been crushing for the coalition, but it is also posing a threat to Labor.Outgoing National ALP President and former Treasurer, Wayne Swan sat down with David Speers at Labor's 50th conference. 

Labor has adopted new language on gambling regulation and backed telehealth for voluntary assisted dying in its party platform.And while the party has been unwilling to air its dirty laundry publicly, negotiations and debates have still been underway behind the scenes. So, is this a further sign of Anthony Albanese power over the party and his ability to project stability?Meanwhile, The Trump administration has confirmed a 12.5 per cent tariff will be placed on Australian exports to the US immediately. The move has been blasted across the political spectrum, but has some of the domestic heat and pressure come out of the issue?Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Read Clare's piece here — Regional funding a 'sleeper issue' that could end in rare fight on Labor conference floorGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Day one of the National Labor conference has wrapped up, with Anthony Albanese's political authority on full display.The Prime Minister used his opening address to speak about the rise of One Nation and contrast grievance politics with pragmatic solutions.And while a broken escalator saw Anthony Albanese stumble slightly, there was no sign of that on the conference floor, with backroom factional deals largely sewn up to avoid "barneys".But there are warnings a "politically managed" conference could have risks, with rebel backbencher Ed Husic suggesting 'being allergic to dissent and dispute' won't work in Labor's long term interest.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Listen to The Party Room Question time here Read David's analysis on the Labor conference hereGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's a bonus Question Time edition! And today, Fran and PK are diving into some of YOUR big questions about the behind the scenes machinations and optics of Australian politics.Including, are the seating arrangements in parliament strategic for the cameras? What do the Presidents of political parties actually do? Why don't political parties in Australia use political manifestos like they do in the UK? And are there tensions between pollies and public servants?And later, PK and David Speers will bring you their hot takes from on the ground at Labor's national conference.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The National Labor Conference is about to get underway, with a gas exports tax, gambling reform and artificial intelligence shaping up as key battlegroundsBut while there will be disagreements and policy fights, there's criticism that the event will be highly stage managed. So, is Labor being in power actually putting a "handbrake" on robust debate?And Opposition leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a new booklet spruiking his economic plan, in a move directly out of the Tony Abbott playbook. So, can a glossy new pamphlet help him return the focus to the Coalition's policy?Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Order and control have been hallmarks of Anthony Albanese's leadership, but they're also at the centre of his approach to cooking.Annabel Crabb joins PK to discuss what's shaped the Prime Minister's desire for order and if he's a bit of a "control freak" when he's in the kitchen — and maybe also the cabinet.Meanwhile, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has gone viral for yelling at his dog off screen in the middle of an interview on ABC's 730 and PK and Annabel have some thoughts.Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb break it all down on Politics Now.Watch Kitchen Cabinet on ABC TV at 0830pm, or catch up anytime on ABC iview.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has robustly defended her appearance on controversial far-right agitator Tommy Robinson's podcast amid backlash.But while the minor party has issued some clarifications, does the controversy feed into Pauline Hanson's playbook and has she succeed in "consuming the attention economy"?Meanwhile, the Albanese Government has responded to its special envoy's report on Islamophobia 10-months after it was released. So, what message is Labor trying to send at a time of fraying social cohesion?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here - Tony Abbott isn't helping the Liberals with their Pauline Hanson problemGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Artificial intelligence is dominating the political agenda, with the federal government announcing plans to legislate guardrails for data centres and protect artists' copyright. But the strategic and military implications of AI, alongside Australia's multi-billion dollar investment in AUKUS, present much larger and complex questions for national sovereignty. Christopher Pyne is a stalwart of the Liberal Party and a former defence minister. He tells David Lipson that artificial intelligence is the most significant development since the nuclear weapon, and warned that the Liberal Party must distance itself from One Nation if it hopes to return to government.