Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled "world-leading" AI standards, urging Australians to embrace change and shape AI in the national interest.The PM used a landmark speech to lay out his vision for Australia's AI future, as Australians grapple with concerns over job losses, anxieties over the environmental impacts of AI data centres and copyright protections.Labor is set to legislate standards next year, with Anthony Albanese effectively shaping the debate that's to come — including at the Federal Labor Conference next week.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]

US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose a toll on traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as the US military launches its latest wave of strikes against Iran.The Albanese Government is urging restraint and pointing to Australia's secure fuel supply — but is this the "new normal"?And four women and girls were killed in four days in separate incidents last week, PK and Raf reflect on frustrations around the media coverage of violence against women and the focus from governments to combat the issue.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] Respect national helpline:1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line:1800 811 811Men's Referral Service:1300 766 491Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):131 114Relationships Australia:1300 364 277NSW Domestic Violence Line:1800 656 463Qld DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:1800 015 188ACT 24/7 Crisis Line:(02) 6280 0900Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:1800 608 122SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line:1800 800 098WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline:1800 007 339NT Domestic violence helpline:1800 737 732 3

It's another poll Monday, this time with PK and Clare!A new Resolve poll in the SMH and The Age shows support for One Nation has slipped, with leader Pauline Hanson's likeability also taking a tumble.In what will be a major relief for under fire Opposition leader Angus Taylor, the Coalition has benefited — picking up support. It comes as the Opposition leader rebukes One Nation and their economic credentials for the first time, so is the Coalition settling on a new strategy?And Labor is riding high after a successful week of international diplomacy, but there are "spotfires" building for Treasurer Jim Chalmers, ahead of the second tranche of budget tax measures.Meanwhile, as the Royal Commission on Antisemitism is this week shifts its focus to universities, the Government has announced it'll require higher education institutions to adopt definitions of antisemitism.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis hereLabor scoring own goals while Coalition distracted by One Nation threatRead Clare's piece hereLabor's trust tax proposal leaves small businesses waiting to see what states will do with stamp dutyGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Dire budget deficits for years to come and stalling productivity growth are painting a bleak economic picture. Against this backdrop, a new policy idea has emerged: if Australia can't rely on productivity growth and tax reform to fix the budget blackhole, what about means-testing wealth? Peter Harris is the former chair of the Productivity Commission and now board director at the Policy Institute Australia.He told Jacob Greber, for this week's Insiders On Background, means testing wealth - including the family home - for paid parental leave, aged care, pensions and childcare could fix the budget blackhole. 

It's been a big week on the international stage for Anthony Albanese, from a Pacific blitz to bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Melbourne.While a Chinese missile test threatened to overshadow the diplomacy tour, was the destabilising move actually a "cherry-on-top" for Australia — pushing Pacific nations closer to us?Back home, the fallout from the Telstra outage is continuing and so are the politics. So, did the Opposition "jump the shark?"And of course there was THAT podcast appearance and subsequent "unequivocal apology" from the PM this week. So, what are the risks for politicians trying to engage in new media to reach voters?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Stephen Dziedzic, ABC Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Reporter on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

A nationwide Telstra outage has caused chaos for commuters and businesses and prompted Communications Minister Anika Wells to return early from leave.And artificial intelligence is back in the spotlight, with Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton suggesting now is the time to embed safety into AI. It comes ahead of the Labor Conference where an internal debate over AI is set to get "messy".Meanwhile, a stoush is brewing between drug-makers and the Federal Government.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Read Clare's piece here — Critical Drugs could be pulled from PBS amid pricing stoushGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned China's missile test in the Pacific as a "provocative act", suggesting it destablises the region.It comes as the PM holds bilateral talks with his Solomon Islands counterpart and continues his regional diplomacy blitz.And back home, as preparations get underway for the Federal Labor Conference, there are already some clear battlelines taking shape.Melissa Clarke and Tom Crowley 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]

Australia has a new military alliance, signing a mutual defence pact with Fiji.Australia has long had a defence alliance with the US and New Zealand. Last year, an historic pact with Papua New Guinea forged a new direction for Australia and now a similar pledge has been made with Fiji.The "Ocean of Peace" alliance leaves the door opened to a multilateral pact that could see Australia, PNG, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga form a military alliance.But while riding high on the success of Pacific diplomacy, the Prime Minister has been forced to apologise "unequivocally" for remarks he made on a podcast.Melissa Clarke 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]

Today marks 250 years since America's declaration of Independence. As the United States struggles with domestic divisions and its role as a global superpower, is the Founding Fathers' "Great Democratic Experiment" over?  Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos sat down David Speers to discuss whether the United States can pull back from the brink.  

It's Question Time! And there are no Dorothy Dixers in sight!But before Fran and PK tackle your "top-notch" queries, Fran checks in on PK after TV series Ponies was cancelled after just one season — luckily she still has The West Wing to rewatch. But they both agree the best thing on our screens at the moment is The World Cup, go the Socceroos (otherwise known as the 'Mantildas')!Then it's time for Partyroomers questions, including: the politics of house prices, do people follow how-to-vote cards? Have politicians undervalued the arts? And what lower house seat could Pauline Hanson run for?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever questions The Party Room: Question Time edition.Listen to Thursday's episode here 🎧 Labor cleans off the barnaclesListen here to 🎧 Antony Green on the tests ahead for One NationGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's mid-winter break eve and the Albanese Government has been "cleaning off the barnacles" before the recess.They pressed their luck introducing gambling ad restrictions to parliament, but it seems the Greens and Coalition will send the legislation to an inquiry.Meanwhile, the housing debate is still taking up lots of oxygen, as auction clearance rates hit six-year lows. Labor is holding their nerve and betting the house their budget tax changes will pay-off in the long run.And the soul-searching has continued for the Liberals this week, after Newspoll saw the Coalition's primary support slip to a historic low of 17 per cent.So, while parliament goes on break, will all sides of politics be keeping their foot on the accelerator?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Anna Henderson, Chief Political Correspondent at SBS on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] you or anyone you know needs help, contact:National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858Lifeline on 13 11 14Headspace on 1800 650 890

Labor's long awaited legislation to restrict gambling advertising is set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but the Coalition could join the Greens in punting it to an inquiry.So, will the Albanese Government have to "give ground" and grant Coalition amendments if they want this to pass?And in the wake of PwC and KPMG scandals, Labor unveiling an option paper to improve regulation of accounting and audit firms. So, what's on the table?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]

As volatility in the housing market continues, Labor is defending its budget tax changes and backing Treasury modelling on house price growth.But while Labor is in a "wicked position" on housing, are they simply strapping in for a "white knuckle ride" for the next few months?Meanwhile, Opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has doubled down on calls for the Liberals to "rebrand", suggesting the party needs to refresh and cut through.The idea has been widely panned by her party colleagues, but is there merit to it?Patricia Karvelas and David Lipson 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]

It's a classic "poll Monday" with Jacob and PK!Polling from Newspoll and Redbridge has One Nation's support dipping slightly, with Labor taking back the mantle of most popular political party. It comes after Pauline Hanson's combative National Press Club address — so is Labor's strategy to fight the surging populist party bearing some fruit?Meanwhile, the Coalition's woes have continued, with the Opposition's primary support hitting a historic low of 17 per cent in Newspoll. It comes as disquiet bubbles up inside the partyroom — with Angus Taylor's leadership under pressure as he fails to cut through on One Nation.And Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan has entered the political chat. He's told the AFR Pauline Hanson was a "pelican" if she thinks Australia could or should be a monoculture.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's piece here As Taylor struggles to handle Hanson, Hastie talks tough on One NationListen here to Antony Green on the tests ahead for One NationGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

While Pauline Hanson struggled to define what she meant by a 'monoculture', Angus Taylor hesitated to back in the long held liberal party policy of a multiculturalism. Former Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone says she is disappointed in the Opposition Leader. 

Once a fringe party, One Nation is now the most popular party in Australia, according to a series of polls…The historic polling highs have come with more scrutiny but also a further platforming of the minor party — and its leader — as Australia assesses whether One Nation could be a legitimate party of government..Today on Politics Now, ABC Election Analyst Emeritus Antony Green on what the polling tells us and the tests ahead for One Nation. Listen here to  Antony Green on the rise of One NationGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

It's been a massive week in politics both in and outside of parliament.Labor is set to pass its negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes with the support of the Greens, granting only minor concessions in exchange.Meanwhile, the terms monoculture and multicultural have echoed through the chambers of parliament this week. Opposition leader Angus Taylor found himself in hot water after side-stepping a series of questions about his support for the ideas.But he's not the only politician having to do some clean up, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson declaring the Socceroos are actually an example of mono-culturalism, to some raised eyebrows in the Senate.And the idea of a so-called teal party has become a reality, but while Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched Community Strong, how will it actually work?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by David Speers on The Party Room.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has tried to mop-up, after avoiding a series of questions about his support for multiculturalism. But has he made things any clearer?And right after the Labor-Greens deal to pass budget tax changes, the Coalition have offered the Albanese Government a pathway to pass its NDIS overhaul this fortnight.As Clare tells PK, the move is "tidy politicking" from Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam — as the Government already agreed to an eight-week inquiry into the NDIS in exchange for Greens support on tax changes.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.Read Clare's piece here Tax experts and self-managed super funds criticise Labor–Greens deal as 'policy on the run'Listen to ABC Business Daily here An inflationary mixed bagGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Albanese Government has secured the support of the Greens to pass its capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, but not without some concessions.While it's welcome news for Labor, will the extended NDIS inquiry present a "political headache" in the months ahead?Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation. So, what lessons are there for the Albanese government here at home?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 for the final sitting fortnight before the mid-winter break. The Albanese Government is eager to pass its key budget measures, but will the Greens waive through tax reforms in exchange for an extended NDIS inquiry?Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has convened a virtual nation cabinet to discuss fuel security, as the Government winds down its fuel excise cut. But as global turbulence continues, the PM hasn't ruled out a further extension if needed.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here - Concerns over AI and data centres a dangerous force Labor must confrontRead Jacob's analysis here - Hanson's bulldozer moment could be a sign of new promiscuity in donor politicsGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The federal government has backed down on its budget tax changes, announcing larger concessions for small business and carve outs for startups.  Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar told David Speers the reforms resemble a “freak show”.

PK and Melissa Clarke are on a unity ticket that this has been one of the biggest weeks in politics this year.So, before they answer your clever questions they dig into the response to Labor's capital gains tax carve-outs, the latest from the US-Iran ceasefire and of course Gina Rinehart's curious orange bulldozer stunt.And then it's over to the partyroomers! Does Labor need more outspoken backbenchers? Will One Nation stand-up to the scrutiny of an election campaign? Are politicians speaking to renters? And why are data centres facing some backlash?Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke answer your queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition.Catch up on Thursday's ep here: Annabel Crabb on a doozy of a weekGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The Prime Minister and Treasurer have announced carve outs to their capital gains tax changes. So, has Anthony Albanese "blinked" under pressure?Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has delivered her first National Press Club address in her 30-years in politics — so why did she take to the podium now?And how are Labor and the Coalition positioning as more scrutiny falls on the surging minor party?Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb break it all downon The Party Room.Read Annabel's column hereGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career.In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader linked housing issues to immigration, railed against multiculturalism, labelled net-zero a "hoax", called for an overhaul of IR laws and rebuked other parties for copying her policies.So, will the address make Pauline Hanson even more electable? Or does it open her up to some political risks ahead?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording for Question Time at [email protected]

The AFP is looking into allegations Israeli forces sexually assaulted Australian activists who were detained after attempting to reach Gaza last month.It comes after a meeting between the Australian activists, federal ministers Penny Wong and Anne Aly and senior members of the AFP. Israel has denied the claims.Meanwhile back home, there's been a heated exchange over the CGT and negative gearing inquiry, with the Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson telling Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth to "grow up" and "get a breathalyser".So, what does the exchange tell us about the current tone of our political debate? And is heightened rhetoric reducing trust in politics?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]

Pauline Hanson is now the preferred Prime Minister - ahead of the actual Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor - if the latest Resolve poll is anything to go by.Yes, it’s a big “if”. But it’s also not the sort of number the major parties can laugh off. As One Nation’s rise moves from protest vote to serious political threat, what is Labor’s strategy to stop the bleed - and is it working?Meanwhile, another fight is opening over the budget, as a two-day Senate inquiry into the government’s tax measures begins. Labor says it is still consulting, business groups are lining up with their demands. So where does the negotiation land - and how much will the government have to give?Plus - PK and Jacob unpack the breaking news around a US-Iran ceasefire, and whether the hope of a lasting peace deal in the Middle East can hold.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]

Executive director of the Tech Policy Design Institute, Johanna Weaver, says Australia is well-placed to navigate the AI transformation while maintaining its national sovereignty. 

The Prime Minister is holding a Medicare card. Tony Abbott is spruiking a national tour. "Ditch the witch" is back in the headlines. Everything old is new again in politics this week.So what should we make of it all? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian to discuss everything from the NDIS inquiry to the continuing attempts to sell the Budget measures and discussion around Coalition preferences to One Nation. Got a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - while trying to read the mood at home.Could some distance between the Prime Minister and Donald Trump be politically useful, as fuel prices, global instability and the Strait of Hormuz dominate the conversation one again?And while Transport Minister Catherine King insists the fuel excise cut will end, is the government ready to cop the political pain - or will it have to bite the bullet and extend it?Meanwhile, Labor is still trying to sell its war-time budget. Capital gains tax carve-outs are starting to take shape, while the Greens are open to backing Labor’s tax changes in exchange for a longer NDIS inquiry.Plus, six months after Australia introduced its social media ban for under-16s, Apple’s CEO is crediting the country for new child safety controls - with the UK and EU watching closely. But are the restrictions actually making a difference?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]

As the three-day inquiry into the Albanese Government's proposed NDIS overhaul gets underway, the Opposition hasn't ruled out doing a deal with the Greens to extend the hearings.And the great data centre debate is back in the spotlight, with Independent Senator David Pocock calling Australians to get a fair return as the industry continues to boom.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]

Anthony Albanese says voter frustration with the system formed the backdrop for Labor's budget — saying if governments don't respond to the circumstances there will be "a continued rise of populism."But as another poll shows One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, are the Albanese Government acting too slowly?And as scrutiny increases on One Nation, there have been a series of gaffes over the details of their housing policy. So, do rusted on voters care about the messiness, or are they just looking to shake-up the system?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley 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]

The Albanese government passed the first tranche of its tax legislation through the lower house this week but is still facing backlash from investors and businesses.

PK is still making her way through a rewatch of The West Wing — and she and Fran have some big thoughts about the idealistic vision of politics the series presents.But after some very important TV chat, they get stuck into some brilliant listener questions, including:Does the parliamentary attendance record of politicians matter? Why haven't the Greens capitalised on the populist wave like One Nation has? And how do the texting arrangements between political journalists and politicians actually work?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever queries on this Question Time edition of The Party Room.Listen to Thursday's The Party Room ep hereGot a burning question?Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged there's an "ideological disagreement" with the US, after the Trump Administration confirmed they'll slap a 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian goods.It comes as AUKUS "awkwardness" is continuing for Labor, so will the issue continue to kick off at the Labor conference next month — or will the Government nip it in the bud before then?And One Nation's mainstreaming is continuing, with Pauline Hanson locking in a leaders address at the National Press Club after an explosive new Redbridge poll in the AFR showed One Nation was the most popular party in Australia.And back in the parliament, the Albanese Government has passed their first tranche of budget tax reforms through the house, but the Greens and Coalition have raised concerns about what they say are "god-like" discretionary tax changes after they become law. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed the criticism as a "beat-up" but are they in for a battle ahead in the Senate?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor at Nine News on The Party Room.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 are choppy waters ahead for AUKUS, as a push for a "rethink" gains some traction within Labor ranks.Albanese Government frontbenchers have come out in force to defend the policy, but PK and David Speers agree despite the backlash there's "no chance" Labor will walk away from AUKUS.It comes as Australia and the Solomon Islands agree to begin negotiations on a comprehensive strategic agreement. It's a coup for the Albanese Government as they look to counter the rising presence of China in the region.Meanwhile, new GDP figures have landed with Treasurer Jim Chalmers labelling them "solid in the circumstances", but is it just the AI data centre boom keeping us afloat?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]

Peter Garrett has been burning the Midnight Oil over AUKUS - and he’s not the only one turning up the heat.The former Labor minister is leading an independent inquiry into the $368 billion defence deal, after confirmation Australia will now receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States. The Opposition is also taking a swing, warning the revised arrangement could leave Australia with older submarines, shorter operating lives, and a future capability gap. So is this just another round of AUKUS anxiety - or a real problem for the government?Plus, a big moment for One Nation as David Farley is sworn in as the new member for Farrer, and early signs he may take a different tone from Pauline Hanson.And how will Labor, the Liberals, and One Nation position themselves on a rise to the minimum wage?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]

A new poll has One Nation ahead of Labor as the most popular political party, as the Albanese Government loses some skin in the wake of the budget.And One Nation leader Pauline Hanson isn't ruling out becoming prime minister in the future, saying she "has the ability" and is considering a tilt at a lower house seat at the next election.Meanwhile, the Coalition has seemingly failed to capitalise on voter discontent with the budget, so will new Liberal Party President Tony Abbott rejuvenate the base?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] PK's analysis here

The federal government has shelved plans to develop Inland Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane but the man who's known as the project's father says negotiations are underway to resurrect it. 

The Albanese Government has introduced its capital gains and negative gearing bill to parliament, hoping to pass the first tranche of legislation before the mid-winter break.The Greens have called for a short-burst inquiry into the bill but seem to be signalling a willingness to support the measures. So, after a week of fierce backlash from the small business community, has Labor managed to pull the focus back to housing?Meanwhile, another cohort of IS-linked women and children have returned to Australia from Syria this week, causing some political friction for Labor and possibly feeding into One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's platform.And while speculation about a so-called 'teal party' was the talk of the town at the beginning of the week, it seems the idea has run out of steam already.Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow and University of Canberra on The Party Room.Hear Michelle Grattan's IV with Keith Wolahan here.Hear Fran on Radio National Hour here.Watch PK on Afternoon Briefing here.Editor's note: This podcast was recorded prior to the AFP confirming a 34 year-old Melbourne woman, who returned from a Syrian detention camp last year, has been charged with terrorism offences.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 may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting widely looks like they won't cave "quickly".And the Opposition has unveiled a political wedge of its own, threatening to withhold crucial support for Labor's NDIS overhaul without an inquiry into CGT and negative gearing changes in exchange.Meanwhile, the Government has announced a major welfare shake-up, but new inflation figures and the return of more so-called ISIS brides could steal some of the spotlight.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] Business Daily dig deeper into the inflation figures here 

Household energy bills are set to drop by up to 10 per cent, with the Albanese government crediting renewables and batteries for the decrease.It's a good news story for Labor, as the fight over capital gains tax changes continues to dominate parliament — and the Prime Minister doubles down.But the Government isn't the only one feeling the heat, with outgoing National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton fronting up for a grilling in Senate estimates.Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley 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]

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] PK's analysis hereRead 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]

The fight over Labor’s proposed capital gains tax changes isn’t brewing - it’s already here.Small business owners, founders and investors are piling pressure on the government, with backlash erupting across talkback radio and social media. Critics say the changes punish aspiration, investment and growth.As Labor tries to sell the reforms, business groups warn Australia risks becoming a less attractive place to build and scale companies. Meanwhile, viral memes portraying Anthony Albanese as an accidental “co-owner” of small businesses are spreading fast online.So will Labor hold the line, or soften the changes as pressure mounts?And later - why the government is delaying aged care price caps, and what new budget measures could mean for older Australians.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]

There's a big budget contest of ideas underway, as Labor and the Coalition try to sell their alternate visions for Australia to voters.Or as Jacob puts it to PK, "politics is back!"Treasurer Jim Chalmers has brushed off new polling, suggesting the Government wasn't expecting a post-Budget bounce and doing the right thing is worth "any near term political costs".And the Opposition leader Angus Taylor is also defending his policies, with some pushback coming from within his own party.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] PK's analysis hereRead Jacob's analysis here

This week's federal budget included an overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax rules in a bid to move thousands of homes from the hands of investors to first home buyers. 

Opposition leader Angus Taylor used his first budget in reply speech to lay out some big bold policy ideas, saying he hopes Australians can "begin to believe again."Income tax would form the centrepiece, with bracket creep returned to workers, at a cost of over $22bn to the budget bottom line.PK and Clare agree this was a "big swing" from Angus Taylor — with PK suggesting it's because the Opposition are "drowning and desperate to get the light on them — it's an attention grabbing response."Clare adds the announcements from Opposition leader had an "inkling of desperation" about them, as Angus Taylor realises he doesn't have the time usually afforded an Opposition leader to build towards a centrepiece.So, while the tax cuts set the Opposition leader up for an interesting couple of years, giving him something substantial to defend and fight Labor on does it "tie his hands behind his back" on what he can do and announce in the next few years?Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. Read Clare's reporting here Got a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]