Politics Now

Insiders On Background is back for 2026! This week we are diving into the federal government's model for its Thriving Kids program. The program is aimed at setting up services and supports run by states and territories outside the NDIS. 

It's been a week of high drama in parliament, from Shakespeare novels to soap opera references, but while the Liberal-Nationals chaos continued to take centre stage the RBA interest rate hike put the spotlight back on the Albanese Government. It comes as the May budget draws nearer and it seems the Treasurer Jim Chalmers is unwilling to rule out changes to the capital gains tax. So, could big bold reform be on the agenda? Meanwhile, the deadline Sussan Ley imposed the Liberal and Nationals to negotiate a path back to Coalition is looming, so are either side willing to make concessions?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down with David Speers, ABC Political lead and host of Insiders on The Party RoomGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The Albanese Government is selling off an estimated $3-billion-dollars’ worth of defence sites, so what does the "significant" overhaul of Australia’s defence property portfolio mean for housing supply?And as the Treasurer Jim Chalmers continues to defend the Government's fiscal management in the wake of the RBA's latest interest rate hike, what does this all mean for the May budget? In the second year of a second term Labor government, can we expect "big bold ideas"?Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The RBA board has held its first monetary policy meeting for 2026 - and a cash rate lift is the result.After the Coalition split dominated the start of the year, will this bring the focus back onto the government — and whether the Treasurer is doing enough to ease the cost of living pressures facing Australians?Meanwhile, parliament is back, but things look different — with the Liberals now sitting alone and the Nationals on the crossbench. How long will this new arrangement last?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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The Albanese Government should have been starting the week on the backfoot, but the infighting of the Liberal and Nationals' has kept the focus squarely on them.And amid the Opposition chaos, the Prime Minister appears to have his mojo back, labelling the infighting "bizarre" and comparing it to "Married At First Sight". But with last week's hotter than expected inflation data and a possible rate hike tomorrow, is the PM in for tricky economic times ahead?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's column here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/parliament-sitting-week-opposition-leadership-albanese/106292656Read Jacob's column here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-31/andrew-hastie-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-leadership/106288160Got 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

In 2022, the Albanese Government joined its state and territory counterparts to commit to ending violence against women and children in a generation.But while Labor says they've made ending violence a key priority, with more than $4 billion for women's safety initiatives, where are things four years on?And with a wraparound approach needed to counter the issue, is a national watchdog urgently needed to ensure recommendations are actually implemented?Claudia Long joins Patricia Karvelas for this special edition of Politics Now.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.auFamily and domestic violence support:1800 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

With parliament set to return next week, Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor have met and while the discussions have been described as "constructive" they've failed to agree on who should run for the leadership. So, where to next — and what are the optics of a meeting room full of 'blokes' when the Liberal party has a woman problem?And why do some voters connect with Pauline Hanson? And what the deadline for choosing candidates for the election if the Coalition remains split? (ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs makes a guest appearance to help us answer that one.)Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly  answer your question 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 thepartyroom@abc.net.auLISTEN TO THE ANTONY GREEN EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/antony-green-on-one-nation-s-rise/105947830 READ ABC ANALYSIS HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/coalition-pauline-hanson-liberals-nationals-one-nation/106278234

It’s a scorching start to the parliamentary year - and not just because of the weather.Sussan Ley is holding on, but pressure is building and Liberal party leadership questions remain unresolved following the Coalition's dramatic split last week. To add to the political drama, Nationals leader David Littleproud has faced his own unexpected leadership challenge, from Queensland backbencher Colin Boyce.At the same time, One Nation is gaining traction - not just in the polls but in public life, as Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration message reaches new platforms and audiences. Could they convert rising support into lower house seats?And just as the government hoped to capitalise on opposition chaos, inflation figures have spiked - bringing the threat of another rate rise, and a potential shift in the political narrative. So what questions will be answered - and what new ones will be formed - as we head into the first full parliamentary sitting fortnight next week?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly break it all down with Melissa Clarke, ABC Radio National Breakfast political correspondent 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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Nationals’ leader David Littleproud is set to face a leadership challenge on Monday, with Queensland MP Colin Boyce announcing a spill motion, stating the National party is committing "political suicide" by splitting from the Coalition.Meanwhile, inflation figures for December landing at a much higher than expected 3.8 per cent. The figure raises the likelihood of a rate hike when the RBA meets next week and adds to the cost-of-living challenge facing the Albanese government.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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The political heat remains on Opposition leader Sussan Ley, and while the jostle to replace her as Liberal leader continues behind the scenes, moderates are talking down the prospect. But could the 'soft middle' and 'freelancers' in the Liberal party actually decide its future direction? It comes as the Albanese government tries to land a last-minute deal with states and territories over hospital funding but are they ready to come to the table?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.LISTEN TO IMMIGRATION EP HERE: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/why-immigration-is-back-on-the-agenda-/106038954Got 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

The Liberal leadership tensions continue to grow, with Sussan Ley’s role as Opposition leader seen as untenable in the wake of the Coalition split.But while conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are shaping up as the key contenders, Liberals want to sort out which of them will run for the position before triggering a spill, to avoid further messiness.Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has announced Defence Department boss Greg Moriarty as the new US Ambassador, after Kevin Rudd announced his early departure from the role. It comes as Anthony Albanese labels US President Donald Trump’s remarks that allied troops “stayed a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan as "not acceptable".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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The dust has settled on the Nationals' explosive decision to quit the Coalition, but questions are continuing to swirl about Sussan Ley and David Littleproud's future.So, where to next for the Liberals and the Nationals? Could the Nationals and One Nation form a new Coalition? Could the Liberal party regain votes in the centre?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your questions on this special edition of 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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Opposition leader Sussan Ley forcing his party into an "untenable" position and said they could not sit in Coalition under her leadership. It comes on the National Day of Mourning for Bondi, which was intended to be a day of unity and healing for the country. So, is this the end of the Coalition for good? And while questions are swirling about Sussan Ley's leadership, there are also questions about David Littleproud's hold on his position.On a week where it looked like the Prime Minister would be in the hot seat, how did the Opposition again become the story?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation on The Party Room.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-22/optics-diabolical-liberals-nationals-split-chaos-reigns/106256942Got 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

The Albanese Government has passed its gun reforms and watered down hate laws after a late night sitting of the Senate.But three Nationals frontbenchers crossed floor to vote against the hate laws, which the Liberal party supported, defying conventions. So, will Opposition leader Sussan Ley force them to quit their portfolios — and is this a test of her authority?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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The Albanese Government is set to pass its hate speech and gun reform bills through the parliament. It comes after Labor split the omnibus legislation, negotiating with the Coalition and the Greens separately to get the two bills through.But while all signs are pointing to the Liberals supporting the changed hate speech laws, it's less clear if the Nationals are on board and the Senate could be in for a long night ahead.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.Production Note: Following the recording of today's episode the  Albanese Government's hate laws passed through the House of Representatives, with Nationals MPs Llew O'Brien and Colin Boyce crossing the floor to vote against it, and the rest of the Nationals MPs abstaining.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

For the first time since the Bondi terror attack, MPs from across the country have returned to Canberra.The first morning saw sombre speeches from a range of voices - but with debate on hate speech and gun laws to continue, is there any sense of bipartisanship in the air?Also casting a shadow over some in the chamber - polling showing One Nation’s primary vote has pulled ahead of the Coalition for the first time.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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Why are there more women in the Senate than in the House of Representatives? Is it just convention stopping Senators from being major party leaders? With a weakened Opposition, are the usual mechanisms to hold government to account working? And is the Albanese Government still "gun shy" when it comes to considering negative gearing or capital gains reform?Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly get stuck into all of your curly questions for this special summer episode of The Party Room.Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.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

It's been a big week in Australian politics, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalling parliament early to deal with hate speech and gun buyback legislation in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack and the surprise announcement that US Ambassador Kevin Rudd is stepping down from the role a year earlier than expected.But while the Opposition has been calling for the parliament to be recalled since the horrific events on the 14th of December, they've now claimed the legislation has been rushed, with Opposition leader Sussan Ley signalling the Liberals won't back 'unsalvageable' hate crime and gun control reforms. So, does that put the Greens in the frame?And a month after the social media ban for under 16s began, there's new data from the social media companies about how many under 16s have been removed from their platforms.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong are joined by Charles Croucher on The Party Room.Guest: Charles Croucher, 9News Political EditorGot 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

Kerrynne Liddle represents a lot of firsts.The Arrernte woman is the first indigenous Senator for South Australia, the first indigenous woman to win a parliamentary seat in the state, and may be one of the first (or certainly one of only a few) federal parliamentarians to have previously worked as a jillaroo.It’s been a turbulent year for the Liberal party following its punishing election loss in May 2025 - so how does someone like the Senator for South Australia navigate through that noise? And with experience in journalism, tourism, leadership roles with Housing Trusts and universities, why did she end up choosing a political life?In this special Politics Now: The Interview summer series, recorded in the final parliamentary sitting week of 2025, Patricia Karvelas sits down with movers and shakers across the Australian political sphere to unpack the person behind the politics.In this episode Patricia Karvelas is joined by Kerrynne Liddle to discuss her unusual pathway into politics, the wide-reaching influence of her family, and why she stands by her No vote on the Voice.Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.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.auFamily and domestic violence support:1800 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

In a surprise move,  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the US Ambassador Kevin Rudd will step down from the role at the end of March - a year earlier than expected.Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ambassador Rudd's work helping further the AUKUS pact, securing Julian Assange's release in 2024 and building relationships across both sides of politics in the US.It comes as the government announces a national day of mourning for the Bondi victims on January 22nd - and just a day after the prime minister recalled parliament early, with MPs to return to Canberra next week to work through legislation on hate speech and gun buy backs in the wake of the terrorist attack.Patricia Karvelas breaks it all down on this Politics Now emergency episode.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