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Guardian Australia's political team examine what’s happening in Australian politics and why it matters to you
437 Episodes
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While many Australians are feeling relieved about the end of a cold winter, the minister for emergency management and regional development is already eyeing the upcoming summer bushfire season. Kristy McBain talks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about the importance of social license for renewables and climate action in regional Australia, and shares her latest audiobook playlist for long drives to weekend sport
Fresh off the government’s reform roundtable and an address to the press club on skilling Australia’s future, the minister for skills and training, Andrew Giles, says he’s focused on making sure every Australian is able to reach their full potential in the workforce. He talks to Tom McIlroy about how to solve Australia’s skill shortage, the importance of skills recognition in the economy, why fairness is so important to the skills sector and the key to growing the economy
Why do most Australians back recognising a Palestinian state, yet nearly half dismiss it as merely symbolic? The executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, shares the latest poll findings with the Canberra chief of staff, Josh Butler, about Palestine, as well as fears of AI-driven job losses fuelling strong calls for regulation, a four-day work week and the need for bold reform
Fresh from the government’s economic roundtable, the independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender is optimistic about the future of tax reform in Australia. Talking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, she argues Labor must speed up approvals for housing and clean energy, shift the tax mix to ease pressure on young people and boost investment, and responsibly embrace the ‘freight train’ that is AI
British-Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa has seen first-hand the horrors occurring daily in Gaza from his time working in hospitals across the region. Speaking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, he describes life on the ground in the war zone, says that Australian politicians are clinging to talking points while children die, and warns that recognition of Palestinian statehood must be matched by real action to end the humanitarian crisis
Two weeks out from Labor’s economic roundtable, the Coalition’s shadow minister for productivity, housing and homelessness, Andrew Bragg, joins us to talk about the biggest challenges facing the economy. Speaking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, he cautions against over-regulating artificial intelligence, reflects on the Coalition’s missteps with migrant communities, and reveals how he still carves out time for long runs and audiobooks amid the chaos of federal politics
Tanya Plibersek, one of Labor’s most recognisable political figures and the minister for social services, joins us as the government faces big decisions at home and abroad. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to her about the push to recognise Palestinian statehood, the jobseeker rate and the urgent fight to keep children safe online
As Anthony Albanese readies his second‑term reform agenda, Guardian Australia’s Josh Butler speaks with Essential Media’s Peter Lewis about the elephant in the room: Australia’s dependence on the US and how its high‑stakes defence gambles could shape both his leadership and the nation’s strategic future
As parliament resumes, the focus shifts to how the major parties plan to reset. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to Liberal MP for Flinders and shadow assistant minister Zoe McKenzie. She isn’t convinced by quotas but says the party needs meaningful reform if it’s serious about bringing more women into the fold – and winning back their trust at the ballot box. She also weighs in on the climate challenge ahead for her party and for Sussan Ley as they try to find a credible path to net zero
Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy one of his key measures of success in the future is making Australia’s budget more sustainable. They discuss the challenge of meeting housing targets, how the morning news affects his plans and what he hopes can come out of his meeting with the G20 finance ministers this week
1Tom McIlroy speaks to independent MP Helen Haines to talk through her ambitious agenda for the new parliamentary term, her sharp disappointment with the robodebt royal commission fallout, and what the government’s response says about political accountability
After a bruising election loss, the Coalition is at a crossroads. Can it reinvent itself as a credible alternative to Labor, or will internal divisions over nuclear energy, net zero and the Liberal party’s identity doom it to another term in opposition? Guardian Australia chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks with the deputy opposition leader, Ted O’Brien, about the road ahead – from climate policy to rebuilding trust – and whether the Coalition can rise from the ashes of defeat
The new leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters from Queensland talks about her vision for the party, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and why she believes this is a moment for bold reforms Labor must rewrite current environment laws which ‘facilitate development’, says Larissa Waters
In a year shaped by rising global tensions and growing concerns over social cohesion at home, the shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, presents his views on Australia’s place in the world
‘If we don’t listen it’s not going to get better for us – it will get worse,’ says the NSW Liberal moderate and newly appointed shadow assistant minister, joining Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy to discuss her party’s future
Nicolette Boele was declared the winner in the Sydney seat of Bradfield this week, after a month of counting and recounting in her race against Liberal Gisele Kapterian. She is preparing to take her seat in parliament after a wafer-thin victory of just 26 votes. Boele speaks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about why Labor needs to stop “walking both sides of the fence” on climate and energy and where she thinks the government could improve productivity.
Post-election Albanese has seen a surge in popularity but what is the electorate expecting from a second term Labor government and can they deliver during challenging times? Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Josh Butler sits down with chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis.
Just days out from the crucial vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll shows steady support for Labor. But with a significant number of undecided voters and a strong field of independents, questions remain about how convincing their victory will really be. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, sits down with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, to explore more. Please note the correct Essential poll two-party basis figure is Labor leading the Coalition 52% to 48%
As the election draws near, Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition in the latest Essential poll, raising new questions about what Peter Dutton needs to do to shift the momentum in his favour. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy sits down with Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis to unpack the strategies and dynamics shaping the two major parties’ campaigns
At the electoral crossroads, Guardian Australia’s political reporter Krishani Dhanji talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about what risks and rewards await Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese as they gamble over the projection of strong v steady leadership to win the hearts and minds of Australian voters. Plus: who would people most want to have a beer with?
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seriously, Bragg is a total flog.
They had the opportunity to do something for the nearly decade-long period they were the government, rather they became expert at rewarding their own and punishing everybody else. How about they fighting against the enquiry into financial institutions, major rent seekers.
why does the media continue to give the COALititon air time. there is no one inspiring in their ranks.
God, listening to the coalition decreases your intelligence. maybe pull them up on some of their lies and spin instead of letting them waffle on.
I wish more reporting was around the shadow far right industry front groups who were funding and delivering 'talking points' to the No campaign and the links they have to the main no players. also how manning companies and big buisnes, whilst public facing Yes, were secretly funding these right-wing lobost groups. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. They got what they paid for and got away without losing face.
Housing issues in this country are a result of policies implemented by the Howard Coalition and the power of the investor class to ensure beneficial policies stay in place.
You would think from listening to Sussan's derisive spiel about the current government, that she has been out of government for quite some time. Courageous of you to consider having a conversation with her, as I don't think her listening skills have improved since the last election, despite what she claims.
listening to this drivel from Susan ley, the incredulous way she claims that Australia and the no campaign aren't rascist, speaks volumes of her own rascim and how she cannot see rascism because she doesn't see what doesn't affect her and tze privileged possition she holds. disgusting
the liberal party, every time they open their mouths, nothing but lies come out. seriously, how about challenging their rhetoric more instead of letting them waffle on with platitudes and half truths. this goes for interviewing the Labor party as well. mid interviewing Herr.
I flew on a commercial flight out of my home town. Only person on board with a mask. 2 days later, Darwin -Adelaide, full flight, me and one other wearing a mask. Scary stuff!
A great conversation. I for one love the clarity of this government's communication.
Good attempt at trying to make this interview about more than just attacking the opposition.
friednberg is really boring.
The health system is in crisis; I live on a DSP and can not access bulk billing primary health care in the town I live in in geraldton, West Australia. I have repeatedly pleaded my case to the dozen or so doctor surgeries in town because I need to access bulk billing to manage my health conditions, but none of them will bulk bill DSP recipients, or people on other centerlink payments, except age pensioners. On the poverty payments we receive, I can not afford the co payments required, which can be anywhere from $50 upwards. I have given up on treatment, and my health is declining rapidly; my only option is to end up in the emergency department of the hospital. This is where the poor people who can't access primary health care end up in crisis in hospitals for illness that could have been treated before it became chronic. debilitating or life threatening. I wish someone would listen and report on this issue as many thousands of us are suffering under systemic neoliberal cuts, all design
Thanks Murph and your wonderful team! Great to "hear" you back!
Thank you for another intelligent and informative episode.
Thanks, Katherine, for your wonderful pods !
Please NEVER talk to that apologist and propaganda merchant Corey again.
Good to hear a politician is working across party lines to achieve a goal which is beneficial to the community.
where can I get the transcripts? is there any?