Politics Now

He’s often described as a Liberal moderate - but that’s a label this MP is uncomfortable with.The member for Goldstein Tim Wilson spent a term in the political wilderness after losing his seat to an independent, narrowly winning it back at the 2025 election.In returning to Canberra, he’s been eager to bring the Liberal party back to its economic roots, and has been openly ambitious about his future in the party. So how does Tim Wilson see the future of the party, and his role in it?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 Tim Wilson to discuss the solace found in art, his relationship to sexuality, identity, and free speech, and if he's working towards being PM.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

Australia is often celebrated for its multiculturalism, and lauded as an immigration success story.But in politics, debates over immigration are complex, and long established through multiple political cycles.And while the Coalition has delayed unveiling its immigration policy in the wake of the tragic Bondi attack, conversations around immigration have permeated through some of the commentary.So, what do the numbers actually show?Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on a special edition of Politics Now.Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.Find the companion housing episode here:  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/why-the-housing-crisis-is-such-a-wicked-problem/106123762Got 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

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has acknowledged he could have done more to combat antisemitism, and is "fully supporting and adopting" antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal's plan. Patricia Karvelas, Fran Kelly and Karen Middleton were mid-way through recording The Party Room when the news came through, but we hit pause bring you the latest on the announcement and its implications. And as the horror of the Bondi terrorist attack continues to reverberate across the world, there's no doubt it's changed Australia, so has it also changed the political year ahead?Guest: Karen Middleton, Political Journalist and Contributor to the Monthly 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

Three days after the horrific attack on Jewish people at Bondi Beach, political lines are being drawn.The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning reiterated his horror at the attack, with both federal and state governments moving to speed up gun reform.But the Coalition has focused in on those in the Australian Jewish community who feel the government didn’t hear their warnings about safety - and have flagged migration as a key issue that needs change following the attack.Patricia Karvelas and Isobel Roe break it all down on Politics Now.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Got 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 fallout from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack is continuing to ricochet across Australia and around the globe. Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have reaffirmed their commitments to bring in stronger gun laws, but the architect of Australia’s gun laws, John Howard, has warned he doesn’t want gun control to become a diversion from combating antisemitism.Patricia Karvelas and Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor break it all down on Politics Now.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Got 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 the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, the Prime Minister has vowed to "dedicate every single resource required" to the response. Anthony Albanese has labelled the terrorist attack an act of "pure evil antisemitism" and promised that Australians will eradicate the "scourge" together.As National Cabinet gets set for an emergency meeting this afternoon, the Prime Minister says he's putting gun reform on the agenda, with a proposal to be considered that would include putting limits on the number of guns that can be used or licenced by individuals and a review of licences over a period of time.And while investigations continue, Opposition leader Sussan Ley says anti-Semitism has been left to "fester" in Australia, and has urged the Government to implement the recommendations from the antisemitism envoy in full.If you or anyone needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14Jacob Greber 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

The Albanese Government's agenda has been overshadowed by scrutiny on political entitlements and expenses. And while Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells is in the firing line, she's far from the only politician to access the scheme. So, how is the saga going to end — and do the perks pass the 'group chat' test?It comes as the Opposition prepares to unveil its immigration strategy, in a bid to claw back votes from One Nation. Speaking of One Nation, Barnaby Joyce has officially made the switch and will now sit as the One Nation MP for New England. As Fran Kelly and Sarah Ferguson discuss with Phil Coorey, the move also grants the group party status, but does it lend further legitimacy to the brand?Guest: Phil Coorey, Australian Financial Review 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

Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And while Labor’s 5 per cent first homebuyer deposit scheme has had major uptake, experts are warning it could drive up prices at the entry level end of the market.So, what policies and levers can federal and state governments pull to increase supply? Could gentle density rather than urban sprawl and skyscrapers be the answer? And is the Albanese Government’s target of 1.2 million homes by 2030 achievable?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

AUKUS is going "full steam ahead" — that's the message from the Trump administration. But is it all smooth sailing ahead for the security partnership?Meanwhile, Communications Minister Anika Wells is facing choppy waters, as further developments in the entitlement saga continue to emerge. So, can she survive the political turbulence? And could this lead to an overhaul of politicians' entitlements?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

After months of speculation, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. So, will the New England MP be able to further bolster support for the minor party in the regions?And does a taxpayer funded family trip to the snow pass the pub test? That’s the question dogging Communication Minister Anika Wells this week.Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-08/anika-wells-travel-expenses-scandal-albanese-labor/106112088 Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-06/budget-pressures-anika-wells-peter-costello-porridge-senate/106088014Got 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

A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework. 

The Albanese Government is spruiking its social media ban and urging social media companies to comply as the deadline looms. And while Opposition leader Sussan Ley is now raising doubts over the policy — is the Prime Minister on a political winner with the policy?Meanwhile, two and half years after the bi-partisan Murphy review recommended a total ban on online gambling advertising, pressure is mounting on the Government to act. So, what's stopping them?And the so-called 'jobs for mates' report has finally been handed down, and its findings were scathing. But will it change a culture that's entrenched for governments of both stripes?Guest: Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent 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.auGot 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

Communications Minister Anika Wells has used a National Press club address to talk-up the impending social media ban, and put platforms on notice.But the Minister was less forthcoming when asked about next steps on an online gambling ad ban, which was recommended by the Murphy review two-and-a-half years ago. So, will the Labor rank and file muscle-up on this issue and force the prime minister to act?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 scathing and long-awaited 'jobs for mates' report has been handed down. It's found government appointments too often look like 'forms of patronage and nepotism' and warned the system had eroded public trust. So, will anything change?It comes as a landmark inquiry into sexual violence in the defence force is unveiled and as the Albanese Government announces the biggest overhaul to defence in decades.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.auGot 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

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has capped off the political year by tying the knot with his partner Jodie Haydon at the Lodge. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber have some big thoughts about the strategic timing of the event (and Toto's tutu).But things aren't looking quite so bright in the future, so what big political challenges is Labor facing in the year ahead?And you can hear PK, Jacob and Fran Kelly chat about the political year that was — and what's next — live at the Canberra Theatre TOMORROW! Tickets are going fast, so grab them now: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/Read PK's piece here:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-01/albanese-wedding-labor-zenith/106083908Got 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

Labor is feeling pretty good about life heading into the summer.But not everything is going swimmingly. Inflation edged higher during the week, and some economists are warning the next move in interest rates will be up. 

A Labor-Greens deal on the EPBC has been announced, after lengthy negotiations. It comes after Environment Minister Murray Watt said he was open to a deal with the Coalition or the Greens to pass the legislation. So why did the Opposition rule themselves out? And is this a sign of a more pragmatic approach from the Greens under leader Larissa Waters?And New England MP Barnaby Joyce is expected to announce he's defecting. So, was it Pauline Hanson's sandwich press steak that won him over? And the One Nation leader was also in the headlines for her burka stunt in the Senate, the move was roundly condemned, and she was censured and suspended from the Senate. But as One Nation surges in the polls, will the move prove too radical for swinging voters and shift them back to the centre?Guest: Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia EditorTICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/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 Australian election study has found Coalition has lost its perceived advantage on economic management, with Labor taking the crown. It comes as the Treasurer defends public service "re-prioritisations" and fresh inflation figure he's admitted are "higher than he would like".Meanwhile, the Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien has used his Press Club speech to issue a pitch to young voters — warning that "Australia's intergenerational compact is disintegrating". But will it cut through?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

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has made Barnaby Joyce dinner in her parliamentary office — using the humble sandwich press to grill some steaks.It comes as the New England MP says he'll confirm his future direction by the end of the week and as Pauline Hanson is censured and faces a seven day suspension from the Senate.Meanwhile, internal tensions over banning gambling advertising are heating up, with one Labor MP warning that if there was a conscience vote the legislation would pass.Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/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

As parliament springs back to life for the final sitting week of the year, the Albanese Government is looking to pass a key flank of its legislative agenda - the EPBC act. But with sticking points for both the Greens and the Coalition, where will the legislation ultimately land?And as talk of killing season shows no sign of abating, the latest Newspoll paints a dire picture for the Coalition - who remain at a historic low primary of 24 per cent. And while Sussan Ley crept up slightly as preferred Coalition leader, has the energy policy mess been for "net zero" gain?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