Politics Now

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

With the final parliamentary sitting of the year fast approaching, the Federal Government is eager to pass its environmental law reforms. There's two options: strike a deal with the Coalition or the Greens. So, who will the government choose?

Breaking news on Australia’s COP bid — Adelaide won’t host COP31. Instead, a deal is being finalised with Türkiye that would see Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen take the presidency while Türkiye hosts the summit. It’s a major shift in a bid the government once sold as a big diplomatic win — so what happened?Meanwhile, it’s that time of year again — what they call the 'killing season' in politics. There’s no move yet against Sussan Ley, but with net zero tensions still simmering inside the Liberal Party and state Liberals having their own issues, questions about leadership and direction are once again in play.The Coalition is also shifting its focus to immigration — traditionally tricky terrain for Labor — and we unpack what is on the agenda when Parliament is back next week.In the "ultimate handover episode" Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Mel Clarke on The Party Room to unpack it all.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

Are we on the cusp of a science brain drain in Australia?Major job cuts are coming to the CSIRO — adding to the hundreds of positions already lost over the past 18 months. The Science Minister Tim Ayres insists the government “believes in science”... but do these cuts tell a different story?And Australia is still jostling with Türkiye for the rights to host the next UN climate conference — but now independents are questioning how serious the government really is about securing the bid.Patricia Karvelas and David Speers 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

Is there anywhere safe in Australia right now to be a major party leader?It’s starting to feel like decapitation season. The latest head to roll? Victoria’s Liberal leader, just one year out from a state election.With leadership changes sweeping across the country, there’s plenty driving the disruption - and no sign that politics is slowing down as the year wraps up.Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

The race for leadership - and perhaps the very soul of the Liberal Party - is on.Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spent last week negotiating with critics both inside and outside the party in a bid to hold onto her position. But after conceding ground, the conservative faction now smells blood in the water.Is it all over for Sussan Ley?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

It’s been a very long road – but Australia’s first treaty with Aboriginal people in Victoria has now been signed and formalised as law.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has been on a media blitz, defending her party's position of ditching net zero targets. So, how effective has her sales job been?Will her message about affordability before emissions reduction cut through to 'middle Australia'? And is this debate about policy or just about power?Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke get stuck into all of your curly questions on this The Party Room bonus episode.FILL OUT OUR SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has announced the Liberal party will ditch net zero and repeal Labor's 2030 emissions reduction target - all in a bid for the Opposition to "put affordable energy first".Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan says the policy is about affordability, growing our economy and doing our 'fair share' — and while there are no targets reaching net zero would be "welcome". But does the policy behind the politics stack up? And is this an "overwhelming victory" for Liberal conservatives - and for the Nationals?Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation joins Patricia Karvelas and Mel Clarke on The Party Room to unpack it all.Fill out our survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

After months of division and public front-running — and even some added excitement of diverted planes — it's D-Day for the Liberals to decide the party's future direction on net zero.So, what direction is the party moving in — and can Sussan Ley keep them united?Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.FILL OUT OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

With an impartial and beloved electoral body, preferential and compulsory voting — and of course election day sausage sizzles — Australia's democratic system is the envy of much of the world. Today, Annabel Crabb joins PK to explore what exactly makes our democratic processes so unique (and the democracy sausage is just one part).And it's the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam dismissal, all these years later how does the moment continue to shape politics and the way politicians — like the Prime Minister and Opposition leader — operate?Patricia Karvelas and Annabel Crabb break it all down on Politics Now.Watch Civic Duty here - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/annabel-crabb-s-civic-dutyGot a burning question?Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

After months of division, the Liberal party room is finally set to meet and thrash out their future direction on net zero this week. But it's also shaping up as a challenge for Sussan Ley and her hold on leadership.So, does Sussan Ley look like she's been lacking political conviction on the issue, and is that what voters look for in a leader?And Sussan Ley isn't the only Liberal leader in trouble, with Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley stepping down, and murmurs NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakerman is under threat. So as the Liberal brand comes under strain, who is holding the government to account?Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.FILL OUT OUR SURVEY HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/rGwzw6Xu32TICKETS TO THE 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 Mel for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au