Claim OwnershipPolitics with Michelle Grattan
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The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
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The energy expert says Australia's only on track to cut its emissions by around 50% by 2035 – 'so we're going to have to step up the pace' in the next decade.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
A former deputy secretary of the immigration department under the Howard government says 'it's time politicians on both sides pulled up their socks'.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
The health minister also says fewer kids are now vaping because of the government's ban, which 'exploded' as a health problem during the COVID years.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Both men say the government has a 'spending problem' and are urging the federal government to think beyond raising taxes – especially for business.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
McManus doesn't expect instant wins on shorter work hours from next week's economic summit, but says it still needs to be on the table – along with AI protections.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
Housing is on the agenda at next week's productivity roundtable, with the Treasurer wanting better regulation and faster approvals to build more homes.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
The former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersThe Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
The influential crossbench MP warns young working people are going backwards financially. She also backs the government's proposed YouTube ban for kids – for now.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
We're joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen who outlines Australia's ongoing energy transition.Mentioned in this episode:The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
The former prime minister warns debate about national security has 'never been dumber' – and AUKUS risks costing Australia far more than anyone wants to admit.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
With the government's big win at the election, how hard will the Greens push on legislation this term. We ask new leader Senator Larissa Waters. Mentioned in this episode:The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
The shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and social services says we need 'unpleasant conversations' to achieve real outcomes – like keeping families together.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersThe Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
Former secretary of the Treasury Ken Henry joins us to talk about his 40+ years experience in working to reform Australia's tax system. Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
From new ways to fast-track cheaper homes and renewable energy to bigger tax reforms, Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells the podcast his door is open for fresh ideas.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
On the podcast this week we're joined by Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell to discuss chaotic state of politics on the Apple Isle.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.
Ahead of Anthony Albanese's likely first meeting with Donald Trump this month, a US politics expert says 'begging' for lower tariffs would be a mistake.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.
We're joined by Liberal Zoe McKenzie who was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. She joins us to talk about the Liberal party future.
From super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parziament returns in July.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.
Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh is charged with lifting Australia's stagnant productivity. He says AI may help us do less drudge work, such as sending endless emails.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.
David Pocock joins us today to talk about the new Senate situation, his aspirations for the next three years and the election generally. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.
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This episode is master class in vacillation from Birmingham.
politically careful answers throughout. he added very.litrle value in my opinion, basically just stared the obvious. to be fair I didn't listen all the way through because I got pretty bored.
So much political BS and evasive answers from Sharma in this interview. None of it challenged by Grattan, as usual. No wonder politicians agree to talking to her, they always score an easy monologue.
So Minister Pitt has revealed that there is a gross shortage of young people going to study in courses like petrochemical engineering. Now, why might that be? I can only compare it to that critical shortage of saddle-makers and blacksmiths that occurred around 1920.
Fascinating episode, but there was a disparity in the volume of the host's voice and the guest's voice.
She's a Diplomat alright. To the point of being a blancmange. Carefully worded non-answers.
"I'm a farmer" said the guest. That's funny, I thought his job was Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister (and before in parliament, was an accountant).
Australia was dependent upon foreign aid before 1788?
Fitzgibbon is one of those politicians of the lowest calibre; only in parliament because his father was.
What was your best achievement as a minister?, asked Grattan. Pyne replied that as Defence Industries Minister, he had created a weapons industry. Kind of says it all doesn't it.