The Party Room

As governments grapple with social cohesion, what impact is polarisation and partisanship having on on the community — and what qualities do voters actually want to see in political leaders?Mike Baird, Former Premier of NSW and CEO of the Susan McKinnon Foundation joins Patricia Karvelas 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

As the Albanese Government tries to ram its jam-packed agenda through parliament, speculation is mounting it could be the final sitting fortnight not just of the year — but before the election.It comes as Peter Dutton is squaring up for a fight on migration, refusing to support Labor's proposed international student caps, which he's labelled "a dogs breakfast". Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent joins Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley 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

A week on from Donald Trump's US election victory, remnants of his strategy seem to be trickling into the Opposition Leader's campaign.It comes as questions mount about Kevin Rudd's ambassadorship after a senior Trump aide made headlines with a GIF.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US election.  But where did Kamala Harris' campaign go wrong - and what what will Trump's return to the White House mean for Australia?And under the shadow of the US election, the Prime Minister seemingly soft launched Labor's election campaign. Pledging to wipe 20 per cent off the student debt of 3 million. But will the policy win back young voters?Nick Bryant, former US correspondent for the BBC and author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict With Itself joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a question on the US election? Or its implication for Australia? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

While there's a long way to go, early US election results show Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump appears to have the lead over Democrat Presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the Electoral College count.Trump has won the battleground swing state of North Carolina, while other swing states are leaning Republican. So, what emerging trends are we seeing - did the "bros" get off the couch and vote? And what role has the economy played in swaying votes?David Lipson, ABC Political Editor and former US correspondent joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a question on the US election? Or its implication for Australia? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

The US election race is still too close to call, but a shock new poll suggests Democrat candidate Kamala Harris will win Iowa - which was previously considered a safe Republican seat.And as women outpace men in early voting, the Democrats are hoping the voting gender gap could see Kamala Harris get over the line. But will the "bro vote" that Republican candidate Donald Trump has been cultivating come out in force on polling day?Nick Bryant, former US correspondent for the BBC and author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict With Itself joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a question on the US election? Or its implication for Australia? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Amid mounting pressure from the Opposition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out directly requesting upgrades for personal flights from then Qantas boss Alan Joyce - or anyone at the airline.But despite the statement, which came a full six days after the allegations, the Prime Minister is still set to face significant scrutiny when Parliament returns.David Crowe, Chief Political Correspondent for the SMH and the Age joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Labor has been swept from power in Queensland, where the LNP's David Crisafulli will become the state's 41st Premier.And while state issues featured strongly in the campaign, the outcome has big federal ramifications for Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton, and Adam Bandt. Madura McCormack joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

After making global headlines for interrupting a reception for King Charles, Independent First Nations Senator Lidia Thorpe has claimed she didn't breach her parliamentary oath of office, because when she was sworn in to the Senate she pledged her allegiance to the Queen’s hairs, rather than heirs.The Opposition is seeking legal advice to determine whether the Senator should be ousted parliament. But publicly there has mixed reaction to the protest itself.Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and Professorial fellow at Canberra University joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

As housing shapes up as a key election issue, the response to the PM purchasing a $4.3 million Central Coast beach house has been split - with the Opposition labelling it "tone deaf" and others declaring it a personal matter.And this week marked one year since the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. But are we any closer to bipartisanship between the major parties on Indigenous affairs?Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief of the the West Australian joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton refused to support the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's motion commemorating the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 - which killed 1200 Israelis.Peter Dutton took issue with the motion also recognising the suffering from the ensuing war in Gaza -which has killed approximately 42,000 - and the recent bombardment of Southern Lebanon, accusing the prime minister of "speaking from both sides of his mouth."And while there's long been political division on the matter, did this represent a complete rupture in bipartisanship on the issue?Clare Armstrong, National Political Editor for Newscorp joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

As the conflict in the Middle East dramatically escalates, the Albanese Government is trying to manage social cohesion concerns at home. While both sides of politics have condemned some protesters carrying Hezbollah flags over the weekend, Peter Dutton has ramped up the rhetoric.The Opposition leader has suggested current laws don't go far enough and is demanding tougher action to stop pro-Palestinian protests planned in the lead up to the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.Karen Middleton, Guardian Australia's political editor joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Speculation over the Albanese Government's position on negative gearing has dominated the political week, after the Nine papers reported the Government had requested expert advice and modelling on possible reforms.The Prime Minister and Treasurer were quick to play down the reports - but is Labor leaving the door open to a policy on negative gearing reform at the next election? And as the Opposition starts labelling negative gearing reform a "housing tax" - are we already seeing the beginnings of a scare campaign?James Massola, National Affairs Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age joins Fran Kelly and David Lipson on The Party Room.More InformationGot 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 struggled to pass legislation this week, with It's 'Help-to-Buy' housing bill delayed by the Greens with the support of the Coalition. The Greens say the bill - which would see the Government co-purchase houses with 40,000 first home buyers - would push up house prices, and are demanding negative gearing be phased out for their support. But Labor is refusing to budge - so, what are the risks for both parties?Paul Karp, Chief Political Correspondent at the Guardian joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot 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 announced it will introduce age restrictions on social media access. It comes as the Government introduces misinformation legislation to parliament - threatening big penalties for tech giants who break the law. But while the Government is cutting through with its big tech crackdown, negotiations with the Opposition and Crossbench on the aged care overhaul, RBA reforms and the Environmental Protection Authority are proving challenging.Charles Croucher, Nine Chief Political Editor joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Australia's latest GDP figures show the economy is virtually at a standstill, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers declared Government spending was one of the only things keeping Australia out of recession. So, is he the hero, or the villain when it comes to the fight against inflation and bringing interest rates down?And the ASIO boss tried to clear up confusion about the vetting process for people fleeing Gaza for Australia, claiming people had chosen to "distort" his words.Sarah Ferguson, ABC 0730 Host joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has labelled Opposition leader the "most divisive leader" in modern history - suggesting this should be "disqualifying" for a leader.  But Peter Dutton has hit back, slamming the Treasurer for being too focused on personality rather than policy.It comes as Greens MP Max Chandler Mather controversially fronted a CFMEU protest in Brisbane, suggesting the Government had introduced "the most draconian and anti-worker" legislation against the embattled union. Will the move win the Greens votes, or risk alienating some of their base?Jacob Greber, ABC Chief Digital Political Correspondent joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot 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 a suite of measures this week - and gained 'in principle' support on others. But despite this, the Opposition's criticism of the Government's visa policy for Palestinians fleeing Gaza has again dominated the agenda.And as a new Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission is introduced, the Teals have called out the "misogyny" and "toxicity" of parliament, urging the Prime Minister and Opposition leader to rein in the misbehaviour.Melissa Clarke, ABC National Affairs Editor joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has called for a complete ban on visas for Palestinians fleeing Gaza, citing national security concerns. The Prime Minister has criticised the move, claiming the Opposition leader is "always looking to divide."And Labor is under pressure over its looming gambling advertising reforms, with the crossbench and even some Labor backbenchers pushing for a blanket ban. Independent Senator David Pocock says a partial ban is "a betrayal" of Australians.David Crowe, Chief Political Correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has accused the Prime Minister of "talking from both sides of his mouth" when it comes to a Makarrata Commission - after Anthony Albanese said the Government wasn't proposing a national truth-telling body.Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy was quick to contradict those comments, stating that the government hadn’t abandoned its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, but it's raised concern for many First Nations people.Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.More InformationGot a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au