PlatPhorm Podcasts
The ABC's politics podcast, Politics Now, dives into the biggest political stories in Australia and around the world, giving you a balanced look inside the strategies and decisions behind the headlines. Whenever major news breaks, we'll be in your feed with coverage you can trust. From Monday to Wednesday, Patricia Karvelas will chat to a rotating cast of the ABC's biggest political journalists about the latest news. On Thursdays, 'The Party Room' with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly will discuss the week's developments in depth with another journalist, and answer your questions. On Saturdays, David Speers gets into the details of a major trend or issue with the help of an expert on 'Insiders On Background'.
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8/28/2026
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Politics Now
As rates sexual violence amongst teens continues to rise, author and founder of Teach Us Consent, Chanel Contos says part of the problem is the social media algorithms. She's calling on the government to step in and legislate to "fix our feeds".
View original8/27/2026
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Politics Now
National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead? Fran, PK and Ash Raper certainly think so. As Ash tells PK and Fran, it was a bit like a big family gathering you brace for but that ends up being highly uneventful. Queensland and the Northern Territory secured carve outs on the energy used for AI data centre development, but has Anthony Albanese set them a bit of a challenge when it comes to lowering energy costs? And while the WA GST deal has been up in lights this week, a state by-election in the once safe Labor electorate of Secret Harbour is being watched closely in Canberra, as One Nation looks like they could win. Meanwhile, One Nation has been in clean-up mode, clarifying their immigration policy after Farrer MP David Farley's Insiders interview. But does the mop-up harm them, or are voters more focused on the "vibe"? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Ashleigh Raper, Network 10 Political Editor on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/26/2026
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Politics Now
It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation? Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here? And PK and David couldn't help but remember the incomparable Dolly Parton. They both marvel at her ability to bridge political divides and remain a political enigma. And David reminds us of Anthony Albanese's interaction with the country music star — and spoiler it includes an oversized tour bus. Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/25/2026
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Politics Now
Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia. WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed WA" while the local paper has dubbed Anthony Albanese "WA's Daddy". But the move has been received far less warmly across other states and territories, and it's not the only issue where tensions are likely to flare at National Cabinet tomorrow. There's a stoush brewing over national AI data centre energy rules, with Queensland and the Northern Territory Governments pushing back on measures requiring the use of renewable energy for new developments. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/24/2026
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Politics Now
One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was quick out of the blocks, stating the party's target was "less than half Labor's current level", while Deputy leader Barnaby Joyce claimed the minor party's immigration policy has been consistent all along. And as the Victorian election gets closer, Labor and the Coalition are unveiling core promises. So, will Victorian Labor's free dental push have federal implications? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's analysis here — The AI sleeper issue that could sway Australian elections 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
View original8/21/2026
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Politics Now
Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade.
View original8/21/2026
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Politics Now
It's time for our Question Time! But first, Fran checks in on where PK is up to on the West Wing and gives a TV show recommendation of her own. Then they get stuck into your brilliant questions, including: Will AI deepfakes be a big risk at the next election? It comes as Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC this week confirmed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the figure most frequently used in deepfake scams and as Independent Zali Stegall proposed a bill to require AI-generated content that could mislead voters to be clearly identified. And should Prime Ministers and Federal Ministers 'retire' to local politics? And have they ever done so? Fran and PK have big thoughts. Also, has the link between immigration and housing been overstated in the current political climate? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly answer your clever questions on The Party Room: Question Time Edition.Listen to our 'premium' Thursday ep here 🎧: A big week of dealmaking Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/20/2026
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Politics Now
It's been a very successful legislative week for the Albanese Government, with Labor and the Coalition teaming up to pass a suite of bills. But it seems the big battles are only just beginning, with the implementation of the changes presenting a key challenge for Labor. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has hauled the Israeli Ambassador in for a meeting to express Australia's disappointment after Israel cleared the soldiers who were involved in a strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in April 2024. Penny Wong has declared a "difficult time" in the relationship between Australia and Israel, saying there are "unanswered questions" about the strikes. And there's a super scare campaign brewing in the Labor party, after One Nation suggested access to superannuation be lightened up. So, is Treasurer Jim Chalmers onto a winner here? Tobacco tax is also back in the spotlight, with One Nation suggesting the tobacco excise is cut by 75 per cent to curb a rampant black market. NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns is also onboard will reducing the price of legal tobacco, so is he "100 per cent wrong" as frontbencher Tanya Plibersek suggested? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor at 9News on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/19/2026
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Politics Now
It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills. David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just a party that says "no" and can compromise in the national interest. Meanwhile, for Anthony Albanese the successful passage of key legislation shows his "mastering of the parliamentary arts" and ability to maximise Labor's pathways through parliament. But PK thinks the big fight on the NDIS is still to come, as Health Minister Mark Butler reads the riot act to the states and tells them their "honour" is at stake if they don't implement Thriving Kids as planned. And the debate on a tobacco tax has reached its smoke point, after One Nation called for the excise to be slashed by 75 per cent. Labor has so far stared down calls to reduce the excise, as the tobacco black market grows exponentially — but will something have to shift here? Also, PK asks why there's been SO MUCH Lycra around Parliament today. 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
View original8/18/2026
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Politics Now
Labor will pass its gambling bill with Coalition support, after the amended legislation was signed off by both party rooms. And while some Opposition members have crossed the floor on the bill, suggesting the tweaks didn't go far enough — PK and Claudia don't think this issue will continue to linger for Labor. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Angus Taylor has issued the Albanese Government with an ultimatum: fast track a fix to the so-called 'widow's tax' or the Coalition won't back the NDIS overhaul. PK thinks the move is all about the Opposition leader "trying to make himself more relevant" as a political player. And the Albanese government has agreed to his demands, so does this effectively put Angus Taylor back in the frame? Patricia Karvelas and Claudia Long 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
View original8/17/2026
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Politics Now
A familiar fight has re-emerged on WA's GST deal, after the Productivity Commission labelled the arrangement a "costly mistake" in its interim report. But is this an issue the Albanese Government has any appetite for? Or do the political stakes have to be higher? And speaking of old stoushes, the super wars appear to be back on the agenda, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers declaring the next federal election will be a "referendum" on superannuation. It follows One Nation leader Pauline Hanson calling for rules to be "lightened up" to allow people to dip into their retirement savings to help with the cost of living. So, is Labor gearing up for a super scare campaign? Meanwhile, parliament has returned for another sitting week, with Labor "confident" they'll strike a deal with the Coalition on the NDIS. Also, it's poll Monday! And PK is seriously considering a listener suggestion to rebrand Monday episodes to "Poll-a-tics Now." Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's analysis here - Is One Nation chasing the pink vote? Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/14/2026
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Politics Now
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor are poised to reach a deal on NDIS reforms, with the bill set to pass parliament early next week.
View original8/14/2026
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Politics Now
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a "productive, constructive, lengthy and substantial" phone call with US President Donald Trump. Tariffs, AUKUS , AI and "a few personal issues" were all on the agenda in the wide-ranging conversation. And PK and Clare have big thoughts about bins, well one bin in particular. Nigel Farage has already declared victory over Count Binface in the UK Clacton by-election, but PK and Clare think the whole saga tells an important story about our times. Meanwhile, Clare declares the so-called melon-saga "done" and PK tells us just how much fruit she eats (alot). Also, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan quits politics and Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns that populism poses risks for national security. Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/13/2026
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Politics Now
Parliament returned this week but while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor edged closer to key deals on legislation behind the scenes, other stories stole the spotlight. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg delivered a "loosey-goosey" and far-ranging speech ostensibly focused on housing reform. But the Senator's signature blunt style may have seen him step on some of his colleagues' toes along the way. Meanwhile, the PM was dogged by the so called "melon-gate" saga and calls for him to issue an apology to the Japanese Prime Minister — calls he appears to be staring down. And One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce made a bold call, telling PK that One Nation is the "gayest" party in Australian politics. Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Katina Curtis, Senior Political Correspondent with Capital Brief on The Party Room. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/12/2026
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Politics Now
Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan to slash Net Overseas Migration to just 180,000 people per year on average and dramatically reduce red tape. Meanwhile, the so-called 'melon-gate' saga continues to linger for the PM, with the Opposition referring an apparent leak of correspondence between Japan and Australia to the Australian Federal Police. But as David says, under the surface things are looking a little friendlier, with Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor set to hold another round of talks on key legislation. And PK has a breaking yarn about a One Nation WA candidate who has described gay people as having a mental illness , with his profile swiftly scrubbed from the One Nation website. Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/11/2026
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Politics Now
A deal on Labor's gambling bill is getting closer, as Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor hold talks to thrash out a deal. But it seems there are still internal divisions in both Labor and the Coalition to work through before negotiations can be finalised. Meanwhile, Japan has dismissed the PM's podcast melon gaffe as "sensationalised" in a formal letter, but domestic politicians have been less forgiving. So, does Anthony Albanese have to "suck it up" and apologise? And South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced a Royal Commission into AI. So, how will it work — and what are the federal implications? Also, it's Census Day — so whether you're a "filler-inner" like Raf, or an enthusiastic observer like PK, it's a very important day that has big political and policy implications for the future. Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/10/2026
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Politics Now
Parliament is back this week, with politicians descending on the nation's capital for a stacked sitting fortnight. After playing hardball, the Albanese Government is signalling some openness to negotiations on gambling reforms, particularly around inducements. But gambling ad reform isn't the only issue Labor is hoping to tie-up over the next two weeks, as they look to "clean off the barnacles." And Anthony Albanese's appearance on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne is continuing to haunt him, but this time for a different reason. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Read PK's analysis here — Anthony Albanese is a dominant force in cabinet and that comes with risks Listen to our Question Time edition here — A spicy text and an AI stoush Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/7/2026
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Politics Now
Former Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble explains how the global AI race could reshape our national security.
View original8/7/2026
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Politics Now
It's Question Time! But before they get stuck into your brilliant questions, PK and Mel dig into some political developments. A scandalous text sent by the ACT Opposition leader has raised a whole host of questions, including whether or not politicians are allowed to find their jobs boring. And the brewing fight between the Albanese Government and its NT and QLD counterparts over AI data centres. Then it's time for your questions, including are Labor failing to sell their policies? Will Anthony Albanese shake-up his frontbench before the next election? And how do journalists maintain neutrality? Patricia Karvelas and Melissa Clarke are answer your clever queries on The Party Room: Question Time edition. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
View original8/6/2026
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Politics Now
The Prime Minister and Opposition leader have been on leave this week, but their absence hasn't led to a quieter news cycle. A two-day parliamentary inquiry into gambling dominated the agenda, hardening political opposition to Labor's gambling bill and mounting pressure on Anthony Albanese to go further — so will he? Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's last minute press club cancellation became a story in and of itself. The Minister was set to unveil sweeping immigration changes, which are reportedly hitting internal roadblocks. It comes as Pauline Hanson once again banned the ABC, The Guardian and the Age from a One Nation event. It's far from the first time, so how should the media respond — and is this just about dominating the attention economy once again? And in developing news, prominent Labor figure and maverick backbencher Ed Husic has announced he'll take leave, after a car accident. Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at the Guardian on The Party Room.
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