A big week of dealmaking

A big week of dealmaking

Author: ABC Australia August 20, 2026 Duration: 42:00
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

Keeping up with the political landscape requires more than just reading headlines; it demands understanding the motivations and maneuvers that shape them. That’s the space occupied by Politics Now, the ABC News production hosted by Patricia Karvelas. This podcast goes beyond the initial news alerts to unpack the significant stories from Australia and across the globe, offering a balanced perspective on the strategies driving the day’s events. Each week from Monday to Wednesday, Karvelas is joined by a rotating panel of the ABC’s own seasoned political journalists, dissecting the latest developments with insight and context. The conversation continues on Thursdays with 'The Party Room,' providing further depth. The aim is to deliver reliable, timely analysis whenever major news breaks, placing trusted coverage directly in your feed. For anyone looking to comprehend the real forces behind the news cycle, this podcast serves as an essential, clarifying resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Politics Now
Podcast Episodes
The politics of parochialism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
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Albo-Trump talks and Farage’s bin face-off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
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…
Is One Nation the 'gayest' party? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
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…
Will the PM ride out 'melon-gate'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
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 1…
Deals, barneys and melons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:02
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 bef…
The podcast the PM regrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
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 r…
A spicy text and an AI stoush [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:00
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, incl…
While the PM's away, the mice will play [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
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 opposit…