Albanese's art of the deal

Albanese's art of the deal

Author: ABC Australia August 19, 2026 Duration: 30:00
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

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

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