Are politician perks a 'pisstake'?

Are politician perks a 'pisstake'?

Author: ABC Australia December 11, 2025 Duration: 39:00
The Albanese Government's agenda has been overshadowed by scrutiny on political entitlements and expenses. And while Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells is in the firing line, she's far from the only politician to access the scheme. So, how is the saga going to end — and do the perks pass the 'group chat' test? It comes as the Opposition prepares to unveil its immigration strategy, in a bid to claw back votes from One Nation. Speaking of One Nation, Barnaby Joyce has officially made the switch and will now sit as the One Nation MP for New England. As Fran Kelly and Sarah Ferguson discuss with Phil Coorey, the move also grants the group party status, but does it lend further legitimacy to the brand? Guest: Phil Coorey, Australian Financial Review Political Editor 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: 100

Politics Now
Podcast Episodes
The populist elephant in the room [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Fran and PK let you know about all of the news "adjacent" TV they've been watching — and then get stuck into some brilliant listener queries on this Question Time edition of the Party Room. Does the political centre shif…
Threats, a ceasefire and strained alliances [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
An extreme threat, a ceasefire, and an awkward roller coaster for US allies Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US-Iran two-week ceasefire, but criticised US President Donald Trump's "inappropriate" threats…
Can you deliver reform during a crisis? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his upcoming trip to Singapore, as the government continues to "build resilience" amid global uncertainty. It comes as the US President has again criticised Australia and NAT…
Labor's gambling reforms - tinker or triumph? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
Over 1000-days since the landmark Murphy report was handed down, Anthony Albanese has announced his government's long awaited gambling advertisement reform. The move came on the Thursday before the Easter long weekend, w…
Did Albo's address meet the moment? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare national address overnight, warning Australians about "uncertain times" ahead — but sending the message the government has their back. But after frenzied speculation, did…
Is Albanese the 'man with a plan'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to deliver a rare national address this evening — the first national address since the COVID pandemic. While it's not yet clear what it will detail, PK and Clare discuss how the mov…
Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the fuel excise cut will "make a difference", but the Treasurer is warning the cut could take weeks to flow through. Opposition leader Angus Taylor has welcomed the move, claiming the…
Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months. It comes as National Cabinet also agrees to an energy security plan, with four leve…