Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax

Carrots, sticks and a gas profits tax

Author: ABC Australia March 31, 2026 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 government has "finally" acted under pressure and the Coalition will "continue to lead".  And speaking of leadership, it seems Angus Taylor has tried to assert some authority over his main leadership rival Andrew Hastie, but is the Opposition leader being "outplayed"? As Raf tells PK,we're in a new political paradigm, the political battleground isn't left versus right anymore, but is bottom versus top — "If you're in the top bottom fight on behalf of the voter, you're at least in the conversation. If you're still fighting the left right thing, I think our politicians fear that they're being left behind". And Labor has backed a Greens motion for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the tax settings for Australia's oil and gas resources, it comes amid a groundswell of support for a gas profits tax from One Nation through to the Greens. So, will we see a gas tax in the upcoming budget? Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein 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 Listen to Raf's IV with the PM here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/-good-pm-s-one-word-response-to-dezi-freeman-s-death/106515564 Listen to ABC Business Daily here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-business-daily/who-pays-for-petrol/106512650

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
Why the housing crisis is such a 'wicked problem' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns. But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And w…
Will Anika Wells keep her job? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
AUKUS is going "full steam ahead" — that's the message from the Trump administration. But is it all smooth sailing ahead for the security partnership? Meanwhile, Communications Minister Anika Wells is facing choppy water…
Barnaby makes One Nation flirtation official [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:36
After months of speculation, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. So, will the New England MP be able to further bolster support for the minor party in the regions? And does a taxp…
Will Labor muscle-up on gambling reforms? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
The Albanese Government is spruiking its social media ban and urging social media companies to comply as the deadline looms. And while Opposition leader Sussan Ley is now raising doubts over the policy — is the Prime Min…
Social media ban looms. Are we ready? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:00
Communications Minister Anika Wells has used a National Press club address to talk-up the impending social media ban, and put platforms on notice. But the Minister was less forthcoming when asked about next steps on an o…
Is the 'jobs for mates' era over? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
The scathing and long-awaited 'jobs for mates' report has been handed down. It's found government appointments too often look like 'forms of patronage and nepotism' and warned the system had eroded public trust. So, will…
Albanese and the low-key 'royal wedding' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has capped off the political year by tying the knot with his partner Jodie Haydon at the Lodge. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber have some big thoughts about the strategic timing of the…
Economic Report Card | Insiders On Background [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
Labor is feeling pretty good about life heading into the summer. But not everything is going swimmingly. Inflation edged higher during the week, and some economists are warning the next move in interest rates will be up.

«1...678910