Did Albo's address meet the moment?

Did Albo's address meet the moment?

Author: ABC Australia April 2, 2026 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 it fall flat — or did it meet the moment? It comes amid lots of "pump priming" from the government, as Labor tries to "take the sting" out of petrol prices and keep small businesses afloat. The big price tags come ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth budget in May, which the PM has reiterated will be "ambitious". And as the US-Iran conflict continues to rage, Labor seems to have shifted its language towards de-escalation. Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian 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 Tickets to our live show will be announced SOON! Watch this space!!  

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.
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