The Coalition is 'done'. Are Ley and Littleproud too?

The Coalition is 'done'. Are Ley and Littleproud too?

Author: ABC Australia January 22, 2026 Duration: 28:00
Politics Now
News
In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Opposition leader Sussan Ley forcing his party into an "untenable" position and said they could not sit in Coalition under her leadership.  It comes on the National Day of Mourning for Bondi, which was intended to be a day of unity and healing for the country. So, is this the end of the Coalition for good? And while questions are swirling about Sussan Ley's leadership, there are also questions about David Littleproud's hold on his position. On a week where it looked like the Prime Minister would be in the hot seat, how did the Opposition again become the story? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation on The Party Room. Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-22/optics-diabolical-liberals-nationals-split-chaos-reigns/106256942  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

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubetiktok
Politics Now
Podcast Episodes
Casey Briggs answers your election questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
In a very special Question Time edition of The Party Room, Chief Elections and Data Analyst Casey Briggs joins PK to get stuck into all of your wonderfully nerdy questions. Including, what does the preparation for electi…
Albanese swings big on NDIS reforms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:00
As the leaves on the parliamentary budget tree change colour, Labor has unveiled an enormous NDIS overhaul — promising major savings in the upcoming budget. So, has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally used some of hi…
The political price of NDIS savings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years. Underpinned by four key pillars, the reform looks to rein in spending and "…
The gas tax squeeze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
Whether the government likes it or not, momentum is building around a gas profits tax. What began as a simmering grassroots and political push has accelerated amid the global energy crisis, with pressure mounting on the…
Is Trump taking the shine off One Nation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says reining in NDIS spending will “easily be the most important” source of budget savings as the Albanese Government looks to make the scheme "sustainable". And while the Treasurer confirmed a "wh…
A world full of predators [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
A National Defence Strategy, an oil refinery fire, a regional charm offensive by the PM, a bleak global outlook from the IMF and a new Opposition immigration policy — it's been another big week in politics. So, is the Al…
It's all a bit 'grim' for Jim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers heads to the US for as G20 finance meeting, the IMF has delivered a dire warning about global economic growth and inflation. So, with less than a month to go until budget night, will this still…
Taylor tries to 'out-One Nation' on immigration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:00
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has called for Australia to "discriminate based on values" and suggested some migrants represent a "net drain" to Australia. PK and Tom Crowley discuss how the Coalition's long awaited immi…
Will Albanese's 'petro-diplomacy' work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia hasn't been asked to assist, an…

12345...10»