Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election

Why Pauline is the 'main character' in the SA election

Author: ABC Australia March 19, 2026 Duration: 41:00
All eyes are on the South Australian election this week, which promises to be the first real test of One Nation's skyrocketing support in recent polls. And as ABC Chief Elections Analyst Casey Briggs tells Fran and PK,  Queensland based Pauline Hanson really has become the "main character" in the state's election. So, could this election be an "extinction level event" for the SA Liberals? And could the minor party also take some shine off the Labor Malinauskus Government? Meanwhile, National Cabinet has met with the Prime Minister announcing a national fuel supply taskforce coordinator. It comes as the RBA hikes rates and the fallout from the war in the Middle East continues to hit home. Got a burning question? 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
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