Podcasts about australian politics

This week Labor committed additional military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia as part of a Nato-led initiative. The government also announced new sanctions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers, which are a source of revenue for Moscow. Amid these announcements and in the last week of Senate estimates, foreign affairs minister Penny Wong speaks to political editor Tom McIlroy about a tumultuous year in international affairs. The senator reflects on attending the second inauguration of Donald Trump and her continued close engagement with Australia's Pacific neighbours – in an increasingly unpredictable world order

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry are back and there's a lot that's happened since they last sat down together. In this week's episode they examine the Liberals' abandonment of net zero emissions, whether Barnaby Joyce could help or hinder support for One Nation and why the Liberal party needs to start courting young people if it is to survive

In this year-end feature, we look back at major events including the Australian Federal Election, Australia's bid to host COP30, the tariff imposed on Australia by Donald Trump, the Pacific Nations Conference, the introduction of social media bans for children under 16, and many more significant developments.

A Guardian exclusive this week revealed the national disability insurance scheme is set to be dramatically overhauled, with participants' plans now being assessed by a computer and human oversight dramatically reduced. Advocates have called it a ‘nightmare scenario for disabled people'. Bridie Jabour speaks with the editor, Lenore Taylor, the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, and deputy editor Patrick Kennelly about what happens when you take the human out of human services, and if the government has learned any lessons from robodebt

A Guardian Australia exclusive report has revealed details of a planned major overhaul to the national disability insurance scheme. Under the new model, funding and support plans will be generated by a computer, with human involvement dramatically reduced. Senior reporter Kate Lyons speaks to Nour Haydar about what this means for the more than 750,000 Australians relying on the scheme, and why some staff and disability advocates are raising the alarm

Larissa Waters has been at the helm of the Greens since the federal election saw former leader Adam Bandt unexpectedly lose his seat. Last week, her party secured a deal with Labor to pass new environment laws – a deal her predecessor didn't deliver. The senator talks to Reged Ahmad about what it was like taking over after the dramatic election loss earlier this year and why she compromised to get the reforms over the line.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has ended the parliamentary year on a high, passing the long-promised nature laws and celebrating a wedding. But inflation is moving in the wrong direction, far-right populist sentiment is on the rise, and gambling and housing reform are continuing to fester. Does Labor have a plan to confront these big social and economic challenges? Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy join Nour Haydar to discuss what lies ahead for Labor as the sun sets on the 2025 parliamentary year

Ever since she was elected opposition leader, Sussan Ley has faced strong criticism from within her party and across the parliament. Some commentators even predicted she'd be out of the job already. But she has made it to the last sitting week of parliament for the year. On the other side of the aisle, the Albanese government managed to meet their own deadline to legislate changes to outdated nature laws – by settling on a deal with the Greens. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Ley about her disappointment over the long-awaited reforms, Barnaby Joyce resigning from the Nationals and why she thinks ‘it's never been about me'

Ever since she was elected opposition leader, Sussan Ley has faced strong criticisms from within her party and across the parliament. Some commentators even predicted she'd be out of the job already. But she has made it to the last sitting week of parliament for the year. On the other side of the aisle, the Albanese government managed to meet their own deadline to legislate changes to outdated nature laws – by settling on a deal with the Greens. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Ley about her disappointment about the long awaited reforms, Barnaby Joyce resigning from the Nationals and why she thinks ‘it's never been about me'

This week, senator Pauline Hanson donned a burqa in parliament and refused to remove it, attracting significant attention. Bridie Jabour talks to the editor, Lenore Taylor, the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, and the national news editor, Josephine Tovey, about political stunts and how the media should cover them.

It’s a huge move for the longtime Nat, who says the party simply doesn’t allow him to properly represent his constituents in the NSW seat of New England any more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just over half of voters say that climate change is happening and is caused by human activity, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. The same number of voters had the same response more than 15 years ago, so Essential Media's executive director, Peter Lewis, and political reporter Josh Butler unpack the difference between the science and politics of climate action in Australia. They also explore why self-aware AI – rather than the climate crisis – ranked as our greatest existential threat, and how the overwhelming support for gambling reform exposes the gap between Albanese's current commitments and the public mood for change

Political journalist and author Sean Kelly joins Democracy Sausage to discuss his Quarterly Essay examining the Albanese government and asks what today's Labor actually stands for.Why has Labor become a graveyard of lost futures, discarding reform policies after political failures? Can Anthony Albanese's vision of 'kindness' translate into material policy? And has Labor's 94-member caucus become toxically obedient, failing to provide the internal opposition necessary for good government?Sean Kelly is a political journalist, author and former adviser to prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. His Quarterly Essay The Good Fight: What Does Labor Stand For? is the landmark 100th essay in the series, published by Black Inc.Dr Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and columnist Sean Kelly says despite Labor's overwhelming majority and an opposition largely consumed by its own infighting, there are signs that Anthony Albanese's government will waste the opportunity handed to them by the Australian people. Kelly talks to Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy about his new Quarterly essay, which examines the Labor party's move away from idealism towards pragmatism. And the former Rudd and Gillard staffer argues that while Albanese's caution has won him two elections, it could also become the prime minister's greatest weakness

Author and columnist Sean Kelly says despite Labor's overwhelming majority and an opposition largely consumed by its own infighting, there are signs that Anthony Albanese's government will waste the opportunity handed to them by the Australian people. Kelly talks to Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy about his new Quarterly essay, which examines the Labor party's move away from idealism towards pragmatism. And the former Rudd and Gillard staffer argues that while Albanese's caution has won him two elections, it could also become the prime minister's greatest weakness

In conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy, deputy leader of the Greens Mehreen Faruqi says a neo-Nazi rally in front of NSW parliament this month caused fear for many Australians – and the federal government is yet to respond to recommendations for a national framework for anti-racism. And with both houses of parliament returning for their last sitting week for the year, Faruqi says a possible decision by Labor to team up with the Coalition – rather than the Greens – to pass nature law reforms next week would lack credibility, especially when the opposition has now decided to ditch a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050

The Coalition has abandoned net zero and announced its new energy policy, promising to strip emissions reductions from the objectives of the electricity market operator and focus on lowering consumer prices. The climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, and Reged Ahmad factcheck the opposition's new energy claims and discuss why dropping net zero is dragging the country backwards in the battle against climate change

Independent ACT Senator David Pocock joins Democracy Sausage to challenge both major parties on climate policy, gambling reform and political transparency.Have gas companies captured both major parties on energy policy? Why won't Labor ban gambling advertising when 80% of Australians support it? And why do universities have governance structures that lack basic accountability mechanisms found in well-run companies?Senator David Pocock is an independent Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2025.Dr Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International relations and geopolitics have become increasingly complex in the last few decades, many countries in the Pacific pulled between China and the United States – the two superpowers at odds with each other. But former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes the relationships with the two are equally important. “The relationship with the US is obviously the bedrock of our security relationship,” he told Mike Hosking. “Whereas the relationship with China is, you know, much more focused on economics and trade, but the two, these two superpowers are absolutely critical partners.” China has been working to grow its influence in the Pacific, the area presenting several strategic opportunities for the nation – but is it a cause for concern? “The reality is that China is a superpower,” Turnbull told Hosking. “It is, you know, an economic peer equal or close to an equal of the United States, and they're seeking to exert influence around the world and in our region.” He says they want to maintain strong relationships with their Pacific Island neighbours, and one way they did that while he was Prime Minister was through the funding of the Coral Cable, which links Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. “We thought that was a better outcome from a security point of view,” “But also, it was a better outcome for them because they weren't in debt.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GOUGH WHITLAM DISMISSAL: WAS IT RIGHT TO SACK GOUGH WHITLAM?WITH DR. CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDSCOMMANDING THE NARRATIVE EPISODE 110 Steven Tripp is joined by Australian Historian, Political Philosopher and Author of ‘What a Capital Idea: Australia 1770-1901', Dr. Christoper Reynolds.Dr. Reynolds is back on the show to discuss the 50th Anniversary of the Gough Whitlam dismissal by then Governor-General Sir John Kerr. Dr. Reynolds details the dismissal and the people and forces involved at the time. Dr. Reynolds then gives a comprehensive background on the roles of Prime Minister and Governor-General, explaining where and how the Governor-General was granted powers over the Government. Dr. Reynolds traces this back to Andrew Inglis Clark and the original style of Government that was intended for Australia and how it has been changed by politicians since. To follow or contact Dr. Christopher Reynolds, visit: https://drchristopherreynolds.comTO BUY ‘What a Capital Idea: Australia 1770-1901', visit: https://reynoldlearning.com/australian-history KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL OUR PODCASTS AND ARTICLES, visit:https://www.commandingthenarrative.com To become a Member of Australians for Better Government, visit: https://www.australiansforbetter.com/joinSHOW YOUR SUPPORT for Commanding the Narrative by donating – your support is much appreciated! https://www.commandingthenarrative.com/donate https://www.buymeacoffee.com/commandingthenarrative CONTACT US BY EMAIL:commandingthenarrative@outlook.com Hosted by:Steven Tripp is one of Australia's most prominent politicians and political commentators, known for his incisive analysis and fearless approach to addressing the Nation's challenges. With a deep understanding of policy and a reputation for sparking meaningful debate, Steven guides conversations with his signature clarity and passion for Australia's future.https://x.com/RealStevenTripp https://www.facebook.com/theRealStevenTripp https://spectator.com.au/author/steven-tripp Follow Commanding the Narrative on: Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CommandingTheNarrative Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GIXhHBogM1McL5EPGP3DT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommandingTheNarrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commandingthenarrative X: https://x.com/commandthenarra YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commandingthenarrative Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/commandingthenarrative Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@ExCandidates Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/commanding-the-narrative/id1631685864 Please share and spread the word!#AusPol #nswpol #interview #podcast #politics #commentary #narrative #minorparties #libertarian #onenation #uap #liberal #nationals #labor #greens #steventripp #australia #teals #senate #commanding #narrative #CtN #independent #AustralianPolitics #abg #australiansforbetter #government #chrisreynolds #goughwhitlam #johnkerr #dismissal #1975 #malcolmfraser #paulkeating

It's been six months since the May election, which brought new personalities to Parliament House – along with an even larger majority for the Albanese government. Labor MP Renee Coffey, who beat the Greens housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather, and Liberal MP Leon Rebello, a former staffer and parliamentary attendant, join political editor Tom McIlroy to discuss the start to their first terms. In this bipartisan conversation, the two Queenslanders also talk about the Coalition's net zero debate this week and Labor's fight to pass new environment laws before Christmas

It took nearly five hours, but Liberal MPs emerged from today's party meeting with a decision on whether to drop net zero. And while leader Sussan Ley is holding off until tomorrow to announce the final outcome, senior Liberal sources say 28 speakers wanted to jettison the 2050 target entirely, 17 expressed a desire to retain it in some form, while four were on the fence. Chief political reporter Dan Jervis Bardy tells Nour Haydar what happened inside the meeting, what tomorrow's outcome means for the future of the Coalition, and whether Sussan Ley's leadership is on the line

The International Olympic Committee will ban men from competing in women’s sport in time for the 2028 Olympic Games. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 years ago today, an Australian governor-general sacked the Prime Minister. A new book reveals something about Gough Whitlam’s character that might explain why the PM didn’t see the ambush coming. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. and our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking at Cop30 in Brazil, the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the ‘consensus is gone' on tackling the climate crisis. It's an apt assessment because this week Australia's two major political parties have had very different commitments when it comes to climate action. The minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, speaks to Guardian Australia's political editor, Tom McIlroy, about Labor's a free solar power scheme for some homes and the Coalition's continued infighting on emissions targets

Speaking at Cop30 in Brazil, the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the ‘consensus is gone' on tackling the climate crisis. An apt assessment, as this week Australia's two major political parties have had starkly different commitments on climate action. The minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, speaks to Guardian Australia's political editor, Tom McIlroy, about Labor's free solar power scheme for some homes and the Coalition's continued infighting on emissions targets

Winning victory on the back of a campaign that preached a message of affordability, and never backing away from his principles, Zohran Mamdani will be the next mayor of New York City. His surprise win has been hailed as a path forward for Democrats around the US who are struggling to connect with the American people. Back in Australia, the Coalition continues to tear itself apart. The Liberals are poised to ditch their net zero pledge after conservative powerbrokers urged Sussan Ley to follow the Nationals in dumping the emissions reduction target. Bridie Jabour speaks with the editor, Lenore Taylor, deputy editor Patrick Keneally and the national news editor, Josephine Tovey, about what Australian political parties could learn from Zohran Mamdani

It’s nearly 50 years since the dismissal of the Whitlam government - a story that shaped the journalism, and the life, of our own editor-at-large Paul Kelly, who back then was a 28-year-old political correspondent literally sprinting through Parliament to break the news. I interviewed Paul for a documentary we’re publishing today - and in this episode of The Front, he tells us his story of Australian politics’ most dramatic day. You can see the full documentary, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on The Australian’s website or YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political journalist and author Troy Bramston joins Democracy Sausage to discuss his new biography of Gough Whitlam and asks how a government could be so transformative yet so chaotic.How did Whitlam's government profoundly change Australia in less than three years despite being shambolic and scandal-prone? Could Whitlam have avoided the Dismissal if he'd passed supply in the House of Reps? And did the hostile media environment contribute to the government's downfall, or simply report on its dysfunction?Troy Bramston is a political journalist with The Australian and author of Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New, published by HarperCollins to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dismissal.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Coalition has sunk to its worst approval rating in 40 years of Newspoll, while leader Sussan Ley has plunged further into the negatives. Can she – and the party – continue? You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From cyberattacks to disinformation campaigns, hybrid warfare is reshaping global security. Visiting the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki, Guardian Australia's political editor, Tom Mcllroy, speaks with its director, Teija Tiilikainen, about how the EU and Nato are confronting covert interference from Russia, China and other non-democratic countries – and what Australia can learn from Europe's approach

Anthony Albanese might have had his rock star moment upon his return from the US, but the latest Guardian Essential poll shows voters are unconvinced about the outcomes of his negotiations with US president Donald Trump. Political reporter and Canberra chief of staff Josh Butler speaks with Essential Media's executive director, Peter Lewis, about why parliament lacks the necessary friction for good government and why the Liberal party is like a bird with two wounded wings

A report by the Centre for Public Integrity has accused the Albanese government of ‘leaning into a culture of secrecy'. Labor's record on transparency also featured in parliament this week after independent ACT senator David Pocock led a revolt against the government for failing to produce a key report into ‘jobs for mates'.Bridie Jabour talks to the editor, Lenore Taylor, and the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, about whether the Albanese government is failing to live up to its own expectations on transparency

Jason Koutsoukis joins Democracy Sausage to examine Barnaby Joyce's political future and asks whether One Nation is really a viable option for the former Nationals leader.Will Barnaby Joyce defect to Pauline Hanson's One Nation party? Why did David Littleproud allegedly tell Joyce he wasn't wanted in Parliament? And is Sussan Ley's Coalition giving Labor too easy a ride on AUKUS and foreign policy?Jason Koutsoukis is a Special Correspondent with The Saturday Paper covering politics and national affairs.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is the Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliament is back and the political fight over long-awaited legislation updating the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is expected to dominate debate. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy tells Nour Haydar why the government is racing to negotiate a deal with either the Coalition or the Greens to fix Australia's broken nature laws

In the aftermath of former frontbencher Andrew Hastie's fighting words, opposition leader Sussan Ley continues to struggle with persistent internal tensions in the Coalition over its direction on immigration policy. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to shadow minister for immigration Paul Scarr about why he rejects rhetoric about ‘mass migration' and argues that those seeking to inflame emotions are hurting the national interest. The Queensland senator speaks about his passion for connecting Liberal party values with multicultural communities in Australia, and gives us a glimpse of his well-loved antique collection

After finally meeting with Donald Trump, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese passed another political test and returned home with a win. Domestically, the Coalition continued to battle over net zero and generate its own headlines for all the wrong reasons. Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor, national news editor Josephine Tovey and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about what Albanese's and Sussan Ley's two very different weeks tells us about the state of Australian politics

Political scientist Feo Snagovsky joins Democracy Sausage to explore the uncanny valley between Canadian and Australian politics and ask whether Mark Carney can govern while sleeping next to an 'elephant on meth'.How did Trump's annexation threats unite Canadians like never before? Why does Alberta want to hold a separation referendum while sitting in the middle of Canada? And what happens when your conservative leader loses his own seat but still gets the highest vote share in party history?Dr Feo Snagovsky is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta, specialising in Canadian politics and comparative political systems.Dr Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has confirmed his intention to quit the Nationals, further fuelling suspicions he could join Pauline Hanson at the far right of the parliament. It's not the first time the member for New England has made headlines, but the move raises questions about the direction of the Coalition – particularly when it comes to climate policy. Guardian Australia political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about why the well-known backbencher says he wants to quit the Nationals and what this says about the Coalition's looming crisis over net zero

The talented, mercurial politician who can distil an idea better than anyone in politics says he’s quitting the National Party and maybe considering joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. Today, Greg Sheridan on the latest snafu in an Opposition struggling to hang on to its own talent. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, and Stephanie Coombes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the Albanese government has been criticised for a tactical backdown on its plan to wind back tax concessions on superannuation balances worth more than $3m. But the assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury, Andrew Leigh, argues that this change in approach has maintained fairness in the super system. The MP for Fenner also talks to political editor Tom McIlroy about the challenge of AI for lawmakers, why competition policy is key to productivity growth and his early morning training for an upcoming ultramarathon

Political scientists Jill Sheppard and Pat Leslie join Democracy Sausage to ask whether the Albanese government is strategically waiting or simply drifting through its second term.Why did Labor walk back its modest superannuation tax reform after winning 94 seats? How has Nigel Farage's Reform party overtaken the UK Conservatives with 250,000 members? And what happens when governing parties become so grey and joyless that voters prefer the 'entertainment' of the fringes?Dr Jill Sheppard is a Senior Lecturer in the ANU School of Politics and International Relations, specialising in political behaviour and public opinion.Dr Pat Leslie is a Lecturer in the ANU School of Politics and International Relations, focusing on comparative politics and electoral systems.Dr Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, independent senator and former elite athlete David Pocock was banned from the parliament's social sports club after raising concerns about its association with gambling lobbyists. Senior reporter Henry Belot speaks to Reged Ahmad about how he broke the story and what the saga says about how lobbyists access politicians

As Labor's new aged care system gets set to begin on 1 November, Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne speaks about her father's recent move into residential aged care and the personal stories she has heard as chair of a Greens-led inquiry into the sector. She speaks with Guardian Australia's political editor, Tom McIlroy, about how she has seen lives put at risk by a for-profit system, and why she thinks the government is not doing enough for those waiting for a home care package

Recent opinion polls indicate support for the populist right party One Nation has doubled since the last election. Around the globe, far-right politicians pushing nationalist anti-immigration policies are also on the rise – including Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Donald Trump in the US. So could Pauline Hanson's One Nation grow to pose a similar threat to Australian politics? Nour Haydar speaks with Guardian Australia deputy editor, Patrick Keneally, and head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, about the rise of the populist right and the lessons for Australia

This week, Labor expanded Australia's first home guarantee to allow more buyers access to a mortgage with a reduced deposit of 5%. But the plan has many critics. Guardian Australia political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to the federal minister for housing and homelessness, Clare O'Neil, about why she thinks the government is pulling on the correct levers to address the housing crisis

Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to executive director of Essential Media Peter Lewis about Australian voters' views on the government's climate action ambition and the immigration debate. Lewis also explains why he thinks The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a perfect analogue of the prime minister's approach to politics in the midst of global instability

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie's hardline rhetoric on migration and manufacturing have led many to question whether the opposition frontbencher plans to pull his party to the right and go for the leadership. Guardian Australia political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about the rise of the SAS soldier turned politician and if he could be successful in importing US-style politics to Australian shores

Political reporter Josh Butler speaks to Amanda Rishworth, the minister for employment and workplace relations, about the Albanese government's upcoming reform agenda for workers. They also discuss the latest figures on enterprise agreements and why she thinks AI is more likely to ‘augment' rather than displace workers in the near future

The Albanese government has now put a number on its climate ambition: a target of a 62-70% emissions cut by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. It comes after the release of the national climate risk assessment, which described a disastrous future for Australians on a warming planet. In this bonus episode of the Australian Politics podcast, climate and environment editor Adam Morton speaks to the chair of the Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean, on the advice that informed the government's long-awaited emissions reduction target for 2035