Podcast appearances and mentions of Patricia Karvelas

Floods batter NSW’s Mid-North Coast with three now confirmed dead, ABC’s Patricia Karvelas pushes for answers at a fiery Nationals press conference. Plus, David Crisafulli hits back at the United Nations criticism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABC star and feminist Patricia Karvelas forces her way into the debate just to dismiss a female politician, Donald Trump meets with the South African president amid rising tensions. Plus, having white teeth is now apparently offensive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese has been returned as Prime Minister, in a Labor landslide. On top of a bruising defeat for his party, Opposition leader Peter Dutton has lost his seat of Dickson.The victory makes Anthony Albanese the first Prime Minister to win back-to-back elections in 20-years. So, where did it go wrong for the Coalition? In this episode from the Politics Now podcast, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas breaks down the election results with political correspondent Jacob Greber. Read more of Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-03/voters-reject-peter-dutton-vision-labor-victory/105247610ABC News Daily's Sam Hawley will be back with Laura Tingle's analysis late on Sunday.Subscribe to ABC News Daily on the ABC listen app.

Patricia Karvelas, political commentator and host of Australia's Q+A programme, shares her insights ahead of the upcoming election.

Australia is heading into a federal election at a time when trust in politics and our institutions is eroding. Over the past two decades, satisfaction with the political system has collapsed, driven by economic inequality, housing stress and the rapid spread of disinformation across social media. Political parties are already preparing for a campaign that will lean heavily on negative messaging – an approach that has proven effective but intensifies division. With trust in both politicians and the media in decline, the upcoming election will test the resilience of Australia’s democracy. Today, journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas, on the forces undermining democratic trust and what it will take to rebuild it. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Donald Trump returned to the US presidency, he unveiled DOGE, the Department Of Government Efficiency. It's a cost cutting body for government spending run by the world's richest man Elon Musk. Last weekend, the opposition leader Peter Dutton unveiled the Coalition's brand-new spokeswoman for government efficiency, supposed to cut wasteful spending here in Australia.Today, host of The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas on why Mr Dutton will only go so far down the Trump path.  She highlights eerie similarities between Dutton's new portfolio and Trump's DOGE.She also explains how Dutton is selectively adopting parts of Trump's agenda that he believes will resonate with Australian voters. Patricia Karvelas says Dutton's approach is tailored to the unique political landscape of Australia, which differs from the US in key ways.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of The Party Room podcastKey Topics:Donald TrumpDOGE (Department Of Government Efficiency)Elon MuskPeter DuttonJacinta Nampijinpa PriceAustralian politicsGovernment efficiencyGina ReinhartVoice referendumCulture wars

Happy new year. And happy election year! We may not know exactly when Anthony Albanese will send us all to the polls – but we do know it has to happen by May. So, for this special holiday edition, we thought it would be worth setting the table for what we can expect over the weeks and months ahead. What are the issues that will decide this election? How are the major parties approaching them? And what can we expect from Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton in this campaign?David Speers speaks to Patricia Karvelas to look into the political crystal ball for 2025.

The firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne this week has been declared a suspected act of terrorism.What does that mean and did the prime minister react too slowly to a rise in anti-Semitism? Today, host of Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on how the conflict in the Middle East is reverberating here.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast

The Prime Minister on the global stage this week talking trade and what the return of Donald Trump means for the world. While here at home the government is preparing to push a raft of legislation through parliament in the last sitting fortnight of the year… as speculation mounts it could be the last before an election.Patricia Karvelas anchors Insiders from Canberra this week, while David Speers interviews the Prime Minister in Lima, Peru from the APEC security conference.Karvelas is joined by Annabel Crabb, Peter Hartcher and Katina Curtis on the couch.

Queensland votes for change - after 9 years of Labor rule. It was a long night but the LNP will form a majority government. There were big swings against Labor in the regions and suburbs – and it was a bad night for the Greens. Plenty of lessons – and warning signs – ahead of the coming federal contest.David Speers is joined by Patricia Karvelas, Anthony Galloway, and Clare Armstrong. Casey Briggs runs the numbers in Queensland and looks ahead to the United States' election.Our guests are the outgoing Queensland Labor Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Federal Nationals MP Keith Pitt.

This week we learned that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon be a new home owner. He's bought a multi-million-dollar house, featuring sweeping ocean views, on the New South Wales central coast.Some people think it's a move from the PM that's especially tone deaf, given the depths of the housing crisis, while others see the story as a complete beat up.Today, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on why it has become a big problem for the PM. Patricia Karvelas explains that the timing of the purchase is problematic, given the current housing crisis and the upcoming election. She says there are concerns about the optics of this purchase, even within the Labor Party. The episode delves into the public's reaction and the media's role in amplifying the controversy.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast Key Topics:Anthony Albanese Property market Housing crisisFederal politicsLabor PartyMedia coverage2025 Federal Election Political leadership

John Laws announces he will retire ABC Melbourne turns 100 Radio's night of night's The ACRAs this weekend Deadset Studio's Kellie Riordan on the stickiness of podcasts Patricia Karvelas to leave RN and other movements And the Aircheck National Radio Airplay Chart song of the week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a long time, Australia's taxation system has been set up to benefit property investors and landlords and any attempts to change that have been shouted down. But with the generational divide in home ownership becoming more pronounced, voters are shifting their views.Today, host of Q+A and The Party Room podcast Patricia Karvelas on whether governments will finally be forced to scrap negative gearing. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q+A and The Party Room

The debate over whether Australia should be granting visas to Palestinians from Gaza has been getting pretty heated. In part it's turned into a row over what is and isn't racist. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says we need a ban because of a security risk posed by people from that war zone. But with 1300 people having already managed to reach Australia and others being granted permission to come, is there really any danger? Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas discusses the policy and the politics.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast 

While Australia's inflation rate is now well below its peak, voters are still struggling to make ends meet. If you believe the polls, it's a problem for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, given an election is due within a year. Voter confidence has taken a dive and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is making ground on his opponent. Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas on the link between voting intentions and the state of the economy. Featured:Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

Inflation is stubbornly high in Australia, making every trip to the shop and paying bills really painful.For those with debt, expectations of an interest rate cut this year have evaporated and another rate rise is a distinct possibility.It's not how the federal government had hoped the year would pan out.Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas on how high prices are changing political calculations. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q&A and The Party Room podcast

The climate wars are back after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed a plan to abandon the 2030 emissions reduction target and build nuclear power plants. He says the Coalition is still committed to net zero by 2050, but will Australians really stomach a watering down of our climate policy ambition for the next decade? Today, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on Dutton's climate punt. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

A ‘Future Made In Australia' has a nice ring to it. But is it really wise for the government to throw almost $23 billion at industries to help along the transition to net zero emissions and a green future? The federal opposition thinks it will just mean billionaires like Gina Rinehart get richer. Today, the host of the ABC Radio National Breakfast, Q+A and the Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas on what the government's planning and whether the gamble will pay off. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, ABC presenter

At big rallies on the weekend women and men came together to say enough is enough, that violence against women must end.Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas on what needs to happen to address one of the nation's most entrenched problems. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q+A and the Party Room podcast

Yesterday's by-election was billed as a crucial mid-term test for both sides of politics. And when the results came in last night – the Albanese Government emerged as the winner. At the close of counting – Labor's primary vote remained virtually unchanged – at 41%. The Liberal vote jumped nearly 7% - but this was largely scooping up votes on the right – thanks to One Nation and the Palmer United Party deciding not to run.For the government – it's vindication of the Prime Minister's gamble to break a promise and offer everyone a tax cut.While for the Opposition – the strategy of blaming the government for everything from cost-of-living pain, the release of immigration detainees and a so-called “ute tax” weren't enough.David Speers interviews Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan about the results. Niki Savva, Paul Sakkal, and Patricia Karvelas give their analysis from the couch. Mike Bowers talks the week in pictures with Fiona Katauskas. 

Since footage emerged of Barnaby Joyce lying flat on his back, swearing into his phone on a Canberra street, there's been fierce debate over whether it matters or not that an elected politician could be caught out in such a manner. Questions over whether there's a bigger problem at play or whether it's simply just a matter of Barnaby, the larrikin, being in the spotlight once again. Today, Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast host, Patricia Karvelas, unpacks the culture of booze at Parliament House and the double standards that come with it. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and the Party Room podcast

While the world came out strongly in support of Israel after the Hamas terrorist attack on the 7th of October, there is now growing concern over the images emerging from Gaza and the rising civilian death toll there. So as the war progresses, will the position of leaders like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shift?  Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas on the ‘schism' in the Labor party and the ‘tightrope' politicians are walking.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, Radio National Breakfast presenter and co-host of the Party Room podcast

To open the Wheeler Centre's 2023 Spring Fling series, six Australian cultural icons took to the stage at Melbourne Town Hall for an intimate evening of storytelling, reflecting on the moments that shaped them and called upon them to–go above and beyond in their careers, personal lives and creative endeavours. Hosted by Patricia Karvelas, the line-up of special guests included writer and disability activist Hannah Diviney, tennis champion Jelena Dokic, award-winning author Melissa Lucashenko, prominent campaigner for the Voice to Parliament Thomas Mayo, and Zimbabwean-Australian singer, actor and writer Rufaro Zimbudzi, followed by a very special musical performance by celebrated singer-songwriter Emma Donovan. The following reflection on the theme Above and Beyond was shared on Opening Night by proud Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, Thomas Mayo. Thomas is the National Indigenous Officer of the MUA. He is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network, advises the Diversity Council of Australia and the From the Heart campaign, and is an executive member of the Northern Territory Trades and Labour Council. Thomas has previously written five books published by Hardie Grant, and has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald. This event was recorded on Wednesday 4 October 2023 at Melbourne Town Hall. Featured music is Different Days by Chill Cole.Spring Fling is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and is supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund. Special thanks to official bookseller Readings and accommodation partner The Sofitel.  Support the Wheeler Centre: https://www.wheelercentre.com/support-us/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public servants are there to serve the public, hence the name. They're bound by a public service code of conduct, which means they can't insert themselves into politics. But that's what one of the most powerful public servants in Australia, Mike Pezzullo, is alleged to have done. The Home Affairs Secretary has stood down while an investigation is conducted into text messages he allegedly sent to a Liberal party powerbroker. Today, Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast host Patricia Karvelas discusses the trove of secret messages allegedly sent by Mr Pezzullo and what they may mean for our governance. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, ABC Radio National Breakfast presenter

The Wheeler Centre's Spring Fling returns for 2023 and this year we're going Above and Beyond. From October 2 to 14 we're celebrating the big ideas and the small moments that make us human, and the creative thinking that drives us to be better versions of ourselves. Across 24 captivating events we're looking further, delving deeper, and asking bigger questions with outstanding thinkers who are reshaping our world and envisioning extraordinary futures. To celebrate the return of Spring Fling, in this episode we revisit 2022's inaugural Opening Night gala event at Melbourne Town Hall, where a star-studded lineup of writers shared a personal ‘lightbulb moment', reflecting on a defining shift that changed their mind, sparked a big idea or helped them blossom. Enjoy this highlight from disability advocate and Heartbreak High star Chloe Hayden. Tickets to Spring Fling 2023 are on sale now. Explore the full program at wheelercentre.com including details of this year's Opening Night: Above and Beyond at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 4th of October featuring Jelena Dokic, Thomas Mayo, Melissa Lucashenko, Hannah Diviney, Rufaro Zimbudzi, musical guest Emma Donovan. Hosted by Patricia Karvelas. ______ This event was recorded at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 2 November 2022 as part of the Wheeler Centre's Spring Fling Opening Night: Lightbulb Moments.Featured music is Kwick Baby by Youth Community. Spring Fling is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.Support the Wheeler Centre: https://www.wheelercentre.com/support-us/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wheeler Centre's Spring Fling returns for 2023 and this year we're going Above and Beyond. From October 2 to 14 we're celebrating the big ideas and the small moments that make us human, and the creative thinking that drives us to be better versions of ourselves. Across 24 captivating events we're looking further, delving deeper, and asking bigger questions with outstanding thinkers who are reshaping our world and envisioning extraordinary futures. To celebrate the return of Spring Fling, in this episode we revisit 2022's inaugural Opening Night gala event at Melbourne Town Hall, where a star-studded lineup of writers shared a personal ‘lightbulb moment', reflecting on a defining shift that changed their mind, sparked a big idea or helped them blossom. Enjoy this highlight from multi-award winning writer Maxine Beneba Clarke. Tickets to Spring Fling 2023 are on sale now. Explore the full program at wheelercentre.com including details of this year's Opening Night: Above and Beyond at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 4th of October featuring Jelena Dokic, Thomas Mayo, Melissa Lucashenko, Hannah Diviney, Rufaro Zimbudzi, musical guest Emma Donovan. Hosted by Patricia Karvelas. ______ This event was recorded at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 2 November 2022 as part of the Wheeler Centre's Spring Fling Opening Night: Lightbulb Moments.Featured music is Kwick Baby by Youth Community. Spring Fling is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and is supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.Support the Wheeler Centre: https://www.wheelercentre.com/support-us/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Voice to Parliament is on track to be defeated at a referendum, according to a string of opinion polls.  How is the No campaign and the federal opposition managing to successfully cut through to voters?  Today, Patricia Karvelas on the tricky position the government has found itself in and why it won't back out of a vote now.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

The waiting lists for care for transgender children in Australia are growing and public debate over medical intervention is becoming increasingly toxic.  Today, the ABC's Patricia Karvelas on the battle over the bodies of trans kids and whether Australia's approach is the right one.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, ABC presenter

Crabb and Sales are both away on holidays so we're bringing you an episode from our archives in which Sales dreams about going to a particular sushi bar in a Tokyo subway station, much to Crabb's bafflement. Enjoy! * Divorce starring Sarah Jessica Parker | Trailer | Binge  • Sex and the City | Trailer | Binge • Kitchen Cabinet - S1 Ep4 with Julie Bishop | IMDB | ABC iview • Catastrophe (Season 2) | Trailer | Stan • Neighbourhood (Salads, Sweets and Stories from Home and Abroad) by Hetty McKinnon | Booktopia • Special Delivery by Annabel Crabb | Booktopia • The Party Room (Podcast) presented by Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly | Listen • Viktor & Rolf Exhibition - National Gallery of Victoria | Website • The First Monday in May Documentary | Trailer | Apple TV+ • Fight Like a Girl by Clementine Ford | Booktopia • Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen | Booktopia • We Are Alive: Bruce Springsteen at 62 - David Remnick (New Yorker, 30 July 2012) | Read • Jiro Dreams of Sushi Documentary | Trailer | Apple TV+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 11 rate rises, soaring rents, rising grocery bills and eye-popping power prices, it's become really hard for a lot of Australians to make ends meet.  So as the government prepares to deliver a budget tomorrow, how and who is it going to help?  Today, Radio National Breakfast host and the Party Room podcast co-host, Patricia Karvelas, on what might be on offer, and whether Labor will go after the big end of town.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast and co-host, The Party Room 

With 11 rate rises, soaring rents, rising grocery bills and eye-popping power prices, it's become really hard for a lot of Australians to make ends meet.  So as the government prepares to deliver a budget tomorrow, how and who is it going to help?  Today, Radio National Breakfast host and the Party Room podcast co-host, Patricia Karvelas, on what might be on offer, and whether Labor will go after the big end of town.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast and co-host, The Party Room 

With the growing cost of living, we'd all love to pay less in income tax.  So why is there a growing number of people arguing against the so-called 'stage 3 tax cuts'?  Today, the host of ABC Radio National Breakfast, Patricia Karvelas, explains the biggest shake up to income tax in decades, and how the wealthier you are the better you'll do.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC Radio National Breakfast 

With the growing cost of living, we'd all love to pay less in income tax.  So why is there a growing number of people arguing against the so-called 'stage 3 tax cuts'?  Today, the host of ABC Radio National Breakfast, Patricia Karvelas, explains the biggest shake up to income tax in decades, and how the wealthier you are the better you'll do.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC Radio National Breakfast 

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Fran Kelly, political commentator, and presenter of the ABC's "The Party Room" podcast with Patricia Karvelas. 

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Fran Kelly, political commentator, and presenter of the ABC's "The Party Room " podcast with Patricia Karvelas.

Anthony Albanese wanted bipartisan support for the Voice to Parliament. Instead, he's being met with increasing political divisions.  Today, ABC Radio National Breakfast host, Patricia Karvelas, on whether the government can convince Australians to vote yes without support across the Parliament. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, Radio National Breakfast 

Anthony Albanese wanted bipartisan support for the Voice to Parliament. Instead, he's being met with increasing political divisions.  Today, ABC Radio National Breakfast host, Patricia Karvelas, on whether the government can convince Australians to vote yes without support across the Parliament. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, Radio National Breakfast 

Scott Morrison managed to be at the centre of multiple controversies this year, even after losing the election in May. One of his forays back in the headlines occurred after delivering a lengthy address at a Pentecostal church in Perth.  In it, he referenced Satan, miracles and God's plan, telling the faithful it would be a mistake to trust in governments like they trust in God. Radio National Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas unpacked what he said and why they matter.  Originally published on 21 July, 2022 Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast

Scott Morrison managed to be at the centre of multiple controversies this year, even after losing the election in May. One of his forays back in the headlines occurred after delivering a lengthy address at a Pentecostal church in Perth.  In it, he referenced Satan, miracles and God's plan, telling the faithful it would be a mistake to trust in governments like they trust in God. Radio National Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas unpacked what he said and why they matter.  Originally published on 21 July, 2022 Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast

Integrity in politics has been in the spotlight again, with the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison censured by the Parliament over his secret ministries, in the same week a national anti-corruption commission was passed.  The commission will begin operating next year, but who will be hauled before it first?  Today, RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas on how the new body could go some way to restore confidence in our political system.  Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

Integrity in politics has been in the spotlight again, with the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison censured by the Parliament over his secret ministries, in the same week a national anti-corruption commission was passed.  The commission will begin operating next year, but who will be hauled before it first?  Today, RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas on how the new body could go some way to restore confidence in our political system.  Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

While NSW is hit with yet another natural disaster, the Coalition accuses the PM of taking his eye off the ball – but is their criticism unfair? Outgoing RN Breakfast Political Editor Alison Carabine pulls no punches at Fran Kelly's party this week.

Australia's 2021 Census data shows we're a very different country from five years ago. To demystify the Census, Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Shane Wright, senior economics correspondent for SMH and The Age. Plus, is the Albanese Government's stoush with Independents over staffer funding a smart move?

The energy crisis is still looming for the Albanese government, but now they'll work with state leaders on policy. Will the same sense of collaboration be fostered within Federal Parliament, even extended to members of the Opposition? And what can the government do about inflationary pressures, while avoiding a wage price spiral? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Karen Middleton,  Chief Political Correspondent at The Saturday Paper.

The energy crisis is still looming for the Albanese government, but now they'll work with state leaders on policy. Will the same sense of collaboration be fostered within Federal Parliament, even extended to members of the Opposition? And what can the government do about inflationary pressures, while avoiding a wage price spiral? Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Karen Middleton,  Chief Political Correspondent at The Saturday Paper.

Labor claims the east coast energy troubles are the result of the former Coalition government's mismanagement, but will this wash with the electorate? Meanwhile, PM Albanese also has a win on the minimum wage, as big business groups raise inflation fears. Plus, the Party Room explores whether federal political terms should be longer than three years.   Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein are joined by David Crowe, Chief Political Correspondent for SMH and The Age.

As the Labor government "hits the ground running", they're faced with several economic and geopolitical challenges. In the Parliament, they're also forced to consider their attitude to the large Greens and independent contingent. Plus, PM Albanese announces his new Cabinet, with some surprises. ABC Radio Melbourne's Raf Epstein joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas.

The Coalition is regrouping after a drubbing at the 2022 federal election. 7.30 chief political correspondent Laura Tingle joins Fran Kelly to analyse the way forward for both major parties in the face of a record vote for The Greens and independent candidates. Plus, how will new PM Anthony Albanese govern differently to Scott Morrison?

Saturday's election has reshaped the political landscape - so why were there significant swings away from the major parties? And what will the approach of the Albanese Government be? In this special episode Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas unpack the results of the 2022 election.

In this special election eve episode, Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by SMH's Jacqueline Maley and news.com.au's Samantha Maiden at Sydney Writers Festival. It's been six-weeks of non-stop campaigning from Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese,so what verdict will Australians hand down when they cast their votes? And how much of a role will the Independents and minor parties play in the outcome?