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Australian Politics

Australian Politics

By: The Guardian
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Guardian Australia's political editor Tom McIlroy and team at Parliament House examine what’s happening in Australian politics and why it matters to you© 2026 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The case for Aukus, with defence industry minister Pat Conroy

    The case for Aukus, with defence industry minister Pat Conroy
    Jun 5 2026
    The Albanese government’s announcement that Australia will now receive three used US Virginia-class submarines, rather than two used and one new, has put the spotlight back on the Aukus commitment. One of the strongest advocates for the $368bn agreement is defence industry minister Pat Conroy and he hits back at its critics – including the Labor MP Ed Husic. Speaking with political editor Tom McIlroy, the minister for Pacific Island affairs also discusses this week’s visit by new Solomon Islands prime minister Matthew Wale and responds to speculation that Tony Abbott could run as the Liberal candidate in Conroy’s seat of Shortland at the next election
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    27 mins
  • Max Chandler-Mather on a hopeful progressive populism

    Max Chandler-Mather on a hopeful progressive populism
    May 29 2026
    In his new role as director of the Greens’ think-tank, Max Chandler-Mather argues that the major political parties and parts of the media often limit policy debate – which, on issues such as housing and wealth inequality, shuts down real alternatives to the status quo. The former Greens MP and housing spokesperson speaks to political editor Tom McIlroy about returning to policies that improve the lives of Australians in material ways – and why he thinks political nihilism defines One Nation
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    32 mins
  • Guardian Essential report: a lukewarm response to Labor’s budget

    Guardian Essential report: a lukewarm response to Labor’s budget
    May 28 2026
    Jim Chalmers says his fifth federal budget is the ‘best budget for young people’, but in the latest Guardian Essential poll voters are unconvinced that the proposals will make for a fairer housing system. Political reporter Josh Butler and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss the political challenges that Labor faces on its proposed reforms to housing and tax policy
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    23 mins
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