Politics with Michelle Grattan

Politics with Michelle Grattan

The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.

Episodes

November 18, 2025 21 mins

The South Australian Liberal senator says he's "dubious" about being able to sell the Coalition's new policy to voters – describing it as "carefree with emissions".

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With only one sitting week of Parliament left this year, the environment minister reveals the compromises he's willing to make and the hard lines he won't cross to get the deal done.

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Michelle Grattan and the politics and society editor for the Conversation Amanda Dunn, talk about the dismissal.

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Next week is the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam government. We're joined by Niki Savva and David Solomon to talk about their memories of that day.

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October 29, 2025 28 mins

Amid rising demand for aged care, major changes are rolling out from Saturday. Minister for seniors Sam Rae explains what the overhaul means for older Australians.

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The former Liberal prime minister says he wrote a new history book 'to help contemporary Australians think better of themselves'.

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The former Liberal strategist turned pollster says the Coalition has become "catastrophically uncompetitive" with women and younger voters.

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The multiculturalism expert says increased tensions since the October 7 attacks have raised 'the tideline of hate speech' in Australia.

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Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson canvasses the economy and the budget, says the Liberals need to sort out its stance on net zero sooner rather than later.

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The former Australian ambassador turned scholar says despite more countries recognising Palestine as a state, a peaceful two-state solution is slipping away.

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The energy expert says Australia's only on track to cut its emissions by around 50% by 2035 – 'so we're going to have to step up the pace' in the next decade.

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A former deputy secretary of the immigration department under the Howard government says 'it's time politicians on both sides pulled up their socks'.

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The health minister also says fewer kids are now vaping because of the government's ban, which 'exploded' as a health problem during the COVID years.

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Both men say the government has a 'spending problem' and are urging the federal government to think beyond raising taxes – especially for business.

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How Australian Democracy Works

'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.

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McManus doesn't expect instant wins on shorter work hours from next week's economic summit, but says it still needs to be on the table – along with AI protections.

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Housing is on the agenda at next week's productivity roundtable, with the Treasurer wanting better regulation and faster approvals to build more homes.

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The former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be.

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The Conversation Weekly

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The influential crossbench MP warns young working people are going backwards financially. She also backs the government's proposed YouTube ban for kids – for now.

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We're joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen who outlines Australia's ongoing energy transition.

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The Conversation Weekly

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The former prime minister warns debate about national security has 'never been dumber' – and AUKUS risks costing Australia far more than anyone wants to admit.

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