Episodes

  • O’Brien on Liberal ‘soul-searching’ amid nuclear and net-zero policy review

    O’Brien on Liberal ‘soul-searching’ amid nuclear and net-zero policy review
    Jul 4 2025
    After a bruising election loss, the Coalition is at a crossroads. Can it reinvent itself as a credible alternative to Labor, or will internal divisions over nuclear energy, net zero and the Liberal party’s identity doom it to another term in opposition? Guardian Australia chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks with the deputy opposition leader, Ted O’Brien, about the road ahead – from climate policy to rebuilding trust – and whether the Coalition can rise from the ashes of defeat
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Greens leader Larissa Waters on holding the Labor government to account — Australian Politics podcast

    Greens leader Larissa Waters on holding the Labor government to account — Australian Politics podcast
    Jun 27 2025
    The new leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters from Queensland talks about her vision for the party, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and why she believes this is a moment for bold reforms Labor must rewrite current environment laws which ‘facilitate development’, says Larissa Waters
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Coalition frontbencher Julian Leeser on why a closer alliance with the US is necessary

    Coalition frontbencher Julian Leeser on why a closer alliance with the US is necessary
    Jun 20 2025
    In a year shaped by rising global tensions and growing concerns over social cohesion at home, the shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, presents his views on Australia’s place in the world
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Senator Maria Kovacic on what the Coalition needs to move forward

    Senator Maria Kovacic on what the Coalition needs to move forward
    Jun 13 2025
    ‘If we don’t listen it’s not going to get better for us – it will get worse,’ says the NSW Liberal moderate and newly appointed shadow assistant minister, joining Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy to discuss her party’s future
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Nicolette Boele on climate, business and making a difference

    Nicolette Boele on climate, business and making a difference
    Jun 6 2025
    Nicolette Boele was declared the winner in the Sydney seat of Bradfield this week, after a month of counting and recounting in her race against Liberal Gisele Kapterian. She is preparing to take her seat in parliament after a wafer-thin victory of just 26 votes. Boele speaks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about why Labor needs to stop “walking both sides of the fence” on climate and energy and where she thinks the government could improve productivity.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Guardian Essential report:​​ can Labor live up to expectations?

    Guardian Essential report:​​ can Labor live up to expectations?
    May 14 2025
    Post-election Albanese has seen a surge in popularity but what is the electorate expecting from a second term Labor government and can they deliver during challenging times? Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Josh Butler sits down with chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • ​Guardian Essential report:​ is the real question now just how big Labor’s victory will be?

    ​Guardian Essential report:​ is the real question now just how big Labor’s victory will be?
    Apr 30 2025
    Just days out from the crucial vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll shows steady support for Labor. But with a significant number of undecided voters and a strong field of independents, questions remain about how convincing their victory will really be. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, sits down with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, to explore more. Please note the correct Essential poll two-party basis figure is Labor leading the Coalition 52% to 48%
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • ​Guardian Essential report:​ as Labor pulls further ahead, can Dutton outmanoeuvre Albanese?

    ​Guardian Essential report:​ as Labor pulls further ahead, can Dutton outmanoeuvre Albanese?
    Apr 16 2025
    As the election draws near, Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition in the latest Essential poll, raising new questions about what Peter Dutton needs to do to shift the momentum in his favour. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy sits down with Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis to unpack the strategies and dynamics shaping the two major parties’ campaigns
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins