Shows / 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
Politics with Michelle GrattanJoe Hockey on how Trump would handle defeat in midterms
Joe Hockey, former Australian ambassador to Washington and former treasurer in the Abbott government, is now a founding partner and president of Bondi…
Politics with Michelle GrattanEd Husic urges brakes on data centres 'swamping' Australia
The former industry minister said Australia is 'going too fast' and 'been swamped by US tech' building data centres here to dodge growing US community…
Politics with Michelle GrattanJosh Frydenberg's plan to keep speaking out
The former treasurer and deputy Liberal leader said he's still deciding whether to make a political comeback, which he'll announce in the new year.
Politics with Michelle GrattanWhy Victoria's unpredictable election matters nationally
Premier Ben Carroll, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, One Nation's Colleen Harkin and pollster Tony Barry preview November 28's closely watched election.
Politics with Michelle GrattanTim Wilson says government is borrowing from the future to spend today
The shadow treasurer also blames government spending for inflation and says the Coalition would not 'spend willy-nilly' if elected.
Politics with Michelle GrattanJim Chalmers warns rising debt bills are set to hit the budget
The treasurer says there's 'likely to be billions of dollars extra' in higher bills on government debt in December's budget update.
Politics with Michelle GrattanMatt Canavan on combatting One Nation.
The Nationals leader said he'll do 'whatever it takes' to beat the Labor government – including not ruling out a move to the lower house before the next…
Politics with Michelle GrattanChris Bowen on co-hosting COP and Australia's renewables target
The environment minister has fought back against criticisms that very few world leaders will attend the pre-COP meeting in the Pacific.
Politics with Michelle GrattanSarah Hanson-Young on why progressives need to 'take on' One Nation
The Greens' longest serving federal politician said politics 'isn't working' for ordinary voters and all parties need to do better at addressing their…
Politics with Michelle GrattanPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Charlton's warning on data centres' impact on power bills
Speaking before the National Cabinet meeting ended, the cabinet secretary warned household bills are likely to rise if data centres are powered by coal or gas.
Politics with Michelle GrattanOne Nation's David Farley on the migrants his party wants
Farley described One Nation's immigration target as more complex than its official 130,000 figure, estimating about 40,000 more 'rotating' migrants were also…
Politics with Michelle GrattanSally McManus on how AI could force future cuts to HECS debts and work hours
The outgoing union leader said that beyond the new Victorian royal commission, 'a lot more needs to be done' to fight corruption in construction Australia-wide.
Politics with Michelle GrattanBridie O'Donnell on the 'precarious business' of the Tour de France
The ex-champion cyclist turned commentator explains why heat is a growing risk to the annual summer event, and points to some Australian women to watch this…
Politics with Michelle GrattanPaul Kelly on why Albanese is 'misunderstood' and Taylor needs to stay
In more than 50 years of covering federal politics, The Australian's editor-at-large says he has 'never seen a crisis' like the one facing the Liberal Party…
Politics with Michelle GrattanWayne Swan on a 'dramatically different' political contest
The outgoing Labor president explains why no votes can be taken for granted in a time of 'anxiety and insecurity'.
Politics with Michelle GrattanAndrew Wilkie on the need to go harder to curb gambling advertising
Long-time gambling reform advocate Andrew Wilkie says a reason the government is being timid on the issue is because of close relationships with affected…
Politics with Michelle GrattanJulian Leeser on fighting an 'explosion' of hate in Australia
The Liberal frontbencher is the opposition’s leading Jewish voice and will soon appear at the royal commission on antisemitism.
Politics with Michelle GrattanJenny McAllister on why NDIS reforms are being delayed
The NDIS minister joined the podcast to discuss the government's reforms – and what the changes mean for 160,000 Australians.
Politics with Michelle GrattanJonno Duniam on guilt and relief about quitting politics
The departing Liberal frontbencher also said it's 'mad' to be talking about doing deals with One Nation so far from an election. Mentioned in this episode: The…
Politics with Michelle GrattanPollster Simon Welsh on One Nation's rise and Victoria's 'very messy' election
The pollster also warns any move to replace Victorian premier Jacinta Allan before the November state election would be a 'disaster' for Labor. Mentioned in…
Politics with Michelle GrattanGraeme Samuel on 'doomsday' attacks on the federal budget
The businessman and former competition chief says the fierce criticism of what he calls 'mild' budget changes shows why politicians have avoided reform for…
Politics with Michelle GrattanKeith Wolahan on when Liberals should preference One Nation
The moderate Liberal, who lost his seat last year, said his party was now 'fighting for its existence' – and can't ignore the need to work with One Nation…
Politics with Michelle GrattanMargaret Thornton on the landmark Tickle v Giggle transgender case
The anti-discrimination expert explains what the case was about, why it's set for an appeal -- and the broader implications if the decision stands. Mentioned…
Politics with Michelle GrattanJim Chalmers says 'we're in the cart' for more tax relief
The treasurer joined us on the podcast to defend his fifth budget, explaining the 'new architecture' to make future tax cuts easier 'when the budget can afford…
Politics with Michelle GrattanTim Wilson on the budget's hidden hits on young Australians
The shadow treasurer plans to fight Labor's tax changes, arguing they would increase pressure on rents and 'kneecap' young Australians trying to get ahead…
Politics with Michelle GrattanAlan Kohler says Labor's tax changes probably won't lower house prices
The finance journalist says changes to capital gains tax concessions and negative gearing are only likely to have a 'symbolic effect' on housing affordability…
Politics with Michelle GrattanAntony Green on how Farrer's 'breakout' by-election will make history
One of the frontrunners in the historic by-election, independent Michelle Milthorpe, as well as One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, also joined us on the podcast…
Politics with Michelle GrattanFormer minister Ed Husic on why Labor must 'stare down' gas companies over tax
The former cabinet minister said Australians have been 'sold short' by not taxing gas exports enough. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of One Nation…
Politics with Michelle GrattanEconomist Chris Richardson on next steps in fuel crisis
We speak to independent economist Chris Richardson on the fuel crisis and the Australian economy. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of One Nation: enter the outside
Nearly thirty years on, Hanson's infamous maiden speech — warning that Australia was "being swamped by Asians" — still echoes through Australian political…
Politics with Michelle GrattanRory Medcalf on Australians' growing national security fears
The security expert says there's been a 'disturbing' rise in Australians' anxiety about national security over the past two years. Mentioned in this episode…
Politics with Michelle GrattanFarrer by-election tests One Nation
Ahead of the May 9 by-election, hear from candidates and locals about the early frontrunners to win Farrer – long held by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley…
Politics with Michelle GrattanRBA Deputy's inflation warning
The Reserve Bank's Andrew Hauser told The Conversation's podcast inflation is likely to be higher than projected before the war in the Middle East broke out…
Politics with Michelle GrattanSouth Australian election special
Labor is expected to be returned in power in a landslide. But the election is also the first test of One Nation's ability to turn its surging popularity into…
Politics with Michelle GrattanGeoffrey Watson backs calls for royal commission on CFMEU scandal
The anti-corruption expert says Victoria's Labor government was willing to 'deal with the devil' on its Big Build projects – at the cost of 'bad governing'…
Politics with Michelle GrattanNew Liberal deputy Jane Hume on industrial relations, child care and a decade in politics
The newly installed Liberal deputy leader talks about the turnaround in her fortunes, the spectre of WorkChoices, and why she doesn't believe in quotas for…
Politics with Michelle GrattanTony Barry on why a new Liberal leader isn't a quick fix
What do Australians in focus groups say about the Liberal Party right now? "They just kind of laugh," the former Liberal staffer turned pollster says…
Politics with Michelle GrattanBarnaby Joyce on getting on with Pauline Hanson and One Nation's rise
Joyce says 'I'm not going to be wearing a burqa' like the One Nation leader – but his relationship with her is stronger than his 'bitter' end with the…
Politics with Michelle GrattanJonno Duniam on the 'frenzy' over hate speech laws and the Coalition split
The Liberal senator says 'social media influencers' have falsely 'whipped up a frenzy' of misinformation about new hate speech laws limiting freedom of speech…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: co-opt the military
In November, six Democratic lawmakers recorded a video directed at members of the US military and intelligence agencies. In it, they issued a blunt reminder…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: suppress the people
The list of people Donald Trump has punished or threatened to punish since returning to office is long. It includes the likes of James Comey, Letitia James…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: beat the courts
In democratic systems, the courts are a vital check on a leader’s power. They have the ability to overturn laws and, in Donald Trump’s case, the executive…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: manufacture a crisis
Donald Trump has sounded the alarm, over and over again, that the United States is facing an “invasion” by dangerous gang members. He blames immigrants for the…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: recruit an architect
Every autocrat needs a clan of loyalists, strategists, masterminds – these are the figures behind the scenes pulling the strings. They’re unelected and…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat: hijack a party
We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, along with Vladimir Putin…
Politics with Michelle GrattanThe Making of an Autocrat, coming soon
We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, along with Vladimir Putin…
Politics with Michelle GrattanPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers on the Bondi terror attack and the mid-year budget update
The treasurer says the government needs to do more on several fronts: from fighting antisemitism after Sunday's deadly attack, to cracking down on illegal…
Politics with Michelle GrattanSarah Hanson-Young on the social media ban as a risky 'fake silver bullet'
The Greens' senator says she's worried kids will end up 'in other online spaces that are even darker and more dangerous' – and Australia should act on other…
Politics with Michelle GrattanTim Ayres on the AI rollout's looming 'bumps and glitches'
The industry minister denied Australia's adopting a 'light-touch' approach on AI – and says he's working to make sure data centres are 'not a drain on…
Politics with Michelle GrattanSussan Ley on Barnaby's defection and how the environment law deal 'fell apart'
Ley says the Opposition was negotiating on the new environment laws with the government into early Thursday – just before Labor announced a deal with the…
Politics with Michelle GrattanLiberal Andrew McLachlan on why he'll still promote net zero
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…
Politics with Michelle GrattanMurray Watt on the compromises to pass new environmental laws before christmas
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…
Politics with Michelle GrattanMichelle Grattan remembers the day Whitlam lost his job
Michelle Grattan and the politics and society editor for the Conversation Amanda Dunn, talk about the dismissal. Mentioned in this episode: Your support…
Politics with Michelle GrattanNiki Savva and David Solomon on The Dismissal
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…
Politics with Michelle GrattanSam Rae on big changes to aged care
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…
Politics with Michelle GrattanTony Abbott on Australia's past and the opposition's future
The former Liberal prime minister says he wrote a new history book 'to help contemporary Australians think better of themselves'. Mentioned in this episode…
Politics with Michelle GrattanPollster Tony Barry on why the Coalition can’t risk ‘lurching to the right’
The former Liberal strategist turned pollster says the Coalition has become "catastrophically uncompetitive" with women and younger voters. Mentioned in this…
Politics with Michelle GrattanAndrew Jakubowicz on repairing our 'fragile' multicultural nation
The multiculturalism expert says increased tensions since the October 7 attacks have raised 'the tideline of hate speech' in Australia. Mentioned in this…
Politics with Michelle GrattanJames Paterson on Andrew Hastie, Sussan Ley and himself
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…
Politics with Michelle GrattanFormer diplomat Ian Parmeter on an Israel-led 'one-state solution'
The former Australian ambassador turned scholar says despite more countries recognising Palestine as a state, a peaceful two-state solution is slipping away…