David Speers
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Articles by David Speers
Program: Political deadlock, as the mid winter break begins
Parliament has reached its winter break - so where does everyone stand? Labor's recovered some ground. One Nation's rise has been checked. And the Coalition has slumped. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan joins David Speers with Niki Savva, Daniel James and Samantha Maiden on the couch.
Program: After 250 years what is America celebrating this Independence Day?
As the United States struggles with domestic divisions and its role as a global superpower, is the Founding Fathers' "Great Democratic Experiment" over? Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos sat down David Speers to discuss whether the United States can pull back from the brink.
Albanese and Chalmers see reform and risk-taking as an antidote to populism
Loading When opinion polls shift, previous assumptions can too. Like whether One Nation's rise is unstoppable. Or whether frustrated voters flocking to the party care about Pauline Hanson's actual policy positions. The Newspoll and Redbridge surveys this week suggest there is a ceiling for One Nation. A limit, perhaps, to the number of Australians who share Hanson's concerns about paid parental leave, "lazy workers", and the need for a "monoculture".
Program: Analysis: Albanese and Chalmers see reform as an antidote to populism
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Program: The odds-on Labor's gambling reform
Labor's long awaited legislation to restrict gambling advertising is set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but the Coalition could join the Greens in punting it to an inquiry. So, will the Albanese Government have to "give ground" and grant Coalition amendments if they want this to pass? And in the wake of PwC and KPMG scandals, Labor unveiling an option paper to improve regulation of accounting and audit firms. So, what's on the table?
Program: Government's ongoing budget pains, as Taylor muddles up multiculturalism
Will Labor's broken budget promise haunt them all the way to the next election? And how does Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor recover from the mess he's made on multiculturalism? Jim Chalmers joins David Speers about the ongoing budget challenges. The Treasurer refused to say how the government will fix the so-called 'widow tax'. Laura Tingle, Phillip Coorey and Anna Henderson are this week's panel.
Program: 'She doesn't give a rats about you': Amanda Vanstone on Pauline Hanson | Insiders On Background
While Pauline Hanson struggled to define what she meant by a 'monoculture', Angus Taylor hesitated to back in the long held liberal party policy of a multiculturalism. Former Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone says she is disappointed in the Opposition Leader.
Program: Taylor fumbles and Labor locks in
It's been a massive week in politics both in and outside of parliament. Labor has passed its negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes with the support of the Greens, granting only minor concessions in exchange. Meanwhile, the terms monoculture and multicultural have echoed through the chambers of parliament this week. Opposition leader Angus Taylor found himself in hot water after side-stepping a series of questions about his support for the ideas.
Program: Fuel relief to wind down as oil shock and budget battle loom
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a phased end to the fuel excise discount, amid confusion over an end to the war in the Middle East. All eyes now turn to a critical parliamentary fortnight for the government's budget bills, alongside the fallout from Pauline Hanson's first National Press Club address. Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien joins David Speers with Peter Hartcher, Melissa Clarke and Greg Brown on the couch.
Program: Is the government's tax reform turning into a "freak show"? | Insiders On Background
The federal government has backed down on its budget tax changes, announcing larger concessions for small business and carve outs for startups. Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar told David Speers the reforms resemble a “freak show”.
Defiant Pauline Hanson gives Labor and the Coalition plenty to be nervous about
This was a press club address like no other. Lengthy, fiery, action-packed. Now even the police have been called in. One Nation would be thrilled with the attention. The main drama centred on a secretly installed GetUp banner that suddenly unfurled the moment Pauline Hanson started empathising with cost-of-living concerns. It was an attention-grabbing stunt, now the subject of a Federal Police probe. Hanson wasn't bothered by the banner.
Program: Pauline Hanson goes mainstream
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career. In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader linked housing issues to immigration, railed against multiculturalism, labelled net-zero a "hoax", called for an overhaul of IR laws and rebuked out other parties for copying her policies. So, will the address make Pauline Hanson even more electable? Or does it open her up to some political risks ahead?
Program: Duniam exit rocks Coalition as Labor fights surging One Nation
The Liberal Party faces a fresh crisis following the shock resignation of Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam. Meanwhile, Labor pitches itself as the party of change as it seeks to fend off a surging One Nation.
Program: Is Australia ready for the AI transformation? | Insiders on Background
Just how much agency does Australia have to shape the transformation AI is bringing to our economy, culture, and society? Executive director of the Tech Policy Design Institute, Johanna Weaver, argues that we possess more sovereignty and bargaining power than we realise.
Albanese's frustration with Trump is on display as he pays a price for an unpopular war
Loading In calmer times, a World Cup fixture might have offered Anthony Albanese a useful piece of informal diplomacy. These are not calmer times. Barring an unlikely last-minute invitation from Donald Trump, the prime minister won't be zipping across the Pacific next week to cheer on the Socceroos against the United States. The sports-loving prime minister had publicly mused about a potential trip to Seattle. The idea was to catch-up with the president in a less formal setting.
Program: Analysis: Albanese's frustration with Trump is becoming harder to hide
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Program: Is the Prime Minister ready to 'cop it'?
As the US launches new military strikes on Iran, Anthony Albanese says the uncertainty makes it “very difficult” to deal with the consequences - while trying to read the mood at home. Could some distance between the Prime Minister and Donald Trump be politically useful, as fuel prices, global instability and the Strait of Hormuz dominate the conversation one again?
Program: Budget fate rests with the Greens as Labor faces internal AUKUS pressure
It is up to the Greens to decide whether they will pass changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax or join the Coalition in an unlikely alliance. The minor party is also among those expressing alarm over AUKUS after changes to the pact were revealed. Greens Senator David Shoebridge joins David Speers, with Waleed Aly, Karen Middleton and Paul Sakkal on the couch.
Program: Will house prices tumble under tax changes?
Tax changes, interest rate hikes, wars and volatility have created the perfect housing market storm. So will prices tumble and what will happen to supply? Housing Minister Clare O'Neil joins David Speers, with Patricia Karvelas, John Kehoe and Natassia Chrysanthos on the couch.
Program: Father of Inland Rail says 'this thing is on and unstoppable' | Insiders on Background
When Anthony Albanese shelved plans to develop Inland Rail beyond the NSW town of Parkes, the dream of a rail network from Melbourne to Brisbane appeared all but over. But the man who's known as the project's father says negotiations are underway to resurrect it. Everald Compton, who's chair of GreenLink Australia, tells David Speers the rail could be finished with the help of private funding.
Labor is quietly confident the battery boom will help prevent power price shocks
It was remarkable timing and powerful symbolism. Two giant chimneys towering over the site of the old Liddell coal-fired power station came crashing down in a controlled demolition, on the very day the first electricity price cut in years was finally confirmed. For years, Liddell, in the NSW Hunter Valley, played a central role in the climate and energy wars. When AGL first announced plans of its closure more than a decade ago, the then-Coalition government went into a mild panic.
Program: Analysis: Battery boom marks a new political chapter in Australia's energy wars
Within the government, there's quiet confidence the battery boom will continue to gather pace and help shield Australia from both global shocks and domestic demand surges, driving prices even lower.
Program: Political wedges and a welfare shake-up
Labor may be considering expanding exemptions to its capital gains tax changes amid a backlash from small business — but while they are consulting widely looks like they won't cave "quickly". And the Opposition has unveiled a political wedge of its own, threatening to withhold crucial support for Labor's NDIS overhaul without an inquiry into CGT and negative gearing changes in exchange.
Program: Push to change CGT rules tests Labor's reform courage
It was a tough week for the government after entrepreneurs and business owners took to social media to vent their outrage over proposed capital gains tax changes. Independent Senator David Pocock joins David Speers, with Mark Kenny, Clare Armstrong and Shane Wright on the couch.
Program: Tech sector warns tax could "double" under CGT changes | Insiders on Background
The decision to change capital gains tax rules for all investments, rather than just property, has sparked backlash from young investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners. In her first media interview since becoming the Tech Council's CEO, Kate Cornick tells David Speers the government must reward risk to avoid disincentivising startups.
Political cost of budget tax plan emerges as Labor focuses on future
In an already difficult post-budget week, Labor isn't being helped by some of its "friends". But it has won an important endorsement from one powerful voice. NSW Labor premier Chris Minns was perhaps the least helpful to his federal counterparts. He echoed opposition leader Angus Taylor's call for more to be done on "bracket creep" and took aim at the 47 per cent top marginal tax rate. "It's a tough burden for a lot of families," he said, requiring them to work half the week "for the government".
Program: Analysis: Labor burns political capital as tax reform backlash grows
In an already difficult post-budget week, Labor isn't being helped by some of its "friends". But it has won an important endorsement from one powerful voice.
Program: Tim Wilson's 'call to arms' for Liberals
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson has used a National Press Club Address to outline his vision for the Liberals. As PK tells David Speers the speech functioned as a "call to arms for what the Liberal Party's chief mission should be". And what we didn't hear from Tim Wilson was as interesting as what we did in this set-piece speech — with David pointing out that the Shadow Treasurer was squarely focused on "aspiration, small business, start-ups" avoiding immigration and culture war issues.
Program: Reform back in fashion amid rising global populism
Labor has gone after negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts while the Coalition has promised to end bracket creep by indexing tax thresholds. If Anthony Albanese's Achilles heel is a broken promise, for Angus Taylor it's the lack of detail on how he will do it all. Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins David Speers with Phil Coorey, Alan Kohler and Samantha Maiden on the couch.
Program: How will negative gearing and CGT changes shift the property market? | Insiders
This week's federal budget included an overhaul of negative gearing and the capital gains tax rules in a bid to move thousands of homes from the hands of investors to first home buyers. David Speers sat down with the President of the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association Melinda Jennison and the Grattan Institute's Matthew Bowes for this week's Insiders on Background.
Program: Battle of the budgets begins
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continue their big budget sell, Opposition leader Angus Taylor is gearing up to deliver his budget reply -- and big political and ideological battlelines are being drawn. PK tells Fran and David Speers, as the two budgets and two different visions for Australia take shape, there's a sense of real contest and a "battle for who people can win over".
'From Farage to Farrer': The rising populist tide is making Labor bolder
If this week's budget marked the start of the Albanese government's campaign for a third term in office, tonight's budget reply marks Angus Taylor's pitch to prevent a Liberal wipe-out. Both major parties are trying to tap into the appetite for ambition amongst frustrated voters who want change to the status quo. Labor sees this populist wave as a threat and is going for policy boldness in response. For Taylor, the stakes are much higher. The populist wave is already crashing on the Liberal Party.
Program: One Nation makes history in Farrer
After crushing the Coalition in its regional heartland, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is on a high and dreaming big. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson joins David Speers with Niki Savva, Greg Brown and Melissa Clarke on the couch.
Program: Farrer by-election: The issues that will determine who wins | Insiders
Farrer has been held by the Coalition for nearly 80 years but the seat looks almost certain to be won by One Nation's David Farley or Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. For this week's Insiders On Background David Speers travels to Albury to speak to locals about the issues driving their vote.
Trump's words won't send the Albanese government back to the budget drawing board
Loading So that's it. The war's over, apparently. At least according to the Trump administration. "Operation Epic Fury is concluded," Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared yesterday. So why no dancing in the streets? Or at the petrol pumps? Why was there no reaction at all from the Australian government or other US allies, who have been urging an end to the conflict since, well, not long after it began? Because no one quite knows what to believe from the US when it comes to this war. Is it on?
Program: Analysis: The federal budget isn't banking on Trump's promises
It's clear that whatever this unpredictable US president says, the Albanese government isn't expecting a return to normal oil flows any time soon.
Program: It's all about 'sovereign capability'
Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $10 billion energy security package, including a permanent government-owned fuel reserve, in what the government is calling a major step towards energy sovereignty. The announcement lands just days out from the budget, and in the mix of RBA governor Michelle Bullock warning the government to be careful spending doesn't add to inflation, following yesterday's rate rise.
Program: Grief, anger and a demand for change in the country's red centre
The death of Kumanjayi Little Baby prompts calls for urgent action to confront systemic failures in remote indigenous communities. Nationals Leader Matt Canavan joins David Speers, with Paul Sakkal, Anna Henderson and Daniel James on the couch.
Program: How productivity can save the Australian economy | Insiders
With just 10 days to go, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is putting the final touches the budget. Dr Chalmers has made clear productivity is a priority for this term of parliament. So who better to ask about the upcoming budget than the Productivity Commission. David Speers sat down with Commission Chair Danielle Wood for this week's Insiders On Background.
Coalition's risky Farrer strategy could clear path for One Nation
Pauline Hanson is now set to tour more regional Coalition-held seats in her "sexy" new private plane, and the Liberal and National parties are helping clear the runway. In next week's Farrer by-election, the Coalition parties are preferencing One Nation over the leading local independent. Many are wondering why. The official line from Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan is that Hanson's party is the "least worst" option.
Program: Pauline's 'sexy' plane and big money politics
Inflation has surged to a whopping 4.6 per cent, the highest level since 2023, as fuel shocks caused by the US-Iran war continue to bite. But the cost of living hasn't stopped One Nation leader Pauline Hanson from taking to social media to celebrate her "sexy" new private plane. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit out at the announcement, labelling the Senator a "wholly owned subsidiary" of billionaire Gina Rinehart — so could the optics hurt the minor party?
Program: Government's NDIS shakeup and Coalition leaves door ajar on property tax breaks
The government is spending some political capital. They've announced plans to rein in the NDIS and are inching closer to revealing changes to property tax breaks. But will the opposition get on board? Opposition Leader Angus Taylor joins David Speers, with Lenore Taylor, Tom Crowley and Katina Curtis on the couch.
Program: John Bolton: One of Trump's 'problems is he doesn't know what he wants.' | Insiders
Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but what happens now? Ambassador John Bolton was the President's national security adviser during his first term of office. He joined David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.
Program: Analysis: Are NDIS cuts the exception or the template?
As far as tough budget decisions go, we haven't seen anything on this scale since Joe Hockey's ill-fated 2014 effort. After yet another forecast cost blow-out, the changes laid out by Mark Butler to "salvage" the NDIS would save a whopping $35 billion over four years.
Tough NDIS budget decision could prove the exception — or the template
As far as tough budget decisions go, we haven't seen anything on this scale since Joe Hockey's ill-fated 2014 effort. After yet another forecast cost blow-out, the changes laid out by Mark Butler to "salvage" the NDIS would save a whopping $35 billion over four years. Butler, affectionately dubbed the "smiling assassin" by one of his cabinet colleagues, has taken a far more unsparing approach than expected to deliver what he called a complete "re-set" of the scheme.
Program: The political price of NDIS savings
The Albanese Government has announced a sweeping overhaul of the NDIS, with 160,000 participants to be booted from the scheme within four years. Underpinned by four key pillars, the reform looks to rein in spending and "unsustainable growth" and clamp down on the "chaotic free-for-all-market that's built up".
Program: Strait Talk: US-Iran peace stalled
Peace has stalled in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has declared the strait is closed again, demanding the US lift its blockade. What now for the ceasefire? And what does it mean for Australia? Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles joins David Speers, with Jennifer Hewett, Osman Faruqi and Samantha Maiden on the couch.
Program: ‘We can't do without them’: Kim Beazley on support for the US alliance slipping | Insiders On Background
Australia’s National Defence Strategy was unveiled this week, with more money for drones and missiles and an unapologetic commitment to the US-alliance. Kim Beazley is a former Defence Minister during the Hawke Government, a long-serving Labor Leader in opposition, a former Ambassador to the United States and now Chair of the Australian War Memorial. He sat down with David Speers for this week’s Insiders On Background.
Albanese government's frustration rises alongside fuel prices and inflation Original
Loading Fuel prices and inflation aren't the only metrics climbing as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. The Albanese government's level of frustration is rising just as fast. Whether it's Donald Trump threatening to wipe out an entire civilisation, posting a Jesus-like image of himself or taking pot-shots at the Pope, there's daily disbelief at what's coming out of the White House.
Program: Analysis: Albanese government's frustration rises alongside fuel prices
Fuel prices and inflation aren't the only metrics climbing as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. The Albanese government's level of frustration is rising just as fast.
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