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Articles by Lara Heaton
Program: A sitting week with spooks and ghosts
It’s been a strange sitting week in Canberra, with the Albanese government trying to push through a packed legislative agenda - only to find itself repeatedly dragged onto political ground it hadn’t planned for. Labor was slow out of the blocks in responding to the Trump administration’s proposed livestream of a US execution. Is the government becoming too reluctant to criticise the president?
Program: Is Josh Frydenberg back?
Parliament is back for another sitting week and Jacob Greber is back on the podcast! But as Jacob tells PK, it's already looking like a "tricky" week for the Albanese government, with no clear passage for their legislative agenda. And PK thinks new Greens leader David Shoebridge will also be looking to make his mark. So, will he play "hardball" with Labor? Meanwhile, questions are swirling about whether former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's will return to federal politics.
Program: The 'raw politics' of immigration
While the government faces criticism from all sides over its economic management after the latest RBA cash rate hike, the Coalition is pitching dramatic cuts to immigration as a way to ease voters' economic pain. But can either major party meet the expectations of a frustrated electorate? Plus, Anthony Albanese navigates the tricky optics of another international diplomacy event at the pre-COP in Fiji, as the government fights suggestions the summit was a flop.
Program: Labor doesn't want a fight on immigration
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has undertaken a media blitz, as he tries to sell the Coalition's immigration policy. But he's already facing significant backlash from the business sector, who are warning of the implications for economic growth. Labor on the other hand have been giving the Coalition some "clear air" to sell the policy, which David Speers thinks is because the government doesn't want a fight on immigration.
Program: Angus Taylor tries to 'outbid' Pauline Hanson
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the Coalition's immigration policy, promising the "biggest cut to immigration in the history of this country". PK tells Raf she sees this as the Coalition attempting to "outbid" One Nation on immigration — but she's not convinced the Opposition (or anyone else for that matter) can. Raf sees the pitch as a response to the "existential threat" facing the Coalition and an attempt to "neutralise" immigration as an issue.
Program: Is the 'sensible centre' dead?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen are in Fiji for pre-COP talks. But back home the Opposition has labelled the high-level climate talks a "farce" and criticised Labor's investment during a cost of living crisis. So, could this critique backfire for the Coalition in the future? Meanwhile, Queensland's crackdown on the tobacco black market is showing some early promise, with legal cigarette purchases increasing by 55 per cent.
Program: Albanese's selfie diplomacy
It's Question Time! But first, Fran does a West Wing welfare check on PK (she's in the slump part of the series). And then it's over to your brilliant questions, including: Is it bad for brand for Anthony Albanese to snap selfies with Donald Trump? Are Community Strong a new threat on Labor's right? Why isn't the Coalition's policy return bracket creep cutting through — and what does that say about the party leader Angus Taylor?
Program: Inflation is up. Labor's mojo is down
The economy has been the key story of the political week, with an interest rate rise and some less than rosy inflation figures compounding Labor's economic woes. A war over words emerged over a discrepancy in the "emphasis" RBA Governor and Treasurer Jim Chalmers placed on the war in the Middle East. Labor struggled to land a message that connected with voters and they also lost some of their political mojo along the way. So, is this just a run of the mill midterm slump?
Program: Are the Greens shifting further left?
NSW David Shoebridge has emerged as the new Greens leader, using his first pitch to hammer economic messages and vow to "replace Labor". And while he signalled the Greens would fill the policy vacuum left by Labor, are the minor party united around his leadership? Meanwhile, the economic blows keep rolling in for Labor, with the latest CPI figures handed down today painting another bleak picture for inflation.
Program: Who will lead the Greens?
The Greens are looking for a new leader, after Larissa Waters stepped down from the top job for health reasons. It comes as the Greens languish in the polls, while One Nation capitalises on the anti-establishment vote.So, as populism surges, will the minor party's next leader be able to seize the momentum? And the RBA is widely expected to raise rates today, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers seemingly resigned to the fact and trying to manage expectations. But is this washing with voters?
Program: Does Labor have the ‘midterm blues’?
PK is back from her break! And she's returned armed with some big thoughts about how political "argy bargy" around the OpenAI Medicare data breach. The Coalition is pushing back on consequences for OpenAI over the breach, while the Greens have called for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to appear before a Senate inquiry over the matter. It comes as Finance Minister Katy Gallagher flags legislation on AI guardrails could be introduced to parliament before the end of the year.
Program: A big week for existential dread
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dropped an "AI bomb" in the middle of UN week, announcing that an Open AI agent hacked into a Medicare portal. So, as debate rages at the UN General Assembly over the need for AI safeguards, do the optics of the situation help Anthony Albanese's case? It's been a big week on the global stage for the PM, as he brushes shoulders with leaders of fellow middle powers and even managed to snap a selfie with US President Donald Trump.
Program: Albanese’s UN super intelligence
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued his push for global AI safeguards at the UN general assembly, positioning himself as a global leader on tackling online harm. It comes as US President Donald Trump rejects calls for AI regulation, announcing he will now refer to the tech as "super intelligence" across official documents. And in a rare public intervention, the Trump Administration has criticised the Albanese Government's "digital duty of care" proposal.
Program: Is the Coalition joining the super wars?
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg has reignited the super wars, with a pitch he says is about generating a "sophisticated debate" over the policy. As Clare tells Raf, internal divisions remain in the Coalition over superannuation, with some concerned about slaying the "sacred cow" that is superannuation. But Raf thinks this might just be the Opposition "blowing off the cobwebs on the policymaking machine" and starting to rebuild their policy ammunition for the election battle ahead.
Program: Albanese's AI era
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing his online safety charm offensive at the UN this week, after a quick visit to tour Apple headquarters in Silicon Valley. It follows the PM's calls for international cooperation on AI guardrails, amid global uncertainty over the use and safety of Artificial Intelligence. But back home there are questions about how Australia's own AI national standards will be implemented.
Program: Howard bingo and pollies on pods
It's Question Time! But first, Fran and PK catch-up on what's been an "intense and wild" week. PK is still mad she didn't get to choose George Michael as her expert subject on Mastermind, but host and friend of the quiz show Marc Fennell dials in to commiserate and offer some advice. And as Fran reveals her special subject, she learns about the 'John Howard bingo' the team has been playing behind the scenes.
Program: Labor's immigration crackdown
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled Labor's long awaited migration plan, including a crackdown on overstayers and a ballot for backpackers. It comes after One Nation kicked off the week with details on their immigration policy and as the Coalition finalises the details of it's own plan. So, while all three-parties are on a unity ticket about reducing temporary immigration, there's key political distinctions in who they are each targeting, and how.
Program: Labor's 'narrow path' and 'stinky sausage'
The AI fight keeps getting messier. As all sides weigh in on copyright, creators, investment and whether Australia can afford to miss the next tech wave, Anthony Albanese is trying to walk a very narrow path. Can he have “all of the desserts but none of the calories” - welcoming AI investment while defending creatives from being sold down the river? Meanwhile, the government is back in the spotlight over a sports grant in Health Minister Mark Butler’s seat.
Program: Should Albanese’s dead mum be off-limits?
One Nation has unveiled a plan to slash migration by 750,000 over three years, sparking swift backlash from industry and both Labor and Coalition. But as Clare and PK discuss, One Nation's political strategy has been effective. The minor party has once again managed to set the agenda and essentially "run the week". But, beyond the clever political management do the figures stack-up?
Program: Is Pauline Hanson losing this culture war?
It was a big week of both policy and politicking in parliament. All sides laid out their pitches to win over voters; Labor's Digital Duty of Care, One Nation's pitch for early super access and the Coalition's proposal to ban burning the flag.
Program: The PM's swing at the ABC
The Prime Minister has dismissed concerns about censorship in Labor's digital duty of care bill as "disengenous", as divisions emerge in the Coalition over the policy. It comes as Anthony Albanese faces questions about an undeclared honorary membership at the Marrickville Golf Club, after the club was awarded $6 million via an "invite only" grant scheme. The PM is adamant he wasn't aware of his honorary membership and has taken a swing at the ABC in the process.
Program: Are Labor's new laws censorship?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled Labor's draft Digital Duty of Care legislation, vowing to give people "choice and control" over their social media feeds. The Government's policy framing comes as some in the Coalition — including Opposition leader Angus Taylor — have raised concerns over censorship. Meanwhile, One Nation has continued to sell its super policy, with One Nation Treasury spokesperson Barnaby Joyce engaging in series of heated exchanges over modelling.
Program: One Nation goes for super
Parliament is back for another sitting fortnight and "rival ideas" are already dominating the agenda. The Albanese Government is set to unveil draft Digital Duty of Care legislation by the end of the week, while One Nation has unveiled its plan to allow Australians who rent or pay a mortgage to divert a portion of their super payments as salary for up to three years. As PK tells Jacob, the Coalition is again starting the week on the backfoot — "who is in the field?
Program: Sharks, climate change and George Michael
It's Question Time! But first, Fran tells PK about how it felt to spot herself swimming in footage of the Coogee shark attack and why she's not letting the experience keep her out of the water. And then it's onto your brilliant questions! Will the floods in Nepal renew the focus on climate change? Why are politicians so focused on NOM immigration? And aside from Australian politics, what expert subject would Fran and PK choose?
Program: Voters sent Labor a message. Are they listening?
Labor has now come face-to-face with the threat from One Nation. One Nation's decisive victory at the WA state by-election of Secret Harbour came with a message for Anthony Albanese and Federal Labor — so are they listening? And how are they positioning? And a war over words broke out this week, after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the PM of inciting violence by labelling far-right populist parties "divisive, dangerous and downright dishonest".
Program: Will Albanese fix our feeds?
It's Wednesday, so you know what that means — it's another data day with David and PK! New GDP figures have just landed, rising 0.4 per cent in the June quarter. It's a little stronger than markets were expecting. so what will it mean for interest rates? Meanwhile, Teach Us Consent Founder has taken to the stage at the National Press Club to push for an "opt-in" model for social media algorithms.
Program: Will online safety be Albanese's legacy policy?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brushed off questions about tensions between China and Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum, saying he's focused on "outcomes and unity". As PK tells Clare, Australia hopes not being viewed as on overbearing bully in the Pacific works in our favour — rather Labor's approach to diplomacy is "carrots not sticks". Back home, the Albanese Government has unveiled a raft of proposed changes to privacy laws, but ruled out an import ban on smart glasses.
Program: One Nation comes for Labor seats
One Nation's resounding win at the WA Secret Harbour by-election was watched closely by political insiders in Canberra. The historic state by-election win came with a warning from One Nation that there are "no safe seats". So, is Federal Labor concerned — and what lessons are they taking? It comes as two new polls show Labor and One Nation remain neck-and-neck. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Program: Did Albanese get 'rolled' by the states?
National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead? Fran, PK and Ash Raper certainly think so. As Ash tells PK and Fran, it was a bit like a big family gathering you brace for but that ends up being highly uneventful.
Program: Fractious federation.. and farewell Dolly
It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation? Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here? And PK and David couldn't help but remember the incomparable Dolly Parton.
Program: Is Albanese WA's 'daddy'?
Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia. WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed WA" while the local paper has dubbed Anthony Albanese "WA's Daddy". But the move has been received far less warmly across other states and territories, and it's not the only issue where tensions are likely to flare at National Cabinet tomorrow.
Program: One Nation's migration mop-up
One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson tried to mop-up, stating the party's target was "less than half Labor's current level", while Deputy leader Barnaby Joyce claimed the minor party's immigration policy has been consistent all along. And as the Victorian election gets closer, Labor and the Coalition are unveiling core promises.
Program: Could deepfakes threaten elections
It's time for our Question Time! But first, Fran checks in on where PK is up to on the West Wing and gives a TV show recommendation of her own. Then they get stuck into your brilliant questions, including: Will AI deepfakes be a big risk at the next election?
Program: A big week of dealmaking
It's been a very successful legislative week for the Albanese Government, with Labor and the Coalition teaming up to pass a suite of bills. But it seems the big battles are only just beginning, with the implementation of the changes presenting a key challenge for Labor.
Program: Albanese's art of the deal
It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills. David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just a party that says "no" and can compromise in the national interest. Meanwhile, for Anthony Albanese the successful passage of key legislation shows his "mastering of the parliamentary arts" and ability to maximise Labor's pathways through parliament.
Program: Angus Taylor's bid for relevance
Labor will pass its gambling bill with Coalition support, after the amended legislation was signed off by both party rooms. And while some Opposition members have crossed the floor on the bill, suggesting the tweaks didn't go far enough — PK and Claudia don't think this issue will continue to linger for Labor. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Angus Taylor has issued the Albanese Government with an ultimatum: fast track a fix to the so-called 'widow's tax' or the Coalition won't back the NDIS overhaul.
Program: The politics of parochialism
A familiar fight has re-emerged on WA's GST deal, after the productivity commission labelled the arrangement a "costly mistake" in its interim report. But is this an issue the Albanese Government has any appetite for? Or do the political stakes have to be higher? And speaking of old stoushes, the super wars appear to be back on the agenda, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers declaring the next federal election will be a "referendum" on superannuation.
Program: Albo-Trump talks and Farage’s bin face-off
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a "productive, constructive, lengthy and substantial" phone call with US President Donald Trump. Tariffs, AUKUS , AI and "a few personal issues" were all on the agenda in the wide-ranging conversation. And PK and Clare have big thoughts about bins, well one bin in particular. And while Nigel Farage has already declared victory over Count Binface in the UK Clacton by-election, they both think it tells us an important story about our times.
Program: Is One Nation the 'gayest' party?
Parliament returned this week but while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor edged closer to key deals on legislation behind the scenes, other stories stole the spotlight. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg delivered a "loosey-goosey" and far ranging speech ostensibly focused on housing reform. But the Senator's signature blunt style may have seen him step on some of his colleagues toes along the way.
Program: Will the PM ride out 'melon-gate'?
Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan to slash Net Overseas Migration to just 180,000 people per year on average and dramatically reduce red tape. Meanwhile, the so-called 'melon-gate' saga continues to linger for the PM, with the Opposition referring an apparent leak of correspondence between Japan and Australia to the Australian Federal Police.
Program: Deals, barney’s and melons
A deal on Labor's gambling bill is getting closer, as Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor hold talks to thrash out a deal. But it seems there are still internal divisions in both Labor and the Coalition to work through before negotiations can be finalised. Meanwhile, Japan has dismissed the PM's podcast melon gaffe as "sensationalised" in a formal letter, but domestic politicians have been less forgiving. So, does Anthony Albanese have to "suck it up" and apologise?
Program: The podcast the PM regrets
Parliament is back this week, with politicians descending on the nations capital for a stacked sitting fortnight. After playing hardball, the Albanese Government is signalling some openness to negotiations on gambling reforms, particularly around inducements.
Program: A spicy text and an AI stoush
It's Question Time! But before they get stuck into your brilliant questions, PK and Mel dig into some political developments. A scandalous text sent by the ACT Opposition leader has raised a whole host of questions, including whether or not politicians are allowed to find their jobs boring. And the brewing fight between the Albanese Government and its NT and QLD counterparts over AI data centres. Then it's time for your questions, including are Labor failing to sell their policies?
Program: While the PM's away, the mice will play
The Prime Minister and Opposition leader have been on leave this week, but their absence hasn't led to a quieter news cycle. A two-day parliamentary inquiry into gambling dominated the agenda, hardening political opposition to Labor's gambling bill and mounting pressure on Anthony Albanese to go further — so will he? Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's last minute press club cancellation became a story in and of itself.
Program: Is Labor worried about immigration?
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a national press club address, a very unusual move, where he was expected to announce sweeping cuts to immigration. The decision not to address the press club this week came less than 48-hours before the speech, with a spokesperson confirming it was "clear that some elements of the speech would not be finalised".
Program: Will Albanese go further on gambling?
Betting giants Tabcorp and Sportsbet have faced a grilling at the parliamentary inquiry on gambling. The short inquiry has only run for two-days, but both Clare and PK agree it's been high impact. PK points to how it could frame the political agenda when parliament returns next week, while Clare says she doesn't see a path through the Senate without Labor's bill "being tougher and more restrictive" on gambling promotions and advertisements.
Program: The politics of property prices
House prices are falling across the country, with the downturn no longer just confined to Sydney and Melbourne according to new Cotality data. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says there's never "been a better time to be a first home buyer in Australia", while Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pointed to Treasury modelling that house price growth would slow by about 2 per cent in the short term.
Program: Billionaires, donations and integrity
Integrity in politics is back in the spotlight, with Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson all facing their own questions about transparency. And the inflation figures for the June quarter have landed, and it's better news than what most economists were expecting. So, what will it mean for the RBA's August cash rate decision? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
Program: Victoria has a new premier. Can he save Labor?
Victorians have a new premier, with Ben Carroll taking on the state's top job, after a chaotic caucus meeting. Jacinta Allan stepped down ahead of the caucus vote, saying she believed it was the best thing for the Labor party and the Victorian people. Ben Carroll has already moved to distinguish his leadership from his predecessor, announcing a royal commission into the construction sector.
Program: Victorian Labor's leadership crisis
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership spill, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll confirming he will run for the Labor leadership. It comes after a delegation of Labor MPs met with the Premier to urge her to resign, but it doesn't seem Jacinta Allan is willing to step aside without a fight.
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