Synopsis
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation, talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
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Malcolm Turnbull on Australia's 'dumb' defence debate
16/07/2025 Duration: 40minThe former prime minister warns debate about national security has 'never been dumber' – and AUKUS risks costing Australia far more than anyone wants to admit.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Larissa Waters on why we deserve more than a government that just tinkers
10/07/2025 Duration: 23minWith the government's big win at the election, how hard will the Greens push on legislation this term. We ask new leader Senator Larissa Waters. Mentioned in this episode:The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians
02/07/2025 Duration: 31minThe shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and social services says we need 'unpleasant conversations' to achieve real outcomes – like keeping families together.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersThe Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
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Treasury veteran Ken Henry on the "enormous damage" the tax system does to young people
26/06/2025 Duration: 28minFormer secretary of the Treasury Ken Henry joins us to talk about his 40+ years experience in working to reform Australia's tax system. Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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An 'impatient' Jim Chalmers on taking political risks in Labor's second term
17/06/2025 Duration: 34minFrom new ways to fast-track cheaper homes and renewable energy to bigger tax reforms, Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells the podcast his door is open for fresh ideas.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Senator Tammy Tyrrell on wild days in Tasmania
11/06/2025 Duration: 27minOn the podcast this week we're joined by Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell to discuss chaotic state of politics on the Apple Isle.Mentioned in this episode: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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Historian Emma Shortis warns against falling into Trump's trade traps
04/06/2025 Duration: 29minAhead of Anthony Albanese's likely first meeting with Donald Trump this month, a US politics expert says 'begging' for lower tariffs would be a mistake.Mentioned in this episode: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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Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals
29/05/2025 Duration: 30minWe're joined by Liberal Zoe McKenzie who was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. She joins us to talk about the Liberal party future.
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Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the 'dark shadow' of global instability
21/05/2025 Duration: 21minFrom super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parziament returns in July.Mentioned in this episode: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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Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the 'dark shadow' of global instability
20/05/2025 Duration: 21minFrom super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parliament returns in July.
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Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI
14/05/2025 Duration: 29minAssistant Minister Andrew Leigh is charged with lifting Australia's stagnant productivity. He says AI may help us do less drudge work, such as sending endless emails.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow 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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David Pocock wants us to aim for up 90% reduction in emissions
08/05/2025 Duration: 20minDavid Pocock joins us today to talk about the new Senate situation, his aspirations for the next three years and the election generally. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025How 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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The post mortem: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
05/05/2025 Duration: 21minThe election's over, it's a resounding win for Labor, but what now? How will the Liberal party rebuild?Mentioned in this episode:The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Culture wars and costings: election special podcast with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
02/05/2025 Duration: 16mineditorial@theconversation.edu.auPolicy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Pollster Kos Samaras on how voters are leaving the major parties behind
28/04/2025 Duration: 19minEx-Labor strategist turned pollster Kos Samaras says both major parties have been slow in adapting to this year's huge pre-poll voter turnout.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow 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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Scares and stunts in the home stretch: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
24/04/2025 Duration: 15mineditorial@theconversation.edu.auPolicy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won
23/04/2025 Duration: 34minFrom handling town hall hecklers to swaying voters through podcasts and online algorithms, Australian election campaigns have transformed in recent generations.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Two blunders and tap dancing with the truth: election special podcast with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
18/04/2025 Duration: 14mineditorial@theconversation.edu.auPolicy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Politics with Michelle Grattan: Warwick McKibbin on trying to model economic certainty in uncertain times
16/04/2025 Duration: 26minJoining us from Washington DC is Warwick McKibbin, an internationally renowned economic modeller from the ANU whose services are now in high demand.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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DOGEy Dutton and a dull debate: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
11/04/2025 Duration: 18mineditorial@theconversation.edu.auPolicy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.