Politics With Michelle Grattan

Jamie Briggs, assistant minister for infrastructure and regional development, talks to Michelle Grattan about his portfolio, the upcoming budget and his previous life as an advisor in John Howard’s office.

John Hewson, a former federal Liberal leader, talks to Michelle Grattan about Barry O'Farrell and the federal budget.

The government is putting the cost to the budget of pensions to the front and centre of the economic debate. John Brogden, chief of the financial services council, is recommending extensive changes to retirement policy. 

The Catholic Church has been at the centre of many damaging claims before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Truth Justice and Healing Council, a group established to coordinate the Catholic Church’s engagement with the royal commission and to develop a reform agenda around the handling of child sexual abuse, sits down with Michelle Grattan for a wide ranging talk.

As a tough budget nears, health seems high on the cuts agenda, despite promises to not cut in the area, made during the election campaign. AMA Federal President Dr Steve Hambleton sits down with Michelle Grattan to talk about the upcoming budget, Medicare, and much, much more.

Chief Government Whip Philip Ruddock has had a long career in politics, entering parliament in 1973. He talks his role as immigration minister in the Howard government, the racial discrimination act changes and much more.

Manager of opposition business and shadow finance minister Tony Burke has already held some of the most difficult and controversial portfolios in government and continues to tackle difficult areas in opposition. Michelle and Tony talk about Manus, the government's budget numbers and how Labor plan to get back to government. 

Independent member for Indi Cathy McGowan fought one of the most interesting campaigns of the 2013 election, defeating Sophie Mirabella in what had been a safe Liberal seat. Cathy joins Michelle to talk about people power, life as an MP and her electorate. 

Michelle Grattan sits down with G20 sherpa Heather Smith to discuss the ins-and-outs of the massive event, which will be hosted by Australia later this year.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane sits down with Michelle Grattan to talk about racial discrimination in Australia and the much debated 18c legislation.

Michelle Grattan sits down with the Minister for Communication Malcolm Turnbull to talk about the NBN, the ABC and gay marriage.

The always interesting leader of the Palmer United Party Clive Palmer talks to Michelle Grattan about running businesses while in parliament, the upcoming Tasmanian and Western Australian elections and the Titanic 2.

Tim Wilson is Australia's human rights commissioner and former policy director for the IPA. He talks to Michelle Grattan about the new position, his stance on a varied array of topics and his future.

Labor spokesman for Immigration and Border Protection Richard Marles talks to Michelle Grattan about Labor's border protection policies, the Manus Island incident and the closure of Alcoa in his electorate.

Parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister Josh Frydenberg speaks to Michelle Grattan about the government's intention to put its domestic agenda on the global stage when Australia hosts the G20 in November.

Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson talks with Michelle about his own experience in small business, the importance of the portfolio to the future of Australia and much, much more.

Chief Scientist Ian Chubb talks to Michelle Grattan about a new collaboration with The Conversation, looking at the future of science in 2025.

Paul Howes is the national secretary of the AWU, he talks to Michelle Grattan off the back of his speech at the National Press Club.

Senator Kim Carr, Shadow Minister for Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Industry spoke to Michelle Grattan about SPC Armoda, education policy and much more.

Tanya is deputy campaign director for Recognise, working to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution. She speaks to Michelle about this issue in the lead up to Australia day.