Synopsis
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation, talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
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It’s on: tracking policies and truth in advertising. Election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
28/03/2025 Duration: 25minPolicy tracker:https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/Set the Agenda survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheConversationElection25email us: editorial@theconversation.edu.auMentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor on tax top-ups and budget bottom lines
26/03/2025 Duration: 30minOn this podcast we are joined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor to talk about the budget.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Negotiating with the Greens and negotiating with Trump: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
21/03/2025 Duration: 23minMichelle Grattan and The Conversation's Politics Editor Amanda Dunn discuss the big issues of the week and answer your questions.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.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.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Barbara Pocock on the Greens' policy priorities
19/03/2025 Duration: 35minWith the polls close to a dead heat, would the Greens push a potential minority Labor government even harder to pursue their agenda? Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.
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Tariffs, a tricky road for Dutton and the future of Pine Gap: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn
14/03/2025 Duration: 19minMichelle Grattan and The Conversation's Politics Editor Amanda Dunn discuss the big issues of the week and answer your questions.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersThe Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.
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Peter Dutton on why he’s not Australia’s Trump – ‘I’m my own person’
13/03/2025 Duration: 47minOpposition leader Peter Dutton joins the podcast to discuss his ambitions if he becomes Prime Minster at the May election.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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Tina Jackson says there's 'No such thing as a safe seat': 3 independent challengers to watch this election
12/03/2025 Duration: 26minWe are joined by the co-founder of the Community Independents Project, Tina Jackson - a key figure behind Zali Steggall's successful campaign against Tony Abbott in 2019Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly
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James Curran on Trump, Ukraine, shifting tectonic plates, and a bigger Australian defence bill
07/03/2025 Duration: 30minTo discuss Trump Mark 2 on the world stage and what that means for Australia, we're joined by James Curran, professor of modern history at the University of Sydney.Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly
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Cyclone Alfred wreaks havoc as leaders await Trump tariff decision: election special episode 2 with Amanda Dunn and Michelle Grattan
07/03/2025 Duration: 18minCyclone Alfred wreaks havoc as leaders await Trump tariff decision: election special episode 2 with Amanda Dunn and Michelle GrattanFrom cyclones to school funding announcements, there have been lot of issues - and disruptions - for the prime minister and opposition leader.As we gear up for a Federal election, Politics + Society Editor Amanda Dunn and Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan sit down to talk about this week's key issues. Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly
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Chinese warships, a dirt file and a firming election date: election special episode with Amanda Dunn and Michelle Grattan
28/02/2025 Duration: 21minChinese warships, a dirt file and a firming election date: election special episode with Amanda Dunn and Michelle GrattanMentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly
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Tom Rogers on helping voters spot election lies
26/02/2025 Duration: 26minWe're joined today by Tom Rogers, recently retired as Electoral Commissioner. As commissioner, Rogers oversaw three federal elections and the Voice referendum.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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Danielle Wood on how to trim back housing regulations
19/02/2025 Duration: 24minWe talk to productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood about the housing challenge, as well as Australia's parlous productivity performance generally.
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David Littleproud on US tariffs, a government-owned Rex, and the Nationals’ identity
12/02/2025 Duration: 32minJoining us on this podcast is Nationals leader David Littleproud to talk about the upcoming election and how he's "joined at the hip" with Peter Dutton. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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Tariffs, climate & the rules based order: what the Trump presidency means for Australia
04/02/2025 Duration: 28minWe're joined by John Blaxland and Richard Holden to talk about the impact of global uncertainties will have on Australia. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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Albanese discusses a second term with the youth vote in mind
01/02/2025 Duration: 49minAnthony Albanese joins us on the podcast to discuss ongoing issues in Australia, his experience in the top job and his pitch to voters for this years election. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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"I don't do coy": Treasurer Jim Chalmers + Angus Taylor on the budget blues
19/12/2024 Duration: 46minAppropriately, we finish our podcast for 2024 talking to Treasurer Jim Chalmers and his shadow, Angus Taylor because, as the saying goes, "it's the economy, stupid!" Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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For Mark Dreyfus, antisemitism is very personal
12/12/2024 Duration: 39minMark Dreyfus joins the podcast to talk about his family's story of fleeing Nazi Germany, his own and his community's experience with antisemitism, and his reaction to criticism of the government. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.
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Populism, tribalism and partisanship": Simon Birmingham's parting reflections
03/12/2024 Duration: 39minSimon Birmingham joins the podcast to talk about the highs and lows of his time in politics and the Liberal Party, as well as to share his biggest regret and a couple of anecdotes. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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From 'drill, baby, drill' fears to hope: why COP wasn't so bad for climate boss Matt Kean NEW
29/11/2024 Duration: 27minHead of the CCA former New South Wales Liberal treasurer Matt Kean, joins the podcast to talk about COP, Australia's energy transition, and the challenge of preparing that advice on the 2035 target. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025
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The argument for reducing "big money" in elections: Special Minister of State Don Farrell
21/11/2024 Duration: 29minOn this podcast we are talking with Special Minister of State Don Farrell about the changes to political donation laws and the criticisms. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025