Synopsis
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation, talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
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Abul Rizvi on how silence and stalling stoke anti-migrant fears
03/09/2025 Duration: 19minA former deputy secretary of the immigration department under the Howard government says 'it's time politicians on both sides pulled up their socks'.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Health Minister Mark Butler on kids on the NDIS through to aged care funding
28/08/2025 Duration: 26minThe health minister also says fewer kids are now vaping because of the government's ban, which 'exploded' as a health problem during the COVID years.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien and industry chief Andrew McKellar's reform wish list
19/08/2025 Duration: 33minBoth men say the government has a 'spending problem' and are urging the federal government to think beyond raising taxes – especially for business.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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Union boss Sally McManus on the push for shorter work hours in the age of AI
14/08/2025 Duration: 17minMcManus doesn't expect instant wins on shorter work hours from next week's economic summit, but says it still needs to be on the table – along with AI protections.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Jim Chalmers wants roundtable to 'crack open' the challenge of slow housing approvals
13/08/2025 Duration: 34minHousing is on the agenda at next week's productivity roundtable, with the Treasurer wanting better regulation and faster approvals to build more homes.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Talking about 'blokes' issues' with ex-Olympian and Labor MP Dan Repacholi
07/08/2025 Duration: 24minThe former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be.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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YouTube, podcasters and leading economists: Allegra Spender on how she's trying to influence tax reform
31/07/2025 Duration: 28minThe influential crossbench MP warns young working people are going backwards financially. She also backs the government's proposed YouTube ban for kids – for now.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters
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Chris Bowen on why it's ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31
24/07/2025 Duration: 22minWe're joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen who outlines Australia's ongoing energy transition.Mentioned in this episode:The Conversation WeeklySearch for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.
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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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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