This week, the annual rate of inflation slowed to 6 per cent, down from the dizzying high of 7.8 per cent in December.  The rate was lower than economists had forecast and welcome news for households, businesses and the government.

But what will it mean for the RBA’s decision on interest rates next month?




And there are allegations government contractors provided suspect payments to Pacific politicians and officials involved in Australia’s offshore detention program in Nauru and PNG.




Jacob Greber, Senior Correspondent with the Australian Financial Review joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

Inflation slows, but will the RBA still hike rates?

Want to know what's really going on in Parliament House? Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas give you the political analysis that matters and explain what it means for you.

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Following an emergency National Cabinet meeting, the Government announced nearly $1 billion of additional funding to combat violence against women.

The Prime Minister has declared  the issue a "national crisis" and says his government is acting with urgency. But does the funding injection go far enough, or are more wrap around services needed?

If you need support, help is available from 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 13 11 14

Jacqueline Maley, Columnist and Senior Writer at the SMH and The Age joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Governments 'flailing' in DV crisis response

The legal feud between Elon Musk and the Australian Government is intensifying. The PM has labelled Mr Musk an "egotist", while Elon Musk has lashed out at what he says is the Australian government's "censorship". So just how expansive are the Australian government's powers here?

And recent polling shows voters are feeling the cost of living crunch, so can the government offer relief in the upcoming budget without adding to inflation?

Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

EDITORS NOTE: PK and Fran mention the statistic of 30 women killed by violence in Australia so far this year - this statistic comes from The Australian Femicide Watch.

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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Australia vs Elon and the budget starts to take shape

Political leaders face a tough test amid concerns about social cohesion following a difficult week for Australians, who’ve been left reeling over two stabbing attacks.

Six people were killed in a knife attack at Bondi Junction shopping centre and just days later authorities declared a “terror incident’ following the stabbing of an Assyrian Orthodox Bishop during a live streamed church service in Western Sydney, which sparked a riot.

And the judgement in the defamation trial Bruce Lehrmann brought against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson was handed down this week, with Justice Lee finding that on the balance of probabilities, Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House.

Kate McClymont, chief investigative reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Social cohesion concerns follow stabbing attacks

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has suggested the Albanese Government is considering recognising Palestinian statehood, saying a two-state solution is "the only hope" for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Despite bi-partisan support for a two-state solution, the Opposition has slammed Minister Wong's statement. Shadow Deputy leader Sussan Ley has suggested the move was "emboldening terrorists."

Karen Middleton, Political Editor at the Guardian joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Has the government shifted on Palestinian statehood?

The Albanese Government has failed to pass its rushed immigration detention bill. The Coalition formed an unusual alliance with Greens and the crossbench to delay a vote on the bill, claiming more scrutiny was needed.

And the issue has raised broader questions about the government's transparency, with other with other key pieces of legislation like the Religious Discrimination bill shrouded in secrecy.

Paul Karp, Chief Political Correspondent at Guardian Australia joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

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Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Inflation slows, but will the RBA still hike rates?

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