Leaders from across South-East Asia are set to descend on Melbourne next week – but why? The ASEAN Summit is marking 50 years since Australia became the first “dialogue partner” with the region, and the anniversary coincides with a critical strategic juncture with China. David Speers speaks to the man who came up with the idea to bring the conference to Australia's doorstep – former Indonesian Ambassador Gary Quinlan.

On Background: Why Asia Matters

Every Sunday morning, the ABC's national political lead David Speers unpacks the major stories shaping Australia's future. Each episode includes a major interview with an Australian politician and an extensive discussion with a panel of the country's best journalists. This show will help you understand the major factors behind the decisions and debates driving a national conversation.

News

Politics

We're two weeks on from the Budget and what's everyone talking about? Not the Budget, I suspect.

On Background: The rise of 'double haters' in Australian politics

Andrew Giles is facing immense pressure over the decision known as Direction 99, but he shows no signs of going anywhere. This mess can be traced back to a meeting of two prime ministers looking to repair a broken relationship.

Albanese is standing by his immigration minister, but this time he can't blame the mess on the High Court

Is the Coalition's nuclear policy a 'real' policy?

What’s going wrong in the shift to renewables – that requires taxpayers to cover the cost of keeping the Eraring power station running?

On Background: Quitting coal not as easy as first thought

As we enter the final year of the parliamentary term, pressure is growing for alternative solutions. And if the Coalition's immigration policy announcement is anything to go by, it will need to lift its game on nuclear.

On Background: Why Asia Matters

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