Housing remains the key issue for governments of all stripes, and was the cornerstone of both major parties' election campaigns.

But since the election, the housing market has only become increasingly unaffordable. And while Labor’s 5 per cent first homebuyer deposit scheme has had major uptake, experts are warning it could drive up prices at the entry level end of the market.

So, what policies and levers can federal and state governments pull to increase supply? Could gentle density rather than urban sprawl and skyscrapers be the answer? And is the Albanese Government’s target of 1.2 million homes by 2030 achievable?

Patricia Karvelas and Tom Crowley break it all down on Politics Now.

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AUKUS is going "full steam ahead" — that's the message from the Trump administration. But is it all smooth sailing ahead for the security partnership?

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Anika Wells is facing choppy waters, as further developments in the entitlement saga continue to emerge. So, can she survive the political turbulence? And could this lead to an overhaul of politicians' entitlements?

Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

After months of speculation, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined One Nation. So, will the New England MP be able to further bolster support for the minor party in the regions?

And does a taxpayer funded family trip to the snow pass the pub test? That’s the question dogging Communication Minister Anika Wells this week.

Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-08/anika-wells-travel-expenses-scandal-albanese-labor/106112088 Read Jacob's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-06/budget-pressures-anika-wells-peter-costello-porridge-senate/106088014

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework. 

The Albanese Government is spruiking its social media ban and urging social media companies to comply as the deadline looms. And while Opposition leader Sussan Ley is now raising doubts over the policy — is the Prime Minister on a political winner with the policy?

Meanwhile, two and half years after the bi-partisan Murphy review recommended a total ban on online gambling advertising, pressure is mounting on the Government to act. So, what's stopping them?

And the so-called 'jobs for mates' report has finally been handed down, and its findings were scathing. But will it change a culture that's entrenched for governments of both stripes?

• Guest: Anna Henderson, SBS Chief Political Correspondent 

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Communications Minister Anika Wells has used a National Press club address to talk-up the impending social media ban, and put platforms on notice.

But the Minister was less forthcoming when asked about next steps on an online gambling ad ban, which was recommended by the Murphy review two-and-a-half years ago. So, will the Labor rank and file muscle-up on this issue and force the prime minister to act?

Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

The scathing and long-awaited 'jobs for mates' report has been handed down. It's found government appointments too often look like 'forms of patronage and nepotism' and warned the system had eroded public trust. So, will anything change?

It comes as a landmark inquiry into sexual violence in the defence force is unveiled and as the Albanese Government announces the biggest overhaul to defence in decades.

Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has capped off the political year by tying the knot with his partner Jodie Haydon at the Lodge. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber have some big thoughts about the strategic timing of the event (and Toto's tutu).

But things aren't looking quite so bright in the future, so what big political challenges is Labor facing in the year ahead?

And you can hear PK, Jacob and Fran Kelly chat about the political year that was — and what's next — live at the Canberra Theatre TOMORROW! Tickets are going fast, so grab them now: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/

Read PK's piece here:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-01/albanese-wedding-labor-zenith/106083908

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Labor is feeling pretty good about life heading into the summer.

But not everything is going swimmingly. 

Inflation edged higher during the week, and some economists are warning the next move in interest rates will be up. 

A Labor-Greens deal on the EPBC has been announced, after lengthy negotiations. It comes after Environment Minister Murray Watt said he was open to a deal with the Coalition or the Greens to pass the legislation. So why did the Opposition rule themselves out? And is this a sign of a more pragmatic approach from the Greens under leader Larissa Waters?

And New England MP Barnaby Joyce is expected to announce he's defecting. So, was it Pauline Hanson's sandwich press steak that won him over? And the One Nation leader was also in the headlines for her burka stunt in the Senate, the move was roundly condemned, and she was censured and suspended from the Senate. But as One Nation surges in the polls, will the move prove too radical for swinging voters and shift them back to the centre?

• Guest: Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia Editor

TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW HERE: https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/politics-now-live/

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]