50 episodes

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.

The Party Room ABC News

    • News
    • 4.7 • 3.3K Ratings

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.

    Has the government shifted on Palestinian statehood?

    Has the government shifted on Palestinian statehood?

    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.

    More Information

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

    • 33 min
    Questions over transparency as Labor 'takes out the trash'

    Questions over transparency as Labor 'takes out the trash'

    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.

    More Information

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

    • 32 min
    Trump slams Rudd and Chinese foreign minister visits

    Trump slams Rudd and Chinese foreign minister visits

    Former US President Donald Trump has reprimanded former PM Kevin Rudd in an interview, saying he heard he was "a little bit nasty" and warning if that if Ambassador Rudd is "at all hostile he won't be there for long". So, what could this mean for future US-Australian relations under a Trump Presidency?

    Meanwhile the PM has announced he won't proceed with a religious discrimination bill unless it has bipartisan support. And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited Australia, holding diplomatic talks with Foreign Minister Penny Wong. But his meeting with former PM Paul Keating is raising eyebrows.


    Phil Coorey, Political Editor of the Australian Financial Review joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

    More Information

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

    • 32 min
    Push to make aged care sustainable and nuclear debate drags

    Push to make aged care sustainable and nuclear debate drags

    The Government appears to be on the verge of a major shift in funding Australia's aged care system. It comes after taskforce set up to review funding models suggested moving more to a means tested user pays system. 

    And the Coalition is continuing its push for nuclear energy, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton stating they will name “six” possible locations for nuclear reactors in the coming weeks. So what are the politics behind the Coalition's approach?

    Charles Croucher, Chief Political Editor for 9News joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

    More Information

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

    • 32 min
    Energy debate goes nuclear as PM looks to Asia

    Energy debate goes nuclear as PM looks to Asia

    Australia hosted ASEAN leaders in a special summit in Melbourne this week as key differences over China were set aside.

    • 26 min
    ASIO reveals ex-politician betrayed Australia and Dunkley by-election looms

    ASIO reveals ex-politician betrayed Australia and Dunkley by-election looms

    In an explosive briefing, ASIO boss Mike Burgess revealed a former Australian politician "sold out their country" after being recruited by a foreign intelligence service. In the wake of the revelations, former Treasurer Joe Hockey has called for the person to be named.

    And the stakes are high at the Dunkley by-election this weekend. And while the Government managed to pass its contentious changes to stage 3 tax cuts through parliament, recent polls have given the Opposition a confidence boost.

    It comes as new gender-pay-gap data reveals disparities across certain industries, and as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison exits parliament.

    Anna Henderson, SBS World News Chief Political Correspondent joins Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas on The Party Room.

    More Information

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

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
3.3K Ratings

3.3K Ratings

Blondetops ,

Fabulous insightful analysis of what’s happening each week in Federal politics

Fran and PK are wonderful hosts, extremely well informed on all the latest in current affairs. And they have superb guests each week who add their expertise to the analysis of the week in politics. Fran and PK bring Federal politics to life in a very entertaining and informative way. I never miss an episode! A huge thank you Fran and PK!

scozziej ,

Great Podcast that tackles all sides of politics

Love this podcast. Open honest and frank conversation where people disagree (take note Australian MPs - you could learn a thing or two). Gives great insight into what is happening behind the news stories as well as intelligent analysis including from guests. Get started - I think you’ll love it.

Political Junkee ,

Great Political observations

I always tune in to appreciate your great political observations

Would be very interested in you inviting a political journalist from the “right” to engage with you guys to see whether they could sustain a coherent argument on a matter for discussion that week

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