The Canberra Playbook Podcast

POLITICO
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics
  • Semiweekly

POLITICO’s early morning guide to what’s driving Australian politics — and why it matters. The Canberra Playbook Podcast is hosted by Amanda Copp. Each 15-minute episode Monday, Wednesday and Friday, brings listeners two conversations: a political interview that goes beyond the soundbites, and a conversation with a journalist from POLITICO's global newsroom. Together, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Australia’s power shifts and how these moves connect Australia to the U.S., Europe and the world. Clear, conversational and grounded in reporting, the Canberra Playbook Podcast brings you the people and context behind the day’s biggest stories.

Episodes

  1. 21h ago

    Should Australia keep the King?

    Anthony Albanese is at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, Amanda Copp and POLITICO Australia editor Ryan Heath discuss the debate over slavery reparations and what the summit could deliver for middle powers. But while the PM is away, the RBA will make its next interest rates decision. And… with the Commonwealth front of mind, questions are back on whether Australia should become a republic. Amanda speaks with both sides of the debate.  Chapters 00:00 – CHOGM, the republic debate and interest rates01:06 – Britain and the debate over slavery reparations04:24 – The case for and against an Australian republic04:53 – Monarchist League spokesperson Beverly McArthur10:32 – Republic Movement co-chair Esther Anatolitis16:26 – Tomorrow’s RBA decision and pressure on the budget17:46 – What’s coming up on Canberra Playbook Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  2. 3d ago

    Senate estimates and super scandals

    POLITICO’s Canberra correspondent, and resident Senate estimates enthusiast, Miriam Webber joins Amanda Copp to unpack a week of estimates, including the ATO’s short-lived attempt to stop businesses paying tax by credit card, Defence spending, and public servants’ concerns about privacy.  Amanda then takes a look into what’s being described as Australia’s biggest superannuation scandal. She speaks with CHOICE Senior Investigative Journalist, Jarni Blakkarly, and Jessica Spence of Super Consumers Australia about their new podcast, ‘The Collapse’. They discuss how more than 11,000 Australians lost over $1.1 billion, proposed reforms and whether regulators could have acted sooner.  Chapters 00:00 – Meet Miriam Weber and the week’s “cheese” debate 01:15 – Senate estimates: the ATO, Defence and the week’s takeaways 02:37 – Public servants push back on clips of hearing evidence 04:03 – Is Senate estimates delivering transparency? 04:59 – The EU trade deal and concerns over cheese and beef 06:46 – The Collapse: the Shield and First Guardian super funds 08:09 – The human cost for investors who lost their super 10:02 – Could investors have spotted the risks? 11:02 – Proposed reforms, compensation and preventing another collapse 13:13 – ASIC’s response and the case for regulatory reform 14:12 – The human stories and restoring trust in super 16:30 – What’s coming up on Canberra Playbook Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  3. 5d ago

    The ‘black box’ controlling aging Australians lives

    Shadow Health Minister, Anne Ruston, joins Amanda Copp to discuss the government algorithm determining the lives of older Australians. A major report has found big flaws in the age care assessment tool. Amanda and POLITICO Australia Editor, Ryan Heath, also discuss the latest inflation figures and interest rates, plus the new Greens leader David Shoebridge’s proposal to lift the tax-free threshold. Chapters 00:00 – Amanda Copp and Ryan Heath on a number “crunchy” week in Canberra00:53 – Inflation, cost-of-living pressures and the RBA02:52 – Greens’ David Shoebridge’s proposed income tax cuts05:18 – Anne Ruston on Senate estimates and government transparency06:45 – The aged care assessment algorithm and the ombudsman’s findings09:29 – Ruston’s call for human decision making in aged care assessments11:30 – Delays in home care packages and people waiting for support13:21 – Private health insurance rebates for over-65s15:38 – Amanda and Ryan on aged care and the limits of a centralised system17:41 – What’s coming up on Canberra Playbook Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  4. Oct 25

    Business connections and disconnections

    Canberra Playbook Podcast Host Amanda Copp and Canberra Playbook Editor Paul Karp discuss federal parliament’s return after the attack on Helen Haines. Will it change security measures or and political rhetoric? And what to expect from a week of Senate estimates. Amanda speaks with CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar, about rising costs, weak business investment, his dealings with the Prime Minister and why ACCI is working more with One Nation. Chapters 00:00 – Paul Karp and Canberra’s reflective mood01:49 – Parliament returns after the attack on Helen Haines03:58 – What to expect from Senate estimates05:29 – Andrew McKellar interview06:06 – Trade diversification and pressures on businesses08:33 – Productivity and tax10:22 – Is there a disconnect between business and government?12:11 – McKellar on his access to Albanese and One Nation14:35 – What’s next on Canberra Playbook Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  5. Oct 22

    What keeps Jim Chalmers up at night?

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins Amanda Copp to discuss threats against politicians, security funding and the economic pressures facing Australia. He explains how rising global bond yields could add billions to the cost of government debt. Mr Chalmers also talks about how the Treasurer’s job has changed, his working relationship with Anthony Albanese. POLITICO Australia editor Ryan Heath joins Amanda to unpack the week. Chapters 00:00 – Political safety and the aftermath of the attack on Helen Haines 01:36 – Jim Chalmers on threats against politicians 02:52 – Bond yields and the rising cost of government debt 04:44 – How the Treasurer’s job has changed 05:42 – Cost-of-living pressures and the global economy 09:02 – Productivity and the government’s plan 10:03 – Chalmers on working with Anthony Albanese 12:19 – Ryan and Amanda analyse the interview 16:06 – Coming up next week  Questions? Comments? Tips? Let us know on our WhatsApp at +61 494 380 487. Or by email at canberraplaybook@politico.com  Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  6. Oct 20

    Tragedy strikes Canberra

    After the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, Amanda Copp and POLITICO Australia Editor Ryan Heath discuss the security risks facing people in public life. Amanda speaks with Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson, about political threats, the EU–Australia trade deal and the Coalition’s budget approach. Wilson also sets out his ideas for rebuilding both the Liberal Party and economic dynamism, arguing governments and his party need to embrace risk and bold ideas. Chapters00:00 – The attack on Helen Haines and political safety03:51 – Tim Wilson on rising threats and political rhetoric06:22 – Wilson’s case against the EU–Australia trade deal08:00 – Budget policy, growth and productivity10:28 – Rebuilding the Liberal Party and winning back urban seats14:03 – Ryan and Amanda on risk, growth and the Liberals’ challenges Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  7. Oct 18

    Labor’s problem with caucus control

    Former Industry Minister and outspoken backbencher, Ed Husic, joins Amanda Copp to argue that Australia needs to move from AI inquiries to action. He also has some frank words for the Prime Minister on how Labor handles disagreement. Here’s a taste… “If you cannot argue points of view within a cabinet or a caucus, how are you supposed to argue them outside?” Then, POLITICO Australia editor Ryan Heath joins Amanda to discuss the stalling EU–Australia trade deal and the questions facing the Greens over Senator Jordon Steele-John. Chapters00:00 – Amanda Copp and Ryan Heath: a rough trip and a crumbling conversation in Canberra01:42 – Why the EU trade deal could be at risk03:19 – Allegations involving Greens senator Jordan Steele-John05:23 – Ed Husic on AI policy and government action07:36 – Husic on Labor, disagreement and caucus debate10:14 – Reform, economic advice and the limits of ministerial power13:35 – What Husic’s comments mean for Labor and its reform agenda16:25 – Subscribe to Canberra Playbook Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  8. Oct 15

    A Liberal rising star on quitting politics

    Amanda Copp is joined by POLITICO’s Canberra Playbook editor Paul Karp to unpack a busy week in Parliament and the hurdles facing Labor to get laws passed. They discuss the stalled negotiations over online safety reform and hear from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on why platforms should have to build safety into their services from the start. Outgoing Liberal Senator and Shadow Immigration Minister, Jonno Duniam, joins Amanda as he calls it quits on political life. After 10 years in the Senate and 25 years in politics, he explains why he’s leaving, what he’ll miss and who his favourite Labor frenemy is. Plus, what he thinks about migration, One Nation and the challenges posed by AI. Chapters 00:00 – Paul Karp joins Amanda: blocked bills in Parliament 01:15 – Digital duty of care and negotiations over online safety 02:10 – eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on platform responsibility 03:35 – Jonno Duniam on leaving Parliament and putting family first 05:40 – The leaders and colleagues he’ll remember 10:00 – Immigration, housing and the challenge from One Nation 12:45 – Duniam’s view of AI and Australia’s readiness 14:20 – What he’ll miss about politics — and what comes next Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO's reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.politico.com/newsletters/canberra-playbook

  9. Oct 13

    “The Liberals can’t win without One Nation”: Barnaby Joyce

    Barnaby Joyce joins Amanda Copp for the latest episode of POLITICO’s Canberra Playbook podcast, arguing the Liberals can’t win without One Nation and predicting the two parties will eventually strike a deal. Joyce discusses missing the Nationals, his relationship with Pauline Hanson, and whether One Nation has gone mainstream. POLITICO Australia editor Ryan Heath joins Amanda to unpack a mood of grievance in Canberra and why politicians seem to be swearing more. Chapters00:00 – Catch up with Amanda Copp and Ryan Heath 00:46 – The aggrieved mood in Canberra01:22 – Why politicians are swearing more03:29 – Can the Liberals win without One Nation?04:59 – Barnaby Joyce on One Nation’s appeal to business06:12 – Productivity and replacing public servants with AI07:12 – Division bells interrupt the interview07:27 – Migration policy and recession08:56 – Internet censorship and the US execution live stream10:24 – Gas reservation and energy prices11:30 – Barnaby’s relationship with Pauline Hanson12:59 – Reflections on leaving the Nationals12:35 – Ryan and Amanda debrief Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com. Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO’s reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox at politico.com/canberra-playbook.

  10. Oct 11

    The next frontier: Australia’s new battle against big tech

    Australia's communications minister Anika Wells joins Amanda Copp for the debut episode of POLITICO's Canberra Playbook Podcast, revealing where she's prepared to compromise to get her landmark digital duty of care legislation through Parliament. Wells discusses negotiations with the Coalition and Greens, the limits of ministerial powers and why tech companies must take greater responsibility for online harms. She forcefully rejects accusations of censorship. POLITICO Australia editor Ryan Heath also joins Amanda to unpack the government's controversial plans to overhaul trust taxation and introduce domestic gas reservations. Plus, Wells reflects on her global influence, raising children in the digital age and the pressures of baking birthday cakes for twins. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Amanda Copp and Ryan Heath 01:37 – Labor's controversial plan to tax trusts at 30 percent 02:51 – Australia's gas reservation plan and how it compares globally 04:18 – The digital duty of care: Australia's next big tech crackdown 04:58 – Anika Wells on negotiating with the Coalition and Greens 07:00 – Ministerial powers, online harms and the Grok controversy 08:59 – Lessons from Australia's teen social media ban and the future of online safety 10:35 – Global influence, parenting and birthday cake diplomacy 13:30 – What Wells' comments mean for the bill's chances in Parliament Give us your feedback: Send us a WhatsApp message to +61 494 380 487 or an email at canberraplaybook@politico.com Subscribe to Canberra Playbook: Get POLITICO's reporting and analysis of Australian politics delivered to your inbox: ⁠⁠https://www.politico.com/newsletters/canberra-playbook⁠⁠ Learn more about Anika Wells: Her ministerial work and her parliamentary career. ​​⁠⁠https://www.anikawells.com.au/⁠⁠

  11. Oct 5

    Welcome to the Canberra Playbook Podcast

    Welcome to the Canberra Playbook Podcast, POLITICO’s early morning guide to what’s driving Australian politics — and why it matters. The Canberra Playbook Podcast is hosted by Amanda Copp. Each 15-minute episode Monday, Wednesday and Friday, brings listeners two conversations: a political interview that goes beyond the soundbites, and a conversation with a journalist from POLITICO's global newsroom. Together, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Australia’s power shifts and how these moves connect Australia to the U.S., Europe and the world. Clear, conversational and grounded in reporting, the Canberra Playbook Podcast brings you the people and context behind the day’s biggest stories

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POLITICO’s early morning guide to what’s driving Australian politics — and why it matters. The Canberra Playbook Podcast is hosted by Amanda Copp. Each 15-minute episode Monday, Wednesday and Friday, brings listeners two conversations: a political interview that goes beyond the soundbites, and a conversation with a journalist from POLITICO's global newsroom. Together, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Australia’s power shifts and how these moves connect Australia to the U.S., Europe and the world. Clear, conversational and grounded in reporting, the Canberra Playbook Podcast brings you the people and context behind the day’s biggest stories.

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