The Conversation

Politics with Michelle Grattan

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The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.

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The Conversation

Episodes

Jim Chalmers wants roundtable to 'crack open' the challenge of slow housing approvals 13.08.2025 36:23

Housing is on the agenda at next week's productivity roundtable, with the Treasurer wanting better regulation and faster approvals to build more homes. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant sc...

Talking about 'blokes' issues' with ex-Olympian and Labor MP Dan Repacholi 07.08.2025 26:08

The former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for ou...

YouTube, podcasters and leading economists: Allegra Spender on how she's trying to influence tax reform 31.07.2025 30:24

The influential crossbench MP warns young working people are going backwards financially. She also backs the government's proposed YouTube ban for kids – for now. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre...

Chris Bowen on why it's ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31 24.07.2025 23:42

We're joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen who outlines Australia's ongoing energy transition. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal...

Malcolm Turnbull on Australia's 'dumb' defence debate 16.07.2025 42:06

The former prime minister warns debate about national security has 'never been dumber' – and AUKUS risks costing Australia far more than anyone wants to admit. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real ti...

Larissa Waters on why we deserve more than a government that just tinkers 10.07.2025 24:42

With the government's big win at the election, how hard will the Greens push on legislation this term. We ask new leader Senator Larissa Waters. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars...

Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians 02.07.2025 32:41

The shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and social services says we need 'unpleasant conversations' to achieve real outcomes – like keeping families together. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Con...

Treasury veteran Ken Henry on the "enormous damage" the tax system does to young people 26.06.2025 30:08

Former secretary of the Treasury Ken Henry joins us to talk about his 40+ years experience in working to reform Australia's tax system. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an...

An 'impatient' Jim Chalmers on taking political risks in Labor's second term 17.06.2025 36:18

From new ways to fast-track cheaper homes and renewable energy to bigger tax reforms, Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells the podcast his door is open for fresh ideas. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-e...

Senator Tammy Tyrrell on wild days in Tasmania 11.06.2025 27:10

On the podcast this week we're joined by Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell to discuss chaotic state of politics on the Apple Isle. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reve...

Historian Emma Shortis warns against falling into Trump's trade traps 04.06.2025 30:50

Ahead of Anthony Albanese's likely first meeting with Donald Trump this month, a US politics expert says 'begging' for lower tariffs would be a mistake. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In...

Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals 29.05.2025 32:56

We're joined by Liberal Zoe McKenzie who was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. She joins us to talk about the Liberal party future. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant...

Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the 'dark shadow' of global instability 21.05.2025 22:47

From super changes to avoiding recession, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers joins the podcast to discuss the government's priorities when Parziament returns in July. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre...

Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI 14.05.2025 31:02

Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh is charged with lifting Australia's stagnant productivity. He says AI may help us do less drudge work, such as sending endless emails. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s...

David Pocock wants us to aim for up 90% reduction in emissions 08.05.2025 21:39

David Pocock joins us today to talk about the new Senate situation, his aspirations for the next three years and the election generally. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new se...

The post mortem: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 05.05.2025 21:59

The election's over, it's a resounding win for Labor, but what now? How will the Liberal party rebuild? Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation,...

Culture wars and costings: election special podcast with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 02.05.2025 17:27

editorial@theconversation.edu.au Policy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six...

Pollster Kos Samaras on how voters are leaving the major parties behind 28.04.2025 20:17

Ex-Labor strategist turned pollster Kos Samaras says both major parties have been slow in adapting to this year's huge pre-poll voter turnout. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for o...

Scares and stunts in the home stretch: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 24.04.2025 16:18

Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won 23.04.2025 35:43

From handling town hall hecklers to swaying voters through podcasts and online algorithms, Australian election campaigns have transformed in recent generations. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real t...

Two blunders and tap dancing with the truth: election special podcast with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 18.04.2025 15:50

editorial@theconversation.edu.au Policy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters How Australian Democracy Works 'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores. The Conversation Weekly Search for 'The Conversati...

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Warwick McKibbin on trying to model economic certainty in uncertain times 16.04.2025 27:52

Joining us from Washington DC is Warwick McKibbin, an internationally renowned economic modeller from the ANU whose services are now in high demand. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant schol...

DOGEy Dutton and a dull debate: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 11.04.2025 19:33

editorial@theconversation.edu.au Policy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation,...

Hugh White on what the next PM should tell Trump and defending Australia – without the US 09.04.2025 32:59

Defence expert Hugh White says Australia should leave AUKUS and plan to "take responsibility for our own security", without relying on the US coming to our aid. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real t...

What it's like to be showered with Trump dust: election special episode with Michelle Grattan and Amanda Dunn 04.04.2025 18:58

editorial@theconversation.edu.au Reader survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheConversationElection25 Policy tracker: https://stories.theconversation.com/policy-tracker/ Mentioned in this episode: The Making of an Autocrat Search: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series. Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the w...