Michelle Grattan
The rise of Australia's new PM Anthony Albanese
The son of a single mother born into a life of public housing - Anthony Albanese has had a long and arduous journey to become Australia's Prime Minister. Albanese will be sworn in as the country's… Audio
What challenges face the new Australian government?
Michelle Grattan, the chief political correspondent for The Conversation, looks forward to the challenges for the new government. Audio
Australian election: First leaders' debate kicks off
Early voting has begun in Australia's federal election, and last night Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Bill Shorten faced off in the first leaders' debate. The federal election, on May… Audio
ABC at centre of political storm
There is chaos at the top level of Australia's public broadcaster the ABC after leaked emails revealed its chairman tried to get a senior journalist sacked because the government didn't like what she… Audio
Australia Liberal Party loses grip in Wagga Wagga
For the first time in sixty-years the Australian Liberal Party has lost its grip on the staunchly-loyal and liberal Wagga Wagga seat. It comes in the wake of the leadership spill which saw Malcolm… Audio
Australia loses Foreign Minister in latest govt reshuffle
There's been further fallout from last week's torrid struggle for leadership of Australia's main governing party. Julie Bishop, who unsuccessfully sought the top job when Malcolm Turnbull stepped… Audio
Australian politics: Doomsday for Turnbull?
Just after 2pm on Friday Malcolm Turnbull will find out if he's still the Prime Minister of Australia. His leadership will go on the line if a petition calling for a vote attracts the necessary 43… Audio
Australian govt tumult ongoing as ministers offer resignations
Australia's political leadership is in turmoil. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull survived a challenge from Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Monday but nine ministers have since offered their… Audio
Michelle Grattan on Australia's leadership wrangles
In the last few hours Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called for a spill and then survived a challenge from Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Mr Dutton then resigned. Audio
'Super Saturday' for Labor in Australia by-elections
It wasn't such a super Saturday for the Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull and his ruling coalition after they took a battering in a raft of by-elections at the weekend - seen as a litmus test… Audio
Tax cuts in store for low, middle-income Australians
In Australia, the Budget has unveiled a plan for significant tax cuts - if voters decide to stick with the Liberal-led government. Treasurer Scott Morrison is promising to cut taxes by $140 billion… Audio
Australia considers white SA farmer migrants
Australia's Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is investigating how to bring white South African farmers to Australia on humanitarian grounds. Earlier this month the South African parliament supported… Audio
Tension grows between Malcolm Turnbull, Barnaby Joyce
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had a reportedly fiery meeting with his embattled deputy Barnaby Joyce at the weekend. As leader of the National Party, Mr Joyce is crucial to the stabilty… Audio
Australia-China relations rocky after Prime Minister's comments
Australia's relationship with China has become more fraught after Chinese officials took issue with comments made by the Australian Prime Minister about Chinese influence in domestic politics across… Audio
How Australia viewed Ardern's visit
New Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has visited Australia and says the Manus Island situation cannot continue. She hopes Australia will accept her offer to take 150 refugees. Malcolm Turnbull says he… Audio
Ousted Australian deputy PM leaves govt in chaos
A court ruling disqualifying Australia's deputy prime minister from office, forcing a by-election has thrown the country's government into a state of chaos. It was decided on Friday afternoon that… Audio
Aus dep PM also a NZer
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is the latest politician to be caught up in the country's dual citizenship controversy; it seems he's a NZ citizen. Audio
Australian budget taps taxpayers and big banks for surplus
Michelle Grattan joins us to discuss the budget in Australia. She says the unexpected bank levy was most likely motivated by the push to reach surplus by 2021. She says foreigners buying into the… Audio
Aust politician defects to set up conservative party
A right-wing senator in the Australian Liberal Party has quit and is setting up his own party, based on conservative values. Audio
Australian PM staying mum on Trump's Muslim ban
The Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is refusing to criticise the United States' dramatic change to its immigration policy. Our correspondent Michelle Grattan says Mr Turnbull is being… Audio