Politics Now

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare national address overnight, warning Australians about "uncertain times" ahead — but sending the message the government has their back. But after frenzied speculation, did it fall flat — or did it meet the moment?
It comes amid lots of "pump priming" from the government, as Labor tries to "take the sting" out of petrol prices and keep small businesses afloat. The big price tags come ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fifth budget in May, which the PM has reiterated will be "ambitious".
And as the US-Iran conflict continues to rage, Labor seems to have shifted its language towards de-escalation.
Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas are joined by Katina Curtis, Canberra Bureau Chief at the West Australian on The Party Room.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to deliver a rare national address this evening — the first national address since the COVID pandemic.
While it's not yet clear what it will detail, PK and Clare discuss how the move allows the Albanese government to control the agenda and how the "man with the plan" positioning gives the government "important political high-ground". But is there also political danger if the message doesn't meet the moment?
Meanwhile, Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien says Australia should be "open" to contributing assets and personnel to assist in the Strait of Hormuz — but is this the right move, or an "unnecessary contribution"?
Patricia Karvelas and Clare Armstrong break it all down on Politics Now.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]
Read Clare's writing on rationing here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-31/modelling-assumes-rationing-if-diesel-stockpile-drops-to-10-days/106513966
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-01/public-should-not-expect-clear-trigger-for-fuel-rationing/106513970
Watch PK's IV with Ted O'Brien here:https://iview.abc.net.au/show/afternoon-briefing/series/0/video/NU2622C042S00

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the fuel excise cut will "make a difference", but the Treasurer is warning the cut could take weeks to flow through.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has welcomed the move, claiming the government has "finally" acted under pressure and the Coalition will "continue to lead". 
And speaking of leadership, it seems Angus Taylor has tried to assert some authority over his main leadership rival Andrew Hastie, but is the Opposition leader being "outplayed"?
As Raf tells PK,we're in a new political paradigm, the political battleground isn't left versus right anymore, but is bottom versus top — "If you're in the top bottom fight on behalf of the voter, you're at least in the conversation. If you're still fighting the left right thing, I think our politicians fear that they're being left behind".
And Labor has backed a Greens motion for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the tax settings for Australia's oil and gas resources, it comes amid a groundswell of support for a gas profits tax from One Nation through to the Greens. So, will we see a gas tax in the upcoming budget?
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]
Listen to Raf's IV with the PM here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/-good-pm-s-one-word-response-to-dezi-freeman-s-death/106515564Listen to ABC Business Daily here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-business-daily/who-pays-for-petrol/106512650

The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months.
It comes as National Cabinet also agrees to an energy security plan, with four levels of action.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the reductions are "temporary, timely and responsible", but they come with a $2.55 billion dollar price-tag. While it's welcome relief for drivers, Jacob tells PK cheaper petrol won't necessarily push down demand — which will be an "interesting test".
And Anthony Albanese has also changed his language on the war in the Middle East, calling for more "certainty" on the US' objectives and urging de-escalation.
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] PK's latest piece here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/australian-fears-about-iran-war-and-fuel-shortages/106508802

The global economic fallout from the Middle East war is still emerging, but things are not looking good.  
It's a conundrum for the Federal Government, who is trying to navigate the economic storm ahead of the May budget. 
Independent economist Chris Richardson joins Melissa Clarke for this week's On Background.