Politics with Michelle Grattan

The industry minister denied Australia's adopting a 'light-touch' approach on AI – and says he's working to make sure data centres are 'not a drain on resources'. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025

Ley says the Opposition was negotiating on the new environment laws with the government into early Thursday – just before Labor announced a deal with the Greens.

The South Australian Liberal senator says he's "dubious" about being able to sell the Coalition's new policy to voters – describing it as "carefree with emissions".

With only one sitting week of Parliament left this year, the environment minister reveals the compromises he's willing to make and the hard lines he won't cross to get the deal done.

Michelle Grattan and the politics and society editor for the Conversation Amanda Dunn, talk about the dismissal.

Next week is the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam government. We're joined by Niki Savva and David Solomon to talk about their memories of that day.

Amid rising demand for aged care, major changes are rolling out from Saturday. Minister for seniors Sam Rae explains what the overhaul means for older Australians.

The former Liberal prime minister says he wrote a new history book 'to help contemporary Australians think better of themselves'.

The former Liberal strategist turned pollster says the Coalition has become "catastrophically uncompetitive" with women and younger voters.

The multiculturalism expert says increased tensions since the October 7 attacks have raised 'the tideline of hate speech' in Australia. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson canvasses the economy and the budget, says the Liberals need to sort out its stance on net zero sooner rather than later. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

The former Australian ambassador turned scholar says despite more countries recognising Palestine as a state, a peaceful two-state solution is slipping away.

The energy expert says Australia's only on track to cut its emissions by around 50% by 2035 – 'so we're going to have to step up the pace' in the next decade. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

A former deputy secretary of the immigration department under the Howard government says 'it's time politicians on both sides pulled up their socks'. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

The health minister also says fewer kids are now vaping because of the government's ban, which 'exploded' as a health problem during the COVID years. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

Both men say the government has a 'spending problem' and are urging the federal government to think beyond raising taxes – especially for business. Mentioned in this episode: How Australian Democracy Works 'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores. Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

McManus doesn't expect instant wins on shorter work hours from next week's economic summit, but says it still needs to be on the table – along with AI protections. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

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: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

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 The Conversation Weekly Search for 'The Conversation Weekly' wherever you get your podcasts.

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: Sign up to The Conversation's newsletter https://theconversation.com/au/newsletters