Politics with Michelle Grattan

Joe Hockey, former Australian ambassador to Washington and former treasurer in the Abbott government, is now a founding partner and president of Bondi Partners, an advisory and investment firm. Based largely in Washington, he has closely observed both Trump administrations. In this episode, Hockey joins Michelle Grattan to discuss week's midterm elections in the United States. They unpack why the Republicans are facing a voter backlash, and examine the impact of cost-of-living pressures and the Iran war. Hockey also explains why he believes Trump could become even more aggressive if the Democrats gain control of Congress.

The former industry minister said Australia is 'going too fast' and 'been swamped by US tech' building data centres here to dodge growing US community opposition.

The former treasurer and deputy Liberal leader said he's still deciding whether to make a political comeback, which he'll announce in the new year.

Premier Ben Carroll, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, One Nation's Colleen Harkin and pollster Tony Barry preview November 28's closely watched election.

The shadow treasurer also blames government spending for inflation and says the Coalition would not 'spend willy-nilly' if elected.

The treasurer says there's 'likely to be billions of dollars extra' in higher bills on government debt in December's budget update.

The Nationals leader said he'll do 'whatever it takes' to beat the Labor government – including not ruling out a move to the lower house before the next election.

The environment minister has fought back against criticisms that very few world leaders will attend the pre-COP meeting in the Pacific.

The Greens' longest serving federal politician said politics 'isn't working' for ordinary voters and all parties need to do better at addressing their grievances.

Speaking before the National Cabinet meeting ended, the cabinet secretary warned household bills are likely to rise if data centres are powered by coal or gas.

Farley described One Nation's immigration target as more complex than its official 130,000 figure, estimating about 40,000 more 'rotating' migrants were also needed.

The outgoing union leader said that beyond the new Victorian royal commission, 'a lot more needs to be done' to fight corruption in construction Australia-wide.

The ex-champion cyclist turned commentator explains why heat is a growing risk to the annual summer event, and points to some Australian women to watch this weekend.

In more than 50 years of covering federal politics, The Australian's editor-at-large says he has 'never seen a crisis' like the one facing the Liberal Party today.

The outgoing Labor president explains why no votes can be taken for granted in a time of 'anxiety and insecurity'.

Long-time gambling reform advocate Andrew Wilkie says a reason the government is being timid on the issue is because of close relationships with affected industries.

The Liberal frontbencher is the opposition’s leading Jewish voice and will soon appear at the royal commission on antisemitism.

The NDIS minister joined the podcast to discuss the government's reforms – and what the changes mean for 160,000 Australians.

The departing Liberal frontbencher also said it's 'mad' to be talking about doing deals with One Nation so far from an election. Mentioned in this episode: The Making of One Nation Follow the Making of One Nation so you don't miss an episode.

The pollster also warns any move to replace Victorian premier Jacinta Allan before the November state election would be a 'disaster' for Labor. Mentioned in this episode: Your support matters Support non-profit journalism you can trust. Donations 2025 The Making of One Nation Follow the Making of One Nation so you don't miss an episode.