Politics Now

National Cabinet loomed large over the political week, but while it promised to deliver a showdown between Anthony Albanese and the states, was it a bit of a fizzer instead?
Fran, PK and Ash Raper certainly think so. As Ash tells PK and Fran, it was a bit like a big family gathering you brace for but that ends up being highly uneventful.
Queensland and the Northern Territory secured carve outs on the energy used for AI data centre development, but has Anthony Albanese set them a bit of a challenge when it comes to lowering energy costs?
And while the WA GST deal has been up in lights this week, a state by-election in the once safe Labor electorate of Secret Harbour is being watched closely in Canberra, as One Nation looks like they could win.
Meanwhile, One Nation has been in clean-up mode, clarifying their immigration policy after Farrer MP David Farley's Insiders interview. But does the mop-up harm them, or are voters more focused on the "vibe"?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Ashleigh Raper, Network 10 Political Editor on The Party Room.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation?
Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here?
And PK and David couldn't help but remember the incomparable Dolly Parton. They both marvel at her ability to bridge political divides and remain a political enigma.
And David reminds us of Anthony Albanese's interaction with the country music star — and spoiler it includes an oversized tour bus.
Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Anthony Albanese has confirmed there will be no changes to the WA GST deal, in a move warmly welcomed in Western Australia.
WA Premier Roger Cook says he's "pleased the PM backed WA" while the local paper has dubbed Anthony Albanese "WA's Daddy".
But the move has been received far less warmly across other states and territories, and it's not the only issue where tensions are likely to flare at National Cabinet tomorrow.
There's a stoush brewing over national AI data centre energy rules, with Queensland and the Northern Territory Governments pushing back on measures requiring the use of renewable energy for new developments.
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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au

One Nation has been in clean-up mode, after Farrer MP David Farley suggested the minor party's immigration plan wasn't "too different" from Labor's on Insiders.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was quick out of the blocks, stating the party's target was "less than half Labor's current level", while Deputy leader Barnaby Joyce claimed the minor party's immigration policy has been consistent all along.
And as the Victorian election gets closer, Labor and the Coalition are unveiling core promises. So, will Victorian Labor's free dental push have federal implications?
Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein break it all down on Politics Now.
Read PK's analysis here — The AI sleeper issue that could sway Australian elections
Got a burning question?
Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade.