David Speers

Even the best minds at Treasury can't know what will happen with global oil supplies, or how Donald Trump plans to end this war, with or without the help of allies.

Dennis Richardson calls for a second interim report from the royal commission into antisemitism, warning it would be "unacceptable" to leave findings about any intelligence failures that contributed to the Bondi terrorist attack until the end of the year.

Former spy boss tells David Speers the Royal Commission into antisemitism needs to release intelligence findings urgently, citing public safety concerns. 

Bipartisan support for the "global rules-based order" has all but disappeared in Australia. 

The Treasurer has confirmed his department is looking at changes to both the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing rules ahead of the May budget. 

It's tempting to treat the evacuation of the prime minister from the Lodge this week as a bizarre outlier but that would miss the point.

Most Australians want greater social cohesion here, even if they don't see much of it right now.

The Liberals and Nationals have reached a breakthrough deal to reunite the Coalition after 11th-hour talks. 

This week we are diving into the federal government's model for its Thriving Kids program. The program is aimed at setting up services and supports run by states and territories outside the NDIS. David Speers sat down with co-Chair of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group, Professor Frank Oberklaid. 

What are you watching in Australian politics in 2026? That's the question we put to the ABC's political journalists and columnists.

The ABC's political reporters, commentators and broadcasters reflect on what defined the year in politics.

This was a humbled prime minister. Showing contrition, some regret, and an acknowledgement more could have been done.

A year ago Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner delivered the National Anti-Racism Framework. 

While it was commissioned by the Albanese Government, they are yet to formally respond. 

Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman has decided its time to speak out. He sat down with David Speers for this week’s Insiders: On Background.

Despite holding a commanding position, Anthony Albanese knows the global trend of sliding trust in government isn't one to be taken lightly.

Economic Report Card | Insiders On Background 

The level of the prime minister's reform appetite has been discussed and debated since roughly 9pm on election night in May, when Labor's massive win became clear. 

The ABC has been told the federal government is willing to ensure native forestry complies with tougher new standards within three years if the Greens back the reforms. 

With the final parliamentary sitting of the year fast approaching, the Federal Government is eager to pass its environmental law reforms. 

The prime minister, when in opposition, accused the Coalition of "hollowing out" the CSIRO. Now, following the announcement 350 research positions at the organisation will be cut, he is being accused of being "worse than Abbott".

The most authoritative snapshot of where the global energy transition is going has just been released at a most opportune moment for any politician weighing which direction Australia should pursue.

What's at stake for the Liberals if they move to dump their position on net zero? The ABC's Political Lead David Speers analyses the path ahead for the party and Sussan Ley's leadership.

If, as expected, the net zero target is abandoned, the long delay in reaching this point will leave the Liberals looking like they've capitulated once again to the Nationals.

Is it possible to both save the environment, while also speeding up decisions on mining, housing, and energy projects? Environment Minister Murray Watt thinks he's found the answer and is confident he will pass new laws with support from either the Coalition or the Greens. 

The government can't hide its frustration with Rio Tinto, but at the same time it's preparing to dip deeper into taxpayers' pockets to help the company out. Again.

Donald Trump has dismissed the prospect of China invading Taiwan. Australia's alliance with the US is deepening, so what does this mean for defence spending and military planning? ASPI's Justin Bassi joined David Speers for this week's podcast.