Best Clare Thorpe Podcasts (2025)

1
Jane Hume on rebuilding trust in the Liberal party 28:34

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8m ago28:34

28:34

The fallout in the Liberal party over Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s inflammatory comments about Indian migrants has now culminated in her sacking from the shadow ministry by Sussan Ley. In the lead-up to this decision by the opposition leader, Victorian senator Jane Hume described it as a situation that ‘escalated well out of control’. Hume speaks to …

1
Kristy McBain on natural disaster preparation and ambitious climate targets 20:06

4d ago20:06

20:06

While many Australians are feeling relieved about the end of a cold winter, the minister for emergency management and regional development is already eyeing the upcoming summer bushfire season. Kristy McBain talks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about the importance of social license for renewables and climate action in regional Austra…

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Mothering Without a Map 48:39

10d ago48:39

48:39

In this episode of With Both Hands, we’re talking about what it really feels like to mother without a map – the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and the burnout that so many of us quietly carry. We share our own experiences and reflections on why community matters so profoundly, and why none of us are meant to navigate this journey alone. From the pressu…

1
Andrew Giles on how to fix Australia’s skill shortage 20:41

11d ago20:41

20:41

Fresh off the government’s reform roundtable and an address to the press club on skilling Australia’s future, the minister for skills and training, Andrew Giles, says he’s focused on making sure every Australian is able to reach their full potential in the workforce. He talks to Tom McIlroy about how to solve Australia’s skill shortage, the importa…

1
Guardian Essential report: the paradox of recognition, why do Australians back Palestine but doubt its impact? 21:05

12d ago21:05

21:05

Why do most Australians back recognising a Palestinian state, yet nearly half dismiss it as merely symbolic? The executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, shares the latest poll findings with the Canberra chief of staff, Josh Butler, about Palestine, as well as fears of AI-driven job losses fuelling strong calls for regulation, a four-day…

1
A Motherhood Manifesto 38:33

18d ago38:33

38:33

We’re Laura and Clare, and in this episode of With Both Hands we open up about what it really means to be a mum and run a business. Motherhood is so often painted as an all-consuming role, one that leaves little space for your own dreams, creativity or career. We don’t believe it has to be that way. Through honest, down-to-earth conversation, we sh…

1
Allegra Spender on why tax reform will make young people’s lives better 20:56

18d ago20:56

20:56

Fresh from the government’s economic roundtable, the independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender is optimistic about the future of tax reform in Australia. Talking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, she argues Labor must speed up approvals for housing and clean energy, shift the tax mix to ease pressure on young people and boost investment,…

1
Dr Mohammed Mustafa on why we need more than recognition to end the crisis in Gaza - podcast 21:37

25d ago21:37

21:37

British-Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa has seen first-hand the horrors occurring daily in Gaza from his time working in hospitals across the region. Speaking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, he describes life on the ground in the war zone, says that Australian politicians are clinging to talking points while children die, and warns…

1
Andrew Bragg on AI, housing and what the Coalition got wrong 20:22

1M ago20:22

20:22

Two weeks out from Labor’s economic roundtable, the Coalition’s shadow minister for productivity, housing and homelessness, Andrew Bragg, joins us to talk about the biggest challenges facing the economy. Speaking to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, he cautions against over-regulating artificial intelligence, reflects on the Coalition’s mi…

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From Palestine to jobseeker and keeping children safe online: Tanya Plibersek on Labor’s tough calls – Australian Politics podcast 28:06

1M ago28:06

28:06

Tanya Plibersek, one of Labor’s most recognisable political figures and the minister for social services, joins us as the government faces big decisions at home and abroad. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to her about the push to recognise Palestinian statehood, the jobseeker rate and the urgent fight to keep children safe online…

1
Guardian Essential report: Albanese starts second term with solid approval, but Trump presidency looms – Australian Politics podcast 19:27

1M ago19:27

19:27

As Anthony Albanese readies his second‑term reform agenda, Guardian Australia’s Josh Butler speaks with Essential Media’s Peter Lewis about the elephant in the room: Australia’s dependence on the US and how its high‑stakes defence gambles could shape both his leadership and the nation’s strategic future…

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Resetting the Liberals: Zoe McKenzie on reform, climate and winning back women 22:24

2M ago22:24

22:24

As parliament resumes, the focus shifts to how the major parties plan to reset. Chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy speaks to Liberal MP for Flinders and shadow assistant minister Zoe McKenzie. She isn’t convinced by quotas but says the party needs meaningful reform if it’s serious about bringing more women into the fold – and winning back th…

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Jim Chalmers on uncertainty and ambition 26:48

2M ago26:48

26:48

Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy one of his key measures of success in the future is making Australia’s budget more sustainable. They discuss the challenge of meeting housing targets, how the morning news affects his plans and what he hopes can come out of his meeting with the G20 finance min…

1
Accountability, robodebt and regional housing: Helen Haines unpacks it all 24:10

2M ago24:10

24:10

Tom McIlroy speaks to independent MP Helen Haines to talk through her ambitious agenda for the new parliamentary term, her sharp disappointment with the robodebt royal commission fallout, and what the government’s response says about political accountabilityBy The Guardian

1
O’Brien on Liberal ‘soul-searching’ amid nuclear and net-zero policy review 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

After a bruising election loss, the Coalition is at a crossroads. Can it reinvent itself as a credible alternative to Labor, or will internal divisions over nuclear energy, net zero and the Liberal party’s identity doom it to another term in opposition? Guardian Australia chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks with the deputy opposition…

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Greens leader Larissa Waters on holding the Labor government to account — Australian Politics podcast 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

The new leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters from Queensland talks about her vision for the party, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and why she believes this is a moment for bold reforms Labor must rewrite current environment laws which ‘facilitate development’, says Larissa Waters…

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Coalition frontbencher Julian Leeser on why a closer alliance with the US is necessary 22:36

3M ago22:36

22:36

In a year shaped by rising global tensions and growing concerns over social cohesion at home, the shadow attorney general, Julian Leeser, presents his views on Australia’s place in the worldBy The Guardian

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Senator Maria Kovacic on what the Coalition needs to move forward 23:35

3M ago23:35

23:35

‘If we don’t listen it’s not going to get better for us – it will get worse,’ says the NSW Liberal moderate and newly appointed shadow assistant minister, joining Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy to discuss her party’s futureBy The Guardian

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Nicolette Boele on climate, business and making a difference 23:28

3M ago23:28

23:28

Nicolette Boele was declared the winner in the Sydney seat of Bradfield this week, after a month of counting and recounting in her race against Liberal Gisele Kapterian. She is preparing to take her seat in parliament after a wafer-thin victory of just 26 votes. Boele speaks to chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy about why Labor needs to stop…

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Guardian Essential report: can Labor live up to expectations? 25:18

4M ago25:18

25:18

Post-election Albanese has seen a surge in popularity but what is the electorate expecting from a second term Labor government and can they deliver during challenging times? Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Josh Butler sits down with chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis.…

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Guardian Essential report: is the real question now just how big Labor’s victory will be? 15:12

4M ago15:12

15:12

Just days out from the crucial vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll shows steady support for Labor. But with a significant number of undecided voters and a strong field of independents, questions remain about how convincing their victory will really be. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, sits down with Essential Me…

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Guardian Essential report: as Labor pulls further ahead, can Dutton outmanoeuvre Albanese? 19:28

5M ago19:28

19:28

As the election draws near, Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition in the latest Essential poll, raising new questions about what Peter Dutton needs to do to shift the momentum in his favour. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy sits down with Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis to unpack the strategies and dynamics shaping t…

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Guardian Essential report: power v poise – Australian Politics podcast 21:37

5M ago21:37

21:37

At the electoral crossroads, Guardian Australia’s political reporter Krishani Dhanji talks to Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis about what risks and rewards await Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese as they gamble over the projection of strong v steady leadership to win the hearts and minds of Australian voters. Plus: who would people …

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Guardian Essential report: as Albanese’s approval rating rises, why do the lads stand out? – Australian Politics podcast 23:06

6M ago23:06

23:06

As the prime minister hits his highest approval ratings in 18 months, the Guardian Essential poll goes deep into demographics this week. Why do young Australian men support Trump and Dutton more than anyone else? Could Dutton take advantage of this trend? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Josh Butler talks to Essential Media’s executive direc…

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Guardian Essential report: How do the major parties plan to win your vote? 22:33

6M ago22:33

22:33

Has the interest rate cut made any difference to how people intend to vote at the upcoming federal election? Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss how voters are responding to major political parties’ campaign rhetoric on key issues affecting their lives…

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Guardian Essential report: how do you make voters care about policy? – Australian Politics podcast 21:20

7M ago21:20

21:20

Guardian Australia’s political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy and Essential Media’s executive director Peter Lewis discuss the mood of voters and look at the challenges of running a successful election campaign in the era of TrumpBy The Guardian

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Does the economy need a defibrillator? Cherelle Murphy on what might get it going again 36:53

9M ago36:53

36:53

Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Cherelle Murphy, chief economist for EY Oceania, about this week’s sluggish national accounts figures and how the government can revive a barely breathing economyBy The Guardian

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Guardian Essential report: do voters’ views on housing and wages spell trouble for Labor? 25:25

9M ago25:25

25:25

Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, discuss the public’s disappointment with Labor’s handling of the housing crisis and what that means for the party in the lead-up to a federal electionBy The Guardian

1
Chris Bowen on Cop29, reducing emissions and rolling out renewables 42:19

9M ago42:19

42:19

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with the federal minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen. They discuss the wins and losses from the recent Cop29 climate conference in Baku, the pace of the transition to renewables and whether Australia needs to brace for blackouts over summer…

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Amanda Rishworth on tackling gender-based violence 37:05

10M ago37:05

37:05

This Monday marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with the social services minister, Amanda Rishworth, about battling online misogynists, and stopping the welfare system empowering angry exesBy The Guardian

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Guardian Essential report: Australians worry about the climate crisis and the economy as Trump returns 27:33

10M ago27:33

27:33

Guardian Australia chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and Essential Media executive director, Peter Lewis, talk about what Australians think about Donald Trump’s election winBy The Guardian

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Clare O’Neil on Labor’s plan to fix the housing crisis 30:45

10M ago30:45

30:45

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with the federal housing and homelessness minister, Clare O’Neil. They discuss whether a double dissolution is on the horizon, the role housing will play in the upcoming federal election campaign and how the housing crisis is more than just a problem of economics…

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Arthur Sinodinos on what Trump keeping his promises means for Australia 43:43

10M ago43:43

43:43

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Arthur Sinodinos AO, former ambassador to the US, chair of the Australia Practice at the Asia Group, as well as a former Liberal senator and adviser to John Howard. They talk about why Americans voted as they did, what the outcome means for Australia’s upcoming election, and how big …

1
Bridget McKenzie on the Qantas saga and conflicts of interest 39:34

10M ago39:34

39:34

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with the federal shadow transport and infrastructure minister, Bridget McKenzie. They discuss the prime minister’s upgrades with Qantas, opposition leader Peter Dutton’s free flight care of Gina Rinehart, and whether the parliamentary register of interests needs an overhaul…

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Bob Brown on Lidia Thorpe and the right to protest 38:39

11M ago38:39

38:39

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks with Bob Brown – environmentalist, social justice campaigner, former senator and leader of the Australian Greens. They talk about the right to protest in a democracy in light of Lidia Thorpe’s recent protest against King Charles during his visit to Parliament House in Canberra, and Bob …

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Guardian Essential report: why has support for the Australian republic gone tepid? 22:26

11M ago22:26

22:26

Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton and Essential Media executive director Peter Lewis take a look at the latest Essential poll to see how popular King Charles III is in Australia and what support there is to become a republicBy The Guardian

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David Pocock on why negotiation is key to good government 36:40

11M ago36:40

36:40

After almost a full term as a politician, independent senator David Pocock joins political editor Karen Middleton. They discuss why he thinks Labor’s refusal to bargain with the crossbench is holding back changes that Australians need, if Albanese buying a multi-million dollar house this week is a bad look and what his past as a professional rugby …

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The former NT attorney general on whether the criminal justice system is being used as a form of ‘racial control’ 31:27

11M ago31:27

31:27

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with the member for Gwoja Chansey Paech about how Labor lost the law-and-order vote at August’s election, and what the future holds a year on from the voice to parliament referendumBy The Guardian

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Guardian Essential report: how much are people willing to change to combat cost of living? 25:51

11M ago25:51

25:51

Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Paul Karp and Essential Media executive director Peter Lewis take a look at the latest Essential poll to gauge what solutions to cost-of-living pressures Australians want implemented and how they think the government is handling the volatile situation in the Middle East…

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The former deputy governor takes us inside the RBA 39:44

11M ago39:44

39:44

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with economist and former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank, Guy Debelle. They discuss how the board makes decisions about the economy and the pressure they face in taking all sides into accountBy The Guardian

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Andrew Leigh on the power imbalance between supermarkets and their customers – Australian politics podcast 32:08

12M ago32:08

32:08

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks to Andrew Leigh, assistant minister for competition, charities and Treasury, about the federal government’s draft of a food and grocery code of conduct. They also discuss negative gearing and Labor’s census debacle You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport…

1
Guardian Essential Report: who wins in the political debate on housing? 28:04

12M ago28:04

28:04

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, and Peter Lewis from Essential Media talk about Labor’s stalemate on housing, as well as how voters feel about stronger privacy regulations and the proposed social media ban for childrenBy The Guardian

1
A former White House staffer on if the US election will be won on vibes 42:20

12M ago42:20

42:20

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with former Kamala Harris White House staffer and PhD candidate Cory Alpert about the upcoming US election. Alpert explores some of the complexities of the US electoral system, the ‘October surprise’, and the impact of algorithms on the race to the White House…

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Catherine King on reforming Australia’s aviation sector 30:39

12M ago30:39

30:39

This week the federal opposition suggested that perhaps Qantas should be forced to sell off its low-cost stablemate Jetstar. This followed the recent release of the federal government’s aviation white paper, which includes ideas on how to make flights cheaper, boost competition and hold airlines to account for delays and cancellations. Guardian Aus…

1
Guardian Essential report: are Labor’s student visa caps good politics? 21:02

1y ago21:02

21:02

Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and Peter Lewis from Essential Media talk about the public support for Labor’s international student visa caps, and if the politics behind the reform are being driven by the upcoming electionBy The Guardian

1
Steven Miles on winning back Queensland voters to win a fourth term 31:37

1y ago31:37

31:37

Guardian Australia’s political reporter Amy Remeikis speaks with Queensland’s premier, Steven Miles, about the Great Barrier Reef, the housing crisis, youth crime and the upcoming election. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupportBy The Guardian

1
Saul Eslake on falling inflation and when interest rates might finally come down 37:13

1y ago37:13

37:13

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with independent economist Saul Eslake about the government’s attempts to deal with inflation and why prices are still so highBy The Guardian

1
Guardian Essential report: is calling Peter Dutton divisive playing into his political strategy 25:55

1y ago25:55

25:55

Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and Peter Lewis from Essential Media talk about voters’ opinions of Peter Dutton’s call to stop people fleeing Gaza from entering Australia and whether he is driving division for political gain You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport…

1
Andrew Bragg on housing, the ‘poison’ of Nimbyism, and the NSW Liberal council election debacle 33:10

1y ago33:10

33:10

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with New South Wales Liberal senator Andrew Bragg about the Coalition’s plan on housing, and the federal implications of the NSW Liberals’ catastrophic failure to lodge paperwork for the local government electionsBy The Guardian

1
Jim Chalmers on getting cost of living relief right and Dutton’s divisiveness – Australian Politics podcast 39:29

1y ago39:29

39:29

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with treasurer Jim Chalmers about the governments economic track record, a busy week in parliament, and the nature of the current political debateBy The Guardian