The Women's Agenda Podcast

Legendary Labor policymaker Jenny Macklin spent 11 years in Opposition before the six years she spent on the frontbench of the Rudd/Gillard Government. She knows that the long setup is well and truly worth it, as long as you're ready to make the most of your time in power, knowing it's fleeting. In Jenny's case, she was instrumental in delivering Australia first national paid parental leave scheme, the NDIS and the National Apology, among other things. Jenny joins the podcast for a conversation on how politicians can achieve great policymaking, just in time for the 48th Parliament of Australia featuring more women than ever in prominent leadership positions. But the lessons are for more than just policymakers; they're relevant to anyone keen to create change, in whatever field of work they do. Jenny left parliament in 2019 and has now just published a book: Making Progress, How good policy happens. It’s described as a part policy memoir, part war room drama and part field guide – a political book with a message, and a method. 

To mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day, we're sharing this powerful conversation with Farah Mak, actor, speaker, founder, mother and survivor. Farah shares how she cultivates self worth and resilience, especially supporting herself and kids during the years she spend in the court system. You might know Farah from her work on stage, in the media, or on screen in Neighbours, playing the character Katrina Marshall. But behind her public life, Farah is someone who has truly transformed personal adversity into a powerful force for change.She’s a survivor of domestic violence who spent years going through the court system and talks about having to rediscover herself during that process – and the difference that a simple offer of help made to her life, which you’ll hear in this conversation. Please note, the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil is on May 7. Check out the website to learn more. And you can learn more about Farah Mak and The Self Worth Movement here. Please note that this episode discusses domestic and family violence. If you need help and advice, call 1800Respect at 1800 737 732, Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491, or Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon joins us to discuss the realities of political life, what’s changed for women in Parliament, and what hasn’t. She shares her views on representation and the challenges of pushing for progress within a system built to resist it. Enjoy this frank conversation about the long game of change, right before the 2025 federal election!Thanks to Dinushi Dias for guest-hosting The Women's Agenda Podcast this week!

Ronni Kahn's energy and passion brings a much needed voice to one of the most significant issues Australia faces: food insecurity, including the mental and physical tolls such insecurity places on women. Through OzHarvest, Kahn's built a team of staff and volunteers who rescue food and repurpose it for those who need it most. But in 2025, during a cost-of-living crisis and housing crisis, OzHarvest is highlighting the more than 50,000 people who get turned away from food services every month and the very real and simple solutions available for us to do something about it. We discuss the new research from OzHarvest out today, as well as how Ronni Kahn remains so dedicated to her purpose so many years after founding OzHarvest, and the serious work still ahead.

Olympian turned politician: Zali Steggall on holding power to accountIndependent MP Zali Steggall joins the podcast from the campaign trail as she fights to retain the seat of Warringah.Steggall discusses taking on a former prime minister when she first won the seat, as well as the work she has done since, including her involvement in the climate wars.Steggall also talks about he potential for a minority government and holding major parties to account from the crossbench.An Olympian turned barrister and now politician, Steggall opens up on the energy it takes to take on hard careers and new challenges.

What's missing from the election campaign? Lifesaving and opportunity-creating policies for women.We discuss the latest, as well as women's representation across the major parties.Elsewhere, Tarla and Angela discuss lessons from the week, including reality, politicians answering questions and the best new word for your vocab.The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda. You can sign up to our daily news update, and become a member to support our work.

Independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel joins the conversation just as she launches her campaign for the upcoming Federal Election. Daniel was a journalist with the ABC for 30 years, including as a well-known correspondent, before she successfully ran for the seat of Goldstein in 2022, beating incumbent Liberal MP Tim Wilson in the process. In this conversation, we discuss her desire to run for a second term and some of her key priorities going in and how she'd deal with a potential minority government if elected. Also, how on Earth can any leader deal with Trump? This episode was recorded on Tuesday the 31st of March.

Angela and Tarla talk through what the 2025-26 Budget means for women. The good bit, the not-so-good and what happens next.Not in terms of "winners and losers" but in terms of all of us.Check out our website for our full Budget coverage. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.