Albanese Leads Differently Than Rudd

The topic is about the Federal Parliament.

Anthony Albanese's allies often talk about his good political instincts.

It's a story about two prime ministers.

When Kevin Rudd was prime minister, his colleagues would rush to get their work approved when Julia Gillard was in charge.

This showed that Rudd's style of making decisions was losing him support.

This week, a senior government source said the opposite is true now.

Ministers look to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for difficult decisions.

Last week, the cabinet couldn't agree on a proposal about immigration cuts.

They decided to wait for Albanese's return, showing how much they rely on him.

The leak about the cabinet disagreement was a rare mistake by the government. It happened while Albanese was away, showing his strong control over the party.

Some see the policy dispute as a left-right argument, but it's really about the budget.

Migration affects the economy.

Cuts to migration impact the budget. Fewer people means fewer taxpayers.

In the debate about immigration, the economic cost is often forgotten.

The cuts to migration numbers are contentious within Labor.

Pauline Hanson said she doesn't care about the impact on businesses.

Hanson said she doesn't care what people think about the effect on businesses.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce said the move would hurt the economy.

Labor can't ignore what businesses think about immigration cuts.

Labor has tried to keep migration policy in a box, including keeping offshore detention.

The cabinet debate last week shows that Labor is under scrutiny on immigration again.

Two alternatives are emerging.

Parliament resumes, and two alternative leaders will be in focus: Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson.

Taylor is the official opposition leader, but Hanson has more influence.

The ABC's politics podcast looks at the biggest stories.

Taylor will try to challenge the government this week.

Hanson's job is easier because she can link migration to housing and cost-of-living pressures.

Albanese will have to clean up the mess from last week's cabinet debate.

Migration is no longer just a social policy argument, but also about roads, rents, and living costs.

Albanese must show Labor understands these pressures.

The PM wants to avoid looking like he's responding to Hanson.

If Albanese can't handle this issue, he risks giving Taylor and Hanson an opportunity to attack.

Labor is taking a risk with the gambling bill.

The PM will try to sort out the mess with the gambling legislation.

The government needs the support of the Greens or Coalition to pass the legislation.

Albanese's allies say he has good political instincts, which he'll need to broker a deal.

Gambling reform is important because it shows if the government can stand up to corporate giants.

Albanese will make the call on what compromises the government is willing to make.

Being relied on for tough calls reinforces Albanese's authority, but also leaves him with all the risk.

Patricia Karvelas hosts ABC News Afternoon Briefing and the Party Room podcast.

See more ABC coverage.

Promotion