What does the attack on an Oscar-winning Palestinian director say about the situation in the West Bank today?

Gina Rinehart is Australia’s richest person – and as her wealth continues to rise, so does her power and influence. But what does she want? In the first episode of Guardian Australia’s new podcast series Gina, senior correspondent Sarah Martin explores the impact Rinehart could have on Australian politics. Rinehart grew up in the vast expanse of the Pilbara. To understand her story, we delve into her past and how her unique childhood under the influence of Lang Hancock shaped her

This week Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry analyse budget week and what promises to be a tight election, with a campaign where every advantage is sought and every mistake regretted. Also on the table: when political husbands go rogue; and whether the second coming of Donald Trump could actually bolster the progressive vote See all our Australian election 2025 coverage Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has visited the governor general to dissolve parliament and kick off a five-week election campaign. Polling day will be Saturday 3 May. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy gives Reged Ahmad a quick update on what we can expect – before he heads off on the trail

With the prime minister expected to call the election at any moment, the impact of American politics on our security, economy and defence cannot be underestimated. Australian politics has been dominated by a pre-election budget, but has this overshadowed our ability to guard ourselves against a much more volatile geopolitical climate? Bridie Jabour talks with the editor, Lenore Taylor, head of newsroom, Mike Ticher and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about text leaks, tariffs, and Trump’s looming threat

In budget week, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, sat down with Nour Haydar and political reporter Josh Butler. They discuss tax cuts, the upcoming election and why Australia needs its relationship with the US.

Big pharma is eyeing Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, as they lobby Donald Trump to demand higher prices for their medicines. Anthony Albanese has promised to bring down the price of PBS-listed medicines to no more than $25 a script, while the Coalition has already pledged to match it if they return to government. Senior reporter Tory Shepherd speaks to Reged Ahmad about the politics of our affordable medicines You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

There were few surprises in tonight’s budget, but with an election around the corner the treasurer will be hoping one message gets through to voters - tax cuts. Editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor and political reporter Josh Butler take us through how this budget will make you better off – and whether it will hurt or hinder Labor’s chances at the polls

Fresh questions have been raised about the environmental impact of salmon farming in Tasmania with conservation groups funding attack ads aimed at Labor. Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, speaks to Reged Ahmad about how the controversial salmon farming industry has risen to the top of the federal election agenda

Researchers have discovered that humpback whale song is strikingly similar to human language. Dr Jenny Allen, an expert in whale song structure at Griffith University, speaks to Reged Ahmad about the years of recording, listening and analysing that led to this greater understanding of how humpback whales learn their tune

This week we are still in election limbo, so how can leaders maintain their focus during a long pseudo-campaign? Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine Dutton’s surprise dual citizenship referendum idea – one that even his own party colleagues weren’t expecting – as well as the upcoming budget, Aukus and why every election campaign needs a villain Email the Barries at backtobackbarries@theguardian.com