Federal parliament has returned from winter break with a frenetic start to the second half of the political year. Days of commentary and squirming over 'melon-gate' have marked the resumption, while Labor plans to make a deal with the Coalition to pass gambling reforms, raising doubts about the government's ambition in its second term.
Canberra bureau answers listener questions
In an 'ask me anything' edition of the Australian Politics podcast, Tom McIlroy, Krishani Dhanji, Josh Butler and Sarah Basford Canales from Guardian Australia's Canberra bureau answer questions from listeners and readers.
Related coverage
Read more: The melons rolled quite gently out of the gate – then suddenly became an avalanche for Albanese | Weekly Beast. Melon-gate was a non-issue in Japan. How did it get elevated to a crisis in Australia? | Malcolm Farr. As gambling reforms face pressure from all sides, will Labor hold 'em, fold 'em or walk away? | Josh Butler.
Composite: Lukas Coch/AAP
