University of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor Nicholas Klomp and Michelle Grattan discuss the week in politics including Labor leader Bill Shorten’s appearance at the trade union royal commission and what it will mean for his future, uncertainty over Malcolm Turnbull’s appearance on Q&A and the federal government’s approval for a controversial Chinese coal mine in Barnaby Joyce’s electorate.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.