When the government's own Treasury boss admits a major housing policy won't actually build any new houses, you have to ask: what is the point? This week, Australia's political landscape has felt increasingly detached from the reality of everyday citizens—stretching from the federal budget room all the way down to the local music venues of Newcastle.

Brent chats with Independent NSW MLC Mark Latham for The Week That Was. Mark delivers his characteristically unfiltered take on the mounting federal budget blowback and the explosive ideological battle surrounding the Sex Discrimination Commissioner. Closer to home, the team tears into the total political chaos consuming the NSW Upper House, the frustrating "NIMBY" war threatening Newcastle's live music scene, and the high-stakes selection dramas locking in ahead of State of Origin Game Two.

Hit play for a fierce, no-holds-barred breakdown of the headlines affecting you.