After asylum seekers arrived by boat in Western Australia last week and were sent to Nauru, old debates about offshore immigration detention have been reanimated. It comes as the government has admitted they aren’t able to account for $80 million paid to Papua New Guinea for the welfare and support of people formerly held in offshore detention. So, how did millions of taxpayer dollars disappear? And what does it mean for the asylum seekers who have nowhere else to go? Today, chief political corr...
Feb 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1179
The Bureau of Meteorology determines a lot: from whether we bring an umbrella to work, to how much warning we get of a natural disaster – all the way to what we know about climate change. But now, serious questions are being raised about the bureau’s management – and it’s emerged that senior executives deliberately misled a federal court. So, why did they lie? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on troubles at the BoM, and how internal struggles are getting in the way of th...
Feb 19, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1178
It was three years ago last week that Brittany Higgins made allegations that rocked Australia. Those allegations resulted in a mistrial, and while Bruce Lehrmann strenuously maintained his innocence, many questions were raised about the handling of Higgins’ claims. So, an inquiry was launched, to see if lessons could be learned to improve the justice system. But last week, we learned more about how the very inquiry meant to fix things turned into a media circus of its own. Today, contributor to ...
Feb 18, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1177
Following its loss at the 2019 federal election, touching negative gearing — tax concessions that benefit property investors — has been unthinkable for the Labor Party. But this week the government was drawn into discussions about ending it by The Greens’ housing spokesperson, Max Chandler-Mather, demanding Anthony Albanese address it if he wants to pass a new housing policy. So, could the Greens force Labor to tackle negative gearing? Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on th...
Feb 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1176
While Taylor Swift arrives in Australia for the biggest shows of her career, she’s found herself at the centre of conspiratorial fantasies sweeping American right-wing politics. Some view her relationship with American football star Travis Kelce — a love story that sounds like an American fairytale — as evidence for a nefarious scheme to re-elect President Joe Biden. So, how did a baseless theory capture America to the point that the president himself has responded? Today, political reporter for...
Feb 14, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1175
While some private schools in Australia fret over the construction of their new waterpolo centres or drama theatres, public schools face more pressing challenges, like whether there’s a hole in the roof or enough books for every student. School funding arrangements across the country are now the concern of Jason Clare, the federal education minister who went to public schools himself. So, how did inequities between public and private get so bad? And could a review commissioned by Jason Clare fix...
Feb 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1174
Since becoming opposition leader, Peter Dutton has clawed back in the polls by relentlessly attacking the Labor government – now that approach is being tested. During the first major political battle of the year, over the stage three tax cuts, Peter Dutton’s instincts to fiercely attack the government didn’t seem to work as planned and resulted in the Coalition facing unwanted scrutiny when they eventually backed the changes. So, what is Peter Dutton’s strategy? Can he marry his instincts for a ...
Feb 12, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1173
The teals of the 2022 election outdid expectations – flipping six historically Liberal seats independent. It’s a result that has energised their backers, Climate 200, who are now looking well beyond wealthy, inner-city electorates for their next wins. So, can they repeat their success in regional seats and shock the major parties again in 2025? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper , Rick Morton, on how Queensland could be the next battleground for the climate 200-backed independents. So...
Feb 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1172
Today, writer Konrad Muller reads his latest piece on the quest to learn whether making organic wine is worth the effort. It's called “Notes from a small vineyard” and in it he tries to discover the true effort and cost of going organic and interrogates what difference it makes. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer, Konrad Muller Background reading: Notes from a small vineyard See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 10, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1171
The right to disconnect will become law, after an agreement was reached between the government, the Greens and independents. The law will help change our relationship to work and will perhaps allow us to finally log off. But it’s only one part of a massive new batch of workplace reform that is being passed into law. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the changes to rights in the workplace and the politicking that brought the deal together. Socials: Stay in touch with us o...
Feb 08, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1170
For decades the Reserve Bank has done things the same old way: announcing their decision on interest rates the first Tuesday of every month, with just a short statement. But the RBA’s first decision of the year marked a new era of transparency. After announcing an interest rate pause this week, governor Michele Bullock hosted a candid press conference where the board’s decision was finally allowed to be questioned. Today, managing editor of The Saturday Paper , Emily Barrett, on whether the chan...
Feb 07, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1169
Nick Feik spent eight months looking into one of the worst institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse this country has ever seen… It took him to the Tasmanian town of Deloraine and to Ashley Youth Detention Centre – where he found a culture of violence, child sexual abuse, cover-ups, blame-shifting and a system incapable of rooting out abusers. Today, contributor to The Monthly Nick Feik, on the child sexual abuse scandal that should be a national priority. If you or anyone you...
Feb 06, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1168
Videos of emotional protesters outside a private all-boys school in Sydney have gone viral, with some former students of Newington College opposing the school welcoming female enrolment. The topic of single-sex schooling is familiar to Chanel Contos – a consent advocate who has for years accused private boys schools of fostering a dangerous and toxic culture. Today, founder of Teach Us Consent and author of Consent Laid Bare , Chanel Contos, on the argument against all-boys schools and the struc...
Feb 05, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1167
For someone who’s been accused of breaking an election promise, Anthony Albanese isn’t hiding. The prime minister and his front bench have been out selling their new tax cuts, giving interviews and addressing the National Press Club. So what makes the government confident they’ve made the right call? And how does it set up the political chessboard for the first week of parliament? Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on Anthony Albanese’s biggest call and h...
Feb 04, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1166
2024 will be democracy’s biggest year. Over four billion people will head to the polls, with major battles in the United States, India, South Africa and Indonesia. One person watching this closely is Anne Applebaum. She was calling out authoritarianism spreading around the world while western leaders were still shaking hands with Vladimir Putin. So, where could the world’s politics be heading? Today, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and writer for The Atlantic Anne Applebaum, on democracy’s bigg...
Feb 01, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1165
The ABC has started the year fighting off accusations of racism, unlawful dismissal and a failure to protect journalists from outside attacks. The case of Antoniette Lattouf’s sacking, a description which the ABC denies, has ignited a debate about the broadcaster’s editorial policies, its coverage of the war in the Middle East and its vulnerability to external lobbying and pressure. So, are the policies, the reporters, or the leaders to blame for the ABC’s problems? Today, associate editor of Th...
Jan 31, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1164
Last weekend’s decision by the International Court of Justice was heralded as a victory by many. South Africa and the Palestinian Authority saw it as a vindication, as orders have been made to prevent any genocidal acts in Gaza and the ICJ will move towards a full trial. Others heralded it as a win for Israel, with the court refusing to make an order for the end of military action against Hamas. Today, expert in international law and Professor of Law at the University of California Davis Chimene...
Jan 30, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1163
The Labor government promised it would return transparency to government once elected at the 2022 election. More than anyone else that mission was given to the new first law officer of Australia: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. So how has he measured up to Labor’s promise? Today, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, on his essay in the new edition of The Monthly and his vision of a more honest Australian government. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Attorney-General, Mark D...
Jan 29, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1162
The stage three tax cuts the Labor government said they’d deliver will be altered and now be of greater benefit to lower and middle-income earners. What does the change mean for all of us? Is there such a thing as a good promise to break? And does this decision signal that Anthony Albanese is taking a new approach to being prime minister? Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on what to make of the big changes coming to our pay packets. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter...
Jan 28, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1161
Surrounded by what we know as the Kakadu National Park, the Northern Territory’s Ranger Uranium Mine finally ceased processing in 2021, after nearly 50 years of operation. With the mine now closed, Kakadu’s traditional owners are seeking that the government make good on the original promise of a national park in their care. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and photographer Anthony Ham See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1160
This year, the attempt to whip up nationalism over January 26 has taken a different turn. While politicians and the media talk about pride in celebrating Australia Day, many businesses and cultural institutions are moving ahead with not recognising a holiday that celebrates colonisation. So is the culture war actually failing? Is the debate over? And in the shadow of the referendum defeat, what is the state of the push for justice for Indigenous Australians? Today, writer and host of The Mission...
Jan 25, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1159
All over the world, humanity is rushing to regulate the development of artificial intelligence. Now, the Australian government has announced its first steps toward controlling the development of AI. But is it already too late? And do we really understand what the risks are? The technology is advancing at such a fast pace that some examples are becoming indistinguishable from real life. Today, Professor Toby Walsh, author of Faking It , on whether Australia is going far enough to regulate AI and ...
Jan 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1158
For years, Gabriel Shipton has been desperately advocating for the release of his older brother, Julian Assange. It’s a fight that may have nearly reached its end. Next month, Julian Assange has one final chance, to request an appeal of his extradition to the United States. If it fails, medical experts insist Assange will take his own life. Today, Gabriel Shipton on his brother’s last shot at freedom. Warning: this episode discusses suicide. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagra...
Jan 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1157
At the end of last year, the government rushed through new laws that have largely flown under the radar. The new citizenship act, which was passed following a High Court decision, allows judges to strip a dual citizen of their Australian citizenship if they repudiate ‘Australian values’. But, what are Australian values? And can they be defined, anyway? Today, constitutional and citizenship expert and contributor to The Saturday Paper Professor Kim Rubenstein on why a new set of laws are forcing ...
Jan 22, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1156
Supermarket prices have finally caught the attention of our leaders. While the cost of living crisis continues, customers and, now, politicians are becoming increasingly fed up with the price of groceries, while Woolworths and Coles rake in billions of dollars in profits. So, what can be done about it? And will government scrutiny be enough to fix an industry dominated by two powerful players? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how 2024 could be a year of reckoning for ...
Jan 21, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1155
Professional sport has grappled with how to address athletes’ domestic violence and sexual assault allegations for years. It’s an issue that’s currently unfolding before viewers worldwide, who are tuning into the Australian Open in Melbourne. Tennis star Alexander Zverev is playing at the tournament while facing domestic violence allegations and an impending trial in Germany. Today, sports journalist and author of new biography Naomi Osaka , Ben Rothenberg, sheds light on the culture of silence ...
Jan 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1154
Donald Trump has passed the first electoral test of his ambitious campaign to return to the White House. The former president convincingly won the Republican caucus in Iowa, asserting his stronghold over the party, less than four years after losing the presidential election to Joe Biden. Trump is now likely to become the Republican presidential nominee. So, what does his victory say about America? Today, senior researcher at the Australia Institute Dr Emma Shortis on the risks of Trump’s endurin...
Jan 17, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1153
The ABC is facing mounting scrutiny over the sacking of radio presenter Antoinette Lattouf, just days into a short-term contract. In a Fair Work case against the ABC, Lattouf alleges she was dismissed over a pro-Palestine social media post, as well as claiming systemic racial discrimination within the organisation against people of Arab or Muslim backgrounds. Meanwhile, the public broadcaster is dealing with the resignation of other high-profile presenters and scores of redundancies amid a restr...
Jan 16, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1152
The catholic church is known for running schools and charity services in Australia, but it also operates more than 20 publicly funded hospitals. It’s an arrangement that helped bring healthcare to the public before Australia was even federated, but it often goes unnoticed by patients. So, what happens when a hospital run by a catholic body gets into major financial strife? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper , Rick Morton, on how an iconic public hospital may soon run out of money. Soc...
Jan 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1151
Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza now seems like it will last even longer, with the Israeli military saying it is prepared for a long conflict – one that could last all year. But the longer the war continues, the more devastating the humanitarian situation in Gaza becomes, and the higher the chance of more war breaking out across the region. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper and Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom on the efforts to limit the conflict – and why so ...
Jan 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1150
