Australia no longer has an official vaccination target, and one reason for the delay is our reliance on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been associated with health risks. Today, Dr Melanie Cheng, on weighing up the risks of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and what it all means for Australia’s rollout. Guest: Health columnist for The Saturday Paper Dr Melanie Cheng. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 12, 2021•15 min
There are growing fears that homelessness could soon rise in Australia. One of the most at risk groups in the country is older women, who face both age and gender discrimination. Today, Kristine Ziwica on the homelessness crisis Australia should have seen coming. Guest: Journalist for The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 11, 2021•16 min
The federal government promised that by the end of March four million Australians would be vaccinated against Covid-19 but as of this week we’ve barely hit a quarter of that target. Today Paul Bongiorno on whether Scott Morrison is doing enough to vaccinate the country. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 08, 2021•16 min
The National Disability Insurance Scheme was established to provide people living with a disability high quality and tailored support, but leaked documents have revealed the federal government is proposing radical reforms to the scheme. Today, Rick Morton on the battle for the future of the NDIS. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 07, 2021•15 min
In 2015 the Northern Territory government announced a Royal Commission into Youth Detention, but six years on almost every single young person in prison in the NT is Indigenous. Now, the NT government has announced new laws that could see even more young Indigenous people locked up. Today, Sophie Trevitt, on why the Northern Territory is undoing the recommendations of the Royal Commission. Guest: Lawyer and executive officer of Change the Record, Sophie Trevitt. See acast.com/privacy for privacy...
Apr 06, 2021•15 min
As Australia’s former Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel has been on the front line of Australia’s climate wars. This year he was appointed special advisor to the federal government on low emissions technology, but some of Australia’s leading climate scientists have expressed concern about Dr Finkel’s plan, questioning whether it’s ambitious enough. Today, Alan Finkel on his plan for our energy future, and whether the Australian government should be moving faster. Guest: Former Chief Scientist and a...
Apr 05, 2021•17 min
For the past three years author and farmer Bruce Pascoe has been trying to establish a sustainable practice on his land. Informed by the Indigenous farming techniques he researched for his bestseller Dark Emu, he’s seeking to undo the damaging legacy inflicted through decades of post-colonial practices. Today, he speaks to Ruby Jones. Guest: Author Bruce Pascoe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 04, 2021•15 min
From thunderstorm asthma to the increasing prevalence of infectious disease, a warming planet is already making us more sick. In the final part of this series, we investigate how climate change puts us more at risk of disease. Today, Climate change will kill you, part three: sickness. Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly , Paddy Manning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 03, 2021•20 min
In 2011 the Queensland town of Grantham was inundated with rain, causing flash flooding. It had a devastating impact on the town’s residents. But events like this are predicted to become more common, as the planet warms leading to more extreme weather events. Today, Climate change will kill you part two: flood. Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly , Paddy Manning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 02, 2021•18 min
From bushfires and heat, to floods, and the increasing severity of disease, Australians are already feeling the impacts of a warming planet. In this new series, journalist Paddy Manning investigates the link between climate change and human health, and tells the stories of those who have become some of the first casualties of the climate crisis. Today’s episode is part one: heat. Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly , Paddy Manning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information....
Apr 01, 2021•19 min
After suffering through record-breaking bushfires, a pandemic, and floods, big parts of Australia now have a new problem: a plague of mice. Farming communities have been overwhelmed by one of the worst mouse infestations in recent history, threatening crops and livelihoods. Today, the CSIRO’s Steve Henry on the origins of the mouse plague, the impact it’s having, and when it might finally end. Guest: CSIRO researcher Steve Henry Background reading: The mouse plague in NSW in The Saturday Paper S...
Mar 31, 2021•14 min
For many Australians the pandemic has led to some kind of economic hardship, but while workers have suffered some of Australia’s billionaires doubled their wealth during one of the worst global recessions on record. Today, Mike Seccombe on how badly implemented government policy combined with pure luck to make the country’s richest even richer. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listene...
Mar 30, 2021•16 min
Over the past month there have been four Indigenous deaths in custody across Australia. Now, a new organisation has been created to help their families fight for justice. Today, Madeleine Hayman-Reber on the grassroots group supporting families whose loved ones have died in police custody. Guest: Journalist and Gomeroi woman Madeleine Hayman-Reber. Background reading: Dhadjowa Foundation to help Aboriginal families in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. ...
Mar 29, 2021•16 min
The platypus is one of Australia’s most iconic and intriguing animals, but like so much of our natural wildlife it’s under threat. Today, James Bradley on what makes the platypus so special and whether we’re at risk of a future without them. Guest: Writer for The Monthly James Bradley. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 28, 2021•15 min
Scott Morrison told the women of Australia this week he was listening to their concerns. But since then the Liberal Party has been rocked by more and more allegations of bad behaviour and sexism. Today, Rachel Withers on what this week revealed about Australian politics, and whether Scott Morrison’s actions are living up to his words. Guest: Contributing editor for The Monthly Rachel Withers. Background reading: Disgrace of the day in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out inf...
Mar 25, 2021•17 min
One of Australia’s biggest arts festivals is facing an intense backlash after announcing a work that called for the blood of First Nations people. Today, Tristen Harwood on what this controversy tells us about the way Australia’s cultural institutions are operating. Guest: Art critic for The Saturday Paper Tristen Harwood. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 24, 2021•16 min
Nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated as Australia’s east coast suffers from the worst floods in more than half a century. NSW’s mid-north coast, one of the worst hit regions, was also devastated by the Black Summer bushfires. Today, a first-hand view of the floods, and what the increasing severity of wild weather events is telling us about climate change. Guest: Taree resident Taliha Scott and National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and ...
Mar 23, 2021•15 min
Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is on the verge of a Covid-19 crisis. Thousands of people in the country are now infected, pushing the local health system to the brink. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on the danger facing Papua New Guinea and whether it can be avoided. Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman. Background reading: PNG on the brink of Covid-19 catastrophe in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.c...
Mar 22, 2021•17 min
Last week’s march for justice highlighted how the justice system stacked against women, from the law, to the police, to the courts. Today, Bri Lee on the barriers to justice, and the steps being taken to reform the system. Guest: Lawyer and writer for The Saturday Paper Bri Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 21, 2021•16 min
Christian Porter is still facing calls for an inquiry into allegations of sexual assault levelled against him, allegations he denies. But Porter has announced he will return to parliament in his role as the nation’s first law officer. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the conflicts of interest facing the attorney-general. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 18, 2021•13 min
The Online Safety Bill is being framed by the government as a way to modernise how Australia regulates the internet. But concerns have been raised about what the consequences could be for freedom of expression. Today, Lizzie O'Shea on the new laws that could change how every Australian uses the internet. Guest: Chair of Digital Rights Watch Lizzie O’Shea. Background reading: Flaws in new online safety laws in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnys...
Mar 17, 2021•14 min
For years the rise of Lex Greensill, a farmer’s son turned billionaire investor, seemed unstoppable. But now things are falling apart, and the economic carnage threatens the livelihood of an entire town. Today, Rick Morton on the business deal that could cost 7,000 jobs in Australia. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton. Background reading: Lex Greensill: Why the green energy backer lost his billions in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informa...
Mar 16, 2021•15 min
Thousands of Australians marched in cities and towns across the country yesterday. The protests were sparked by allegations of sexual harassment and assault in federal parliament. Today, Karen Middleton on the march for justice, and whether the government is taking notice. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 15, 2021•18 min
On Thursday night the Chinese government passed new laws effectively stamping out democracy in Hong Kong, significantly strengthening the Communist Party’s grip on the territory. Today, Jonathan Pearlman on whether this is really the end of Hong Kong and what happens next to those who have been fighting for freedom. Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 15, 2021•16 min
The Prime Minister has declared Christian Porter “innocent” and said any inquiry into the allegations of sexual assault would undermine the rule of law. Today, Rachel Withers on what exactly the rule of law means, and whether it’s a sufficient enough justification to stop an inquiry from going ahead. Guest: Contributing editor for The Monthly Rachel Withers. Background reading: The rule of law(yers) in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/list...
Mar 11, 2021•17 min
Growing concern about far-right extremists in Australia has led to the creation of a new federal inquiry, but the inquiry has revealed that one police force is out of step with our national security agencies. Today, Osman Faruqi on the emboldened far-right in Australia, and whether enough is being done to counter them. Guest: Editor of 7am , Osman Faruqi. Background reading: Victoria Police and extremism in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystu...
Mar 10, 2021•17 min
Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout is already behind schedule, but while the headlines have focused on issues with supply and delivery, there are much deeper problems. Today, Mike Seccombe on the challenges to the federal government’s vaccination plan, and what’s at stake if we don’t get it right. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. Background reading: Experts: Vaccine rollout deadline impossible at current rates in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy f...
Mar 09, 2021•15 min
Last week, the most significant report to examine aged care in Australia was released. The Saturday Paper ’s senior reporter Rick Morton has been covering every step of the journey to get here. Today, he tells us why this could be the moment we change a broken system. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 08, 2021•17 min
For the past three years author and farmer Bruce Pascoe has been trying to establish a sustainable practice on his land. Informed by the Indigenous farming techniques he researched for his bestseller Dark Emu, he’s seeking to undo the damaging legacy inflicted through decades of post-colonial practices. Today, he speaks to Ruby Jones. Guest: Author Bruce Pascoe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 07, 2021•16 min
The Attorney-General has so far refused to resign, denying the rape allegation levelled against him. He’s been supported by senior ministers and the Prime Minister. Today, Paul Bongiorno on how Scott Morrison fought alongside Christian Porter to keep him in his job, and what happens next. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 04, 2021•16 min
