An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.
The Culture is a brand new weekly show from the team behind 7am . Every week join host Osman Faruqi and special guests as they go deep on film, music, TV, streaming, books and art. The first episode drops May 28. Follow The Culture now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For over a year now Australia’s international borders have been closed to the rest of the world. Travel restrictions have played a crucial role in keeping Australia relatively safe from the worst of the pandemic, but the federal government has been reluctant to announce their end date. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on why Prime Minister Scott Morrison is so intent on keeping our borders closed. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno. See acast.com/privacy...
Sixty years ago commercial licenses were handed out to Australian fishers working in the lucrative shellfish industry. Since then, the families that obtained those licenses have made fortunes. But many Aboriginal people whose ancestors have fished along the coast for tens of thousands of years have been locked out of the trade. Aboriginal fishers, like Yuin elder Keith Nye, have been described as “poachers” by industry and government, and face jail time for selling what they catch. Today, writer...
In an attempt to fend off allegations of sexism within the Coalition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet earlier this year. But his choice for Australia’s new Assistant Minister for Women, Amanda Stoker, has been controversial from the outset. Her hardline, and conservative, views on abortion have raised concerns from women’s health advocates. Today, journalist for The Saturday Paper Rachel Withers on the rise of Amanda Stoker. Guest: Journalist for The Saturday Paper Rachel Wi...
For the past week the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip has been under an intense aerial bombardment. Last Sunday was the deadliest day in the conflict so far. Two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 43 Palestinians, including eight children. On the same day, more than 100 rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel. Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on why the violence in Israel and Palestine is at its worst point in years. Guest: World editor for The Sat...
Five years on from when MeToo went global, high profile allegations of assault and harassment still make headlines but justice rarely seems to be served. Today, writer and philosopher Kate Manne on why we need to not only believe women, but create a society that actually cares when they are harmed. Guest: Contributor for The Monthly Kate Manne. Background reading: How to lose her voice in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
When Rana Hussain’s family migrated to Australia from India they brought with them a passion for cricket, though it wasn’t long before Rana fell in love with Australia’s biggest sporting code: the AFL. But navigating the blokey, Anglo-centric world of Australian football in the 1990s wasn’t easy for a young Muslim woman. Her experiences during that time galvanised her to become an advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports. Today, Rana Hussain on the racism problem in Australian sport, and h...
In the middle of a growing national conversation about sexual harassment and consent, the federal government launched a campaign on respectful relationships for young people. The campaign was widely criticised by experts and advocates, including former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, who say it ignores their advice and research. They’re also concerned that it seems to have replaced another more evidence-based and expertly produced campaign, which was shut down 18 months ago. Today, journalis...
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has handed down what is expected to be the government’s last budget before the next federal election. Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on what’s in the budget, and what it says about the government’s political priorities. 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....
Last month police arrested two people accused of possessing extremist material. The arrests came at the same time as Australia’s security agencies were warning of an increase in far-right extremist activity. But now Australian officials have introduced new terminology to talk about the threats we face and are carefully avoiding the term "right-wing". Today, researcher at the Lowy Institute Lydia Khalil on what’s behind this change and why the language we use to describe a threat matters. Guest: ...
The relationship between Australia and China has already reached an all time low, but now senior political figures are starting to talk publicly about war. In the past week both the new defence minister, Peter Dutton, and senior public servant Mike Pezzullo, have discussed the possibility of an armed conflict with China. Today, Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University Hugh White on how likely a hot war with China really is, and why our government seems to be ...
Next Tuesday, the federal government will drop its highly anticipated budget, laying out its priorities for the next 12 months. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Australia reckons with the global economic fallout from the virus, and plots an uncertain future. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on what the Treasurer is planning, and what it might tell us about who should pay for Australia’s pandemic recovery. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno. See acast.co...
Right now thousands of Australian citizens are trapped in India unable to get home, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to devastate the country. They are stuck because the Australian government took the unprecedented step of barring all Australians in India from returning. The legality of the move, which the government says is about protecting Australia from the virus, has been questioned by experts. Today, Indian-Australian economist Gabriela D’Souza on the situation in India right now, and wha...
From Crocodile Dundee to Marvel blockbusters… Australia’s film industry is being rejuvenated by an influx of international productions. The pandemic has forced major film and TV productions to relocate to Australia, bringing with them big name celebrities and jobs. But there are concerns that the production boom here could be more of a bubble, with the main beneficiaries being big overseas studios, rather than local creatives. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on who real...
Australia’s restaurant industry has been devastated by lockdowns and the loss of international tourism. Some of the hardest hit businesses are those in Chinatowns across major cities. Even before travel bans and lockdowns, many suffered the brunt of anti-Asian racism. Today, writer and food critic Jess Ho on what it could mean if we lose one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. Guest: Writer Jess Ho. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...
The 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, was recognised for her advocacy against sexual abuse. Since her appointment she’s been outspoken in her criticism of the Morrison government. The government has now launched an urgent review of the Australia Day Council. It denies the review is linked to Grace Tame’s appointment, but it could result in the government having more decision making power over the position. Guest: Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton. Backgr...
Author and activist Bri Lee regularly runs workshops on consent and sex in schools. In the upcoming issue of The Monthly Bri writes about those workshops in the context of a growing national conversation about sexual harassment and assault. In this special weekend episode of 7am Bri reads her article, 'Ill-informed consent'. Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Bri Lee. Background reading: Ill-informed consent in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio....
As Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made no secret of his deep, evangelical Christian faith. At a recent appearance at the Australian Christian Churches conference he referred to social media as evil, and said he believed he was doing God’s work as Prime Minister. Those comments have ignited debate over the role of faith in political leadership. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the Prime Minister's Pentacostal faith and how it fits with some of his policy decisions. Gu...
Rupert Murdoch’s media empire is one of the most powerful corporate influences right around the world, but in recent years it’s been through radical changes. Now it looks like Rupert is starting to hand power over to his son Lachlan, as part of a succession plan. Journalist Paddy Manning is currently writing a biography of Lachlan Murdoch, titled Sly Fox. Today, Paddy Manning on Lachlan Murdoch’s ambitious plans for the family’s business empire, and how they compare to those of his father. Guest...
Peter Dutton has long been one of the most controversial ministers in the federal government. As Immigration minister he became the face of the Coalition’s hardline policy on asylum seekers and refugees. Now, at a time of rising global tension, especially in our region, he’s become the minister for Defence. Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on Peter Dutton’s new job, and the concerns already being raised in the Defence community. Guest: Chief political c...
For much of the 20th century Northern Ireland was marred by violence, as Irish republicans and forces aligned to the United Kingdom fought over the future of the region. That conflict, known as the Troubles, officially came to an end with a peace agreement in 1998. But now the violence is flaring up again, and there are concerns the fragile peace deal is on the verge of being shattered. Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what's behind the new wave of violence across ...
The billion dollar Tasmanian salmon industry promotes itself as environmentally friendly, healthy, and good for the state. But when you look a little closer, the environmental and social impacts are alarming. Award-winning author Richard Flanagan has seen the impacts of the commercial fishing industry first hand, and has spent years investigating the murky relationship between big business and the government. Today, Richard Flanagan, on the real impacts of Tasmania’s salmon farms and the failure...
Nearly a year ago George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. His death sparked a resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement. Over the last three weeks the world watched and waited as one of the most significant trials in recent history took place and on Wednesday his murderer was found guilty. Today, US journalist Mary McGuire, on the trial of Derek Chauvin, the verdict, and the future of the movement against police violence. Guest: Journalist Mary McGuire. See acast.com/priv...
World leaders are preparing to meet for a historic global climate change summit, to try and limit the catastrophic impacts of global warming. After decades of inaction and a lack of leadership, countries like the United States and China are finally working together to try and develop real solutions. But Australia has already been singled out as a roadblock to taking serious climate action. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe on the global shift towards tackling cl...
Scientists researching Covid-19 have discovered that the physical impacts of the virus on the body go far beyond what we might have originally thought. The results could have profound impacts for how we respond to and treat Covid-19. Today, Rick Morton on our growing knowledge of how the virus changes our bodies, and our brains. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Federal and state governments are locked in a high stakes battle over the future of Australia’s vaccine rollout, while hundreds of millions of people around the world have now received their vaccines. Many countries are now starting to prepare for the resumption of international travel. But in Australia the slow rate of vaccination has led to state premiers becoming more vocal in their criticisms of the federal plan. On Monday Scott Morrison held an emergency meeting of the national cabinet to d...
The recent wave of allegations in federal parliament have highlighted that the law that’s supposed to protect women from harassment doesn’t actually apply to politicians. Today, Chris Wallace on the surprisingly dramatic history of Australia’s sex discrimination act, and the moves to update it for this current moment. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Six months after the chief executive of Australia Post, Christine Holgate, was forced out of her job, she’s now broken her silence. Holgate claims that she was bullied, and has revealed the real reason she believes she was targeted. Today, Paul Bongiorno on what really happened at Australia Post. 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....
Thirty years ago Australia held a Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, but most of its recommendations still haven’t been implemented and hundreds more Indigenous people have died in custody. Today, Gary Foley on what led to the Royal Commission, and why white Australia needs to face up to its own history. Guest: Activist and academic Gary Foley. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Both the United States and the UK have recently announced policies to increase their tax rates, and spend the revenue on new social policies, as part of their economic response to the pandemic. But Australia is bucking the trend. Today, Mike Seccombe on what Australia’s economic recovery plan is, and who stands to benefit. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
