Anthony Albanese’s government has faced an uphill battle in 2024, dealing with mounting discontent over the cost of living. Ahead of an election year, will the prime minister's message cut through? Today, 7.30's chief political correspondent Laura Tingle on the year in politics and what 2025 could bring. She says the government has tried to provide relief through targeted tax cuts and energy subsidies, though these measures have had limited impact on reducing everyday expenses. Laura Tingle also...
Dec 15, 2024•20 min
When artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT first landed, students rejoiced as they began using it for homework and assessments. That’s why universities and schools were quick to ban it entirely. But now, the University of Sydney is leading the way to overturn that ban which it says doesn’t work. Today, Professor of Educational Technologies Danny Liu on a new way to test students that gets around the AI problem. Featured: Danny Liu, Professor of Educational Technologies, University of Sydney...
Dec 12, 2024•15 min
The firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne this week has been declared a suspected act of terrorism. What does that mean and did the prime minister react too slowly to a rise in anti-Semitism? Today, host of Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on how the conflict in the Middle East is reverberating here. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast
Dec 11, 2024•15 min
The security camera vision shows health insurance executive Brian Thompson being shot in the back as he walks on a New York City street. Then, the offender evades police for almost a week, before Luigi Mangione is arrested in a McDonalds in Pennsylvania. It’s a captivating murder case because some people seem to be gleefully rallying behind the alleged gunman. It’s a sign of deep anger in America when it comes to healthcare and insurance. Today, North America correspondent Carrington Clarke on t...
Dec 10, 2024•14 min
It’s taken just an eight-day offensive for rebels in Syria to bring down the brutal, murderous Assad regime, which had ruled for half a century. The dictator Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus to Russia, where he’s reportedly been given asylum. But with the main Syrian rebel group behind the movement being a declared terrorist organisation in Australia and having previous links to Al Qaeda, what does the future hold? Today, the ABC’s Global Affairs Editor John Lyons on what comes next and what it mea...
Dec 09, 2024•15 min
With summer upon us, cranking up the air conditioning is the most comfortable option, but the electricity bill that goes with it can be shocking. That’s why Australians who have a house, a roof and some money are increasingly getting solar panels. But there is a problem because there is a thing as too much solar. Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer explains that the surge of solar power is risking stability of the power grid and it’s a bit like riding a bike. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy repor...
Dec 08, 2024•15 min
Esveidy Rodriguez is an undocumented immigrant living in Arizona. She’s now thinking about what life will be like for her in Donald Trump’s America. The president-elect has promised to start the process of deporting millions of illegal immigrants on day one of his return to the White House. Many, like Esveidy and her parents, have lived in America for years. Today, we speak with Esveidy and hear how she’s feeling about what happens in 2025....
Dec 05, 2024•15 min
When the South Korean leader ordered martial law, a chaotic series of events got underway. Troops were deployed to the streets of Seoul, politicians rushed to the parliament building and protestors made their voices heard. After a parliamentary vote blocked the order, the martial law was rescinded in an embarrassing backdown. So, what on earth was President Yoon Suk Yeol trying to achieve and what does it mean for South Korea’s future? Today, Kyung Moon Hwang from the Australian National Univers...
Dec 04, 2024•15 min
Many Australians would not have heard of Kim Williams, but most podcast listeners will be familiar with Joe Rogan. Kim Williams is the current chairman of the ABC and Joe Rogan is a podcast host with tens of millions of followers around the globe. Today, technology and online culture journalist Taylor Lorenz on the day Kim Williams took on Joe Rogan and how the podcaster became so popular and influential. Featured: Taylor Lorenz, writer of tech and online culture newsletter User Mag...
Dec 03, 2024•15 min
Is it a reasonable act of a loving father, or a president abusing his power to get a family member off the hook? In his final weeks in office, Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter Biden for gun and tax charges. Today, host of the ABC’s Planet America John Barron on what it means for the outgoing president’s legacy. Featured: John Barron, co-host of Planet America
Dec 02, 2024•15 min
Since Donald Trump won the US election, there’s been a fair bit of debate about how he did it. One theory is the Democrats have all but abandoned the working class and Trump made them feel seen. So, ahead of Australia’s own election next year, how are working class people feeling about politics? Today, political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras on how their economic plight will affect the election result. Featured: Kos Samaras, former Labor strategist and director of the RedBridge Group...
Dec 01, 2024•15 min
For almost 20 years they’ve sat in prisons in Indonesia, for trying to smuggle heroin out of Bali, but the five remaining members of the so-called Bali Nine could be returned to Australia soon. As a former foreign correspondent, it’s a story Sam Hawley knows well, because she went inside Kerobokan prison for a week in 2017. She spoke with two members of the Bali Nine, Si Yi Chen and Matt Norman and has followed their story ever since. Today, Sam speaks with Cindy Wockner, who was also a correspo...
Nov 28, 2024•15 min
When police officer Kristian White tasered 95 year old Clare Nowland in an aged care facility last year, he said the great grandmother was a threat because she was carrying a knife. But a jury has found him guilty of manslaughter. Today, we speak with reporter Jason Om who has been covering the case and with criminologist Xanthe Mallett about how police use tasers. Featured: Jason Om, 7.30 reporter Xanthe Mallett, associate professor of criminology from the University of Newcastle...
Nov 27, 2024•14 min
There’s been a flurry of activity in Canberra as the government rushes to get a huge amount of legislation through parliament before it rises at the end of the week. So, what are the new and proposed laws and will they really help you? Today, the ABC’s National Political Lead, David Speers on the bills passing and failing, as the government ponders a sooner rather than later election. Featured: David Speers, ABC National Political Lead...
Nov 26, 2024•15 min
When Bunnings started to use facial recognition technology to check on who was in its stores, without the consent of customers, it raised alarm bells. It says the face scans were deleted within one second and the tech helped to make stores safer, by identifying thieves or people who’ve been violent. But at what cost? The hardware giant has now been found to have breached Australians’ privacy. Today, tech reporter Ange Lavoipierre on what Bunnings was up to, how the technology works and whether i...
Nov 25, 2024•14 min
You may have heard of home births, but free birthing, where there are no medical professionals present is a small, but increasing practice in Australia. So, why are some women turning away from traditional hospital births and medical intervention? Today, investigative reporter Charlotte King on the movement putting lives at risk. She says free birthing is chosen by some women due to a deep distrust in the medical system and past experiences of birth trauma. Charlotte King says the lack of regula...
Nov 24, 2024•15 min
Thousands of us travel through South East Asia every year and it can, at times, be risky. But the story out of Laos this week is devastating. Nineteen year old Melbourne woman Bianca Jones has died and her friend Holly Bowles is in intensive care after what appears to be methanol poisoning from drinks. Three other travellers have died and at least 10 people have fallen ill after drinking the alcohol. Today, what we know about the mass poisoning, how methanol ends up in drinks and the damage it c...
Nov 21, 2024•16 min
On the one thousandth day of Russia’s war in Ukraine this week there was a major shift on the battleground. Russia declared that Ukraine, with the backing of US President Joe Biden, had fired US-supplied missiles into its territory for the first time. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has also unveiled new rules for his use of nuclear weapons. Today, former Ukraine ceasefire observer Samir Puri on what it means for the war. Featured: Dr Samir Puri, former ceasefire observer in Ukraine, Associate...
Nov 20, 2024•15 min
The former broadcaster Alan Jones is heading to court next month to defend charges including aggravated indecent assault, involving nine alleged victims. But why are the charges for alleged offences between 2001 and 2019, only being laid now? Today, former Media Watch host Jonathan Holmes on the power Alan Jones once wielded and how it wilted away. Featured: Jonathan Holmes, Media Watch presenter 2008 to 2013
Nov 19, 2024•15 min
Almost every day since his election, Donald Trump has been unveiling new members of his team. The picks say a lot. He’s chosen a vaccine sceptic as Health Secretary, a TV host to take charge of defence and an accused drug and sex offender as Attorney General. Today, National Political Reporter for The Hill, Julia Manchester on what it all says about how Trump will govern. Featured: Julia Manchester, National Political Reporter for The Hill...
Nov 18, 2024•14 min
About 15 years ago, the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was spruiking a ‘Big Australia’, where our population would hit 35 million by 2050. But the idea went away, without a big plan to deal with the pressures that come with that level of growth being prepared or acted on. Now, we’re still heading for that kind of population growth without much consideration for what it means for the environment and how we could provide the services and housing for all those people. Today, business and economics ...
Nov 17, 2024•16 min
Donald Trump has promised to end foreign wars, but on whose terms and how is unclear. When it comes to the Middle East, we can learn a lot from Trump’s approach to Israel during his first term as president. Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington DC on what the president-elect’s return means for the prospects of peace and Israel’s ambitions. He discusses the potential annexation of the West Bank and highlights the significant support Trump has shown for Israeli sov...
Nov 14, 2024•16 min
He writes pretty decent cookbooks, but Jamie Oliver’s sidestep into writing children’s novels hasn’t gone so well. The celebrity chef has had to halt sales of his latest book ‘Billy and the Epic Escape’ around the world over its portrayal of first nations Australians. One chapter features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers living in foster care, who's abducted from her home in central Australia. Today, Wiradjuri writer, poet and academic, Jeanine Leane, on what Jamie Oliver got so wrong. Je...
Nov 13, 2024•14 min
With Donald Trump back in the White House early next year, there’s a real possibility he’ll ignite a trade war with Beijing. Given Australia does so much trade with China, that could have big consequences for our economy. Today, we explore what could be in store for inflation, interest rates and our wider economy once Trump’s back in charge. Economist Susan Stone explains that tariffs generally end up costing consumers and businesses more, and could lead to significant job losses. She highlights...
Nov 12, 2024•15 min
The government wants to ban under 16s from social media saying it’s harming children and parents need support. It’s a move that has the support of the federal opposition and many parents, but does an outright ban risk cutting off important support and sources of information for young people? Today, we explore some alternative ideas to help make social media safer with a cyber safety expert and an advocate for better mental health for young people. Kriti Gupta emphasises the importance of educati...
Nov 11, 2024•15 min
Elon Musk played a huge role in Donald Trump’s campaign, throwing at least $130 million at it. But what role will the richest man in the world really play when Trump steps into the White House next year? Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Centre in Washington DC on the people Trump will need if he wants to rule like a dictator, even for one day. Geoff Kabaservice discusses the unpredictability of Trump’s promises and the potential for significant disruptions if he fol...
Nov 10, 2024•14 min
Donald Trump won the election, so what should we expect once he’s in the oval office next year? Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during the Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, says presidents can feel ‘unleashed’ during their second term. Today, she explains why voters chose to ignore all of Trump’s flaws and embrace his populist pitch. She says Trump’s victory is a fundamental shift for America, driven by voters prioritising economic concerns. Kim Hoggard also discusses Trump's policies, i...
Nov 07, 2024•14 min
In this update from Washington DC, Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening: America’s Last Election, brings you an update on all the events from overnight Australian time. In a spectacular comeback, Donald Trump has won the US election to become the 47th President of the United States. Matt is joined on the ground by Emma Shortis from The Australia Institute to explain where the Democrats went wrong and the Republicans went right - and what a more emboldened Trump with the support of the House, ...
Nov 06, 2024•15 min
This is a Wednesday evening update on the US election. Donald Trump is in a strong position as vote counting continues, he’s already won some swing states and is ahead in others. ABC global affairs editor John Lyons joins Sam from Washington DC with the latest on the vote count. Featured: John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor
Nov 06, 2024•15 min
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have made their final pitches to the American people and voting is finally underway in the United States after a tumultuous campaign. So, when the polls close, how long will it take for the votes to be counted and a winner to be declared? Today, the ABC’s US election analyst Casey Briggs explains how it could unfold, when to pay attention and what to watch out for. Featured: Casey Briggs, ABC US election analyst...
Nov 05, 2024•16 min
