Federal parliament returns early today and the prime minister has removed a racial vilification offence from Labor’s proposed hate speech laws and will now deal with restrictions on guns in a separate bill. Anthony Albanese had to change course after the bill came under huge criticism from the Greens and the federal opposition, with leader Sussan Ley describing it as half-baked and unsalvageable. The bill came after the Bondi attack in a bid to stamp out antisemtism. So, what was in the doomed b...
Jan 18, 2026•16 min
He’s known for relentlessly and ruthlessly pursuing Donald Trump’s agenda and for playing a big part in shaping it. Now, with the extraordinary start to 2026, which has included the capture of the Venezuelan president and a threat to take over Greenland, there’s a renewed focus on the US president’s key advisor Stephen Miller. Today, Ashley Parker, staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, on her investigation into Trump’s deputy chief of staff, his power and growing influence. Featured: Ashley Pa...
Jan 15, 2026•16 min
Donald Trump says “help is on its way” for the Iranians who have taken to the streets in the biggest uprising against the regime since the 1979 Islamic revolution. But what does he mean by help? Is Trump ready to order US military strikes as the death toll climbs into the thousands? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what to expect in the days ahead and the signals that a new Iranian revolution is underway. Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gul...
Jan 14, 2026•15 min
This year’s Adelaide Writers’ Week has been cancelled following a debacle that involved a boycott by more than 180 participants, board members quitting and the event’s director stepping down. There was outrage about the board’s decision to remove Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the rundown citing cultural sensitivities in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Today, Denis Muller from the Centre for Advancing Journalism at Melbourne Uni on the damage done and what it means fo...
Jan 13, 2026•15 min
The former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will finish up his posting as Australia's ambassador to the United States a year earlier than expected. He’s received thanks and praise from the Prime Minister for his work, but it’s raised questions about whether Mr Rudd's past critical comments about the US President have hastened his departure from the role. Today, former Australian ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos on the challenges of the posting, and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute,...
Jan 13, 2026•12 min
Violent anti-government protests in Iran have entered a third week, with fears more than 500 people have been killed and thousands more arrested as the regime cracks down on the unrest. Donald Trump is now weighing-up military options and Tehran has warned of retaliation. Today, how seriously Iran's leaders are taking US threats, and why so many Iranians are now calling for the regime to end. Featured: Negin Shiraghaei, British-Iranian activist and founder of the Azadi network Gregg Carlstrom, M...
Jan 12, 2026•14 min
More than three weeks since the Bondi terror attack, the federal government has announced a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Since the massacre, Anthony Albanese has resisted calls to establish an inquiry. But after widespread pressure continued to mount, the PM has reversed course, now defending his decision to not call an inquiry sooner. Today, ABC political editor Jacob Greber on how the government was forced to act, and the CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of De...
Jan 09, 2026•14 min
As the Trump administration focuses on its actions abroad, political tension is escalating at home. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot dead a US citizen in the city of Minneapolis. The shooting has intensified bitter political debate over Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy which has seen ICE raids in cities across America. Today, advocacy and outreach director for The Advocates for Human Rights, Madeline Lohman on the reaction from residents after thousands of p...
Jan 08, 2026•10 min
Greenland’s sovereignty could be under threat, after the White House declared using the US military to take control of the island is ‘always an option.’ It comes after President Donald Trump revived his long-running push to seize the Arctic island. European leaders have hit back issuing a rare joint statement rejecting any threat to Greenland’s sovereignty. Today, an expert on Arctic politics on what’s really behind Donald Trump’s long-term desire to annex Greenland and what it could mean for th...
Jan 07, 2026•13 min
The deposed Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, has appeared in a New York court, facing charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine. Both he and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to all charges. Meanwhile, the US has been blasted for the attack on Venezuela by both allies and adversaries at a meeting of the UN Security Council, as well as over President Donald Trump’s threats to expand military action in Latin America and beyond. Today, the ABC’s Americas Edi...
Jan 06, 2026•15 min
After a dramatic US military operation capping off months of escalating tensions, the former president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro is now in a New York prison. With Maduro gone, the Venezuelan military has endorsed the interim presidency of his former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez but Donald Trump has warned she could suffer a fate worse than Maduro if she doesn’t comply with American demands. He’s also signalled other Latin American nations could be next. Today, a local journalist on how Vene...
Jan 05, 2026•16 min
BMI, or body mass index, has long been used as a simple calculation to determine if someone is underweight, a ‘healthy’ weight or obese. But when it was devised by a Belgian mathematician almost 200 years ago, it was never supposed to be a tool to measure health. Now, researchers are challenging the way obesity is defined and diagnosed. Today, a look at the new approach and why there’s a global push away from BMI. First published 10 February, 2025 Featured: Willow Moscarda, Perth studentDr Louis...
Jan 01, 2026•16 min
Could artificial intelligence be key to improving Australia’s living standards? A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade. But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs? Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step...
Dec 31, 2025•16 min
In the month of April, China installed more solar power than Australia ever has. China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars. Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly? Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’. First published 18 August, ...
Dec 30, 2025•15 min
Why have so many hand car wash services replaced automatic machines? It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem? Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at the economic round table in Canb...
Dec 29, 2025•17 min
It was a decision driven by spite for Sydney man Peter Anderson. He was determined to buy a solar battery for his home so he could take money away from the big power companies, while never receiving a hefty power bill again. But his plan came unstuck after agreeing to participate in a so-called virtual power plant. Today, energy reporter David Mercer on Peter’s dilemma, how giving back to the grid really works and whether it’s worth it. First published 26 May, 2025 Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC ener...
Dec 28, 2025•16 min
Sarah Ferguson's interviews illuminate the biggest issues of our times and reveal insights from the most interesting people in public life. How did she stop US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee from "flooding the zone" when grilling him on US support for Israel's war in Gaza? What did she learn about compassion in politics when speaking with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern? This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and int...
Dec 25, 2025•25 min
Some stories are best told first-hand by those at the centre of the action. It's how the ABC's Australian Story has brought us so many compelling personal narratives and it's a format that's captivated the program's host Leigh Sales. So which episodes stick in her mind? There's a dramatic rescue on the Franklin River, the widows who found love again, Jelena Dokic's family anguish and the adventures of missing sausage dog, Valerie. This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists...
Dec 24, 2025•26 min
The US President Donald Trump has surrounded himself with colourful and controversial characters. From Steve Witkoff, who once bought Trump a sandwich and is now taking the lead on peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, to Howard Lutnick, the tariff tsar. How did they secure their key roles and what effect are they having on the policies of the most powerful nation on Earth? This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Toda...
Dec 23, 2025•25 min
ABC foreign correspondent Stephanie March has explored the tensions between elephant tourism in Botswana and the destruction the creatures bring to local communities. She's brought us a glimpse of Gaza, where children live in tents and she's walked the streets of Georgia, as fears grow about the influence of Russia and a slide towards autocracy. This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Today, Stephanie March from th...
Dec 22, 2025•26 min
The continuing rise of artificial intelligence was one of the big stories of 2025. But how long until humanoid robots, with an AI brain, step into the limelight and take our jobs? This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from the past year. Today, ABC finance presenter and commentator, Alan Kohler, looks at Elon Musk's robot ambitions, how robots could be the new slaves, and what it could mean for all of us. Do we need a Unive...
Dec 21, 2025•23 min
What actually works to prevent terrorist attacks and is Australia up to challenge in a complex threat environment? The Prime Minister says new laws to tackle antisemitism will include powers to deport so-called hate preachers and a new criminal charge for those advocating "racial supremacy". He’s also been pressured into adopting in-full the recommendations from the Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism. Today, the Lowy Institute's Lydia Khalil on how to stop the next terror attack. Featur...
Dec 18, 2025•16 min
Catastrophe has a way of shaping leaders. Winston Churchill during World War Two, George Bush during 9/11 and Scott Morrison during the Black Summer bushfires. It may define Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership too, as he comes under pressure to respond to the antisemitism crisis and the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed. Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on whether Anthony Albanese can rise to the challenge. Featured: ...
Dec 17, 2025•19 min
Who could do such a thing? It’s the question Australians are asking after Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach. How did they radicalise? Who did they associate with? And what drove them to plan and execute the worst terror attack in Australia’s history? Today, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on what we know about the shooters and the unresolved questions for our security services. Featured: Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporter
Dec 16, 2025•17 min
Sydney’s Jewish community is in shock after Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach. It was an act of terrorism that Jewish leaders long feared. So, in the depths of their sorrow, how are they coping and what are they asking for? Today, Rabbi Mendel Kastel from support group Jewish House, whose brother in law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was killed in the attack. Also, Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish himself, on where Australians outraged at this attack should direct their anger. Featured: Rabbi Me...
Dec 15, 2025•16 min
The terrorist attack targeting Jewish people at Bondi is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre. Sixteen are dead and many more injured at a place special in Australia's heart, at an event special to the Jewish community, Hanukkah. Today, extremism expert Dr Josh Roose on whether authorities failed to heed the warnings. Also, Bondi local and Sydney cardiologist Dr James Otton who rushed to assist the wounded. Featured: Dr James Otton, cardiologist Josh Roose, associa...
Dec 14, 2025•19 min
Streaming giant Netflix is battling Paramount for control of the historic Warner Bros studio, which includes HBO and a treasure trove of film and TV content. Warner Bros has backed the $72 billion US Netflix bid, despite Paramount offering billions more in a deal that would include the television assets, including news network CNN and the Discovery channel. Today, Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief of entertainment news website JoBlo.com on what it means for how we watch shows and movies and whether...
Dec 11, 2025•14 min
Imagine being able to claim thousands and thousands of dollars in expenses so your family can join you on work trips, or to fly business class to New York, or for private drivers to take you to the biggest sporting events. Well, Minister Anika Wells is under intense pressure to justify her use of taxpayer funds, even if it’s all within the rules. Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on why the perks for politicians are a honey pot and a trap. Featured: M...
Dec 10, 2025•16 min
In the first week of summer, dozens of homes have been destroyed in bushfires; at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania, on the New South Wales Central Coast, and at Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle where a firefighter also died. A local builder at Koolewong in New South Wales noted that a recently constructed home, built to modern fire safety standards, was left standing while others around it burned to the ground. Today, the ABC’s Central Coast reporter Sarah Forster on the homes that were lost in Saturday’...
Dec 09, 2025•16 min
They’re a cheaper and convenient alternative to driving a car, but some e-bike riders are causing massive headaches for other road users and police. A string of serious injuries and deaths in e-bike crashes, particularly involving children, is fuelling calls for a crackdown. Today, Geoff Rose from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies on the influx of illegal e-bikes on the roads. Featured: Geoff Rose, Adjunct Professor in Transport Engineering at Monash University...
Dec 08, 2025•15 min
