In this episode of Australia, Explained, we break down our federal and state governments. We discuss what each level of government is responsible for, how they collaborate and what the current issues are regarding the separation of powers. Bits and pieces mentioned: Overview of Federation Covid creating legal confusion between states and Canberra This week, Tania recommended an article in The Conversation that breaks down the difference between COAG and the national cabinet, and highlights the s...
Nov 24, 2020•20 min•Ep. 9
In this episode of Australia, Explained, we break down Australia’s mental health system: the good, the bad, and where it all seems to be heading. This week, we were joined by special guest, Julia McCarthy. Julia is a psychologist with over 10 years experience, having acted as a support worker for those in juvenile detention and for families affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. Bits and pieces mentioned: NAIDOC week Palyku psychiatrist and professor Helen Milroy’s research on Indigenous ment...
Nov 17, 2020•23 min•Ep. 8
In this episode of Australia, Explained, we look back on the Whitlam dismissal 45 years later, why it was important and why it’s being discussed in 2020. Bits and pieces mentioned: Gough Whitlam’s infamous dismissal speech Will Partlett’s article on the Palace Letters This week, Tania recommended an ABC Radio podcast with journalist Alex Mann called The Eleventh , which compiles first-hand accounts of the dismissal to explain the event. Vanessa recommended the Palace Letters , which detail Gover...
Nov 10, 2020•25 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of Australia, Explained we cover the past, present and future of slavery in Australia. Bits and pieces mentioned: History of slavery piece in The Conversation The WAP (White Australia Policy) South Sea Islanders enslaved This week, Tania recommended the Modern Slavery Registry that keeps tracks of all the companies that have a commitment to anti-slavery. Vanessa recommended a mini documentary that speaks to experts and victims about modern slavery in Australia. If you’re new to A...
Nov 03, 2020•19 min•Ep. 6
In this episode of Australia, Explained we’re covering offshore detention - what it is, why we do it and at what cost. Bits and pieces mentioned: Abbott Government pays people smugglers to turn back boats The price of detention This week, Tania recommended two poems - “ Untitled ” and “ The Black Kite/Deep Dark ” - by Behrouz Boochani, a refugee who was previously detained on Manus Island. Vanessa recommended interviews by SBS with Navy personnel that worked on Operation Sovereign Borders. If yo...
Oct 27, 2020•19 min•Ep. 5
In this episode of Australia, Explained we break down what exactly is an asylum seeker, what type of opportunities they have in Australia and talk about a few of the myths surrounding this issue. Bits and pieces mentioned: The 1951 Refugee Convention Asylum seekers returned to Indonesia on lifeboats University of Adelaide Refugee Study This week, Tania recommended an article about Nhill, a little town in Western Victoria that had its economy revitalised by Burmese refugees. Vanessa recommended t...
Oct 20, 2020•19 min•Ep. 4
In this episode of Australia, Explained, we talk about what recession means, why it’s happening and how it affects Aussies everywhere. We partnered with Daniel Ortisi from The Financial Curator to deliver this podcast. The Financial Curator is a blog and Instagram on a mission to improve financial literacy by offering easy to read content on investing and finance more generally. What are you waiting for? Go follow/subscribe and get learning!! Bits and pieces mentioned: Pay The Rent Campaign Abor...
Oct 13, 2020•23 min•Ep. 3
In this BONUS episode of Australia, Explained we break down the 2020 Budget - the winners, the losers and what it all means for you! Bits and pieces mentioned: The Guardian Budget Summary: Warning, lots of jargon Follow Osman Faruqi on Twitter Women and the 2020 Budget This week, Tania recommended the ABC’s winners and losers of the budget , which also includes a tax calculator to help you determine how much money you can expect to receive over the next 5 years. Vanessa recommended a piece from ...
Oct 08, 2020•22 min•Ep. 2
In this episode of Australia, Explained, we break down who owns what news media in Australia, why it's important to know, and why it's being talked about right now. Bits and pieces mentioned: A list of Rupert Murdoch + NewsCorps’s assets Government scraps media ownership laws Kevin Rudd calls out Rupert Murdoch This week, Tania recommended The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty , a 3 part documentary on ABC iView covering the history and scandals of the Murdoch family. Vanessa recommended Neel Kolhatka...
Oct 06, 2020•15 min•Ep. 1
In this episode of Australia, Explained, we introduce the voices behind the podcast and talk a little bit about why we started it in the first place! Bits and pieces mentioned: Pay The Rent Campaign Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations If you’re new to Australia, Explained, we are a weekly news podcast dedicated to helping Aussies get on top of things Down Under. You can support us by clicking ‘Subscribe’ or ‘Follow’ on your preferred podcast app, leaving a review, and most import...
Oct 04, 2020•7 min•Ep. 1
