(aired 07/10/2023) - This week on Backchat, we're priming you for the 2023 Referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Our coverage in this episode aims to cut through a lot of the confusion around this historic vote by platforming First Nations voices. First up you’re gonna be hearing from Bridget Cama, a Wiradjuri First Nations and Pasifika Fijian woman who is co-chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue. Bridget has been travelling across the country campaigning for the Yes vote and will be layi...
Oct 13, 2023•24 min
(aired 30/09/2023) - On this episode of Backchat, we kick things off with a look at the latest findings from a NSW Police Inquiry into strip searches. Among other things, the report contains some pretty scathing information about how few officers are adequately trained to conduct these invasive searches. Backchat producer Libby Hopper will be with us to unpack it all. Next, how much attention do you pay the many beautiful trees adorning Sydney's streets? They play a crucial role in keeping our c...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min
(aired 23/09/2023) - First up, we chat with Backchat Producer Libby Hopper about some of the NSW Budget highlights – and what the big winners and losers are for this round. Next, we delve into public housing and social housing in NSW’s budget – a huge focus in this year’s budget with Rachel Evans from Action for Public Housing and Michelle May, Principal of Michelle May’s Buyer’s Agent. Victor Steffensen, lead fire practitioner, and co-founder of the Firesticks Alliance joins us to break down wh...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min
(aired 16/09/2023) - This week on Backchat, we get moving with a dive into the news the Macquarie Bank will be going cashless at branches from next year. We'll break down what this will mean and who will be impacted. Next, we're peering into a campaign to stop a sewage pump station being built at Parlsey Bay in Vaucluse. Residents say it'll destroy wildlife, while Sydney water says its needed to solve a serious sewage issue. Finally, we return to the Waterloo public housing redevelopment for a s...
Oct 13, 2023•27 min
(aired 09/09/2023) - We kick off this episode of Backchat with a look at Sydney's worsening housing woes. The Committee for Sydney has just released a new report dealing just how much this crisis is costing - and will continue to cost - our city. Estelle Grech is an urban planner with the Committee For Sydney, and she will be in studio to unpack some of the takeaways from their latest report. Next up, we're joined by Sydney author and PhD researcher, Anna Broinowski for a look into the world of ...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min
(aired 02/09/2023) - On Backchat this week – some big news has entered our political sphere. First up, how’s your pay check looking? Our federal pollies and public servants just received a serious pay bump - and we’ll be breaking down wage rises (or a lack thereof) for young people in Australia. Next up, the date for the referendum has finally been announced for October 14. As we inch closer to the date, have we ever stopped to consider how global examples of Indigenous voices look like? Hear fr...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min
(aired 26/08/2023) - On Backchat this week - we bring you the news of Sydney & beyond. First up, we run through why Zoom , the platform that turbocharged throughout the pandemic, has found itself in hot water for privacy issues. Earlier this week, we saw the federal government release its 6th Intergenerational Report on what Australia could look like over the next 40 years. To break it down what this means for us young folks is Justine Landis-Hanley, Canberra Times reporter. Lastly, we chat ...
Oct 13, 2023•24 min
(aired 19/08/2023) - Matildas fever opens this episode of Backchat. How could it not? There’s something about The Matildas that has really struck a chord this year, and we'll be taking a few minutes with our own Holly Payne to unpack some of the history behind the team, the records that they’ve broken over the last few weeks and have a guess as to what the future holds. Next up, we're jumping back into YIMBY/NIMBY land after New research from Western Sydney university has shown the NIMBY approac...
Oct 13, 2023•27 min
(aired 12/08/2023) - Heard much about the Fair Pay for Radio Play bill being debated in federal parliament? We'll be kicking off this episode of Backchat with a deep dive into the new proposed bill and what it could mean for aussie artists. Backchat producer Libby Hopper will be in the chair with all you need to know. Next, you’re not imagining it - the days are literally hotter in Western Sydney. The area records about 30% more hot or very hot days each year compared to the East. Later on in th...
Oct 13, 2023•20 min
(aired 05/08/2023) - We're diving into our state's contentious shark netting program to kick off this episode of Backchat; after the New South Wales Government dropped its Shark Meshing, Bather Protection Report for 2023. Backchat producer Libby Hopper is in the chair to explain the report's findings and how government and conservation groups have reacted to the news. Next, pill testing is back on the agenda in NSW after the Unharm organisation launched its ‘Just Check It’ campaign with the Minn...
Oct 13, 2023•24 min
(aired 29/07/2023 - Bushfire season is upon us, and this week on Backchat we'll get started with a look at our preparedness. Outgoing Backchat producer Matt Le Guay will be in the hot seat to unpack how we're tracking and how much Indigenous cultural cool burning practices have been incorporated into our preparation. Next up - cash looks to eb going the way of the Dodo, but do we really understand what a totally cashless society would mean? You'll be hearing from Swinburne Uni’s professor Steve ...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min
(aired 22/07/2023) - This week on Backchat, we're kicking things off with an explanation of the latest phenomenon borne from social media - Girl Dinner. You may have seen it bumping around your socials feed, but what does this tell us about gender roles in 2023? Our host Tanita Razaghi is leading this explanation with help from producer Libby. Next, we're exploring Bush to Bowl - a social enterprise aimed at creating a healing space & platform through First Nations knowledge, by connecting t...
Oct 13, 2023•26 min
(aired 15/07/23) On Backchat this week, we bring you the stories of Sydney and beyond – and we’re keeping it super local this time! TW: This show discusses SA and rape. First up, with many of us noticing our grocery shops getting more expensive by the day, you’ll be hearing from Backchat Producer Sana Sheikh about why this is the case and what this means for young people. Next up, we’ll be about the open letter that was put forward to the Albanese government from a group called End Rape on Campu...
Jul 19, 2023•26 min
(aired 08/07/2023) On Backchat this week, we bring you a special episode in celebration of NAIDOC Week. Join us as we delve into the rich history and culture of our First Nations peoples, with an line up of 100% Indigenous voices. First up, we explore something that has now become a common practise in many settings across Australia - an acknowledgement of country. Mundanara Bayles, Director of Blackcard shares how we can transcend the surface level, and foster genuine change through our acknowle...
Jul 19, 2023•26 min
(aired 01/07/2023) This week on Backchat, we're kicking things off with a dive into the editorial decisions in Australian newsrooms following the wall-to-wall coverage of the Titan submersible disaster. Our producer Sana Shaikh is in the studio to run through the pitfalls and forgotten stories of our overwhelmingly white newsrooms. Next, RACGP spokesperson on addiction, Dr Hester Wilson is in studio to chat about advances in harm reduction. Opioid dependence therapy drugs have recently made thei...
Jul 19, 2023•25 min
(Aired 04/02/23) - This week on Backchat we'll be discussing the digitisation of the work place and how it has affected our workplace productivity. Next, we’ll be chatting with Grattan Institute economist, Joey Moloney on the what is causing the current economic struggles of young people in todays society, and how the government should address the issue. Finally, you'll be hearing from Dr Brad Mckay from the Darlinghurst Medical Centre to briefly explain Mpox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) and h...
Feb 08, 2023•23 min
(Aired 28/01/23) - Invasion Day came and went this week and as always, it’s sparked debate around the history of Australia, the future of First Nations people and the deep divisions we collectively face. This week on Backchat, we'll be centring our coverage around First Nations issues. We kick things off with a look at what the last 12 months has meant for First Nations resistance. Indigenous scholar and popular podcaster Alicia Johnson joins us to unpack it all. Next up, we're joined by Waradju...
Feb 08, 2023•21 min
(Aired 21/01/23) - Backchat is back for 2023, and we're hitting the ground running this week. First up, we're gonna be tackling the prickly issue of parking permits in inner-Sydney and what impact they're having on renters in share houses or on short-term leases. Next, we’ll be chatting with obstetrician and gynaecologist Professor Kirsten Black about why women are finding it difficult to access publicly-funded abortions, even though the procedure is no longer a crime. Finally, pokies are shapin...
Jan 26, 2023•23 min
(Aired 17/12/22) - It's the final episode of Backchat for 2022, but we haven't let that slow us down. Getting us started this week will be a look at the gender pay gap in Australia as we address some of the misconceptions around the issue. Backchat producer Timothy Nguyen has been exploring this one and will be in studio to share what he's found. Next, Sydney’s prestigious Waverley college was in the news last week for all the wrong reasons as allegations of brutal bullying and ‘hazing’ rituals ...
Jan 26, 2023•24 min
(aired 10/12/22) - This week on Backchat, we're kicking things off with a look at the planned changes to Indonesia's legal code. You've likely heard of the looming 'bonk ban', but there's plenty more changes worthy of your attention, too. Backchat producer Eamonn Snow will be in studio to unpack what's going on with our northern neighbour. After that, we'll be chatting education in NSW; after plans were announced to overhaul school syllabuses in an attempt to adress steadily declining literacy s...
Jan 25, 2023•24 min
(Aired 03/12/22) - This week on Backchat, we get started with an update on the Royal Sydney Golf Club's controversial redevelopment, after the golf club overcame a final legal hurdle last week. Greens councillor with Woollahra Council, Nicola Grieve will join Tanita and Holly to unpack where things are at. Next, we're joined by Chloe Williamson from the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance to chat sexual assault and harrassment in the music industry. This comes after the landmark 'Raising Their...
Jan 25, 2023•24 min
(Aired 26/11/22) - We're bringing you a very special episode of Backchat this week, as our host Charles Rushforth bids the program adieu after more than two years. We'll have a bunch of soppy farewelling sprinkled - of course - amongst the news that matters to you. We'll kick things off with a look at the NSW Government's plans to turn their remaining single-sex schools to co-ed. Backchat producer Timothy Nguyen will be in the hot seat to run us through that one. Next, we're gonna be putting buy...
Jan 25, 2023•22 min
(Aired 19/11/22) - This week, we’ll be kicking off the show by chatting with producer Sana Shaikh about why NSW laws have been passed this week to stop taxi drivers from negotiating the fare instead of using the meter. We kick off our state election coverage this week as we speak to NSW Labor’s shadow minister for the environment, Penny Sharpe. Backchat looks at the koala wars, natural disasters and what the opposition has in store for the environment if they win. Next, we’ll be chatting to Soph...
Nov 19, 2022•24 min
(Aired 12/11/22) - This week's episode of Backchat kicks off with some much needed analysis of the collapse of RedCycle - the soft plastic recycling scheme you would have seen at Coles and Woolies. Backchat producer Sana Shaikh is in studio to run us through what happened and where we go from here when it comes to plastic and recycling in Australia. Next, we're chatting trees after the NSW Government reached its goal of planting one million trees across greater Sydney in 2022. Associate Professo...
Nov 18, 2022•25 min
(Aired 29/10/22) - This week on Backchat, we kick things off with a look at the slimy world of sports sponsorship in Australia, following the Australian Netball team’s sensational rejection of a lucrative sponsorship deal with Gina Reinhart’s Hancock Prospecting. Next, we're going behind the scenes into the push to revive Chinatown after several years of neglect. Andrea Plawutsky from Haymarket HQ will be on to run us through the plan to breathe new life into the area. Finally, Labor delivered i...
Nov 11, 2022•23 min
(Aired 05/11/22) - On Backchat this week, we get moving with a conversation around the increasing commercialisation of Sydney's green spaces and public areas. This comes after a resident living near Tumbalong Park in Sydney CBD calculated that the park had been unusable to the public for over 150 days this year. Next, we're discussing the cascading failures that contributed to the tragic death of Noongar-Yamatji schoolboy Cassius Turvey, and the continued struggle facing Indigenous Australians. ...
Nov 11, 2022•21 min
(Aired 22/10/22) - This week on Backchat, producer Holly is in to guide us through the sensational resignation of state Labor MP Tania Mihailuk and what it means for the party as a state election looms for 2023. Next, as new laws limiting protest are being challenged in the supreme court, we're talking the slow slip of civil liberties in New South Wales with Josh Pallas from the NSW Council for Civil Liberties. Finally, a joint investigation by the ABC and Nine newspapers this week alleged docto...
Oct 24, 2022•24 min
(aired 15/10/22) - This week on Backchat, we kick off with a look at Sydney’s cycle-friendliness after NSW police descended on the CBD earlier in the week for a crackdown on non-compliant cyclists. Next, we dive into what the prickly stage three tax cuts could mean for young people with Dr Greg Jericho from The Australia Institute and the Guardian news. Finally, have you noticed some of your favourite products shrinking while prices go the other way? Backchat will be tackling the most cursed asp...
Oct 15, 2022•24 min
Aired 08/10/22 - This week on Backchat, Backchat producer Sana Shaikh jumps on for a dive into the recently fast-tracked state government plan to raise the wall of the Warragamba Dam by 14 metres. We'll have all you need to know about this complex and controversial response to incresed floding events in Sydney. Next, we're joined by First national Real Estate CEO, Ray Ellis to unpack mould issues in rental properties and the tension between tenants and their real estate when it comes to rectifyi...
Oct 08, 2022•25 min
Aired 01/10/22 - This week on Backchat, you'll be first hearing about the halting of a promised arts hub in Marrickville as Sydney creatives complain of 'trojan horse' gentrification. We'll have exclusive commentary from Tim Levinson - aka Urthboy - about moves to suspend construction of the hub and the situation facing the arts community in inner Sydney. Next, we'll have a chat with NSW Senator for the Greens, David Shoebridge, about his party's recently announced policy to legalise marijuana n...
Oct 08, 2022•25 min
