Full Story
Guardian Australia's daily news podcast. Every weekday, join Guardian journalists for a deeper understanding of the news in Australia and beyond. You can support The Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport.
Episodes
The Australians buried together in unmarked graves
Using evidence from family and friends, analysis of cemetery registries, and aerial and satellite imagery, a special investigation by Guardian Australia has found that ‘persons without means’ are being buried in bare patches of earth between walkways and old headstones. The vast majority of the graves do not have a plaque or tombstone. The investigation has prompted an immediate apology from NSW H
Black Box: The Chatbots | The Line | Ep 5
Five stories that feel like five answers to one important question: in a world where AI chatbots can help us through a breakup, listen like a friend, be a life coach, draft a difficult text message and do our work, where do we draw the line?
Back to Back Barries: How Labor should fight One Nation
Tony Barry and Jessie McCrone examine the latest Redbridge poll (‘the poll that stops the nation’) that shows a slump in support for the prime minister and weaker support for Labor. How would Jessie – a former senior Labor advisor – counsel Anthony Albanese, and what does she think could improve Labor’s chances against Pauline Hanson’s One Nation? The two former sparring partners also look at next
Alan Jones on trial: The youngest complainant’s testimony | Week 9
The fifth and final complainant has taken the stand to detail his allegations against Alan Jones. He is also the youngest of the alleged victims, telling the court he accepted an invitation to visit the former broadcaster’s rural home when he was 17. Guardian Australia media correspondent Amanda Meade joins host Nour Haydar to unpack the latest developments from the courtroom
France’s teens versus the riot police
Angelique Chrisafis on the pupils and students who are taking to the streets and closing down schools in France
The Coalition’s race to the bottom on migration
With a pledge to slash net overseas migration to just 100,000 people, with incremental increases in the years following, the Coalition has promised history-making immigration cuts as a solution to the housing crisis. But behind the steep figures is a strategy of luring voters from One Nation by out-doing their centrepiece policies. Political editor Tom McIlroy joins Matilda Boseley to discuss whet
What next after Christa Pike’s botched execution?
A warning for this episode - it covers details of a murder and an execution that some might find distressing. In this episode of Guardian Australia’s US politics podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad examine what happened when the state of Tennessee tried to execute prisoner Christa Pike. They also look at the controversy over taxpayer-funded ads promoting US president Donald Trump
Is Australia ready for a datacentre boom?
As technology companies push to expand AI infrastructure across Australia, residents from suburban Melbourne to regional Queensland are raising concerns over noise, power demands and local impacts. Could growing community opposition slow down plans for a nationwide infrastructure boom? Technology reporter Josh Taylor joins Reged Ahmad to unpack why Australians are becoming so uneasy about datacent
Cornell University gang-rape allegations and the culture behind them
When a civil lawsuit brought horrific details of an alleged gang rape at a Cornell fraternity to light, international outrage followed. Questions remain over how initial reports were handled and why systemic issues continue to surface at elite institutions. Reged Ahmad speaks to Guardian US reporter Richard Luscombe to unpack the fallout at Cornell and examine whether this case will spark real cha
The Populist: The social contract | Episode 4 – Full Story podcast
One Nation was the first Australian political party with a website, and its online game today is recognised as some of the most effective in the business. The party specialises in shareable anti-immigration messaging – and in bypassing traditional media to reach voters directly. ‘She tells it like it is,’ Pauline Hanson’s supporters say. But her tactics come straight from the populist right playbo
Black Box: The Chatbots | Life Raft | Ep 4
More than a billion people are suddenly talking to AI chatbots designed to connect with us. We are sharing with them our deepest secrets, trusting them with our wellbeing and acting on their advice. Across two powerful stories – a woman who was struggling to leave a relationship and a man who was desperate to quit drinking – the Guardian journalist Michael Safi explores what this new way of living
Back to Back Barries: Can the Greens beat Labor?
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) discuss the Greens leadership change this week. Senator David Shoebridge defeated two women to take out the top job in a rare contested ballot. So what direction will he take the progressive party and can they ‘replace’ Labor as he claims? Also in this episode: what did the prime minister say at George Megalogenis’ Melbourne book launch tha
Greens’ David Shoebridge on his plan to beat One Nation and replace Labor
With a sharp, aggressive strategy, the Australian Greens’ newly elected leader vows to take on corporate power and bring a ‘red-hot fight’ to coal and gas approvals. But following a turbulent week and internal party room fractures, can Senator David Shoebridge and his polarising approach rally progressive voters without deepening splits? Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks w
Mid-air panic as pilot attacked on Israel-bound flight
A commercial flight travelling from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency landing after an apparent brawl between its pilots. The flight was in Jordanian airspace when it diverted to Saudi Arabia, after the plane fell 16,000ft in two minutes during the incident. Authorities are investigating a number of lines of inquiry including a hijacking attempt or a mental health incident. Lucy Houg
Why working parents are set up to fail
Georgie Dent’s National Press Club address recently went viral after laying bare the compounding pressures on modern families. Between soaring costs of living, rigid workplace expectations and an eye-watering gap between school days and work hours, is the current system setting parents up to fail? Reged Ahmad speaks with CEO of advocacy group The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, to unpack why raising chi
Inside the trial of former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon
More than two years after Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were killed in a Sydney home, former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has gone on trial in the supreme court. Lamarre-Condon, who stands accused of the double murder, has pleaded not guilty. In the opening weeks the court has heard allegations, viewed security footage and witnessed emotional testimonies from friends of the young couple. Matil
From fuel wars to AI: the forces driving the RBA rate decision
With inflation proving stubborn and global economic pressures mounting, Australians are bracing for another potential interest rate rise. Could pushing the cash rate to its highest level since 2011 send struggling households over the edge? Guardian Australia economics editor Patrick Commins joins Reged Ahmad to unpack what’s driving the decision and what it means for the broader economic outlook
The Populist: Money nation | Episode 3
One Nation receives millions in public funding, but former members have accused the party of leaving candidates out of pocket, ‘funny money deals’ and letting donations get ‘lost in the system’. When senior correspondent Sarah Martin followed the money, she discovered even those on the inside are asking questions about accountability, and why some are saying the man brought in to improve the syste
Back to Back Barries: Should the media boycott One Nation?
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) look at the prime minister’s week in the US against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s ban of three news organisations from the White House. Would the Australian media ever join together like their American counterparts and boycott a political party or politician? The two former press advisers also examine press conference ethics and why Austra
Rogue AI hacks government system in world first
A government database has been hacked for the first time by a rogue OpenAI agent, which infiltrated part of the Australian healthcare scheme in June. OpenAI became aware of the hack in August, but only informed the government in September. Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed his ‘extreme concern’ about the hack, which raises serious AI security concerns for governments arou
Alan Jones on trial: An unexpected change in the prosecution's case | Week 8
As the criminal trial of Alan Jones continues, prosecutors unexpectedly drop a charge against the former broadcaster while witnesses take the stand to address allegations surrounding complainant M and complainant H. Now, with a sudden shift in the trial timeline, how much closer are we to the conclusion of proceedings? Series producer Taylah Strano joins host Nour Haydar to unpack the latest devel
Xi Jinping meets Trump: who holds the cards?
AI, Iran and Taiwan – there will be no shortage of topics when the two most powerful men in the world meet in Washington. But what do they both want? Jonathan Czin explains
What Albanese has to lose from his US trip
Anthony Albanese is in New York campaigning for Australia to snag a seat on the UN security council for 2029. So how much power would a two-year seat actually give Australia to make change? Why does Albanese feel that now is the time? And given the hefty price tag attached to a security council campaign, how will his efforts be received back home? Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Matilda Bos
Decoding America: Trump’s war on the media
In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy dive into what’s driving Donald Trump’s ban on journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico - and the significance of the response from major TV networks. They also cover the US president at the UNGA and why Trump’s decision making on international conflicts could be explained by the price
Jim Chalmers on how Australia’s economy can survive in an uncertain world
On Monday, Jim Chalmers released Treasury’s economic forecast for the next 40 years in the Albanese government’s second intergenerational report. The outlook predicts major challenges on geopolitics, the AI transformation, and for the first time, deaths will overtake births in Australia within a few decades. The treasurer speaks with Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, and economic
The Houthis’ shock advance and what it means for the world
The Houthis now control the Bab al-Mandab strait. But where is it and why does it matter? Patrick Wintour explains
What an AI deal could mean for Australian culture
The Albanese government is considering giving AI companies unrestricted access to Australian content. The sweeping copyright reforms could give AI companies – such as Anthropic and Open AI – permission to train on the open internet here in Australia. Host Reged Ahmad speaks to musician and communications strategist Holly Rankin on what an AI deal could mean for creators, artists and everyday Austr
The Populist: The favourite son | Episode 2 – Full Story podcast
Most Australians know the story of Pauline Hanson: the fish and chip shop, the maiden speech, the “please explain”. But Hanson’s top adviser, James Ashby, wields as much – if not more – power over One Nation as Hanson herself. When the party bars media from press conferences, it’s Ashby who makes the call. To understand how One Nation operates, it’s important to understand Ashby’s story, from his
Black Box: The Chatbots | Happy Accident | Ep 3
Why are AI chatbots pulling so many people down a rabbit hole? Our answer starts with the world’s first-ever chatbot, the strange effect it had on people and the ‘time bomb’ that exploded when ChatGPT was released four years ago. The result is a strange experiment we are all living through – whether we know it or not. You can find episodes one and two further back in the Full Story feed.
Back to Back Barries: Labor’s migration dilemma
Barrie Cassidy and Jessie McCrone, a former adviser to the former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and now managing partner for FMRS Advisory, examine the migration reforms as announced by the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, this week. Is One Nation controlling the narrative on this issue, and how will the Coalition respond? They also look at the Guardian’s new investigative podcast series The
Tony Burke on Labor’s immigration shake-up
Home affairs minister Tony Burke delivered a speech at the National Press Club on Thursday, announcing immigration reforms to achieve Labor’s forecasts for net overseas migration. After being postponed at short notice six weeks ago, Burke’s speech comes in the same week that One Nation announced its policy to significantly cut the number of temporary migrants in Australia. Political editor Tom McI
Alan Jones on Trial: A prominent athlete takes the stand | Week 7
For the first time, seven weeks into the criminal trial of Alan Jones, a complainant came face-to-face with his alleged offender in the courtroom. The former athlete, known as complainant M, was the third of six complainants and chose to give evidence in the same room as Jones. The courtroom – and the journalists squeezed into a separate room in the court – heard allegations against Jones that he
How Ed Sheeran’s ‘apolitical’ stance is causing his biggest crisis
All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore. The American rapper was removed from Sheeran’s tour after comments made onstage in support of Palestine. Sheeran responded that venue owners – including Robert Kraft who owns the New England Patriots and its home stadium – had objected to Macklemore’s appearance on the t
The 'apex predator' of fires choking south-east Asia
Indonesia is in the middle of a climate emergency, experiencing what Nasa calls the ‘apex predator’ of wildfires. It’s burning an area three times the size of Singapore and choking millions across south-east Asia with toxic haze. But while Europe’s catastrophic summer made headlines in Australia, the climate emergency happening to one of our closest neighbours is less well known. Kate Lamb joins M
Decoding America: Why won't Donald Trump regulate AI?
In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad look at whether there is any appetite across the political spectrum to put guardrails on artificial intelligence as around the world existential fears mount that the technology is developing too quickly. They also explain what the latest supreme court ruling on the Trump administration’
Is Andrew Hastie launching a Coalition fightback against One Nation?
As One Nation squeezes the Liberal vote, Andrew Hastie’s clash with Pauline Hanson over a video calling him a traitor has exposed deep faultlines across Australia’s political right. So is the MP becoming the face of the Liberal party fightback against One Nation? And what does this battle mean for the former SAS captain’s political ambitions? Reged Ahmad and Guardian Australia’s political editor T
AI isn’t going to end humanity ... right?
A series of figures in the tech world have been warning about – and even resigning over – the existential threat posed by artificial intelligence. How worried should we be? Today in Focus host Annie Kelly speaks with technology editor Robert Booth
How Icac turned into the ‘best show in town’ – Full Story podcast
This Independent Commission Against Corruption has spent eight weeks investigating allegations of Liberal party branch stacking and illegal donations in New South Wales, with hearings revealing an ideological political war rarely seen outside meeting rooms or private conversations. Guardian Australia’s Anne Davies has been following the inquiry, joining a packed public gallery to watch a ‘parade’
The Populist: Aeroplanes and bulldozers | Episode 1
‘If you’re trying to say I’m being funded by Gina Rinehart, the answer is no.’ That’s what the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, told the Guardian’s senior correspondent Sarah Martin in February. We now know that’s not true. Over months, Martin has pieced together flight-tracking data and expense records to uncover the true extent of financial support flowing from Australia’s richest person to th
Preview – The Populist: Pauline Hanson’s divided nation – podcast
Around the globe, rightwing politicians pushing nationalist and anti-immigration policies are on the rise. The Populist explores the growing appeal of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation – a party that has imported the modus operandi of the populist right, including Trump-style attacks on the media. Investigations correspondent Sarah Martin speaks to Reged Ahmad about the new four-part podcast series laun
Black Box: The Chatbots | 14 days | Ep 2
Virginia man Jon Ganz was rebuilding his life after spending more than two decades in prison for a horrific crime. Last year, he got a prompt on his phone that his wife, Rachel, believes changed their lives forever. It was from Google, inviting him to try the company’s AI chatbot, Gemini
Back to Back Barries: Andrew Hastie v Pauline Hanson
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry this week) go straight to Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie’s stoush with Pauline Hanson over an animated cartoon. Is Hastie one of the few politicians willing to take on the One Nation leader? And could this be the beginning of the Liberal party fighting back? Staying with One Nation: what does the coverage of Warren Pickering’s press conf
Alan Jones on Trial: Fierce loyalty, fiery texts and a parade of witnesses | Week 6
After a slow start to the week, the criminal trial of Alan Jones accelerated with a swift succession of witnesses taking the stand. Through a former politician, close friends and loyal associates, the court heard details of alleged indecent touching, scornful text messages and declarations of an ‘unbreakable bond’ with Jones.Nour Haydar speaks to media correspondent Amanda Meade to unpack the cros
Greg Jericho on One Nation’s superannuation ‘sugar hit’
One Nation’s proposal to allow people to access 3% of their super contributions for three years is touted as a lifeline for lower-income earners who are struggling to get by. But with no modelling by the party to show the long-term effects, are we better off with our money in super or in our pockets? Economist and Guardian columnist Greg Jericho speaks to Matilda Boseley about One Nation’s ‘sugar
Decoding America: How Trump is powering the global right
In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy look across the water to Germany, where the rightwing political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has had a landslide state election win. As some commentators draw parallels to the Maga movement, they examine how Donald Trump is influencing global leaders and movements. Also in th
Why the tobacco tax is lighting up Australian politics
Rates of smoking in Australia are the lowest they’ve ever been, but at the same time, the illicit trade has never been bigger. It’s estimated 80% of the tobacco trade is now illicit and the same taxes that helped curb smoking are now fuelling organised crime. One Nation and the Coalition both believe cutting the tobacco excise is the only way to stop crime. But with the potential for reform on the
How much control should we have over the algorithm?
As the federal government prepares to introduce digital duty of care laws, social media users could soon be given the option to turn off their recommendation algorithms entirely. But with the Coalition warning of internet censorship and big tech relying on these feeds for revenue, would an opt-out switch actually make platforms safer? Technology reporter Josh Taylor joins Reged Ahmad to unpack Lab
Could the US drag us unwillingly into war?
Dotted like an outline around parts of Australia’s coast are military bases – the majority of which the US has control of or access to. Now a special Guardian investigation reveals the breadth of Donald Trump’s US military presence in the country, to a scale that the Australian public might not be aware of. Some analysts are warning it represents a ‘saturation’ or ‘colonisation’ of the Australian
Black Box: The Chatbots | Spirals | Ep 1
Across the world, hundreds of people have come to believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Others say their AI has ‘awakened’, or is leading them to a higher spiritual realm. Guardian journalist Michael Safi begins investigating a phenomenon labelled ‘AI psychosis’, travelling to the US to meet two people who have been on weir
Back to Back Barries: The forces that can stop One Nation’s rise
Barrie Cassidy and George Megalogenis (filling in for Tony this week) examine George’s new book, Three Shocks: Who We are Becoming in the 21st Century, and how these forces are reshaping our national identity and Australian politics. They also look at the politics of the housing market and Barrie responds to a listener who questions his analysis of One Nation’s inability to get over the “wall” aro
Alan Jones on trial: Radio rivalry and rabbit holes | Week 5 – Full Story podcast
As talkback titan Ray Hadley took the witness box in Alan Jones’s indecent assault and sexual touching trial, the court heard accounts of a tearful disclosure, a secret contract and decades of professional animosity. Under cross-examination, explosive text messages laid bare the full extent of the station’s high-stakes internal power struggle. Host Nour Haydar and Guardian media correspondent Aman
What’s behind the dangerous rise of sexual choking?
The death of a 16-year-old in Sydney’s northern beaches from a suspected act of sexual strangulation has put a spotlight on the dangerous trend – a trend that more than half of people under 40 say they’ve tried. The case raises difficult questions about young people and risky sex, consent, and the responsibility of the porn industry. Today, Matilda Boseley speaks to global editor Lucy Clark and li
Tupac’s murder: solved at last?
Thirty years after Tupac Shakur’s death, a man has been found guilty of killing the hip-hop legend. Helen Pidd talks to William Shaw and Jessica Hill about the conclusion to Tupac’s murder trial, and the star’s life, legacy and untimely death
One week on in Nepal
Nearly a week after a catastrophic glacier collapse struck the Nepal-China border, the death toll continues to rise as emergency teams search through heavy mud and submerged hydro tunnels. With thousands still unaccounted for, including dozens of Australian travellers, international rescue operations are racing against time. Guardian reporter Cait Kelly speaks to Rafqa Touma from Kathmandu about t
What One Nation’s latest victory means for the major parties
One Nation has claimed victory in the Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour, delivering a massive blow to a safe Labor stronghold. With voter frustration over cost-of-living issues boiling over, what does this mean for the major parties heading into the next elections? Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, joins Reged Ahmad to unpack One Nation’s rise and how Labor is struggling
The American painting that sparked an Australian culture war
When Jackson Pollock painted Blue Poles, his masterpiece of American abstract expressionism, little did he know it would become one of Australia’s most fascinating political controversies. The piece ensnared everyone from Gough Whitlam to the shah of Iran, only to end up in Canberra’s National Gallery as a symbol of our nation’s burgeoning modernity. With the news that Blue Poles is relocating fro
Back to Back Barries: How is One Nation influencing Labor’s migration policy?
Tony Barry and Sean Kelly, sitting in for Barrie Cassidy, examine the politics of immigration and asylum after contradictory policy statements this week from Labor and One Nation. They discuss how much Labor is being led by One Nation and whether the government is doing enough to make the case for migration. They also talk about the concessions made by the Albanese government to the states on GST
‘Tsunami from the sky’: floods leave trail of devastation in Nepal and Tibet – Full Story podcast
Hundreds of people are missing or have been killed after a catastrophic flash flood hit Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday. Entire villages have been destroyed, many of which were popular pilgrimage and trekking destinations for tourists. Lucy Hough talks to global editor Devika Bhat about how the devastating event unfolded
Alan Jones on Trial: What happened at lunch? | Week 4 – Full Story podcast
Week four of the Alan Jones trial zeroed in on a single afternoon 20 years ago, to a luncheon hosted by the veteran broadcaster. A man referred to in court as Complainant C alleges he was indecently assaulted in the presence of other guests, an allegation Jones denies. So what have witnesses recalled from that afternoon two decades ago and why has one high profile lunch guest been accused of ‘tail
Decoding America: Could datacentres lose Trump the midterms?
In this episode of Guardian Australia’s US politics podcast Decoding America, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad explore why datacentres in the US have provoked such anger – and whether that could harm Republicans in the midterms given Donald Trump is such a supporter of the growing industry. They also look at why the US and Canada are fighting over tariffs. The Canadian prime minister,
Who’s responsible for fixing the AFL’s culture problem?
Following a sexual assault allegation linked to the Sydney Swans, the AFL community’s response quickly shifted to premiership points and player suspensions. But for many fans, the real issue isn’t on-field fallout, it’s how the football industry responds when allegations of violence against women emerge. Host Matilda Bosley is joined by sports writer and editor Martin Pegan to unpack why, and how,
Are Australia-Israel relations at an all-time low?
More than two years ago, Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was killed by the Israel Defense Forces while travelling in a convoy with humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen. Israel’s decision on Wednesday to clear its soldiers of criminal liability has sparked widespread condemnation, from Frankcom’s family to the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who called the move an “outrage”. Now, a
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s most devoted aide is in the spotlight
Natalie Harp is Donald Trump’s most devoted aide: she travels the world with him, types his Truth Social posts, and even pens the US president ‘adoring’ letters. But reports that Harp had no official security clearance for a year has raised questions about the people Trump allows into his inner circle. So just who is Natalie Harp? The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief David Smith speaks to Reged
David Pocock on the ‘real betrayal’ of Labor’s deal on gambling reforms
This week, the Albanese government passed major reforms to online gambling advertising and deep cuts to rein in NDIS spending – all with the Coalition’s support. David Pocock has long been a vocal critic of the government’s approach to both of these issues, saying Labor and the opposition have failed to stand up to vested interests on gambling reforms. And while he agrees NDIS cuts are needed, he
Back to Back Barries: Political stitch-up or compromise? A tale of two political deals
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the two deals made this week between the Coalition and Labor on gambling advertising and the NDIS. They also look ahead to the upcoming byelection in the Western Australian electorate of Secret Harbour, which sits within Andrew Hastie’s electorate. Could One Nation again emerge victorious? If so, what threat would that pose to the federal Liberal MP’s politica
Alan Jones on Trial: Alleged victim tells court he was ‘groomed for 10 years’ | Week 3
In the third week of the trial of former talkback radio star Alan Jones, a complainant took to the witness box to recount his time working at 2GB. Complainant C detailed allegations of indecent assault, a power dynamic, and why he felt he had to ‘cop it’. The defence has argued Jones never indecently assaulted the complainant. Nour Haydar is joined by media correspondent Amanda Meade to unpack the
Decoding America: Why Maga vaccine scepticism might be catching
In this episode of Guardian Australia’s US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy look at what the reported food shortages and mental health crisis on the USS Lincoln say about whether the US military is stretched too thin as the war on Iran drags on. They also look at Donald Trump’s vaccine executive order and why experts are fearful it could spread vaccine hesitancy to Au
Does Australia have a gun problem?
New South Wales will become the first state to undertake Australia’s biggest gun buyback in 30 years in a jointly funded scheme in response to the Bondi beach terror attack. The move has been welcomed by many, but has also been met with opposition from the Coalition and One Nation who say it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. Rafqa Touma speaks to reporter Penry Buckley about whether the buy
A bestselling true crime author and the crimes he’s accused of
Christopher Berry-Dee has been a pioneer of the true crime genre for years. The UK’s all-time bestselling true crime author is a self-proclaimed expert in serial killers, persuading them to give interviews and laying out their crimes in extensive detail. ‘Persuasive,’ says Sirin Kale after speaking to many who know him, ‘that’s a word that comes up a lot.’ However, after an investigation with fell
Why is the New Zealand PM fighting for his political life?
With just months to go before New Zealand voters head to the polls, the prime minister, Christopher Luxon, has survived his second leadership spill in just four months. As flagging poll numbers, a sluggish economy and high-profile gaffes build pressure on Luxon, can the embattled leader retain his grip on power through November? The Guardian’s New Zealand correspondent Eva Corlett joins Reged Ahma
The messy politics of a housing crisis
From immigration to inflation, housing sits at the heart of most political debates. But political parties are struggling to come up with a coherent message – and no one has a clear plan to fix the crisis. The Liberal senator and shadow housing minister, Andrew Bragg, last week said his plan to cut immigration is the solution – but so far he’s fuzzy on the details. And the government wants house pr
Ask me anything: ‘melon-gate’, One Nation’s media ban and the PM’s ambition
Federal parliament has returned from winter break with a frenetic start to the second half of the political year. There were days of commentary and squirming over ‘melon-gate’ and, with Labor planning to make a deal with the Coalition to pass gambling reforms, there are still doubts about the government’s ambition in its second term. In an ‘ask me anything’ edition of the Australian Politics podca
Back to Back Barries: what ‘melon-gate’ really reveals about our politics and the media
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry look at Liberal senator Andrew Bragg’s speech this week in which he outlined his plan to solve the housing crisis – a plan that doesn’t have the support of his own party. The Barries also discuss the ‘melon-gate’ controversy, with Tony asking if a conservative politician would be subjected to more or less outrage if they had done the same thing. Also in this episode,
Alan Jones on Trial: J’s witnesses take the stand, and a timeline shift | Week 2
As week two of the criminal trial against Alan Jones draws to a close, intense cross-examination of the first complainant, known as J, comes to an end. After testimony from J’s witnesses, inconsistencies in timelines about the alleged offending 20 years ago threatened to delay proceedings. Guardian Australia media correspondent Amanda Meade joins Nour Haydar to unpack the latest evidence and court
Will Albanese deliver on gambling reform?
After allegations that some betting companies provided gamblers with drugs and sex workers as enticements to keep wagering, pressure to act on gambling reform has mounted from all sides. And this week it seems Anthony Albanese is edging closer to a deal with the Coalition to pass new restrictions on advertising and inducements. But with backbenchers and advocates calling for stronger measures than
Plagiarism and a pig’s head: the rise and fall of Jason Arday
When the University of Cambridge appoints a new professor, it doesn’t usually make global headlines. But Jason Arday was different. He was just 37 in 2023 when he became Cambridge’s youngest black professor, specialising in the sociology of race and education. The achievement seemed all the more remarkable because of his incredible backstory. Yet almost as soon as he began his professorship at Cam
‘Terrifying’, ‘abusive’: the women who worked for convicted rapist Ralph Carr speak out – Full Story podcast
For the past three years, we’ve known him only as a ‘high-profile businessman’, accused and then convicted of raping a woman in his home. Until last week, when the court order suppressing his name was lifted and he was revealed to be Ralph Carr, one of Australian music’s heavyweights, a man who helped bring us the biggest pop stars of the 90s. Names like Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi and Tina Are
Can Gianni Infantino survive as Fifa president?
Just a few weeks ago, the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, was riding high after a successful World Cup. Now, he’s on the brink of losing his job. Infantino has apologised for his controversial plan to sell off the World Cup, but it’s done nothing to dampen the calls for his resignation. So why was the plan so despised, and is it one controversy too far for the man who once awarded Donald Trump a
Why hasn’t Labor had another female leader?
It’s been a long time since a woman led the Labor party. This term, Tanya Plibersek will become the longest serving woman of the House of Representatives in Australia. Plibersek has held senior cabinet and shadow cabinet roles since 2004, was deputy leader to Bill Shorten between 2013 and 2019, and is one of the most recognisable politicians in the country. But in the conversation of who is in lin
Back to Back Barries: why Labor is split on migration
Barrie Cassidy is back, and kicks off the episode by analysing the conflict in the Labor party over migration that led to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, pulling out of his scheduled press club speech this week. Tony Barry delves into new Redbridge polling suggesting small gains for One Nation and the Coalition at a federal level. And as the conversation turns to Victorian politics, he surp
