The Morning Edition
The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
Episodes
What One Nation’s WA win means, and Hanson’s incitement claim
In this week’s episode, we dissect Labor’s brutal loss to One Nation in a supposedly safe seat in Western Australia. Does this byelection really signify, as victor Luke Herdegen put it, that no MP is safe from the “orange tsunami”? One Liberal MP who is worried is Andrew Hastie. Liberal strategists have been telling us his stance against accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smi
Mushroom murder appeal: The jury issue that could decide Erin Patterson's fate
In terms of criminal jury trials, what unfolded in the infamous death cap mushroom case was unique.Because when the jury was locked away from the outside world to consider a verdict, they were staying in the same hotel, in the same country town, as the police who investigated the case, the lawyers who prosecuted, and the media reporting on it. This strange arrangement has opened the case to sugges
Anna Wintour's biographer Amy Odell on John Galliano's Met cancellation
Fashion designer John Galliano announced yesterday that he would step away from being honoured with a retrospective at next year’s illustrious Met Gala, the so-called Oscars of the fashion world.Many had hailed Galliano as one of modern history's most important fashion designers, but he was also, as fashion insider Amy Odell puts it, "the industry's most famous antisemite”. Today Odell
Mud like quicksand: On the ground in Nepal
Six days ago, a massive flash flood descended like an avalanche through villages and towns on the Nepal-Tibet border, sweeping away homes, roads and bridges.Hundreds of people are dead and thousands are missing, including 43 Australians.Joining us today is South-East Asia correspondent Zach Hope, who is reporting from the disaster zone in Nepal. Background reading: ‘I must look for my sons&
'The CV is dead': How to get a job in the age of AI
If you’ve applied for a job in the past few years, you may have been humiliated by an AI program. Maybe while it interviewed you. Or threw out your CV.But lately, as AI recruitment programs have become way more sophisticated, so, too, have job hunters, enlisting AI agents of their own.Today, freelance writer Stephanie Wood on new ways that AI can discriminate against workers. And the best wa
The big business banking on women freezing their eggs
Egg freezing has become a popular choice for more and more young women, many of whom are looking for something of an insurance policy against missing out on becoming a mother.It’s become big business, which means fertility companies are beholden not just to their patients, but also to their shareholders.Today, reporter Bronte Gossling and deputy lifestyle editor Courtney Thompson discuss the
The magical mystery tour of immigration numbers, and the new One Nation voter profile
This week we reported on some interesting polling that grappled with what makes One Nation voters tick, and one issue stood out. There’s also been an argy-bargy in the party this week over immigration numbers, the net result of which being, perhaps, that One Nation is not totally against migration. Meanwhile, the Labor government is yet to announce its migration plan and which visa cla
Donald Trump’s ‘military intervention’ in the US economy
When news broke last week that America’s national debt had surged to a record high of $US40 trillion, it was notable enough. If the US economy shakes, the rest of the globe feels it. And then came the kicker: Donald Trump suggested he could use the military to stage an “intervention” on bond markets. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses the declining
Dezi Freeman killed two policemen, but to some he’s still an ‘outlaw hero’
It’s been a year since a murderous ambush in rural Victoria led to Australia’s biggest manhunt, and the consequences are being felt beyond the dense bush that Dezi Freeman fled into after he shot and killed two police officers. Today crime journalist Sherryn Groch on the underground network and doomsday preppers in the High Country. And why Freeman, a monster to some, has become a
ASIO’s new secret spy powers are extraordinary
Our domestic spy agency copped a lot of criticism in December after the Bondi Beach massacre for failing to prevent the attack.But is the answer expanded powers?A bill passed in parliament last week is proposing just that – laws that force suspects to answer questions, or face a jail sentence.Today national security correspondent Matthew Knott talks about the new expanded powers of ASIO
All-boys schools, elite sports and sexual assault
Chanel Contos is a young Sydney woman who, five years ago, made headlines after she collated and published the testimonies of thousands of women and girls about instances of sexual assault they’d experienced.Many had made allegations they’d been assaulted by teenage boys who went to some of Sydney’s most elite private schools.So have things changed, since then? Judging by the las
Tony Wright on the best and worst prime ministers, and the courage needed now
Today we have something special and a little bit different because Tony Wright, one of the stalwarts of Australian political writing, is stepping back from daily newsroom duties after 50 years in journalism.For about 30 of these years, Tony reported on federal politics. Bob Hawke was the first prime minister he covered, while Paul Keating often rang Tony at home in the mornings to, at first, berat
Trump's shock South Korea decision
We know that Donald Trump has made a habit out of rewarding dictators and throwing off the shackles of long-standing relationships with allies. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses Donald Trump’s latest appeasement of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and the threats he’s issued to Oman. Background reading Trump threatens to bomb ally Oman as US-Ir
The Sydney Swans sexual assault allegations
Another scandal involving an alleged sexual assault has erupted in the AFL.One player from the Sydney Swans football team was spoken to by police after an alleged sexual assault said to have taken place in the early hours of Monday.Today, The Age’s chief AFL writer, Jake Niall, discusses what's known, and not known, about what's unfolded.And, just a note, we're not suggesting the players are
Is our housing bubble about to burst?
Our four biggest banks say that fewer people are taking out mortgage loans. One has even forecast a significant fall in house prices in two cities. Meanwhile, Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has issued a stern warning ... Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright discusses whether the housing bubble is indeed starting to burst. Background reading Air is coming out of the hou
Science has given us another reason to love dogs
Which dog owners among us haven’t wondered about their pets: What are they thinking? Do they like me? Are they – oh no! – judging me?Well, a new study has revealed that dogs are even better at reading our emotions than chimpanzees, our closest evolutionary relative.Today, science reporter Angus Dalton on how researchers reached this conclusion, and how to help our dogs lead their
The melon story – Is the prime minister just really bad at saying sorry?
We’re back to talking about melons and the podcast interview that continues to cause dramas for the prime minister. Six weeks ago, Anthony Albanese appeared on a podcast called ‘Bush Deep’ and was asked about the worst gift he received. Melons, he replied, gifted to him by Japanese prime minister. What was said, and not said, has become the focus of attacks from the media, the Co
In the Middle East is anyone – friend or foe – taking Donald Trump seriously?
Donald Trump has suffered a cascade of humiliations at the hands of Iran and Iranian allies in the last two weeks.But, according to international and political editor Peter Hartcher, humiliation is the least of Trump's problems now.In today's episode, Hartcher discusses the strikes from Houthi rebels over the weekend, which confirm a new front to this war. And the significance of Saudi Arabia, Tur
Why car insurance premiums have gone up almost 50 per cent
Car insurance in Australia has leapt by nearly 50 per cent in the last six years and this week, the financial regulator blasted insurers for failing to adequately explain to customers why they have jacked up prices by so much.So what's behind the spike in premiums?Insurers talk about the cost of repairing cars these days and global volatility, but there's plenty of evidence that companies will red
Kyle Sandilands' new show: Political, glitchy, uncensored
Kyle Sandilands commanded massive audiences on commercial radio before his now infamous sacking. And on Monday, his new subscriber-only live show was launched.It was the old Sandilands but even more uncensored, and with a political bent, featuring guests such as NSW Premier Chris Minns and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.So why do we care, and what does this new era of media – free of the r
Trump’s USA: Republican revenge and a Democratic Hail Mary
In a win that has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, an unabashedly left-wing epidemiologist has been chosen as the Democrat nominee to fight for a senate seat in Michigan in November.Some see it as a desperate move at a time when the Republican Party is moving full steam ahead to prosecute opponents such as Dr Anthony Fauci, Joe Biden's former COVID tsar, who was browbeaten just over a
Immigration, gambling and big tech: Labor’s big policy push
This week on Inside Politics, we take a look at some of the major policy challenges facing the Albanese government – from migration numbers, to gambling-advertising reform and the news media bargaining code between Australian media and big tech companies. Joining host Jacqueline Maley are chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and federal political correspondent Natassia Chrysanthos. If y
An AI bust is coming. But when? And who will be hit hardest?
There’s a battle brewing over which country will lead the world in Artificial Intelligence, and the US has bet the house, economically, that it will be the winner. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on what previous infrastructure booms – such as the craze for building railways in the 1840s or the dotcom boom of the 1990s – tell us about where all this will
‘Explosive’ evidence heard as Alan Jones’ trial begins
Is Alan Jones guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault? Or are the allegations against him - by six men - the result of treachery, desperation and opportunism, as Jones’ barrister has argued? Today crime reporter Clare Sibthorpe on the allegations aired in court, so far, in the trial of Alan Jones, which began this week. If you like this podcast and want to hear more, please rate, revie
Better sex life, mood and muscles, but there are risks to our testosterone obsession
It’s the latest health buzzword, proposed as a magic cure for everything from dementia to low libido. But is it safe, or even advisable, to take supplementary testosterone? Today, we talk to Madeleine Heffernan on what the experts want us to know, and what this latest cultural obsession says about us right now.If you like this podcast and want to hear more, please rate, revie
What really happened to Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre
Virginia Giuffre was fearless in taking down some of the world's most powerful people. As Jeffrey Epstein's most prominent victim, she helped expose his crimes and hold his friends to account, including the man formerly known as Prince Andrew.But despite her heroic battle in the most notorious sex trafficking case of the 21st century, few knew about one of her toughest fights. It was one she fough
The welcome miss on inflation, and the Victorian leadership fallout
It’s been another roller coaster this week for mortgage holders. Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock issued a stern warning about inflation, before the clouds parted a little when there was a welcome dip in the numbers. We check in with the state of the economy with senior economics correspondent Shane Wright, before crossing to state political editor Chip Le Grand after quite a momentous
Deep misjudgements and awful consequences: Peter Hartcher on Trump and Putin
They are wars on different fronts, but both are showcasing what international and political editor Peter Hartcher says are the deep misjudgements of leaders. Reporting this week revealed US armaments are running low as war continues in the Middle East. And the ramifications of the “unbelievable” nuclear deal that US President Donald Trump signed with Saudi Arabia are beginning to surfa
The downfall of Victorian premier Jacinta Allan
Victorian politics is in turmoil. On Tuesday morning, Jacinta Allan stood down as the state's 49th premier after more than 25 years in parliament. In a bonus episode of The Morning Edition, state political reporter Kieran Rooney discusses what brought Allan down, who has replaced her and what it means for the state election in just four months’ time. Background reading: 'Slow, then fas
Is the Commonwealth Games on its last legs?
The Victorian government made headlines, for all the wrong reasons, in 2023, when it pulled out of hosting the Commonwealth Games on the grounds that it was too expensive. Now, the Games are on in Glasgow, with many locals barely registering that it’s even taking place in their city, according to our reporter on the ground. Today, senior sports writer Michael Gleeson on whether the competiti
Qantas and Alan Joyce – the CEO who can’t let go
There are not that many company CEOs who the general public knows by name. But Alan Joyce is one of them.In part, it's because of how customers and employees were treated by Qantas, the company he led, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Today, senior reporter Chris Zappone discusses why Alan Joyce is now telling his side of the story.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudi
The prime minister, a billionaire’s son and a dinner at a Point Piper mansion
The Labor party is facing fresh scrutiny over where it gets its money.Five days ago, it was the result of revelations that the party collected more than $4 million in gambling donations in five years – a chunk of that while it dithered on gambling reform.And now, another donation has raised eyebrows.Today investigative reporter Lucy Macken on the billionaire’s son who allegedly offered
Barnaby’s dog, Hanson and the attention economy. Plus, a Labor Party conference
It has been quite the week in federal politics, and our attention has been sucked by two One Nation clangers. First, Barnaby Joyce yelled at his dog on national television, then Pauline Hanson made some incredibly controversial remarks about domestic violence. Meanwhile, our guests for today, chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and federal political correspondent Natassia Chrysanthos, are tu
Trump's 'ulterior motive' in talking about 2020 electoral fraud –again
Why, six years on, is Donald Trump peddling the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen? And how many Americans now believe it? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses what the timing of Trump’s renewed fixation may tells us about his ulterior motives. Background reading Trump’s three-pronged threat to American democracy Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https
Is Christopher Nolan an 'anti-white racist'? An interpreter of The Odyssey weighs in
Christopher Nolan’s $250 million film The Odyssey was always going to inspire – and enrage – fans. That’s what you get when you take on one of the oldest surviving stories in history and refashion the hero at its centre. The New York Review of Books editor-at-large Daniel Mendelsohn is today's guest. The classics scholar discusses what Nolan is trying to tell us with his ve
The optometrists punished for putting patients before sales
If you’ve ever felt that you are being rushed through a healthcare appointment, you’re not alone.Now a number of optometrists have told our mastheads that they are being pressured to rush appointments, and even skip providing clinical tests, in order to sell, sell, sell.Today, health reporter Rachel Rasker on the optometry chains allegedly prioritising money over patient health.Subscri
The laxity of rules governing medical devices in Australia is ‘shocking’
There are nearly one and a half million registered medical devices on the market in Australia. Now, you would think that life-saving treatments such as pacemakers, defibrillators and pain pumps would be subject to the same sorts of clinical trials as prescription drugs. Right?Today, investigative reporter Liam Mannix on which devices have attracted the most complaints, and the medical device under
White Lotus: The One Nation edition. Plus the PM’s landmark AI speech
We switch to sunnier climes this week, to a posh hotel in Sicily. It’s where the TV series White Lotus was filmed, and it’s also where our colleagues at The Australian Financial Review spotted One Nation leader Pauline Hanson poolside with billionaire Gina Rinehart. So what’s Hanson doing in Europe? In today’s episode, host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent
Bravado and the backflip: Peter Hartcher on Trump's 24 hours of 'madness'
The madness of Donald Trump surfaced again in the past day or so, according to many seasoned onlookers. First, the president of the United States announced that he would impose a shipping toll on the Strait of Hormuz, something that would jack up petrol prices and spike inflation. Then he backed down, before he then threatened to take out Iranian bridges and power plants – a move that could
The best and worst moments of the World Cup
For nearly a century, the FIFA World Cup has carried fans throughout the world to great heights of unity and joy. This year's tournament, which is coming to a close, revealed some of the best of America. Scottish fans were welcomed by the city of Boston, and supposedly drank the city dry, while Japanese fans in Dallas marvelled in the delights of Texas barbecue. Then there was the game itself and
More Australians, including Boomers, support a drop in house prices
A growing majority of Australians want housing prices to fall, in some cases by more than 20 per cent, according to new polling exclusive to our mastheads.Could it be that our decades-long obsession with growing house prices is finally coming to a halt?Today senior economics correspondent Shane Wright talks about why conventional wisdom about what voters want from housing seems to be wrong.Subscri
One Nation’s newest donors, and why they want to remain secret
Melbourne property developers, entrepreneurs and small business owners are promising huge sums to Pauline Hanson’s party before November's state election. They say it’s in return for advocacy on key policy areas. It is advocacy these donors think will be stronger coming from One Nation, rather than the party they once supported – the Coalition.But the identities of these donors a
Albanese basks in Modi limelight. And, his weird podcast interview
This week, we’re talking about a visit from Narendra Modi to Australia and why Anthony Albanese wants to bask in the Indian prime minister’s limelight, despite questions around Modi’s human rights record. And in an environment where One Nation and the Coalition want to go hard on migration, Albanese’s friendship with Modi looks like it stands in stark contrast. But that&rsq
‘The world has changed’: Peter Hartcher on China’s extraordinary missile test
China launched a rare ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday.It wasn’t just putting nearby countries, like Australia, on notice. It was making a statement that has changed the world, says international and political editor Peter Hartcher. He joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss why this missile launch differs greatly from the one China launched two
Trump’s red card intervention in the World Cup
Allegations of cheating and sporting corruption have followed the revelation that Donald Trump intervened in the FIFA World Cup to overturn the suspension of an American player. But the ramifications of this unprecedented event might far outlast the tournament. Today, Sydney Morning Herald deputy editor Nick Ralston and North America correspondent Michael Koziol on the politics of Trump's int
Why this bird flu is a lot more dangerous than the last one
Over the weekend, a particularly deadly strain of bird flu was confirmed in NSW for the first time.This takes the total of confirmed cases nationwide to six.Today, science reporter Angus Dalton on how much of a risk we’re dealing with.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A thousand girls, neon lights: Human toll of Thailand’s sex tourism industry
The death of 17-year-old Thai girl, Thanchanok Donhomla, has shocked Australia, and sparked fear among sex workers in Pattaya. Thanchanok's body was found in a suitcase and dumped in long grass by a railway.The man accused of murdering her is 45-year-old Australian, Simon Peter Carman. He is being held in the Pattaya Remand Prison.Today, guest host Benjamin Preiss talks to Southeast Asia correspon
Labor’s tax changes hit the property market, will a Liberal ‘rebrand’ turn the party around?
The government's capital gains tax and negative gearing changes are now legislated, and this week there has been some early data on how these changes are hitting the property market. Plus, Labor's compromise on gambling advertising reforms and Angus Taylor's leadership of the Liberal Party. Senior economics correspondent Shane Wright and federal political correspondent Natassia Chrysanthos join Ja
Antisemitism is feeding all forms of extremism: Peter Hartcher on ASIO boss’ striking speech
In December last year, Australia was confronted with its worst-ever incident of antisemitic violence when gunmen killed 15 people on Bondi Beach at a Hanukkah gathering. That came after the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and an arson attack on the Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, or ASIO, has now warned that hatred of
'Only a rort if you're not in on it': Inside the Big Build scandal
The Victorian government has staked its reputation, to a large extent, on an ambitious infrastructure program – termed the Big Build by state Labor, the program includes major road and rail projects totalling billions of dollars. Victoria Police however, say there is no doubt gangland-linked corruption has infiltrated the Big Build. Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie joi
Is the Karl Stefanovic saga a midlife crisis or media evolution?
Karl Stefanovic was the face of Australian morning television for 25 years. Lauded for wearing the same suit for a year to highlight sexism, laughed at for showing up drunk on air following the Logies. Now he’s agreed to part ways with Nine, the owner of our mastheads, after he featured far-right, anti-Islam British activist Tommy Robinson on his podcast. Today, columnist and senior journali
In an age of information overload, this is what happens to our brains
For decades, neuroscientists have offered opposing theories for how our brains process the risks and rewards of daily life. Some thought our brains dedicate the most energy into managing everyday realities. Others have thought our brains fire up when we’re thrown something unexpected.Now we have an answer. And it might make you re-think how you live.Today, science reporter Angus Dalton on fi
High risk or the right time? Zali Steggall on the new teal party
This week independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender announced they would form a new political party, Community Strong Australia. Steggall was successful as the first teal candidate, winning the prize seat of Warringah on Sydney’s north shore from former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2019. Spender took Sydney’s blue-ribbon electorate of Wentworth from Liberal David Sharma in 202
Peter Hartcher on Australian nihilism, fear and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
More Australians feel unsafe in the world than ever before, according to new research from the Lowy Institute. And it is this environment of fear – fear of a bad economy, of terrorism, of immigration – that makes for an environment ripe for a political party like One Nation to prosper.Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how Australia is experiencing a moment he
Starmer ousted: Why the British government is in turmoil
After months of criticism, and two significant scandals, Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as British prime minister.So, why is the country on the cusp of having is seventh prime minister in only 10 years?Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe on Starmer’s drastic fall, and on Andy Burnham, the unconventional politician who’s expected to take his place.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://
'Be sensible and keep your mouth shut': The private school facing allegations of control
With heritage-listed sandstone turrets and iron gates, the Redeemer Baptist School promises Sydney parents the private school dream: a prestigious, disciplined education for a fraction of the cost. But its academic awards, state-of-the-art facilities and charitable works conceal a darker reality.Today education reporter Emily Kowal talks to The Morning Edition host Samantha Selinger-Morris o
From dust to dust: Is human composting the new way to bury the dead?
For decades now, if someone died, there were two choices: burial, or cremation. But soon, Australians may get a third choice for how they choose to farewell their loved ones, thanks to a growing trend overseas.Today, senior writer Bevan Shields on human composting: a method of burial that may give you the ick, but that is giving many others profound peace of mind.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https:
Falsities, nastiness and the Trump ‘vibe’ tapped: Hanson at the Press Club
The hottest ticket in Australian politics this week was Pauline Hanson's first address to the National Press Club, which happened on Wednesday. The Press Club, set up in the early 1960s, has become a rite of passage for any aspiring political leader. But Hanson has been an outsider, and the Press Club represents the type of institution she rejects, so until now the One Nation leader has never made
Ultimate grudge match: Can the Socceroos silence the American hype?
A big first-game upset over Turkey sets the scene perfectly for a grudge match in Australia’s crucial game against the World Cup hosts at 5am on Saturday morning (AEST).Behind the scenes, a fiery cocktail of history, spiteful friendlies, and straight-up disrespect from American soccer pundits has turned this Group D clash into a highly personal grudge match.In this bonus episode, host Samant
Donald Trump says he has a peace deal with Iran. But does he?
What have Iran and the United States actually agreed to in the memorandum of understanding that the two countries announced over the weekend? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher breaks it down for us, to work out if it’s a peace deal, a ceasefire, or something else entirely. Background reading Trumped-up peace deal at the mercy of another nation, and it’s no
Selective schools: Competition has never been tougher
This weekend thousands of teenagers will sit the entry exam for one of four select-entry government schools for high-achieving students in Victoria. It’s a nerve-recking experience and the stakes are high. Many students will miss out on a place.In NSW, competition is also fierce for a spot at select-entry schools. Students in both states spend countless hours preparing for the exams. Today,
‘Breaks every rule’: What the KPMG scandal is all about
They are one of the big four accounting firms. Government agencies and major corporations trust them to audit their books and ensure everything is above board.So what happens when one of these auditors is accused of a catastrophic failure of integrity?KPMG will face this question and many others when it fronts a Senate inquiry this week. The explosive claims emerged after a whistleblower brought a
How gangsters are still obtaining military-grade guns
Last week there were a couple of shocking crimes in Sydney. In one, a father and his 15-year-old daughter were forced to flee when a gunman approached them at school pick-up time. In another, assailants in a car filmed themselves as they sprayed bullets from a high-powered firearm into a funeral home.Today, crime reporter Perry Duffin discusses the gang war in Sydney, and how the underworld is sti
Polls, the media and what's really driving One Nation’s support
With the budget backlash era moving on to something like begrudged resignation, or budget fatigue, we’re expecting Treasurer Jim Chalmers to soon make a few announcements around the tax changes. While this bubbles along, the only story in politics continues to be One Nation. Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal debate whether the media and the n
North Korea just made China back down. Is Trump taking note?
Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea this week has put the world on notice that Kim Jong-Un's nuclear program, and ambitions, are stronger than ever. But has Donald Trump taken note? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how North Korea has gone from global pariah to earning the respect of some of the world’s great capitals. Background reading The Ch
Has the fragile ceasefire in the US-Israel war with Iran been broken?
Earlier this week, it looked as though tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran had jeopardised a two-month ceasefire. The new hostilities threatened to once again place the Middle East on the precipice of a full-blown regional war. And then Donald Trump stepped into the fray. Today Middle East and security analyst Rodger Shanahan discusses what led to these strikes, and what they mean for the
Nick McKenzie on the arrest of Mick Gatto and the CFMEU crackdown
When one of Australia’s most infamous Victorian gangland figures was arrested last week over an alleged traffic infringement, it raised some eyebrows.So given Mick Gatto’s centrality in the building industry, was this the Victorian police pulling at straws in some last ditch attempt to crack down on suspected corruption?Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie on whether this arrest
The big baby bust: What happened to Australia’s middle child?
The fertility rate in Australia is at a record low, and there is judgment all around.Today, senior journalist Matt Wade and reporter Bronte Gossling on what our exclusive polling tells us about the global population plunge we’re all inching towards; what challenges it will throw at us; and why the demise of the third child may not be a great thing.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscrib
A week of reality checks: ‘Pauline for PM’ and the true state of the AUKUS pact
This week polls showed, for the first time, One Nation ahead of the major parties and Pauline Hanson as preferred prime minister in second place ahead of Angus Taylor. Today we're talking about her strategy, her chances in the lower house and any parallels with the United States. Is it time to take Hanson seriously? And the week would not be over if we didn't mention submarines - but second-
Don’t say it’s a protest vote’: Pauline Hanson on One Nation’s resurgence
The debate on the rise of Pauline Hanson is shifting rapidly. This week, for the first time, polls are showing One Nation's primary vote has risen above the Labor Party's. A conversation that focused on One Nation and the Coalition swapping preferences has now shifted to more profound questions about the long-term configuration of the right flank of Australian politics. Hanson is yet to face the f
Trump and Putin are showing the world what dumb power can do
We know that Donald Trump has long chased after Vladimir Putin’s approval. Remember the time Trump tweeted: “Do you think Putin will be going to the Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow – if so, will he become my new best friend”? That was 13 years ago. But now the American president is Putin’s match. Just not in the way he’d like. Today, international an
A player suspended, a Pride match bumped: Is the AFL doing more harm than good?
This weekend, there was supposed to be a special game played between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda. It was the teams' annual Pride match, in which the players would wear rainbow jerseys and celebrate diversity, the aim being to boost inclusivity for LGBTQ fans. But for the first time in a decade, because of a far-reaching scandal involving Saints player Lance Collard, the Pride match was scra
Tony Abbott is back, but what does it mean for the Liberal Party?
Tony Abbott is one of our most divisive former prime ministers. Lauded in conservative political circles, and mocked outside of them.And now, after he was knifed by his own party as a first-term prime minister, and then lost his political seat, Abbott is back.Today chief political commentator James Massola discusses Abbott's selection as the new president of the Liberal Party and the risk, and rew
A ‘mega ship’ will deliver 30,000 EVs from China. Just how safe is your data?
Roughly 5,000 new electric vehicles are due to land this week from China. This is just the first part of a shipment expected from the Chinese car manufacturing behemoth, BYD. The company is due to ship another 25,000 EVs here this year. Australians are embracing electric vehicles more than ever before, thanks to skyrocketing fuel prices. But it also comes with unanswered questions and potenti
CGT shemozzle, risk thrown around like 'fairy dust' and...a Teal party?
We are officially in week two of budget backlash, and both sides seem pretty dug in. Today we’re talking about the disagreements about the capital gains tax - the most controversial part of the budget - and if, as some critics said, it will kill business aspirations. The other news that sparked our interest was the tantalising prospect of the Teal independents forming a party to consolidate
How Gen Z in India turned an insult into a political uprising
Gen Z in India are rebelling. Millions of young Indians have signed up to a movement that’s pushing against the unfair advantages that their elders have and they don’t. And though the political movement they've joined is satirical, the Cockroach Janta Party has the Indian government worried. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses how serious a threat this mov
The most powerful man in sport is about to get more powerful
State of Origin is rugby league’s night of nights, with Queensland and New South Wales battling it out for supremacy. But as the teams take to the field tonight, there’s a battle of a different kind taking place in the NRL as power swaps between the biggest names in sports administration - Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo. Today, national head of sport Neil Breen on the politics of
Why the era of sniffer dogs at music festivals could be over
Drugs and music festivals have gone hand-in-hand for decades. In recent years – especially since a string of overdoses – authorities have employed various strategies to try to curb drug use and avoid tragedies from occurring at festivals around the country.Depending on where festivals are held, music lovers have been subjected to various degrees of intervention – from having to r
A secret, a revelation and a life forever changed for cop turned alleged victim
As a police officer who investigated sex crimes, Graeme Simpfendorfer was accustomed to helping victims on what might be the worst day of their life. He found meaning in tracking down the criminals who’d hurt them.But then came the day when he realised that he, too, was an alleged victim.The former detective sergeant – who appeared on the reality television show Hunted – talks ab
Most people don’t have trusts, or multiple houses: Bill Shorten on the budget’s tax changes
We’re officially in our budget backlash era, with claims of death taxes, of aspirations killed, and the outraged cries of crypto bros across the nation. Not to mention, of course, the genuine anxiety from regular small business owners and shareholders who are unsure of how all of these changes will affect them. Our guest this week is former Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten, who is n
Recommended
The Gut Health Gurus Podcast
In Conversation
Ultima Thule Ambient Music
Kids Ministry & Leadership Podcast
Mastering Intensive Care
The Daily Home Edit
You’re Gonna Want To Hear This
Zacharias's Podcast
The Parent-Teacher Project
Locked In with Kane Cornes
Off The Bench
Flight Training Australia Podcast
