The Morning Edition
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
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.
Inside Politics: The thing that flummoxed the Reserve Bank
Well, the Reserve Bank finally answered our fiscal prayers this week, and announced an interest rate cut of 0.25 percent, providing relief to stretched mortgagees across the land. But arguably no one was sweating on the rate cut more than the Albanese government, which desperately needed a strong sign that the cost of living crisis has turned a corner, and things are going to get easier for working Australians. But is the rate cut enough, and will they reward the government for it by voting Labo
Is Germany on the brink of bringing back the far right?
There is one political taboo in Germany that is so strong, it’s stood since the end of World War II. Never to allow a far-right party to rule. But as Germans head to the polls this weekend, to choose a new national leader, many do so with great anger over immigration and rising prices. Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, on who is likely to win this weekend’s election. And whether the rising power of the AfD, which has used rhetoric tinged with Nazi overtones, marks the country’s return to i
Cocaine submarines – Australia's new drug frontier
We already knew that many Australians are often eager consumers of illicit drugs, with Sydney sometimes referred to as a Cocaine Capital. The only place where it’s more expensive to buy cocaine, in the world, other than Australia, is Saudi Arabia. That’s how sought after it is. But our police now have a new frontier in cocaine trafficking that’s keeping them on their toes. Today, crime reporter Sally Rawsthorne on the most fearsome drug cartels that are using submarines and other methods, to b
This 10-minute trip cost $325: Rampant rorting in taxi industry
Did the nation’s biggest taxi company fail to stem the rampant rorting of passengers? Leaked documents to investigative journalist Nick McKenzie allege Australians are being ripped off by drivers at a massive scale, from everyday passengers going to and from work, to vulnerable people travelling from disability services and aged care homes. In one of the most shocking cases, a cabcharge account belonging to an elderly person who had died was charged dozens and dozens of times over just a few da
A 'madman' or a player: Trump and the Nixon ploy at work
"I call it the madman theory, Bob” These words, supposedly uttered by Richard Nixon, and recounted by his chief-of-staff Bob Haldeman, have perhaps never been as relevant as they are today. And they go to the question: Can a powerful leader who we think is a bit crazy, actually make the world a better place? As Nixon thought he might be able to achieve? Enter Donald Trump. The current president of the United States is set to put to the test what’s dubbed the ‘madman theory’ like never before.
Inside Politics: Steel, macho men and the PM’s phone call with Trump
We bring you this episode of Inside Politics on Valentines Day, but right now the trade relationship between Australia and our closest ally is at a delicate juncture. This week President Donald Trump declared his intention to impose tariffs on aluminium and steel imports from all countries, no exceptions. And the pressure was on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to negotiate a way out. Albanese had a long, and reportedly warm conversation with Trump about the tariff issue, with Trump saying he wou
What happened to the humble sunscreen?
Gone are the days of the simple sunscreen where the choices were between, say, SPF 15, or 30 or 50. Now, at least according to the marketing, you protect your skin from the sun, and also moisturise it, hydrate it, illuminate it and anti-age-it. The Australian Tax Office now has all these fancy sunscreens in its sights, looking at whether the companies that are pumping out these products need to pay more tax. Today, consumer affairs reporter Madeleine Heffernan on what happened to the humble suns
‘Locking up the bush’: Inside the national parks culture wars
Camping, fishing, hunting and four-wheel driving are just some of the ways Aussies experience the bush everyday - but they’re activities that are now, according to some, under threat. New land management proposals by state governments to protect the environment have been met with fierce backlash from bush-users, who claim the government is ‘locking up the bush’. Today, environment and climate reporter Bianca Hall on whether a balance of both environmental protection and our recreation is achieva
This byelection result is an acid test for Australian politics
Over the weekend, Labor took a thumping in a Victorian by-election. This, in a state that has for so long leaned to the centre-left, that former prime minister John Howard dubbed it “the Massachusetts of Australia”. Today state political editor, Chip Le Grand, on why so many voters are abandoning Labor in Victoria. And if this signals doom for the party at the federal election.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can you be fired for posting about Gaza?
There’s been a bit going on in the world of media in Australia. Just last week, a court case began over the ABC’s sacking of high-profile presenter Antoinette Lattouf, while in another case, cricket commentator Peter Lalor was told to back his bags by a commercial radio station. And the drama is all over what they had posted on social media about the war in Gaza. But what do these cases mean for everyone else? Can your employer sack you if you post something about the war? Today, employment law
Inside Politics: The PM’s ‘milquetoast’ response to Trump’s Gaza plan
This year promises to be a big one: we have a federal election coming up, we have a continuing cost of living crisis, and we have the urgent challenge of responding to the increasing volatility of our closest ally, the United States. These are all all big themes. Why, then, has parliament spent the week talking about long lunches for small business? Is the debate over lunches just a bit of sparring before more substantive issues are discussed? How have both parties used the summer break to shar
‘Stupid and white’: What’s happening in the Sam Kerr trial
The other day, the world suddenly saw Matildas Captain Sam Kerr in a new light. In police body-cam footage that has made global headlines, Kerr could be seen swearing at a police constable, and calling him names, while seemingly seething with disdain. But how is the footage, which was aired in a London courtroom - where Kerr is on trial for racial harassment - being viewed here, where she’s long been seen as a hero? Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, and sports reporter Vince Rugari, on whe
How many episodes of Bluey are too many?
It’s hard to keep your kids off screens, right? Especially when you’ve got so many demands on your time. But what impact does screentime have on really young kids? Especially those who are five and under? Today, technology editor David Swan, on where to draw the line, so we can keep our kids safe. And why the impact on young kids has been, perhaps, left out of the national conversation.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Dumbest trade war in history': What are Trump's tariffs
It’s official. American president Donald Trump has launched a new era of trade wars, with the sweeping tariffs he has imposed on Canada, Mexico and China primed to come into effect today. There is serious tit-for-tat energy, here. With Canada vowing to retaliate by imposing tax on Florida Orange Juice, Tennessee whiskey, and Kentucky peanut butter. But how do tariffs actually work? Who pays for them? And just how much can they raise consumers’ bills, and damage - or help - any of these countrie
How Belle Gibson’s cancer con was exposed by two young journalists
Belle Gibson was revered, worldwide, for an astonishing feat. She had healed herself from terminal cancer through the power of healthy eating. And launched a global business on the back of it. There was just one problem. She never had cancer. And were it not for the relentless digging done by a pair of junior journalists from Melbourne, her deceit might never have been uncovered. Belle Gibson’s story will soon be the subject of a new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, which premiers on Thursda
Best of 2024: Niki Savva on why the PM should retire, even if he does win the next election
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. In this special episode, which aired last month, respected columnist Niki Savva explains why Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should retire if he wins the next election. We’re releasing this episode for you today, on January 31. Cut through the noise of federal politic
Why police kept quiet about a caravan full of explosives
Has the NSW police force just thwarted a domestic terrorism plot? This is what people across the nation are asking themselves, since Sydneysiders woke to news that a caravan full of explosives had been seized in the north-west of the city. Just as worrying, to many, was what is alleged to have also been contained in the caravan: the address of a Sydney synagogue. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on why police chose to wait 10 days after making their discovery, to tell the public. And the shock
AC/DC - why did Sydney bulldoze an icon?
They are one of the most successful bands of all time, with one album enshrined as the second-biggest selling album in history.But do we value AC/DC here? Or are we embarrassed by the band that Rolling Stone Magazine once heralded as embodying “all the blood, sweat and arrogance” of rock’n’roll?Because less than two months ago, the childhood home of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young was bulldozed.Today, conservation expert James Lesh, and head of creative video, Tom Compagnoni, on which cul
A front-row seat to the biggest story in the world
For the past three years, as North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin has had a front-row seat to the biggest story in the world – the political comeback of US President Donald Trump. Farrah, or more endearingly known as ‘Faz’ around the newsroom, writes that America is a country of frustrating contradictions, where abortions are banned more willingly than assault weapons.Today, the outgoing reporter reflects on the major stories she’s covered during a whopping 25 years at our papers, and why
I was at the centre of an Elon storm – and survived
The likes of Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the new “broligarchy” as they’ve been dubbed, have coalesced around the newly appointed president of the United States. So what’s going on here? And what does buddying up to the president mean for what we see on social media? Today, David Swan on power, business and its effect on democracy and yes, what happens when Elon Musk Tweets your story. You can read David's feature here: https://www.theage.com.au/national/i-was-at-the-c
What 1000 hours of dialogue between Palestinians and Jews has taught this journalist about peace
Ittay Flescher has spent the past 15 months reporting from Jerusalem, which has given him a rare insight into the Israel-Hamas war, after facilitating thousands of hours of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. The former Melbourne high school teacher says dehumanising the other may be the greatest barrier to peace in the region. Today, Ittay Flescher on the pathway to a permanent ceasefire and remaining optimistic, despite all odds. Ittay will be in Australia for his book launch, from February 2. You c
Are 'criminals for hire' really behind Australia's antisemitic attacks?
This week, in the wake of a frightening antisemitic arson attack at a childcare centre in Sydney, Australia’s chief of federal police, Reece Kershaw, made a surprising statement. The commissioner said detectives were looking into the possibility that foreign actors had paid criminals for hire to carry out a number of similar attacks in Australia. This sparked a political stoush - with the opposition demanding an explanation from the government, in the latest rift on this hotbed issue as we appro
Best of 2024: Will Dutton be tempted by Trump’s ‘war on woke’?
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. This episode aired just after Donald J Trump was elected as America’s president - for a second time. In it, Chief political correspondent David Crowe and Nine’s national affairs editor Andrew Probyn delve into what another Trump presidency means for Australia’s trade,
Secret men's business: The private clubs of Melbourne and why they still exist
You could walk past it on the street and not even know it’s there. But enter its doors, and you’ll discover an exclusive, members only club, almost as if you’ve stepped back in time. But what really goes on behind closed doors? And should clubs like this - rooted in privilege, where the members are often white men - exist? Today, step inside the granddaddy of all of Melbourne’s private clubs, the Melbourne Club, with senior writer Michael Bachelard. CORRECTION: Oscar Wilde died in a hotel in Pa
The unexpected opportunities under a second Trump presidency
He’s back. Donald J Trump has been sworn in as US president for a second term, and if you’ve been reading the news, the prospect may well fill you with dread.He’s been likened to a fascist and a dictator by those who used to work for him. He plans to abandon world climate targets, target transgender women in sport, impose vast tariffs and carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants.But what about the things Trump might do… well?Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin on why we ma
Why Novak Djokovic is feuding with a Channel Nine presenter
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time tennis grand slam champion from Serbia, is embroiled in yet another off-court stoush. This time, it’s with a TV broadcaster over an apparent on-air joke with Serbian fans during the Australian Open, which is currently on in Melbourne. An offended Djokovic boycotted a post-match interview in response, and the debacle has - surprisingly - drawn in the likes of billionaire Elon Musk, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. So what is the big deal? And who is in the right? T
Albanese’s popularity has plummeted. Will it cost him the election?
Just how powerful are you feeling right now? I ask, as it just might be less than you have the right to feel. Because recent movements by both the government and the Coalition suggest that they have a heightened sense of the importance of each and every vote.Prime minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton have started pushing their campaign pitches onto us- unusually early, according to experts. Even before an election has been called.Today, federal politics reporter Natassia
Best of 2024: What is doxxing, plus Barnaby's spill and a PM's wedding
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. In February last year, the identities of hundreds of Jewish academics and creatives who were members of a Whatsapp group were leaked by pro-Palestinian activists in the wake of the October 7 attack and war in Gaza. In this episode, Australian National University’s Dr S
What we know about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire - and why Trump is claiming credit
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal, in an announcement that has been met with jubilation, and also grief and anxiety over the immense consequences of the war and what the future holds. Because now the questions tumble out. How vulnerable is this deal? When will the hostages be released? And what kind of world will Palestinians be returning to in Gaza? Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on what part American president Joe Biden and
Has Russia killed an Australian prisoner of war?
Australians woke, on Wednesday morning, to the news that Oscar Jenkins, a former teacher from Melbourne, was feared to have been killed in Ukraine, after being captured by Russian forces. Jenkins had been fighting to help combat Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. And now, he’s believed to be the first Australian to have been held as a prisoner of war, during this conflict. Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott, on whether Oscar Jenk
A new species of funnel web has been discovered – and it’s a monster
The Sydney funnel web spider is the deadliest spider on earth. Actually, let me correct that. It was, until a new species of the Sydney funnel web was recently discovered.The original wasn’t exactly a species to be toyed with. Just last month, a so-called miracle baby - born from a transplanted uterus - was left in critical condition after being bitten by one. But the new species is - and here I’ll quote our science reporter, Angus Dalton - “a certified monster.”Today, Angus joins me to discuss
The LA wildfires were years in the making
Exhausted firefighters are making slow progress against three fires raging in Los Angeles. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced over 100,000 residents. The world watched on in horror as the elderly were evacuated in wheelchairs against a fiery backdrop, Hollywood’s biggest stars’ mourned their scorched homes on social media, and abandoned cars were bulldozed in a heap to clear roads. But the worst may not be over, with extreme wind conditions forecast over coming days and no s
Why does Trump want to buy Greenland?
So, Donald Trump wants to expand the United States - in a big way. But why is he considering seizing Greenland, of all places - and by military force, no less? And why does he want to reclaim the Panama Canal, and absorb Canada?Trump’s comments aren’t just, as one commentator put it, “untethered from international law”. They’ve also angered many world leaders. And made others laugh. One president responded with a troll of her own.Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin, on what this al
Special episode: Nuclear radiation took her father’s eyesight. Now Karina’s fighting Dutton’s nuclear proposal
When opposition leader Peter Dutton proposed nuclear energy reactors on almost every mainland state in June last year, he reignited divisive public debate. It’s a debate Indigenous Australians are unwillingly at the heart of. A story that starts in the 1950s, when radioactive fallout from bomb tests caused illness among Aboriginal communities that were not adequately protected by the government of the day. Today, audio producer Julia Carr-Catzel brings us a special edition of The Morning Editi
Best of 2024: What’s going on with the Greens?
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. Last year was a big one for the Greens, often called the third party of Australian politics. They took what was seen as a hardline stance backing Palestinians in the war with Israel, owned the issue of affordable housing, and controversially came to the defence of the
The occupier and the occupied: a tale of an ambassador and an envoy
They’re on opposite sides of one of the world’s most violent political conflicts, representing groups who often express extreme animosity towards each other. One refers to them as the occupied and the occupier. But what do the Israeli and Palestinian representatives in Australia make of each other? Especially now, when relations between Israel and Australia are if not at an all-time low, then pretty close to it? Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott, on why bo
The downfall of Justin Trudeau
In what has to be one of the more stunning political reversals of fortune, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has resigned. So, what happened to the former golden boy of progressive politics? He was, after all, the man seen as the ‘good cop’ in North American politics, for so long - the counterpoint to Donald Trump.Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the downfall of Justin Trudeau, after nearly a decade in power. And how a new Canadian prime minister might impact the rest of us.Su
Is coffee about to become a luxury item?
If you’ve been reading recent headlines about coffee prices you might be thinking: what fresh hell is this? We’re being told that, by year’s end, a cup of coffee could cost as much as - wait for it - twelve dollars. Today, business reporter Jessica Yun, on why the beverage so many of us rely on to cope with each day could soon become a luxury item.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The housing problems John Howard couldn’t fix
We’ve been living through a housing crisis for so long, that sometimes it feels as though it’s been with us forever. But when did it actually start? And what would it take to make the dream to own your own home once again within reach? For the first time, thanks to newly unlocked cabinet papers from 2004, we now know more about what role former Prime Minister John Howard and his treasurer, Peter Costello, played, in arguably contributing to house prices that have, well, gone insane. Today, senio
Best of 2024: What does Australia's shift on Palestinian statehood mean?
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. In this episode, which aired in April, we take you to the moment Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong signalled the start of a shift in Australia’s position on the question of Palestinian statehood in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. Since then, Australia changed its
Best of 2024: ‘It’s all in your head’: Medical gender bias and Australian women
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Today, we revisit the start of an investigation into medical misogyny experienced by Australian women. Health editor Kate Aubusson and senior writer Wendy Touhy delve into an invisible epidemic that has its roots in Ancient Greece.Subscribe to The Age & S
Best of 2024: Bob Woodward is wrong. American democracy is crumbling
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. There’s been a lot of commentary on how Donald Trump won the US presidential election, but what about the big picture? International and political editor Peter Hartcher, who has covered politics for more than 40 years, explains what a Trump presidency ma
Best of 2024: Gina Rinehart and the portraits that captivated the world
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. It’s not every day that an Australian artwork gets thrust into the global spotlight, let alone become a punchline on a hugely popular American late night talk show. But that all changed, after news broke that Australia’s richest woman demanded that her po
Best of 2024: How bikies, underworld figures have infiltrated our construction industry
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Today we’re taking you to the start of such a big story that the fall-out from it is still reverberating - the CFMEU scandal. Investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, who broke the story, explains how the powerful construction union was infiltrated by crimin
Best of 2024: Dutton's nuclear plans 'slightly bonkers', but will it win an election?
Hi there, I’m Jacqueline Maley, the host of Inside Politics, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly politics podcast. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before we return in early February for the election year. One of the big issues of the federal election will be energy policy, with the opposition backing nuclear power over wind and solar as its path to a greener, cleaner world. This episode aired just after Coalition leader Peter Dutton first unveiled his nuclear plans, al
Best of 2024: The extraordinary fallout of the Trump shooting that rocked the world
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Donald J Trump was probably the story of 2024. The assassination attempts, and then, his election as the next president of the United States. Today, we go back to the first attempt on Trump’s life, at a rally in Pennsylvania, in the hours after it happene
Best of 2024: The Easey Street murders, and the secret John Silvester kept for years
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris, the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Today we bring you a story about an arrest that was made in a notorious and long unsolved cold case, the Easey Street murders. One of Australia’s best known crime reporters, John Silvester, broke the news and in this episode, he takes us behind-the-scene
Best of 2024: Unpacking the extraordinary Bruce Lehrmann judgment
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Today we’re revisiting one of the biggest stories of the year, the defamation trial brought by a former Liberal staffer by the name of Bruce Lehrmann. In the episode, which aired in April, Legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitebourn details Justice Michael
Best of 2024: The secret society you didn’t know existed is tearing itself apart
Hi there, I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris the host of The Morning Edition, the daily news podcast from The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. We’re bringing you the best episodes of 2024, before your Morning Edition team returns in early January. Today, we’re bringing you an episode that was a deep-dive into the oldest fraternal organisation in the world, the Freemasons. Investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve entered the secret world of the Freemasons, in which it’s against the rules to speak p
Inside Politics: The best and worst of 2024
If things are supposed to be slowing down for Christmas, well, nobody told our federal politicians. This week we had a mid-year economic update and a contentious debate about the Coalition’s nuclear energy plans. Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe joins Jacqueline Maley to look back at the political year and explore some of its themes. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.S
The flesh-eating ulcer spreading across the east coast
We found out, earlier this week, that Buruli ulcer, caused by a flesh-eating bacteria has settled into a coastal town in NSW. Experts say there’s a significant risk that the bacteria could spread to Sydney, and beyond. Today, health editor Kate Aubusson on how we can stay safe from this disease, which has already gained a foothold in Victoria.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A cheat’s guide to Dutton’s nuclear power plans
You’ve seen all the headlines. And squinted at the figures. But for god’s sake, what do they actually mean? We are, of course, talking about Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plan. Is it really as radical as some analysts say, relying on “fairly heroic assumptions” about what it will cost? And what will it actually do to the environment? Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on how the Opposition’s plan compares with the government’s energy strategy. And the straight facts that will hel
Why are Australians being poisoned overseas?
On the weekend, four Australians were rushed to hospital in Fiji with suspected alcohol poisoning, after drinking cocktails at a resort. This follows the mass drink poisoning in Laos last month, which claimed the lives of six tourists, including Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. What’s happening to people’s drinks overseas? And is it all poisoning from methanol, like what happened in Laos? Today, breaking news reporter Jessica McSweeney and Dr David Ranson, a former forensic p
The extraordinary tale of alleged serial swindler ‘Hurricane Tim’
It reads like a script from a movie. A small-town boy from coastal new south wales who grew up to rub shoulders with the rich and the powerful and, if all the stories are true, cheating them out of a whole lot of money. Timothy John Alford is accused of being a serial swindler, cheating dozens of people in Australia and in the United States of an estimated $50 million. He has allegedly left a trail of ruin behind him. All while authorities both here, and overseas have been on his case. Today, ch
Inside politics: Was Albanese’s response to the synagogue attack really that bad?
This week was dominated by the appalling anti-Semitic attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne’s south-east. There followed more attacks in Sydney - A car was torched in the Eastern suburbs, where there is a strong Jewish community, and houses there were graffitied with anti-Israel slogans. The violence was followed by political conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was accused of not doing enough to quell anti-Semitism and make Jewish Australians safe. Opposition Lead
Why is our PM buying PNG a rugby league team?
The Australian government is expected to announce, today, that it will drop $600 million to help create a rugby league team for Papua New Guinea. Has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese let his love of rugby league go to his head? Announcing this sort of spend during a cost of living crisis? Or is this an uncanny political move? Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott, on the soft diplomacy that will land with the hard thud of a crash tackle. And how effective it mig
Rupert Murdoch’s power play and the Succession plot that hit close to home
Rupert Murdoch’s plan to alter the family trust and cement his eldest son Lachlan as the dominant force in the global media empire has failed after a ruling in Nevada. Murdoch’s representatives say they intend to appeal the decision, delivered after months of secretive court hearings and described by some as ‘unparalleled’ in the family’s turbulent history. Today, media reporter Calum Jaspan on previously unheard testimony from inside the courtroom, including plans reportedly inspired by the hit
A synagogue in my old suburb was attacked. I responded in the only way I know how
Shortly after 4am on Friday, the quiet hush of a synagogue in inner Melbourne was broken by what sounded like a sledgehammer, ripping through the place of worship. Glass flew, and one congregant, who was inside the building at the time studying religious texts, was injured. Police have now declared what was an attack that left much of the inside of the building gutted, with twisted steel littering the floor, was likely a terrorist act. Today, regional editor Benjamin Preiss, on how he felt about
‘It’s all in your head’: Medical gender bias and Australian women
When journalists from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald put a call out to hear from women who’d experienced medical misogyny, they were inundated with stories. More than 500 women responded, within only 48 hours. Many said they’d had their serious diagnoses missed, at the hands of doctors and other medical professionals. Others said they’d been condescended to, or told that what they were feeling was in their head. Some said they’d only narrowly survived, as a result.Today, health editor Kat
Inside Politics: Niki Savva on why the PM should retire, even if he does win the next election
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should retire. Not right now, but a “decent interval” after the next election, if he wins it. So says Sydney Morning Herald and The Age columnist Niki Savva, who joins Jacqueline Maley this week to talk about the government’s prospects of re-election, how well Peter Dutton has performed as Opposition leader and whether the Teal Independents have fulfilled their promise in the 47th parliament. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert a
Trump no longer wants to drain the swamp. He wants to nuke it
We know that many of Donald Trump’s preferred picks for his presidential cabinet sound like the set up for a joke. This is what happens when you nominate a vaccine skeptic to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and a wrestling impresario to become education secretary. But which of Trump's picks should we actually be worried about? And why? Today, Nick Bryant, a former BBC foreign correspondent and author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself, on who is poised
How the South Korean president's power play became a global crisis
Last night, in a shock televised announcement, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law. It sent some South Koreans running to their homes, to be with their families. Unsure of what this move would mean. While many others fled to the National Assembly, in protest, even as police and the military surrounded the country’s parliament. In a bonus episode today, North Asia correspondent Lisa Visentin, on how this bizarre situation unfolded and why such an extreme measure w
Plibersek was delivering on an election promise. Why did Albanese kill it off?
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young had allegedly agreed on a massive reform that would establish a federal environmental protection agency. Which they thought would pass through the senate. But then, in an 11th hour meeting, the deal was scotched, according to multiple sources, by prime minister Anthony Albanese.Today, climate and energy correspondent, Mike Foley - who broke this story - on whether Albanese’s captain’s call was per
Rebel force takes Aleppo. Why civil war in Syria rages again.
For the last eight years in Syria, a civil war, borne out of the Arab Spring protests, had come to something of a standstill. The frontlines were largely frozen, with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad having control of the major cities, while militant groups wrestled for primacy in the regions. That is, until the attack on the weekend, from a rebel force with origins in Al Qaeda. So what happens now? The last time Assad had his territory and military rule threatened in such a fulsome way, Russia
Death threats and private security, life in a CFMEU under administration
It’s been nearly five months since investigative journalist Nick McKenzie broke one of the biggest stories of the year, and exposed what he calls “an unholy alliance” between gangland figures, and one of the most powerful labour unions in the country.He revealed that the CFMEU had become a fiefdom in which bikies and former stand-over men, among others, were given positions of power on building sites - many of them government-funded projects. The culture they created was toxic. Right up the east
Inside Politics: A 2024 fire sale, ‘something big’ needed on cost of living
This week was the last sitting week of the parliamentary year, and there is speculation the Prime Minister will call an election early in 2025, meaning it might have been the last parliamentary session of the Albanese government, full stop. So what legislation did the government get through this week? And more broadly, how well positioned is it, going into an imminent election campaign? Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief political correspondent David Crowe. Cut through the noise of fed
The Philippines assassination plot announced over Zoom
Political scandals in the Philippines have long resembled overcooked soap opera storylines. This is the place, after all, where the wardrobe of the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, was discovered, on the day she fled the country, to contain nearly 900 handbags, and around 3,000 pairs of shoes. While half her country lived in poverty. Still, when the current Vice President of the Philippines announced, over the weekend, that she had engaged a hit man to kill her country’s President, it caused ma
Crunch time for the Albanese government
Even for those who aren’t political junkies, it’s been a dramatic couple of weeks in Parliament House. In a stunning capitulation to the Government, the Greens blinked, after nearly a year-long conflict with Labor over housing. But then, in a move that puzzled many, Labor dumped, or delayed, signature bills. If Anthony Albanese calls an early election in the new year, this could be the final sitting week of Labor’s first term in government. And the last chance to get things done. Today, nationa
The Bali Nine: Why the remaining members are, maybe, coming home
It's been nearly 20 years since a group of nine Australians were arrested in Bali, for attempting to smuggle $4 million worth of heroin. And now seemingly out of nowhere, five members of this group, who became known as the infamous Bali Nine, have been thrust into the spotlight after a news report said they would be returned to Australia as soon as Christmas. So what's changed the fate of the remaining five so dramatically? Today, senior writer Michael Bachelard, our former Indonesian correspon
Is Trump the death of sex?
On the day Donald Trump won the American presidential election, a number of women contemplated a radical response. They just might swear off men. They might not date them, have sex with them, get married to them, or have their babies.Maybe that would teach the men of the United States who have, like their president-elect and vice-president elect, made a habit of denigrating women. And put their leaders on notice; that they will not be stripped of their reproductive rights without a fight.Today,
Inside Politics: Why Peter Dutton is opposing foreign student caps
This week, the federal Opposition ruled out co-operating with the government on legislation to cap the number of international students coming to study at Australian universities. Both Labor and the Coalition say that international student numbers need to come down, to ease pressure on housing and infrastructure. But Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Labor’s bill was flawed because it favoured the big Group of eight universities at the expense of regional unis. Dutton promised the Opposition
Peter Hartcher on the new 'axis of evil' that threatens the West
A new geopolitical order has been slowly rearranging itself, beneath our feet. Though many of us might not have been looking closely enough to notice it. It’s a new, so-called “axis of evil”, made up of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. For the first time since the Cold War ended, these four autocracies are working together in an aggressive military partnership. In the latest instance, it’s to fight a proxy war against Ukraine. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on how
How illegal vapes end up in teenage hands, and the dilemma for pharmacists
Health officials have warned us of the potential health risks of vaping for a while now. But, a joint investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes has uncovered an even bigger problem. Organised criminals, infuriated pharmacists and a government struggling to crack down on vaping, particularly among young Australians, are at war.Today, investigative journalist Eryk Bagshaw, on whether this perfect storm is creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. And undoing decades o
‘A stunning development’: Kate McClymont on the arrest of Alan Jones
On the same radio station that Alan Jones wielded his extraordinary power, his arrest played out live on air. Just after 8am, during the middle of his old radio spot, investigative journalist Kate McClymont broke the news that the former broadcaster - who was the most successful and feared of his time - was in the custody of police. McClymont, whose work sparked the police investigation, revealed in our mastheads last year that the controversial broadcaster allegedly indecently assaulted, grope
The Taliban's new 'terrifying' laws
Women in Afghanistan have had their freedoms crushed by the Taliban, which has enacted rules that chip away at their basic human rights. They’ve long been banned from studying, working, going to a salon or a gym. But over the last few months, the regime has cracked down even further, by implementing a raft of new “vice and virtue” laws. Women are now forbidden from speaking or even praying in public. They’re also not allowed to show their bare faces in public, or to be heard singing or reading a
Special episode: Facebook accepts scammers' money, helping them take yours
In recent Facebook ad scams, con artists tricked a Queensland retiree into selling her house, swindled a GP who believed he was investing in a fixed-term deposit scheme and stole about $700,000 from a new father. A months-long investigation by our papers has heard from devastated victims, cyber-fraud investigators and scamming syndicate insiders, including scammers themselves. Today, investigative reporter Aisha Dow on how networks of sophisticated criminal groups deploy social media ad campaign
Inside Politics: What's going on with the Greens?
As much as we can know anything these days, we can probably say the next election is going to be very close. But what about the Greens, often called the third party of Australian politics? How are they faring with the Australian public? Have they successfully rebranded from being the party of the environment to being a broader based movement? National Affairs Editor James Massola and Federal Political Correspondent Paul Sakkal joins Jacqueline Maley for Inside Politics.Subscribe to The Age & SM
The US election: Are Democrats a threat to democracy?
Have we completely misunderstood why Donald Trump won the American election? An avalanche of political commentary has convinced us that Trump clinched the presidency because of a simple message. He was just better than Kamala Harris at managing the economy. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on what the broadest American exit poll tells us really drove Americans to choose Trump. And how this might play into the upcoming Australian federal election.Subscribe to The Age & SMH
A new report reveals the level of workplace misconduct within Parliament
Three years after a landmark review of the workplace culture in Parliament House found that it was “revolting and humiliating”, a new report suggests that the building where our laws are made might still be an unsafe environment. A new watchdog at Parliament House, has revealed more than 300 complaints - made over a nine month period - including sexual assault, stalking and intimidation. Today, workplace relations and federal breaking news reporter Olivia Ireland, on this new report. And what B
Why the Russian-Ukraine war is at a critical juncture
It’s been nearly one thousand days since Russia launched the attack on Ukraine, which shocked the world, and marked the biggest land invasion in Europe since World War II. Over the weekend, two new developments have dramatically altered the nature of this conflict. Ukraine attacked Moscow, and other Russian regions, in its biggest drone attack yet. And 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops have amassed ahead of an expected assault. Today, Deputy Foreign Editor Lia Timson, on the significance
Bob Woodward is wrong. American democracy is crumbling
We’ve all heard a lot about how Donald Trump won the presidential election, which voters he managed to draw in, and where. But what about the big picture, and the long game? What does Trump’s victory say about how safe America’s democracy is? And what, in turn, this might mean for the safety of the rest of us around the globe? International and political editor Peter Hartcher has been covering politics for more than 40 years, and reported from Washington for four years of those, covering George
Inside Politics: Will Dutton be tempted by Trump’s ‘war on woke’?
Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th American president. His decisive victory will have major impacts on global affairs and on the Australian economy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton were quick to congratulate Trump, and both leaders will be assessing their relationship with the President elect over coming weeks. So what does a Trump presidency mean for Australia? Joining Jacqueline Maley to unpack is chief political correspondent David Crowe and Nine’s na
Bonus episode: Why women voted for Trump
Donald Trump’s supporters don’t always get the facts right, when they big-note him. But the day after the election, they were right on the money. As vice-president elect JD Vance put it, we really did just witness one of the greatest political comebacks in the history of the United States. But what’s behind the stunning reversals that underpinned his win? Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin, on why women flocked to Trump, when they were expected to lead Kamala Harris to victory, ov
What went right for Trump, and so wrong for Harris
Donald Trump has called it and it looks like he will take the American presidency for a second time. It would be a dramatic victory, one reminiscent of his stunning 2016 win over Hillary Clinton. And Trump, impeached twice by the US House of Representatives, would make history as the first convicted felon to serve as president. So what went wrong for Kamala Harris, and what went so right for Donald Trump? Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone, on how the election played out and the cultura
Officials, voters brace for possible violence after US election
It’s finally election day, after what can only be described as a surreal presidential campaign, with moments that might have caused even Salvador Dali to do a double take. But, there are signs that we haven’t seen the last of it. The main question on everyone’s mind is: to what extent will history repeat itself? The attempts by Donald Trump and his allies to disrupt the election process, still underway as this episode goes to air, contain echoes of the former president’s attempts to overthrow th
Australia’s student loan system is ‘broken’. Will the PM’s radical plan fix it?
After weeks of media scrutiny that has painted Anthony Albanese as tone-deaf and out of touch with Australians struggling with financial distress, the Prime Minister launched a compelling pitch over the weekend. Should Labor win the next election, Albanese would slash student debts in a $16 billion dollar proposal. Young Australians are in desperate need of help. Student poverty - and hunger - has become so dire, that Western Sydney University has had to establish a food pantry. Today, Western S
Inflation is down and the reserve bank meets tomorrow. Is the squeeze over?
Inflation figures came out last week, and the annual figure tumbled from 3.8 per cent to 2.8 per cent - the lowest since the March quarter of 2021. And it's welcome news for at least some of your grocery shop with bread prices, which were climbing at 14 per cent in Sydney and Melbourne a year ago, are now climbing at only 1.2 per cent. And cheese is getting cheaper too. So is the cost-of-living crisis over? And what can Australians expect from the Reserve Bank meeting on Tuesday? Senior economic
Inside Politics: The PM, the Chairman’s Lounge and business class upgrades
The Prime Minister is facing uncomfortable questions about his relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, and the flight upgrades he received when he was Transport Minister, and also when he was in Opposition. How much damage has this done to the Prime Minister? Did he handle the whole controversy well?Plus - the verdict is in, on how well Australia responded to the Covid pandemic. We also touch on this week’s much-anticipated inflation data, and discuss how it affects the government’s elec
The polls still put Trump and Harris neck-and-neck. But are we in for a surprise?
Should we be surprised that the last week before the American presidential election is breaking historical records? Probably not. This is, after all, the race that has brought us assassination attempts (two). And an 11th hour candidate change. Still, never before in modern presidential election campaigns, has the race been this tight so close to election day, say some commentators. And, forget policies. Who wins could come down to the weather on election day, or - as one former aide to Barack O
Sex, drugs and harassment alleged in hospitality giant Merivale
Until now, Level 6 has kept its secrets. The exclusive club in Australia’s most powerful hospitality empire has long entertained celebrities, scions living off their parents’ fortune. And the empire’s own top executives. But an exclusive investigation by our mastheads reveals claims of exploitation of female staff. As one former manager said of Level 6, it was “one step away from being a brothel”. The company denies these allegations. Today, investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, on the staff acro
Our dirty laundry: The class war hidden on our clothes racks
Is the way you do your washing the latest marker of class? Because a growing number of Australians who live in apartments are in conflict over where they air their laundry. Literally. Many people who want to dry their clothing outside, say, on their balcony, just want to help the environment. But to some of their neighbours? They’re destroying their building’s “curb appeal.” And bringing down their property value. Today, environment and climate reporter Caitlin Fitzsimmons on how, in a country a
Into the conflict zone
For more than a year, journalists from outside of Gaza have been blocked from reporting inside the occupied territory. But with the conflict expanding to Lebanon, that has changed, and Australian journalists have been on the ground to tell powerful accounts of this ongoing and brutal war.Foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott, and photojournalist Kate Geraghty, initially travelled to Israel to report on the anniversary of Hamas’ horrific October 7 attack. And then, the
Inside Politics: We are not America, why are we debating abortion?
Politics is full of surprises but few people expected abortion policy to be back on the agenda in 2024. The fierce abortion debate in the United States has been turbocharged by the upcoming presidential election. Now the fight over reproductive rights has made its way to Australia. Abortion has been a surprise issue in the Queensland election campaign. It was also the subject of an attempted legislative rollback in South Australia last week. Now it is being put on the federal agenda by high-pr
Prabowo, the King, and Albanese’s choice
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a diplomatic test over the last week. And according to some, he failed. He had to choose between a long-standing invitation to the inauguration of the new president of Indonesia, while on the same weekend, King Charles and Queen Camilla were visiting Australia. So who did he choose? And who is more relevant? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the implications of choosing to spend time with one head of state over another. And why Alba
One in seven science papers is not to be trusted, says new science paper
It’s not something we probably think about too often - just how much scientific studies impact our lives, in all sorts of ways. That they underpin the medicine that our doctors prescribe to us. And what our psychologists tell us about how we can best parent our children, or discuss conflict with our partners. But how often is that science trustworthy? According to one researcher, not as often as you'd think. Today, national science reporter Liam Mannix, on a new finding that says one in seven s
How Australia's 11th richest person became known as 'The LinkedIn Lecher'
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that a space like LinkedIn, a professional social media site, is being used by powerful men to try to attract women. In this case, it’s allegations against not just any powerful man, but one of Australia’s richest. Billionaire Richard White is the chief executive of Australia’s biggest listed technology company WiseTech Global, and he has also been described by one woman as “The LinkedIn Lecher”. White, on the other hand, says he is unaware of any women who hav
How our brain structure may determine our political beliefs
Maybe, just maybe, there’s a very good reason the polar opposites on the political spectrum - the left and the right - can’t see eye to eye. Scientists say there is some evidence that says left-wing and right-wing brains are actually wired differently. And here’s a twist, British actor Colin Firth, perhaps best known for his role as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, was the reason behind the research. Today, science reporter Angus Dalton, on whether this evidence - in a time of intense political
Inside Politics: Anthony Albanese and the Copacabana drama
It’s probably our greatest national obsession. Property: buying it, selling it, how much it costs and how hard it is to afford. This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made headlines when it was reported he had bought a $4.3 million ocean-front beach house at Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast. Albanese said the purchase was made in contemplation of his changing personal circumstances. He is set to marry his partner Jodie Haydon, who grew up in the area and whose family still lives there.
The curious case of the third 'assassination attempt' of Donald Trump
When a 49-year-old man was arrested in California on Monday, after trying to enter a Donald Trump rally with a car equipped with fake licence plates, a couple of illegal guns, and a load of ammunition, it made history. At least according to the local sheriff, who said his staff had foiled a record-making third assassination attempt on Trump. Police believe the suspect was part of a movement that considers the American government illegitimate. Today, international and political editor, Peter Har
The states that could swing Trump v Harris
There may be a whopping 160 million Americans who will vote in the upcoming presidential election. In just three weeks. But it’s only thousands of people, in a handful of swing states, who will likely determine who wins the top spot in the White House. North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin has been travelling to some of these areas and speaking to voters on the ground. Today, she reveals what they’ve told her about how near-assassinations, and a natural disaster, among other issues, might s
A 'huge question mark' on Indigenous policy one year after the Voice
One year ago, 16 million Australians voted and made their voices heard. The vast majority of us did not want to alter our constitution, in order to enshrine an indigenous voice to parliament. So, what now for the Indigenous children who returned to school afterwards, to what they felt was a harsher country, as one ‘yes’ campaign advocate put it? And what do the leading ‘No’ advocates have planned instead, to improve the lives of indigenous Australians? Today, chief political commentator David C
King Charles in Australia, ‘a monarchy that pretends it’s not’
On Friday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will arrive in Australia for their first visit since Charles became the reigning monarch. Charles, it’s safe to say, has one of the more scandalous personal histories in a long line of monarchs. Who can forget so-called “Tampon-gate”, back in 1989? Certainly not journalist Tony Wright. A reporter for five decades, he has a unique insight into the relationship between Australians and the royal family, having witnessed Charles and Diana-mania, first-ha
Inside Politics: Albanese ‘tripping himself up’ playing both sides of the war
A year on from the stunning October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli towns, our parliament - on the other side of the world - is again convulsing over the widening war. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jets off to the influential ASEAN summit in Laos, he is trying to lower the temperature on a polarising domestic debate about antisemitism and Australia’s level of support for Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. One of the most prominent Australian backers of the Palestinian cause, Labor defector Fatima P
Why so many millionaires are leaving China
China has experienced a mass exodus before. People fled the country, for instance, after the collapse of Chinese nationalist Chiang Kai-shek’s regime in 1949. But lately, the country is seeing something new. Millionaires, in particular, are running away in record numbers. And taking jaw-dropping amounts of wealth with them. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on how Chinese president Xi Jinping - the most repressive leader the country has had in decades - might respond to a
What Australians think about the Gaza war: it’s not what you’ve heard.
Humans, we know, are full of contradictions. Even so, the disconnect between what we’re shown in the media, about how Australians feel about the war in the Middle East, and what people themselves say, is surprising.Record numbers of Australians, for instance, turned out around the country over the weekend, to protest the war. And the Greens, it would seem, have galvanised support for their party over their full-throated support for Palestinian rights. But exclusive results from our latest survey
Does Donald Trump want to turn the US into an autocracy?
There are the classic autocracies that we know well - like China and Russia - but what would it take to morph a democracy like the United States into an authoritarian country? It’s a question that’s not so far-fetched for the States, a month out from its presidential election, and it’s one that Pulitzter prize winning journalist David E. Sanger has been grappling with. So with a second Donald Trump presidency looming large, what are the chances that Trump could turn the United States into an aut
A year on from October 7, the Middle East is on the brink
It’s been a year since Hamas attacked Israel, in a vicious and sometimes sadistic assault. The murder of innocent civilians sparked a severe and sustained counter strike by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which is struggling with mass deaths and famine. We don’t know how, or when, this war, which recently spread to Lebanon, will end. Israel is now locked in a battle against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist group in Lebanon's south, while Iran itself has twice launched missile attacks on Israel. Bu
Inside Politics: Is Dutton's strategy to derail government agenda working?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wanted to talk about the budget surplus and the crack-down on the big supermarkets over their alleged ill-treatment of customers this week, but that was derailed by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. While the government struggled to find the right form of words to respond to the crisis between Israel and its neighbours, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the Prime Minister weak, and said he needed to stand more firmly with Israel. The result was a
Iran has attacked Israel. Peter Hartcher on what happens next
It’s been the question on everyone’s minds, since Iran launched a direct attack on Israel on Wednesday, shooting dozens of ballistic missiles into the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate. And Iran has warned that any retaliation will result in a “more crushing and ruinous” response. Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on how this attack differs from Iran's first attack on Israel, earlier this year. And if Benjamin Netanyahu might see
The bullying problem with no simple answers, and a tragic young face
The suicide of a 12-year-old Sydney school girl last month sent shockwaves across the country. It became the tragic flashpoint for a national discussion about bullying in our schools, and the complex set of issues facing students, parents, teachers and administrators. Bullying in schools isn’t a new problem, but according to experts it remains a major one. And in Australia, it’s been notoriously difficult – and oftentimes, costly – to tackle. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on the culture of
What has happened in Lebanon
A new conflict has opened up on the troubled border between Lebanon and Israel. It started with pagers and walkie talkies exploding in the very hands of their owners, and then it moved to airstrikes - the deadliest in decades - before the latest news that Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed. Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on the likelihood of an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See
The signs of light at the end of the cost-of-living tunnel
Last week, we were confronted with our latest economic report card. On the upside, the Reserve Bank announced that our annual inflation rate has sunk to its lowest level in three years. But then an Australian economic think tank released its so-called “Misery Index”, and said that Australians are living through the most protracted period of economic misery since 2011.Today, economics correspondent Shane Wright, on whether we’re headed for economic relief… or a recession. And if Australia is behi
Inside Politics: The fight the PM has to have
Federal politics got interesting this week when our very own James Massola and David Crowe reported that the Labor government has asked the Treasury to model cuts to negative gearing tax concessions, a policy that has previously caused Labor plenty of electoral pain. The Prime Minister and his frontbench are being very coy about any proposed changes to the tax treatment of investment properties. Are changes to negative gearing an option the government is really considering? How would they argu
The world is looking at the Middle East. It shouldn't forget about China
Many of us can’t keep our eyes off of what’s happening in the Middle East, with a disturbing escalation of violence in Lebanon. But, according to International and Political editor, Peter Hartcher, the conflict that has a greater likelihood of threatening our safety here, is the one that is growing by the month, between China and many countries, including Australia. Today, Hartcher discusses the disturbing new video released by the People's Republic of China. And the former Australian prime mini
The promise and peril of Australia's carbon market
It is a multi-billion dollar industry in Australia. And it’s been touted as a key way for us to eventually reach net zero carbon emissions.But our carbon credit schemes are also riddled with predatory behaviour, according to a year-long look into the market by our journalist, Charlotte Grieve. Particularly harmed, she says, are remote Indigenous communities. Their burning practices, which date back 60,000 years, are the golden standard within the carbon credit industry. The pay they receive for
The Easey Street murders, and the secret John Silvester kept for years
For years, one of Australia’s best known crime reporters, John Silvester, kept a secret.He knew there had been a significant development in a notorious and long unsolved cold case: The Easey Street murders.But he didn’t write anything about it, until a few days ago, when he broke the story that there had been an arrest.It was big news, most of all for the family of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, school friends from the country who flatted together in Collingwood before their lives were vi
Peter Dutton's 'mysterious' apology
As investigative reporter Patrick Begley puts it, it’s an apology that those Peter Dutton offended can’t remember, which he won’t repeat and doesn’t like to discuss. And some wonder whether he ever made it at all. It all centres on something the opposition leader said a while ago: “The reality is that Malcolm Fraser did make mistakes, in bringing some people in in the 1970s.” Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on the mystery of the Peter Dutton apology.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https
Inside Politics: Help to buy, build to rent. Will the government's housing agenda work?
The Albanese government came to power promising to ease the housing crisis by increasing supply. But has its housing agenda stalled? This week, the Greens hardened their opposition to two key elements of the government’s housing policy. The Prime Minister has urged the Greens to “get on with it” and wave the plans through. So will Labor be able to secure its agenda? And if not, who will pay the political price? Plus we have a look at the war of words between the business lobby and the governm
Should the relatives of Islamic State fighters be returned to Australia?
What obligation does the Australian government have to help retrieve its citizens from debilitating circumstances, overseas? This question will be at the heart of a High Court case on Monday, which will help decide the fate of 12 Australian women, and their 22 children, who’ve been languishing in refugee camps in Northern Syria for five years. To those who have opposed bringing them home, the women are a threat - the family members of slain or defeated Islamic State fighters who may believe in d
Rupert Murdoch's succession saga will affect us all
Over the next week, while you and I are sleeping, members of the Murdoch family will be duking it out in an American courtroom over control of one of the most powerful media empires on the planet. It’s the latest escalation in a civil war that has been building within the family for years. Today, media writer Calum Jaspan, on why Rupert Murdoch has pitted one of his children, Lachlan, against three of his other kids. And how the outcome of this case will impact all of us.Subscribe to The Age &
A second Trump assassination attempt feels almost normal. That's not OK
Nine weeks after Republican candidate Donald J Trump was almost killed at a rally in Pennsylvania, the FBI is investigating another attempt on his life. Trump was on his golf course in Florida on Sunday afternoon when Secret Service officers spotted a man with an AK-47 hiding in the bushes a few hundred metres away. In the aftermath, Vice President Kamala Harris said: “Violence has no place in America”. Her running mate, Tim Walz, declared: “It’s not who we are as a nation”. But, isn’t it? Today
Australian soldiers stripped of medals over suspected war crimes
It's arguably the most shameful stain on Australia's military. In 2020, an inquiry concluded that there was credible information implicating 25 special forces personnel in alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Four years on, the finding is still reverberating. Last week, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced he would strip medals from a number of senior officers who served in Afghanistan. The move has drawn the ire of some veteran groups who argue no action should be taken until any charges ar
Inside Politics: Social media 'crackdown'
Snapchat is officially on notice. As are Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. This week the Prime Minister and his communications minister Michelle Rowland announced they will introduce a ban on young people using social media. But they were short on detail, including exactly what age the government would require teens to be before they could access social media. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton promised the minerals industry that a Coalition government would be the “best fri
Trump v Harris: One took the bait — the other won the debate
It was one of the most highly anticipated debates in modern politics: a verbal showdown between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Because for millions of Americans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For many, a Trump win will stoke fears of a more autocratic United States. And for countless others, a Harris win would mean a move against conservative beliefs. Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin on how the candidates, who were neck and neck before the debate, might fare now. And the viral
The tiny town with a big problem
Deep in the snowy mountains is a tiny town called Nimmitabel. It’s almost smack bang in the middle of Sydney and Melbourne, it’s got a school, a pub, a couple of churches – enough for a few hundred people. It’s the sort of place you move to start a fresh chapter of life, to feel part of a community, where literally everyone knows your name and drops round a casserole or a jar of freshly made jam. And Nimmitable is all of those things, but it’s also something else: a place where a man by the name
Kate McClymont and the colourful world of George Alex
In terms of bizarre court cases, investigative journalist Kate McClymont has covered a few. But this most recent one, which ended in the conviction of colourful construction boss George Alex, was right up there. There was a soapie star turned doctor, who gave evidence that jail was a “terrible idea” for George Alex. Then there was an arrest warrant issued when Alex failed to appear at court in person, but rather, logged on from his hospital bed. And then, maybe most bizarre of all, were some str
Nick McKenzie on what John Setka did next
Australia's major union for construction workers, the CFMEU, has long been known as hardline in the way it went about its business. But a couple of months ago, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie's stories revealed damaging accusations that the union, which regularly overseas government funded work sites had been infiltrated by organized crime. Even before the story broke on 60 minutes and in our mastheads, it triggered the resignation of the Victorian construction union boss John Setka. Bu
Inside Politics: The Treasurer v The Reserve Bank
This week’s National Accounts figures showed that GDP growth was the weakest annual figure since the 1990s recession, not counting the pandemic. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the soft growth reflected the “impacts of global economic uncertainty, higher interest rates and persistent but moderating inflation”. But Chalmers also seemed to blame the Reserve Bank, saying the RBA is “smashing” the economy with interest rates. Meanwhile, The Age and SMH exclusively reported this week that Prime Ministe
Israeli hostages: Is this the tipping point for ceasefire?
Mass protests erupted in Israel over the weekend - in one of the biggest displays of wartime dissent in Israel’s history - after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were found in a tunnel in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces said the hostages had been murdered by Hamas, only a short while before Israeli troops were able to reach the captives. Today, former army officer, and current Middle East analyst, Dr Rodger Shanahan, on whether these deaths, and protests might compel Benjamin Netanyahu to neg
Why has the weather gone crazy?
What is going on with the crazy weather right now? In some parts of the country, the temperature is icy, while in others the heat is breaking records. Then there’s the wind; so fierce, it’s killed one woman, hospitalised another, and left tens of thousands of people without power. Today, environment reporter Caitlin Fitzsimmons, on what’s driving these conditions. And whether we’ll soon see relief, or, instead, bad bushfires, and a scorching summer.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.s
Cathy Wilcox on the power of cartoons
Cartoonist Cathy Wilcox once said that cartooning is an art form crying out for attention. The domain of attention seekers who, when they were young, were the kind of kids to foist their drawings in their parents' faces, for approval. Maybe so, but during Wilcox’s many years of drawing cartoons for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, she’s also been our conscience. She’s made us do double takes about some of the most vexed, and perplexing issues of our time. Like discrimination, and violence
Bitter symphony: What happened when the Orchestra cancelled a pianist
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was plunged into turmoil last month after it cancelled the performance of a highly acclaimed pianist, who had made comments on stage about the war in Gaza. Artists within the orchestra protested. The director resigned. And Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett has been enlisted to conduct a review of what happened. Today, the journalist who broke the story - senior culture writer Kerrie O'Brien - takes us behind the news and delves into the age old question of whet
Inside Politics: foreign student caps, Greens support CFMEU protests
The Albanese government has told the university sector it has to slash foreign students by 53,000 places by next year. The universities say this will financially devastate them, but the government has pledged to halve net migration by next year, and something has to give. Plus, this week, members of the militant CFMEU hit the streets in major capitals to protest the Government’s decision to place the controversial union into administration. Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief politica
Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr?
He’s the fifth member of the Kennedy clan to run for the American presidency. But, notably, the only one to have dumped a bear in Central Park, as a prank. Even so, Robert F Kennedy Jr was, for months, a thorn in the side of Joe Biden and Donald Trump and, more recently, Kamala Harris. All feared that he could siphon votes from them. And ruin their bid for the White House.Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what power RFK Jr has to sway the election, now that he’s suspe
Plastic on the brain: Microplastics driving health issues
A new American study has found microplastics in brain tissue, at levels up to 30 times higher than in other tissues in the body. This comes after years of disparate research, which has found microplastics in other parts of the human body, like the heart and the placenta.Today, science reporter Angus Dalton on whether this is, as one toxicologist has put it, a “global emergency”. And whether microplastics might have been acting, for decades, as the “dark matter” driving all sorts of health issue
'Lost' in space: Why two astronauts can't come home
When two American astronauts took off from earth on June 5, it was meant to be a triumph. Not just for the astronauts, who would spend a coveted eight days on the International Space Station, but also for Boeing, the company that created the spacecraft to ferry astronauts to and from the station for research. Almost three months later, the astronauts are still stuck in space, and unlikely to come back down to Earth until next year. Today, digital foreign editor, Chris Zappone, on what caused the
Sex, sleaze and Swillhouse: The sinister side of the glitzy hospitality scene
The allegations are hard to stomach. The women tell stories of rape, harassment and being encouraged to use drugs. The men were offered a special prize if they were the first to have sex with a customer. Today, investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw and Good Food reporter Bianca Hrovat on the dark side to the alleged debauchery at high profile venues like Restaurant Hubert and the Baxter Inn. And whether these latest allegations about a number of venues, all owned by one group, Swillhouse, might sp
Inside Politics: Treasurer Jim Chalmers
In this special episode of Inside Politics, Treasurer Jim Chalmers sits down with Jacqueline Maley, chief political correspondent David Crowe and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright to talk about tax, housing and the cost of living crisis. The Treasurer acknowledges how high mortgages are impacting ordinary Australians, and talks about what the Government is focusing on in the upcoming mid year budget. Plus he shares some words of wisdom he lives by every day. Cut through the noise of fe
Trump and Harris finally reveal their economic policies
Finally, finally, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have unveiled some economic proposals. This, after the presidential nominees have spent weeks obsessing over non-issues like crowd sizes at rallies... and the campaign itself. Right out of the gate, Trump has attacked Kamala Harris as going, “full communist”. But what does Donald Trump have in mind? Today, reporting from the National Democratic Convention in Chicago, International and Political editor, Peter Hartcher, on the benefits, and dangers
‘So simple it’s hard to believe’: The blunder that’s plunged the Liberal party into crisis
It’s been called one of the worst mishaps in NSW Liberal Party history. Because, last week, 140 Liberal politicians learned that they will miss out on the chance to fight for their party in upcoming council elections. All because of an administrative error.It’s a debacle that could tarnish the reputation of the party as a whole. And even marr Peter Dutton’s bid to become Prime Minister, at the next federal election, which is due within months.Today, state political editor Alexandra Smith, and na
Why an oil state has been picked to host the world’s most important climate talks
This year, the United Nations’ annual climate change talk has all the makings of a dysfunctional family dinner. Azerbaijan, the small petrostate which is run by authoritarian rule, only landed the gig to host the talk after an unusual prisoner swap. And intervention by Russia. Meanwhile, participating countries like Ukraine and Russia, are at war with each other. Today, national environment and climate editor, Nick O’Malley, who visited Azerbaijan to witness the country's preparations for the ta
What life in Gaza is like while Australia debates visas
Last week, the leader of Australia’s opposition party Peter Dutton called for a ban on visas for all Palestinians from war-torn Gaza, saying the potential security threat was too great. It set off furious debate, and was condemned as divisive and heartless by some, while others said such a ban should apply, but only to Hamas supporters. While this argument continues, we go to Gaza, where life has become almost one big queue for survival as families spend their days lining up for daily rations of
Inside Politics: Dutton goes hard on visas for Palestinians
After a six-week break over winter, the Parliament was a fiery place this week. Labor framed the next election as one between the “mainstream vs the maddies”, and the opposition is homing in on its framing of the prime minister as dishonest. But, as has been the case so many times in the past year, the parliament again convulsed over the war in Gaza. Opposition leader Peter Dutton started a sharp immigration row when he called for Palestinians to be blocked from Australia because they may sympat
'We do a terrible job at listening': Peter Hartcher on China's growing threat
When former White House deputy national security advisor, Matt Pottinger, issued a warning to global leaders the other day, he didn’t mince his words. Those who still entertain the idea of a ‘stable’ relationship with Chinese president Xi Jinping are “smoking dope”. To do so, he says, means they haven't really been listening to Xi Jinping, about his aims for world domination. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on the dangerous message that China sent out, the other week. A
The ‘forgotten’ war close to home we can no longer ignore
They are arguably one of the most brutally persecuted group in the world. The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority in Myanmar, have been abused, discriminated against, and murdered for decades. And, just over a week ago, the group experienced what is thought to be its worst massacre in years. Hundreds of people, including many women and children, were killed in a drone attack while trying to flee their village. South-East Asia correspondent Zach Hope, who is on the ground in Thailand, has spoken t
'A tale that needed a villain': Why Linda Reynolds is suing Brittany Higgins
This is the trial that a Supreme Court judge never wanted to hear. Over many months, Justice Marcus Solomon warned of the “human cost” of a prolonged and highly public trial if former defence minister Linda Reynolds made good on her threat to take her former staffer, Brittany Higgins, to court for defamation. And so it has come to pass. Reynolds, who has mortgaged her home of 40 years to pay for her legal costs, says she has been nationally vilified. Higgins, who is now pregnant, has yet to tak
How our journalist was asked to join a stockmarket scam
Four people currently face jail time of up to 15 years, after being criminally charged in Sydney last month with conspiracy to manipulate the stock market over a messaging app. So far, so usual. Potential scammers are always lurking among us. We know this. But here’s the kicker. Only hours after that group’s charges were made public, a completely separate cohort created their own WhatsApp group to try and rope other unsuspecting Australians into engaging in the same crime. It’s an indication of
Inside Politics: Lonely men on the internet and why the terror threat was raised
This week the boss of the Australian spy agency, ASIO, lifted the terror threat level from possible to probable. The last increase in the threat level was in 2014, and it was in response to Islamic extremism. This time, the risk to society is different - it is the risk of young men, especially, being radicalised online by a grab-bag of conspiracy theories and far-right grievances, and carrying out a lone wolf attack. So what are the social conditions that have led to this evolving threat to ou
Can Australia's greatest natural wonder be saved?
It is the largest living structure on earth. And has been around for 600,000 years. But new research out today, shows that the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing the highest ocean heat in 400 years. And this comes after five mass coral bleaching events. So why has the UNESCO World Heritage committee decided against putting Australia’s most famous environmental landscape on the 'in danger' list? For the third year in a row? Today, climate and energy correspondent, Mike Foley, on the politics that
Imane Khelif and the politics of gender and sport
It has become the story of the Paris Olympics. How many people have been harmed, in the case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif? And how badly? Over the last week, the 25 year old boxer’s body, mind and spirit have been dissected and condemned by powerful voices, far beyond the sporting arena. Donald Trump, JK Rowling and Italian prime minister Giorgio Meloni have, variously, said that Khelif is a man who enjoyed the “distress” of watching her Italian rival crumple to the ground of the boxing ring a
UK riots: The story behind the murders and misinformation
For more than a week, riots have spread across the United Kingdom, targeting Muslims, and immigrants. And in their wake, the attackers have set buildings and vehicles on fire and left communities in a state of fear. But how did a stabbing rampage, in a seaside English town, spark what have become the worst riots in the UK in more than a decade? Today, world editor Nick Ralston, on the real-time violence and terror that have resulted from a devastating misinformation campaign. And how the far rig
Australia is in the middle of a baby drought
Australia is officially in a baby drought. We’ve experienced our biggest drop in annual births since 1975. Back then, it was due to soaring inflation, low growth and the proliferation of the birth control pill. So what’s happening now? And what does it mean for us, considering - as one French philosopher put it - demography is destiny? Today, senior reporter Josh Gordon, on which city is having the least babies. And what happened to our most recent baby boom, only a few years ago. Archive audio
Inside Politics: Inflation 'Doomsday' dodged, but what happens now?
Australians are buying way less stuff. Households are draining their savings. Yet at the same time, we’ve been hearing months of warnings that the Reserve Bank might again hike mortgage rates. That all changed on Wednesday when a key data set was released. It showed the prices of goods and services were still rising higher than we would like, but not quite as quickly as some feared. Today, senior economic correspondent Shane Wright joins Paul Sakkal to unpack what the latest data tell us about
Peter Hartcher: What former Republicans want you to know now about the party
Commentators have been in a frenzy over JD Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” who live “miserable lives” and therefore have less worth, not just as people, but as voters. But to some senior figures in the Republican movement, they’re missing the far greater threat that JD Vance poses.Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, about how Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick is helping to turn the one-time conservative Republican party into a counter-revolutionary movem
Bonus episode: Who to watch at the Paris Olympics
So it’s that time of year again, the Olympics, when we all become armchair experts in sports like gymnastics, diving, and the 100-metre sprint. But who to focus your sights on, when you can’t watch every event? Is it Simone Biles, who will be competing this year, after dropping out of the last summer games, amid enormous personal stress? Or, perhaps Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry, competing after welcoming her second child only six weeks ago? Today, in a bonus episode, senior sports reporter
Inside Politics: Can the government fix the energy market?
The cost of energy generation went up over winter. That doesn’t mean power bills are about to spike however - retail prices are set once a year by a regulator, which means that households aren’t about to see a change in the cost of their electricity any time soon. But the increased cost of generating power could have big impacts on the economy, politics and households. Also, two long-serving Labor ministers are retiring from politics, ahead of the next federal election. Indigenous Affairs Minis
Harris and Trump are at a ‘dead heat’. Peter Hartcher on what might change this
Kamala Harris has yet to officially secure her party’s nomination to vie for the American presidency. But her campaign is well and truly underway. Visiting her new campaign headquarters the other day, Harris invoked her early career as a prosecutor, and said that she knows how to fight Donald Trump, because she'd so often seen his "type" in the courtroom. By which she meant: predators, fraudsters, and cheaters. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on whether Harris' plan to
Underbelly author on the criminal gangs infiltrating the CFMEU
For more than 45 years, John Silvester has been reporting on Australia’s criminal underworld. Some notable figures, like Mick Gatto, a key player in the gangland wars that were immortalised in the popular TV series, Underbelly, are now implicated in an investigation that has rocked the highest offices in the country. That of alleged corruption in the CFMEU, one of the most powerful unions in the country. Why have so many of our politicians allegedly turned a blind eye to underworld figures run
A short history of Kamala Harris
Joe Biden has finally stepped down after weeks of pressure, to contest the U.S presidential election. And he has endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to run in his place. But who is she? And what does she stand for? Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin, on Kamala Harris’ strengths, and weaknesses, as a presidential candidate. And what history tells us might happen next, after a sitting president pulls out of a re-election campaign.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe
Inside the effort to make the Paris Olympics safe
The Paris Olympics begin this Friday, and France is contending with what security experts have described as the most volatile geopolitical environment in decades. Among the worries keeping the French government up at night are the looming threats of nuclear conflict with Russia, potential sabotage by foreign agents, the war in the Middle East, widespread protests and terrorism plots. Meanwhile, blocking cyber attacks on the Games has almost become an Olympic sport in itself. Today, crime report
Inside Politics: will the CFMEU scandal derail the government's agenda?
Unions and Labor are intertwined. The oldest Labor Party in the world traces its roots to the shearers strike of the 1890s. At that time, powerless workers decided to band together to create a political party and take on big business. The aims of unions underpins a lot of what Labor does when it holds power. Many of its MPs worked for unions. But what happens when one misbehaves? Misbehaves badly. There have long been suggestions and reports of bully-boy tactics in the rough world that is the b
Peter Hartcher on the mood in America - and Trump's millennial VP pick
Who is JD Vance? And why has Donald Trump chosen him as his preferred vice president? Vance is, famously, a former 'Never-Trumper'. The junior senator from Ohio was once so violently opposed to Trump, that he likened him to Hitler. Today, political and international editor, Peter Hartcher, reporting from Washington DC, on the wider message Trump is sending to the world, with his choice of running mate. And why the United States has a long history of presidential assassinations and assassination
Fact-checking Dutton's nuclear energy plan
Opposition leader Peter Dutton says nuclear energy is the cheapest, most consistent and cleanest energy around. But if that’s the case, then what to make of the dirty history of 'Nukey Poo', a little-known nuclear reactor that was built in our region in the 1960s? Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley fact checks the Opposition’s claims about nuclear energy, and delves into the latest poll about what voters want and how this might impact the Coalition's desire to usher in nuclear
How bikies, underworld figures have infiltrated our construction industry
It is one of the most powerful unions in the country. And has long barracked for rights that are at the core of the Australian Labor Party: decent pay and working conditions.But now, an investigation by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes has revealed that underworld figures and bikies have infiltrated the union, and major building projects in Victoria and NSW.Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie on the sudden resignation of controversial CFMEU boss John Setka, in the wake o
The extraordinary fallout of the Trump shooting that rocked the world
On Sunday morning, Australian time, we woke to the news that Donald Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania. We saw the images of him with blood streaming down his face, and shortly after, his fist raised in a seeming show of triumph. It’s the first time an American president, or presidential candidate, has been shot at in 43 years. That was then-American president Ronald Reagan. He nearly died. Afterwards, commentators speculated that his grace under fire helped him solidify the support and
Inside Politics: 'Guns for hire' and the power of lobbying in Australia
They’re worn by the hundreds of lobbyists who are granted access to the building and the politicians who work inside it.It’s a lucrative business - lobbyists charge handsomely to help big firms get access to large federal deals. And with billions of dollars of government contracts up for grabs - including $22.7 billion for Labor’s made in Australia plan - a new class of Labor-allied lobbyists has emerged. This has heightened concerns about the power of top lobbyists and renewed calls for more tr
‘Dial up the crazy’: An insider on how to deal with Trump
Should Donald Trump win the presidential election in November, what might he do? Will he halve the US defence budget, thereby threatening allies, like Australia, that rely on the United States for protection? Or perhaps, as Trump once asked his most senior defence staff, he should “bomb the hell out of Iran?”This last anecdote is one that Chris Miller, the one-time defence secretary during the Trump administration, relayed to international and political editor Peter Hartcher, in an interview ear
'Hundreds of times stronger than heroin': A new killer drug is on our streets
When four people were found dead last week in one home in outer Melbourne, there was one common link. The same synthetic opioid was detected in all four bodies. Since then, government authorities, and various experts have sounded the alarm. A new synthetic drug is on our streets. It’s contaminating other recreational drugs. And it’s hundreds of times stronger than heroin. Today, general practitioner and addictive medicine specialist, Dr Paul MacCartney, on the growing risk of an opioid crisis in
Middle income earners are now calling debt hotlines in distress
More Australians than ever are now holding down more than one job. It’s just one example that illustrates the perfect economic storm that surrounds us. A toxic mix of growing mortgage repayments and rents, plus broad inflation. So, what’s the way out for those in financial distress? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on when we might next see an interest rate cut, or rise. And what it means that the Reserve Bank governor has gone a particularly long time, without giving a speech
A court granted an ex-president immunity from prosecution. And yes, it happened in a democracy.
Last week, the United States Supreme Court ruled that former presidents are entitled to immunity from prosecution for “official actions” they undertook while occupying the highest office. The impact of this historic decision could shred crucial parts of the court cases against Donald Trump, as he vies for presidential election in November. Will the court decision mean he is now above the law, or, is there a good reason to protect both former and sitting presidents from prosecution? And with con
Inside Politics: Fatima Payman quits Labor over Palestinian statehood
After a tumultuous couple of weeks in Canberra, senator Fatima Payman has quit the Labor party. On Thursday, Payman emotionally announced her decision to leave the party that helped her gain a senate seat in the 2022 election, saying she had exhausted every option to raise her concerns about the government’s position on Palestinian recognition. Today, political correspondents Paul Sakkal and Angus Thompson talk to Jacqueline Maley about the split between Payman and the Labor party and its ramifi
How to overcome shame after being scammed
Nell Geraets is a journalist for The Age and she’d seen all the news about financial scams. That Australians were reporting more scams than ever, and that they were becoming more elaborate, more sophisticated. She was convinced it would never happen to her, or someone she knows. Then her parents were scammed. Today, Nell Geraets on the HSBC investment scam that trapped her parents, the shame they felt by falling victim, and how they overcame it.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.c
Why singles are deleting dating apps
Fake reviews, bogus conversations with unsuspecting users and exposed private messages - are just some of the goings on at dating app Down, according to a whistleblower. And Down is one of scores of dating apps scrutinised as part of an investigation by The Age that found increasing concerns from consumers and experts about the industry’s conduct. Today, investigative reporter Clay Lucas on dating apps’ last-ditch attempt at survival, as a growing number of users walk away from the apps.Subscrib
Stage 3 tax cuts: How much money will you get?
Australians should see more money in their bank accounts at tax time, with the start of what’s called stage 3 tax cuts taking effect from this week. But this benefit is looking like it could be wiped out, and quickly, with new research showing that middle income earners will be paying more tax as early as 2025. Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright explains how much money you could see back in your pocket immediately. And why Australians could be paying more tax in just a couple of
Death blow or skyrocket: The economy and climate under Trump
There’s no one quite like Donald Trump. He heralds himself as the saviour of the economy, while experts seriously wonder if he'll drive the country into financial crises. He questions climate science even as his supporters faint at his rallies from the pre-summer record heat. So what would another term of Donald Trump in the White House mean for Australia, the global economy and the environment if he wins the presidency? Today, in our second episode of a special Monday series, senior economics c
Inside Politics: How big of a political coup is Assange's release?
"My name is Julian Paul Assange." These were the first words spoken by the Wikileaks founder and high-profile long-time former prisoner as he finally faced court to answer charges this week. Assange accepted a deal to plead guilty of violating US espionage law and appeared on Wednesday in a court in the obscure US Pacific island territory of Saipan. He was sentenced to time already served and boarded a flight home to Canberra, Australia. He arrived home on Wednesday evening to a cold Canberra e
What most Israelis hope will happen to Netanyahu when the war is over
What will it take for Benjamin Netanyahu to lose his grip on power? He holds the record in Israel for most time served as prime minister: three stints, over 16 years. But now, he is deeply unpopular; held responsible, by many Israelis, for not only the deadly October 7 attack, by Hamas. But also for turning his country, in the years before then, into a profoundly unsafe place to live. Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on whether Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that th
Julian Assange has suddenly walked free. What happens next?
When the news broke yesterday morning that Julian Assange had been set free from a London prison, the buzz spread immediately through parliament house in Canberra.After spending more than a decade in prison or hiding, what exactly, had Assange agreed to plead guilty to? And will he finally come home to Australia?Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent, Matthew Knott, on how the case that changed politics and journalism, forever, finally came to an end. And what the ripple effe
Reading wars: The way children are taught to read is about to change
When Victorian education minister Ben Carroll announced, earlier this month, that his government had mandated a change in the way teachers instruct children to read, he admitted that he was potentially “stepping on a hand grenade”. He was entering the long-running “reading wars”, which have pitted teachers, principals, and parents against each other. Today, education editor Robyn Grace, on why one union has ordered its teachers to disobey the government’s mandate. And whether the new method will
What another four years of Trump would mean for Australia
There's no one quite like Donald Trump. He has torn up long-standing treaties, threatened to abandon allies, indulged his rivals and shook America's stability as the centerpiece of Western democracy. So what would another term of Donald Trump in the White House mean for Australia and the global world order? In a special Monday series, our journalists examine his impact on trade, security, climate change and the economy, as well as who Australia's most influential lobbyists will be. Today, inter
Inside Politics: Dutton's nuclear plans 'slightly bonkers', but will it win an election?
This week Opposition leader Peter Dutton unveiled the Coalition’s plans for its nuclear energy policy. In doing so, he drew the battle lines for the next election, with the Albanese government firmly backing in its own plan to lower emissions using renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar. Plus, this week Australia hosted a visit from the Chinese Premier Li Qiang. So did the visit improve relations with our largest trading partner, or set them back?Today, chief political corresponde
Is China trying to buy us off with…therapy pandas?
The Chinese Communist Party has long used unconventional means to improve strained relationships. In the 1970s, this meant sending ping pong players to the United States, to encourage the country to lift its embargo against China. (It worked.)So it was that China pledged, over the weekend, that it would loan one of our zoos two so-called therapy pandas. That’s right, pandas.Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on how this diplomatic strategy went down in Canberra. And the sk
Trump and Biden: how do geriatric candidates attract young voters?
There’s less than five months to go until the American presidential election. And the race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is neck and neck, with one recent poll putting Trump ahead by less than one point. Both are geriatric candidates. And they face the same challenge. How will they attract the youth vote? Today, world editor Nick Ralston, on which young celebrities are most likely to sway voters. (A hint: it’s no longer Taylor Swift.) And whether former Neighbours star Holly Valance might
Why can religious schools still fire gay teachers?
A music teacher was fired from her Christian school in Sydney this year - all because a parent discovered she was in a same-sex relationship. The firing was all perfectly legal, under a law that the Australian government promised - but has so far, failed - to scrap. The law change aims to protect LGBTQ teachers and students, but also promises to walk a tricky tightrope to allow religious schools the right to hire teachers who accord with their faith. The issue has dogged successive governments
Peter Dutton and the Paris Agreement
The climate change wars heated up, last week, after opposition leader Peter Dutton announced that, if elected to government, he would dump the current emissions reduction target for 2030. Activists, and even a member of Dutton’s own party, recoiled. This move, they said, may breach our commitment to the Paris Agreement - the treaty committed to fighting global warming. Today, national climate and environment editor Nick O’Malley on what the Paris Agreement is all about. And why political infight
Inside Politics: The climate wars are back
This week, opposition leader Peter Dutton indicated he would not commit to a climate change target for 2030 until after the election. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hit back, saying the Coalition policy would mean energy shortfalls and higher bills. This development sets up the next election as a battle between the major parties on global warming. Also, there has been discontent among Liberal party members - particularly senator Hollie Hughes, who was recently kicked off a winnable spot on the
Is our egg supply in trouble?
As supermarkets across the nation have begun rationing eggs, some consumers are showing signs of panic. Nagi Maehashi, the founder of the popular food blog, RecipeTin Eats, put it this way, earlier this week: “We cannot afford to waste a single egg any more.” Today, science reporter Angus Dalton, on whether we’re headed for an egg shortage and skyrocketing prices, like in the United States. And what you need to know, now, about eating chicken and eggs.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscrib
Why can't the world's peacekeeper stop the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine?
The United Nations is in the news almost daily now. Particularly about the war in Gaza. But what exactly does the organisation do? Because, increasingly, the world has questions about its capabilities and its relevance. Are the directions of the world’s peacekeeper even binding? And why can’t it stop the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine? Today, explainer reporter Angus Holland on what the United Nations is able to achieve in wartime.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnyst
Are we headed for a recession?
Our country has just received this year's first economics report card and the news is not good. The last time the Australian economy was this slow - outside of the pandemic - was the very early 1990s, when then treasurer Paul Keating famously announced that Australia had entered a recession. Are we now teetering on the edge of another one? Many news reports suggest as much. And just last week, treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged that many Australians are suffering through "uncertain times”. Toda
Tuvalu is being swallowed by the ocean. Its people face a difficult choice
Last month, Tuvalu and Australia confirmed a landmark climate and security pact, which would allow 280 Tuvaluans to migrate to Australia every year. The Falepili Union marks the first time Australia has offered resettlement rights due to the threat posed by climate change. But the new migration pathway will leave many Tuvaluans facing difficult questions: stay or go? How does the diaspora preserve their culture and language in the face of a disappearing homeland? And what happens to a country wi
Inside Politics: Dog walkers, yoga instructors prioritised over tradies
Amid the national debate about immigration levels, it was reported this week that yoga instructors, martial artists and dog handlers have been put above some construction trades on the nation’s draft priority skills list for migrants. This is despite a desperate need for tradies to build more homes to address the nation’s housing crisis. Plus, a look at another important skills shortage - in our armed forces. Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss all this is chief political correspondent David C
Farage and the far-right’s march across the globe
When far-right populist-turned TV presenter Nigel Farage made the bombshell announcement, on Monday, that he’d be vying for a seat in the British parliament in the upcoming election, the media had a field day.Hadn’t Farage, one of the architects of Brexit, announced, just weeks before, that he wouldn’t be running? And this, after a total seven previous tilts at a seat in the House of Commons over the last 30 years. All unsuccessful.And this was before Farage was splattered with a milkshake, thro
Did a woman nearly become collateral damage for Josh Frydenberg’s regrets?
When rumours began swirling over the weekend that former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg might be poised to return to politics, fiery commentary broke out on both sides of the political spectrum. Did Frydenberg - or those loyal to him - want to muscle out of contention a young, Oxford-educated woman who had already won pre-selection to contest the Victorian seat of Kooyong, in the next election? As one woman put it, “Women are not collateral damage for Josh Frydenberg’s regrets”. Today, colu
Inside Nine's #MeToo moment and the 'culture of silence'
Two weeks ago, news broke that Darren Wick, the former head of Channel Nine’s news and current affairs division, had been the subject of a complaint from a female staff member, who alleged that the news boss had behaved inappropriately towards her. Since then, the number of allegations has grown. Around a dozen former and current staffers at the Nine network, which owns this masthead, have alleged verbal or physical misconduct by Wick. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker, on the impact that Wick
He's a despised, convicted child killer. Yet some say the case is fundamentally flawed
It’s the ultimate unthinkable. A father of three drives his children off the road and into a dam. The car sinks. And the father is the only person to get out alive. All three children drown. That father, Victorian man Robert Farquharson, has been in prison for the murder of his children, for much of the past 19 years. But could he have been wrongly convicted? On the eve of a lawyer launching a new appeal, a group of scientists, doctors and lawyers are arguing that key parts of the evidence tha
Trial By Water, Episode 1: Father's Day
On Father’s Day, 2005, Robert Farquharson crashed his car into a dam. He survived, but his three children who were in the car with him didn’t. At first it seemed like a tragic accident. But quickly, it turned into a murder investigation. For exclusive content and additional reporting on the case, available to subscribers of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, visit theage.com.au/trialbywater or smh.com.au/trialbywater. Subscribe now to access the special Good Weekend investigation, which fe
Donald Trump is a convicted felon. What now?
It’s finally happened. In a court decision that breaks with 247 years of American history, Donald Trump has become the first former president of the United States to be criminally convicted.
Because, earlier today, a jury of 12 New Yorkers found that Trump was guilty of falsifying business records. What do business records have to do with this infamous hush money trial, involving an adult film star? And can a felon still run for the American presidency? Let alone serve from jail, if Trump - who
Inside Politics: Direction 99 and the immigration detainee debacle
The Albanese government faced relentless pressure this week as it scrambled to replace a ministerial direction linked to tribunal decisions that has allowed serious criminals to stay in Australia. The Prime Minister has also been forced to defend embattled Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in parliament - as public servants revealed some criminals including murderers and sex offenders were not required to wear ankle monitors under immigration detention laws. The Coalition has stepped up its call
Rishi Sunak wants to bring back compulsory national service
When, last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap national election for early July, the derision came thick and fast. First, it was because he made his announcement, in front of 10 Downing Street, while being pelted with rain. Without an umbrella. But then came his first election promise.Should the Tories be elected, all 18 year olds will go through compulsory national service, in a bid to create a “renewed sense of pride” in Britain. Today, international and political editor
Will cutting immigration fix our social ills?
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has immigration numbers squarely in his sights. Lower the number of immigrants in this country, he has said, and we will see an improvement with all sorts of social challenges. This won’t just help fix our dire housing crisis. But it will also help people get in to see a GP, and finally gain a spot for their child at kindergarten. His policy was the cornerstone of his budget reply speech, two weeks ago. But since then, his speech - and the coalition - have come und
Depressed about the environment? Hold on, there’s good news
We are used to hearing bad news when it comes to the environment. And it's for good reason. The world’s temperature is rising at an alarming rate, our air is full of pollutants, species are becoming endangered and then, extinct. But, we are here to deliver some good news, on the Australian initiatives that are making a difference. Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on the three good news stories about our environment.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See
Introducing: Trial by Water
From The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Trial by Water is a new investigative podcast series about Robert Farquharson, who has been locked up for decades for an unthinkable crime: murdering his three sons in a dam on Father’s Day, 2005. Now scientists and lawyers are asking the question: did we get it wrong? And is this man in prison for a crime he didn’t commit? Episode 1 will arrive on Saturday, June 1.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Australia has its first-ever case of human bird flu. What happens now?
Over the last few months, a new wave of avian flu has been raging across the world. In the United States, the strain has been found in cows, and it has also reached far-flung Antarctica, infecting penguins, seals and polar bears. So far, transmission to humans has been extremely rare, and Australia remains the only continent in the world to keep the virus out. But last week, health authorities confirmed a Victorian child had been critically ill with another strain of the virus, becoming Austra
Inside Politics: ‘Delay, deny, die’ the human cost of cutting public servants
This week we look at two stories about our public servants. The first story is about the faceless kind of public servant who toil in government departments, and the second story is about the political public servants at the heart of the Albanese government, as we discuss the different public and private roles of ministers. Joining Jacqueline Maley is national affairs editor James Massola and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views
Taiwan’s new president was once a ‘hothead’. Can he beat back China?
For years, it has been the biggest question in geopolitics. Who will win the struggle for world domination? China? Or the United States? American president Joe Biden has dubbed it the “fight to win the 21st century”. But behind the grandiose rhetoric, there is one tiny country stuck in the middle of these two superpowers. Taiwan, the independent country that China claims as its own. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how Taiwan’s new president - a former political ‘hot-h
Gina Rinehart and the portraits that captivated the world
It’s not everyday that an Australian artwork gets thrust into the global spotlight, let alone becomes a punchline on a hugely popular American late night talk show. But all that changed last week, after news broke that Australia’s richest woman demanded that her portrait be taken down from the walls of The National Gallery of Australia, in Canberra. Today, investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, who helped break this story on why it’s gone viral, and how Gina Rinehart’s lengths to remove the portra
Iran’s president has been killed. What does it mean for the Middle East?
Iran state media confirmed on Monday that president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash on a foggy mountain side in a hard-to-reach corner of north-west Iran. Was his death an accident, or not? And might it escalate the ever-growing tensions between Iran, and Israel, its sworn enemy, which some have speculated is behind the accident? Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the hard-line cleric who oversaw a morality crackdown in Iran that led to nationwide protests. And what impact h
David McBride: Heroic whistleblower, or, something else?
Defence force whistleblower David McBride was jailed last week for more than five years for leaking documents to the ABC.His information formed the basis of what became known as the Afghan Files, which aired allegations war crimes were committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.McBride has been lauded as a poster boy in the fight for greater protection for whistleblowers in Australia, but, like many of our whistleblowers, it’s not so simple.So, who is David McBride? Heroic whistleblower, or
Inside Politics: Has the government written an election winning budget?
The government handed down its third federal budget this week, and it was the usual blizzard of figures. Treasurer Jim Chalmers gave us hand-outs, grand plans for the future and some heroic predictions on inflation figures. Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe and national affairs editor James Massola join Jacqueline Maley to unpack the budget as a political document - will it help the government win the next election, and will the voting public believe all the promises made about
Netanyahu and Hamas know this war is unwinnable. So how does it end?
As global outcry continues for the war in Gaza to end, after more than seven months, Hamas and Israel have reached an impasse. Recent ceasefire talks failed. And both sides are struggling. Much of Hamas’ fighting forces have been killed. And Israel’s main ally, the United States, just made the remarkable step of beginning to limit its supply of arms to the country. So, where to from here? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how this war can end, when both sides now know t
Budget 2024 - are you a winner or a loser?
It was always going to be a particularly tricky federal budget. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, the Albanese government had been tasked with providing relief to Australians, but without causing inflation to rise. Which would have the dreaded impact of leading to yet another interest rate rise.So, did treasurer Jim Chalmers nail his brief? And what are the government’s priorities? Is it women, those suffering amid the housing shortage, and students with debt, as it had previously promised, among ot
Why is Elon Musk fighting with Australia's internet watchdog?
In the case of Elon Musk versus Australia’s E-Safety Commissioner, the billionaire owner of social media platform X had a win in court on Monday. A temporary order that forced the site to remove videos of the stabbing of a bishop in Sydney last month, was lifted ahead of a trial showdown between the tech giant and the Australian regulator. The court case has reopened debate about how much control a government can exert over these tech companies, but also, whether age restrictions should be place
The book banned in Sydney - and why it's a warning for Labor
About two weeks ago, a council in Sydney’s west voted to ban books about same-sex families. A former mayor and current councillor led the charge, brandishing a book he said his constituents complained about. Though he hadn’t read the book himself, he claimed residents wanted their kids kept safe from “sexualisation." The motion prompted immediate outrage, including from the NSW Arts Minister, who said when civilisations turn to burning books, or banning books, it was a very bad sign. Today, stat
Inside Politics: Treasurer Jim Chalmers promises relief and reform in upcoming budget
The Federal government will hand down its third budget on Tuesday, May 14. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised the budget will be about cost of living relief and also reform. The Treasurer says people should also expect ambitious investment from the government on housing supply. Today, in a special episode, chief political correspondent David Crowe and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright speak to the Treasurer in Canberra, covering migration, housing pressures, the future made in Austral
Riot police, violence on campus and a new political battleground
For months now, anger over Israel’s military operation in Gaza has spilled over into mass unrest at universities across the United States. This culminated in disturbing scenes last week, when police in riot gear stormed the campus at Columbia University, setting off flashbang grenades and eventually arresting nearly 120 people, many of them hauled away, their hands handcuffed with zip ties. This won’t be the last of it, says North American correspondent Farrah Tomazin, who has spoken to protes
Donald Trump has enemies everywhere. More than anything, he wants revenge
For years now, Donald Trump has been shooting off inflammatory messages on social media, and shouting invective about his foes, from lecterns. But as for his actual plans for how he would lead the United States, should he be elected president on November 5? They’ve long been thin on the ground. Or they were, until the other week, when Trump offered a surprising interview in which he revealed, perhaps for the first time, a detailed vision of what he wants to achieve in a second presidency. And ju
Australian brothers killed in Mexico: What we know now
They were two brothers from Perth on a trip of a lifetime in Mexico. Callum Robinson, who was playing college lacrosse in the U.S and his brother Jake, a young doctor at the start of his career in Australia, were avid surfers chasing waves on a trip in the north-west coast of Mexico. Last week they went missing, before Mexican police found four bodies down a well on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Authorities have now confirmed that two of those bodies are those of Jake and Callum. How di
A new spy ring unearthed and it's not Russia or China
When you think about spies infiltrating Australia and which countries they’re coming from, you’re probably going to think of China, or Russia. But we’ve just learned, for the first time, that India’s intelligence agency - known as the RAW - deployed secret agents to try and steal sensitive information from one its most important global partners, Australia. It comes as reports emerged from the United States that a hired hit team with links to the RAW was in the final phase of carrying out an ass
Inside Politics: So much talk, but will anything be done on domestic violence?
This week in politics was dominated by the tragedy of gendered violence, and what measures the Albanese government will adopt to tackle it. Hit by a wave of national anger over a spate of murders of women by men, the PM convened an emergency National Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. So what did he announce, and how much can the federal government do on this issue of domestic violence? We also examine how a released immigration detainee was able to allegedly attack and severely beat a 77-year-old wo
The next major tech breakthrough that's the size of an atom
Nearly 200 years ago, the industrial revolution radically upended how people experienced the world - where they lived, what work they did, and the sort of stress they endured. And now? We’re on the precipice of the next industrial revolution. The advent of quantum computers will likely be able to help countries win wars and solve some of our trickiest social problems, according to experts.Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on just how soon the technology that Albert Einstei
'Playground for degenerates': Inside Australian livestreaming giant
When you think about live streaming, you might picture mainstream social media sites, but its popularity has skyrocketed on other platforms. With a focus on gaming, Twitch emerged as a live streaming giant over the past decade. Now, there’s a new player making noise – and some of it’s troubling. Edward Craven, the founder of Stake.com and the youngest billionaire in Australia has gone on to co-create the streaming platform Kick. Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on a platform describe
The 'climate of fear' for Australian women
So far this year, 27 Australian women have been murdered. Nine of the alleged perpetrators were under the age of 30. Erica Hay, Molly Ticehurst, Emma Bates and Hannah McGuire were all allegedly murdered over the past few weeks. And in the horrific stabbing spree at Bondi Junction, five of the six victims were women. Politicians at the state and federal level are now facing pressure to take action and deliver real solutions to what’s been described as a national crisis. Today, chief reporter Jor
Why Australians experienced the biggest tax increase in the world
The cost of well, almost everything, has skyrocketed. From petrol prices, to rent and mortgages, to insurance premiums and to the supermarket shop with cereal, bread and eggs all costing more. And now, a new report says Australians have suffered the biggest increase in the average tax rates in the developed world, with New Zealand a close second. So why did we end up with the biggest tax increase? And what have been some of the worst price increases we’ve seen over the last few years? Today, sen
Inside politics: Elon Musk, the Prime Minister and a cauldron of poison
A video of a violent attack on a Sydney bishop has sparked an international fight over free speech, censorship, and the potential threats such videos could pose when spread on social media. US billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X was ordered by Australia's E Safety Commissioner Julie Inman grant to take down some copies of the clip, amid fees it could be used to radicalise more people. Musk has been fighting the takedown drawing criticism from politicians across the spectrum, includin
Peter Hartcher on how the US finally re-emerged as an 'indispensable power'
After more than a decade of weakening strategic resolve under the Obama and Trump administrations, the United States is showing signs of re-emerging as an indispensable power to the world. The United States helped to curtail broader conflict in the Middle East by rallying a coordinated response to Iran’s attack on Israel, and passed a 95 billion dollar aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. This willingness to again embrace its role as the gamekeeper and gardener of the international order
Why accused killer mushroom cook doesn't want case heard in Melbourne
Earlier this week, the woman at the centre of the mushroom deaths case that captured the attention of the country, attended court for the second time. Erin Patterson was arrested and charged in November last year with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in the small-town Victorian case tracked around the world. Legal teams are now focusing their efforts on the timing and location for a committal hearing, which could be impacted by a request from Patterson’s legal team to h
Missile strikes, confusion and tension: What’s happening between Israel and Iran?
After seven months of war in the Middle East, the world again held its breath when news emerged that Israel had struck inside Iran. This followed an unprecedented attack by Iran on April 14, when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli military targets. What appeared on Friday to be a major response from Israel, and a signal of potentially a significant escalation in the region, then gave way to conflicting reports and confusion. So what actually occurred, and what might happen fr
Lust, power and hush money: In court with Donald Trump
Last week, Donald Trump became the first current or former US president to face a criminal trial, charged with falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Allegations he has denied. The first hurdle of the trial was jury selection, but finally, a 12-person panel was sworn in. But it took laborious vetting by the legal teams to get there. Prospective jurors took themselves out of selection because they professed they couldn’t be impartial, while a
Inside Politics: Politicians tested in the wake of Sydney stabbing attacks
The past week has seen two shocking stabbing attacks by lone actors in Sydney - one in the city’s east, and one in its west. Both incidents have horrified the community, but the attack against a Bishop at an Assyrian Christian church on Monday evening has prompted a particularly strong political response. These two destabilising events represent a test of Australia’s social cohesion, and a test of our political leaders’ capacity to nurture tolerance within the community at a time of great inte
A shopping centre, a church and a city on edge
It was scarcely more than 48 hours after the tragic attack in Bondi Junction when across town in Sydney, another confronting incident was unfolding. During a service that was livestreamed at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley, a teenager allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. The attack, which has now been declared an act of terror, sparked chaotic and violent scenes outside the church, where hundreds of people rioted and clashed with a heavy police presence. Today, i
Iran’s ‘proxy war’ with Israel is out of the shadows. What happens next?
When Iran launched a direct missile and drone attack on Israel, over the weekend, it was the realisation of one of Israel’s worst fears. This was a historic first. And has always loomed as an existential threat.For decades, Israeli leaders have feared a direct attack from its sworn enemy, which has been experimenting with its nuclear capabilities for around 70 years. And now, much of the world is holding its breath, as it waits to see how Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a man not kno
Unpacking the extraordinary Bruce Lehrmann judgment
After five years, one aborted criminal trial and millions of dollars in legal fees, Justice Michael Lee handed down his judgment in the defamation case that Bruce Lehrmann brought against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson. Justice Lee found that Bruce Lehrmann had raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House, and dismissed Lehrmann’s defamation claim. The judgment, which was delayed at the 11th hour, was delivered in great, and at times colourful, detail. The decision does not amount to a finding of c
Nick McKenzie on the Seven expenses affair
When news broke last week that one of the most powerful people at Seven Network allegedly tried to cover up an internal fraud investigation, the network suffered reputational fallout. It’s just the latest scandal that has exposed the misogynistic, bullying and get-a-story-at-any-cost culture that has seemingly been thriving in pockets of the media company. Because, later today, a judgment is expected to be handed down in the multi-million dollar Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, which has also emb
Six dead, many injured: The Westfield attack that shook Sydney
Australians across the country were shocked on Saturday, when a man brandishing a long knife stalked through a shopping centre in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. What resulted was horrific. At the time of recording, six people have been killed, including two mothers. A dozen other victims have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The attacker was shot dead by police. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on a mass murder that took place in a location that many people - especially mothers of smal
Inside Politics: What does Australia's shift on Palestinian statehood mean?
Six months after the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas began, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has signalled a shift in Australia’s position on the question of Palestinian statehood. Wong said that recognising Palestinian statehood, without waiting for years of peace talks with Israel, could improve the chances for peace and build momentum towards a two-state agreement. The Federal Government’s position has been met with fierce backlash from pro-Israel groups and the Opposition, who sa
Japan forbid itself from going to war. So why’s it expanding its military?
For more than 75 years, Japan has had, at the centre of its constitution, a very particular promise. The country renounces war as a sovereign right. Forever. This means the country is forbidden from maintaining an army, navy or air force - and from using force as a means of settling international disputes. This so-called “peace constitution” was an instrumental part of Japan rising from the ashes of World War II, and the destruction that it both suffered, and meted out. But now, Japan is dramati
Supermarkets could finally be fined billions if they price gouge
For at least a year, we’ve been hearing allegations that our biggest supermarkets have been rorting us - paying the farmers who provide them with produce too little. And charging consumers way too much. As the stores themselves rake in tens of billions dollars each year, amid an ongoing cost of living crisis. The end result has been enraged consumers. And fiery political outbursts that have spilled over in senate inquiries in which politicians have grilled supermarket CEOs. And now, a new revie
Chasing the story of the 'forever chemicals'
For decades, these chemicals were miracle ingredients for 3M, a company that has made billions from the products that used them such as Scotchguard and Teflon pans. Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, they repel everything from grease, to water and stains - and are found in everyday items like frying pans, household cleaning products, and even school uniforms. Now 3M is at risk of bankruptcy, with allegations that the company deliberately deceived the public from being aware of the serious risks pose
Trump, trolls and the Kremlin's plot to reshape the U.S election
When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election against Hilary Clinton it wasn’t just his grabbing the top spot in the White House that shocked Americans. So, too, did allegations by intelligence agencies that Russian President Vladimir Putin directly ordered a campaign to interfere with the election. This would play out on social media via troll factories, with fake profiles befriending real people to spread Kremlin propaganda. And now, only seven months out from the next American electi
Inside Politics: The good, the bad and the ugly in the Albanese government
This week, national affairs editor James Massola and political correspondent Paul Sakkal join Jacqueline Maley to look at how the Albanese government is going ahead of the next election, likely to take place next year, after an interesting few months of political ups and downs. They also to examine the ups and downs of political behaviour, after leaked documents revealed potential punishments for MPs and senators who are found to breach parliamentary standards. Cut through the noise of federal p
The bombshell last-minute twist in Bruce Lehrmann’s case
Later today, we were meant to be hearing Justice Michael Lee’s judgment, in the multi-million dollar defamation case that Bruce Lehrmann has brought against Network 10. But then, in a surprise turn of events on Tuesday evening, lawyers for Network 10 made an eleventh-hour bid for Justice Lee to re-open its defence, and admit new evidence. This is just the latest twist in a case that has its origins more than five years ago, when former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleges that Lehrmann raped
She made it big in America. Then her Australian past caught up
One-time Sydney real estate agent Sarah Dougan always dreamed of making a life for herself in the United States. At one time, her goal was to make it as an actress in New York City. That never happened. Instead, she’s become a successful CEO in the US, and the owner of a multi-million dollar mansion. There’s just one problem. Australian authorities have been combing through her Australian business records since 2011. And the results have been damning. Not only did she leave Australia, in 2012,
What's the latest AFL drugs scandal all about and who blew the whistle?
When Independent MP Andrew Wilkie made claims of secret illicit drug testing within the AFL, the sporting community went into damage control. At the centre of his parliamentary speech was a whistleblower - a former doctor for Melbourne Football Club who alleged that players in some instances underwent off-the-book drug testing ahead of a game. If they tested positive, he claimed, the player might fake illness or injury in order to avoid match-day testing conducted by the independent sporting int
Scared to sleep alone: Ukraine’s children of war
More than two years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have become accustomed to seeing vision on the news of drone attacks and bombed out buildings. But what of the psychological, emotional and physical toll on the country’s children? Do they sleep safe at night? Do they go to school? Do they play? Their experience has been lost in the fog of war, say teachers on the ground, who are struggling to give these children, and their mothers, a sense of normalcy. Today, Europe corre
Inside Politics: Labor's chaotic bid to play god on migration
In the final days of Parliament before a long break, the federal government tried to rush through drastic new deportation laws that would give it the power to threaten people with jail if they are not deemed refugees and refuse to leave the country. Labor says the laws close a loophole that prevents the country from deporting people who have exhausted all legal avenues to stay in Australia and are refusing to leave. But the move was met with strong opposition, and in a bruising loss for the gove
Peter Hartcher on why China is tanking its economy on purpose
For decades, a downturn in the Chinese economy has meant a boon for investors in the West. But then came an unwelcome announcement, earlier this month, from the Chinese government. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on why this announcement isn’t just bad for our economy, but is a reminder of China’s dramatically revamped - and dangerous - geopolitical goals.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The church, the Liberal Party, and the Tax Office raid
It’s a church that preaches a hatred of people outside of its own flock. Women are treated as second-class citizens. And homosexuality is not tolerated. So why does the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have such extraordinary access to political power brokers? And does it actually perform the acts of charity that it says it does? For which it receives multi-millions of dollars in government funding and tax exemptions? Until last week, many remained questions without answers. That is, until th
Trump says he’s nasty. But can Kevin Rudd win him over?
Once one of our most popular prime ministers, before experiencing stunning and repeated political rejection, Kevin Rudd has been out of the spotlight for years. But that was before Donald Trump let rip with a string of invectives against Rudd, in an interview last week. It was a conversation that unleashed a barrage of think pieces. Why did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appoint Rudd as the ambassador to the United States in the first place? And how can he possibly advance our interests in the
Nick McKenzie reveals the ‘priority target’ of Australian intelligence agencies
In the struggle for power and influence in the Pacific, there is one man Australian security agencies have their eye on. He’s allegedly a member of a powerful organised crime network spanning the Pacific. And, according to secret intelligence documents out of Canberra, he’s a potential threat to our national interest. Why? Because he’s also a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party. And his alleged activities are taking place amid China’s growing influence in the Pacific. All this comes at
Inside Politics: Another government abandons religious discrimination laws
It is an issue that has come up for the last couple of governments, and one that none of them have yet been able to resolve. Religious discrimination laws have been a contentious topic in our politics for the better part of a decade now, with the rights of gay and gender-diverse students and teachers set against the rights of religious schools to teach and hire according to the values of their faith. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would settle this confli
The world’s biggest tech firms are enabling the most nauseating crimes imaginable
The world’s biggest information and communications companies dominate our lives, in many ways. Google, Apple, Microsoft, among many others - we use their products to write up work reports, store our photos, and send messages to our loved ones. Sometimes hourly. And yet, these same companies, according to recent research, are arguably enabling paedophiles to commit the most heinous of crimes against children. On a scale never before seen in human history. These companies are also producing the te
TikTok ban — US declares virtual war on China
Many know it as the platform of choice for people who love to share videos of themselves dancing, or, say, combing the fur of their toy poodles. But, to hear politicians and late night talk show hosts discuss TikTok, lately, you’d think the app was a one-way ticket to political and social chaos.It all kicked off, last week, when the American House of Representatives passed a bill that - should it become law - would require the Chinese company that owns TikTok to sell it to an American interest.
Lehrmann and Higgins: Following the evidence trail to discover the truth
It was just 45 minutes. But what happened in that short space of time has set-off a frenzy of news stories, an aborted criminal trial, and a multi-million dollar lawsuit. In that time, a young Liberal Party staffer says she was raped by her colleague. He says he is innocent. A court decision on whose truth, is the truth, is expected to be handed down soon. But amid the layer upon layer of conjecture, is a trail of evidence. Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn what happened between
Going nuclear? Canberra divided, but support is on the rise
A new poll suggests that Australians no longer fear nuclear power the way they once did. Is this actually the case, and if so, how come? And are more young people open to nuclear power as a clean energy solution because they didn’t live through disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima? Today, environment reporter Caitlin Fitzsimmons on why we’re talking nuclear and just how realistic it is that nuclear power will be a part of our transition to a cleaner, greener Australia.Subscribe to The Age &
Inside Politics: The age-old problem of funding
Wealthy Australians should pay more for aged care, and use their superannuation to do so. That’s one of 23 findings from a government-appointed taskforce that has examined how the country covers its rapidly growing aged care costs. Meanwhile, the Albanese government is also mulling an overhaul of a different kind. It’s planning to restrict the amount that can be donated to political parties and candidates, in a bid to limit big-money donations and restrict the influence of billionaires. The chan
Peter Hartcher on whether Australia can Trump-proof itself
Now that Donald Trump has secured his position as the Republican candidate for the American presidency, leaders around the globe have begun to worry. Can they Trump-proof their countries? In Australia, concerned government officials are turning to one man for advice. Mike Green is an expert on American policy in Asia, who worked in the George W Bush administration. So, what challenges could Trump pose for us? And how could we best combat them?Today, international and political editor, Peter Hart
The secret society you didn’t know still existed is tearing itself apart
It is the oldest fraternal organisation in the world; and began with a group of builders who first gathered in the Middle Ages in Europe to build cathedrals and, later, some of the world’s great architectural structures. But at the heart of the Freemasons, is secrecy, too. It’s against the rules to speak, publicly, about what happens in this order, which has chapters around the world. Today, investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve, about the 31 current and former freemasons who spoke to her to
Samantha Murphy vanished without a trace. Here's what we know
In the early hours of Sunday, February 4, Samantha Murphy left her home in Ballarat for her usual morning run. It’s what so many of us do, every day. But when Samantha failed to show up later, as planned, for brunch, her family raised the alarm. Police soon appealed to the public for help with finding the mother of three, and began searching hundreds of hectares near where Samantha regularly ran. Volunteers later joined in the effort, gathering from around the country to comb the dense bushland
Sam Kerr saga: Is it racist to call someone white?
She is probably the most famous female athlete in Australia. A beloved - and extremely bankable - role model, who helped unite Australia last year, when she led the Matildas into the World Cup semi-finals.
So when news surfaced, last week, that Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr had been charged with using a racist slur in England, the fallout was swift. There were questions about her future in the sport and her leadership of the Australian team.
But people also questioned the likelihood of Kerr, who is
Inside Politics: Dutton's policy problem
Last weekend the people of Dunkley, in south-east Melbourne, voted in a byelection, and delivered a respectable victory to the Labor candidate Jody Beylea. Before the vote, Liberal Senator Jane Hume said that “what we’re hearing from voters on the ground is there is this white-hot anger, there is this fury”. But that turned out to be a massive overreach. There was only an average swing against Labor. Today on Inside Politics, chief political correspondent David Crowe and political correspondent
Peter Hartcher on Putin's nuclear strategy
For years now, global leaders have become somewhat accustomed to Russian president Vladimir Putin threatening nuclear attack on his enemies. He’s only picked up on those threats, since launching his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just over two years ago.
To many, these were simply sabre rattling; a show of strength. And a bluff.
But then came the leak, about a week ago, of Russian military documents that give new insights into Putin’s nuclear strategies.
Today, international and political edi
Why our spending habits have reverted to the 1940s
You know it; I know it, and the politicians sure know it. We’re still in the grip of a cost of living crisis. But while our two main political parties take pot-shots at each other, and try to score points over who’s doing a better job at providing relief, one main part of the discussion has been lost. What are we spending our money on now? And why? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on the biggest shift in our spending habits that he’s seen, in his nearly 40 years long career. A
The killing of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies: What we now know
The alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in a terrace house in the inner city of Sydney, on February 19, stunned the nation. The case began after police found a bag with bloodied contents on February 21, in a skip near a police station in the south Sydney suburb of Cronulla. This led to a manhunt, across Sydney and beyond, after which time Beau Lamarre-Condon, an active police officer, handed himself in at a police station. Exactly a week ago today, Lamarre-Condon led police to the bod
The most revealing 24 hours for Trump and Biden, and the votes they’ll really care about
Tomorrow marks one of the most important dates on the American political calendar. It’s Super Tuesday, when 15 states hold mini-elections to help determine who will win their party’s presidential nomination, and then go on to vie for the top spot in the White House, in November. So, which states are voting? And how might they tap into the personal and political vulnerabilities of the three main challengers: Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Nikki Haley? Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomaz
Good Weekend Talks: Former army lawyer David McBride on the cost of being a whistleblower
David McBride is awaiting sentencing for the leak of classified military documents from his time as an army lawyer in Afghanistan. In a candid conversation with senior Good Weekend writer Jane Cadzow, he speaks about what led him to do it, the personal fallout and his complex relationship with his father William, who blew the whistle on problems with thalidomide in the 1960s before his own fall from grace.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
Inside Politics: A spy in parliament
Well, it seems that spies walk among us. This week ASIO boss Mike Burgess made an extraordinary revelation. He said his agency uncovered a sophisticated foreign interference operation, which involved a former Australian politician betraying Australia, and trying to involve a relative of a Prime Minister in the web. So just how bad is the threat? And why won’t they tell us who this former politician is? Plus, we already knew the average working woman is paid less than the average man. But th
Peter Hartcher on what Nikki Haley gains from losing to Trump
She’s been ridiculed, and threatened. And though she continues to spend millions on her campaign, she has yet to win a single primary in the race to become the Republican presidential nominee. To top it off, there’s virtually no chance she can beat Donald Trump; her only other Republican opponent. So why does Nikki Haley stubbornly continue to fight in this race? Today, International and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what Nikki Haley can still achieve, even when she’s destined to lose thi
Is a Gaza ceasefire imminent?
For months now, officials in Israel and Gaza have been trying to negotiate another ceasefire. And now, according to experts, the enemies are within days of reaching one. But what might a ceasefire look like? Hamas has demanded a complete cessation of hostilities and an end, long-term, to the war. While Israel has insisted that nothing will stop an imminent ground invasion into the south of Gaza. Meanwhile, more and more Gazans risk starvation, while the world looks on in horror.Today, foreign af
What happens after a serving police officer is charged with a double murder?
A young couple in the prime of their lives missing from their Sydney flat, presumed dead, and a serving NSW police officer stands accused of their murders. A little over a week ago, flight attendant Luke Davies and AFL umpire Jesse Baird went missing. Their Paddington flat became a crime scene, and bloodied clothes were found in a rubbish bin just metres from a police station. Then the manhunt began for senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, Baird’s ex-boyfriend, who was later charged with two co
The crisis of confidence in our supermarkets
When Brad Banducci, the long-time CEO of Woolworths, gave an interview last week that made headlines, for all the wrong reasons, the fallout was swift. The company’s share price fell. The prime minister piled on, scrutinising the supermarket for a potential “abuse of power”.
The issue of price gouging and lack of supermarket competition has been in the spotlight for months now. But, to what end?
Today, business columnist Elizabeth Knight on whether we’re likely to see any reform from six upcom
Inside Politics: Booze, boats and borders
Last week, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce made headlines after he was filmed lying on a Canberra footpath, intoxicated, swearing into his phone. The video went viral - and questions began swirling about the culture of drinking in parliament. But that wasn’t the end of the saga. This week, Nationals deputy leader Perin Davey has come under scrutiny for slurring her words at a recent parliamentary hearing. She admitted to having a couple of drinks beforehand, but has blamed her style of speech on a m
Peter Hartcher on who’s next on Vladimir Putin’s hit list
When Alexei Navalny died last week in a remote Arctic penal colony, many felt that it signified the death of hope for a future, democratic Russia. Because for nearly two decades, Navalny fought for fair elections, human rights, and freedom of speech; eventually rising to become Vladimir Putin’s most feared opponent. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, who has vowed to take over her late husband's work. And whether she will be able to uni
Taylor Swift’s Australian shows – and what to expect next
Can Taylor Swift really be everything, to everybody?Way before the pop star took Melbourne by storm with three sparkle and tear-filled concerts, earlier this week, she captured the hearts of everyone from toddlers, to our prime minister, Anthony Albanese.Reserve Bank governor Michelle Bullock recently cited the scrambling for Swift tickets as a lesson in fiscal responsibility. And educators and leaders now use Swift to teach us everything from urban planning to legal principles.But, on the eve o
Is Julian Assange’s fight for freedom at an end?
It’s been almost 14 years since Julian Assange started leaking the largest tranche of American military and government secrets to the world.
For most of that time, the Wikileaks founder has been fighting extradition to the United States, where he faces a possible sentence of 175 years in jail, for crimes under the espionage act.
But that struggle has reached a critical juncture. Because the High Court in London will decide, in a hearing being held today and tomorrow, whether Assange will be sent
Has North Korea declared war on South Korea?
Has North Korea declared war on South Korea? This is the question many have been left wondering, ever since North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un declared last month that South Korea is its “principal enemy”.Kim may be an erratic and paranoid leader, who has pushed much of his country to starvation with his isolationist policies.But this change was historic, marking the abandonment of a policy, held for more than 50 years, that the countries were aiming for peaceful reunification.Today, North Asia
Inside Politics: What is doxxing, plus Barnaby's spill and a PM's wedding
How would you feel if details of your private chats, including your name, were released publicly, making you a target for attacks?
That is precisely what happened to a group of Jewish creatives whose Whatsapp chats were leaked last week.
In response the Albanese government has vowed to legislate against the practice of “doxxing” as it is called.
But is it even possible to make laws against this?
Plus, we talk about the PM’s engagement to his partner Jodie Haydon, Barnaby Joyce’s little lie d
Peter Hartcher on the new president who could change Australia’s fortunes
By the time you listen to this, Indonesia likely has a new president after the country held its much anticipated election on Wednesday.
And who takes over Indonesia - the world’s third-largest democracy - after 10 years of relative democratic harmony under the hugely popular president Joko Widodo, gives Australians cause to pause.
Today, International and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on whether the new leader might return Indonesia to the bad old days, when it was run by a fierce dictator.
How do you solve a problem like Barnaby?
When photographs and a video of politician Barnaby Joyce lying on a footpath late at night, seemingly incapacitated, went viral last week, it triggered a series of political explosions.Almost immediately, politicians started lobbing accusations. That the shadow minister for Veterans’ Affairs was undermining his party. And embarrassing the nation; even bringing the culture of parliament into disrepute.Today, national affairs editors James Massola on the political manoeuvring currently going on be
Nick McKenzie on how crooked companies made millions from offshore detention
When we think of where our tax dollars go, we aren't likely to imagine they’re being sent to companies that have been linked to suspected arms and drug smuggling, corruption or bribery.
But this is what a new inquiry has found. Specifically, that multi-million dollar government contracts, for the offshore processing of asylum seekers, have been granted to companies that have been suspected of links to serious crimes.
How could this happen? In the very government department - Home Affairs - that
The 'existential' fight to free an Australian from China's death row
When Australian citizen Yang Hengjun was given a suspended death sentence, last week, by a Beijing court, the Australian government recoiled, as though slapped.
The details of the espionage that Yang has been accused of committing remain secret. But the ripple effect that this harrowing conviction is having on the relationship between Australia and China, is beginning to emerge.
Today, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw on the tightrope that the Albanese government now has to walk, in order t
An exciting change to the podcast
This coming Monday, we will officially be relaunching our daily news podcast. It’s going to be called The Morning Edition, hosted by the dynamic Samantha Selinger-Morris. The podcast will drop in your feed at 5am each day. And we have two regular episodes: Peter Hartcher every Thursday, dissecting the biggest issues at home and abroad, while on Friday Jacqueline Maley and David Crowe take you behind the biggest stories in Canberra. Until then, have a listen to this short trailer, which gives you
Inside Politics: On 'Nemesis' and the tax cut battle ground
After weeks of lamenting the Prime Minister’s broken promise, the Coalition has decided it will vote for Labor’s changes to the Stage Three tax cuts.
The Coalition says it will match Labor on tax and more.
Will this tax-war turn into a proper go at tax reform?
Plus, we talk about Nemesis, the three-part ABC documentary on the leadership ructions of the former Coalition government.
Did we learn anything new from the documentary? And how did the major players come emerge from the revelations ma
Peter Hartcher on why the US is an unreliable ally
The Biden administration is, many Australians believe, a leader that is supportive of Australia. We share similar values. Not to mention deep defensive and security co-operation, and extensive trade and investment.
But, over the last few months, the American political system has become so dysfunctional that it’s in danger of acting against its own interests. Which could, in turn, threaten us, too.
Today, our international and political editor Peter Hartcher on why the usual chaos in American con
Bastardry, budgets and broken promises: Ross Gittins on 50 years covering economics
Ross Gittins, the longest continuously serving columnist in The Sydney Morning Herald’s 193-year history, is celebrating his 50th anniversary of writing for our mastheads, today.
Over the last 50 years, he’s covered 50 federal budgets, 19 federal elections, 11 prime ministers, and 16 treasurers.
He’s seen promises made and broken - and the economic reality of Australians change immeasurably.
Ross was, after all, around to write about the time when the price of eggs, bread and petrol were all set
Inside the government’s new plan to lower emissions on our road
The Albanese government has finally released its plans to curb motor vehicle pollution. This is crucial for the government, as Labor won the 2022 election on a promise of climate policy reforms.
But the proposal also puts a spotlight on just how behind Australia is in reducing carbon emissions. We are reportedly the last developed country, other than Russia, to impose pollution caps on motor vehicles.
So, why are we so behind? And what will it take for the Labor government to successfully legisl
The secret tapes that exposed a high court judge
It was the late 1970s, and members of the NSW police force were tapping phones, illegally, in the hopes of cracking down on organised crime. The sorts of people they had in their sights were well-known underworld figures, like Abe Saffron, known as “Mr Sin”, and drug boss Robert Trimbole.
But what they stumbled upon instead, shocked them.
Conversations between a high court justice and his well-placed friends that would implicate the judge, Lionel Murphy, for years, in corruption allegations.
To
Inside Politics: Has Labor discovered the wedge?
When the Albanese government announced its controversial changes to the stage 3 tax cuts last week, the Opposition denounced the Prime Minister for breaking a promise. But legislation will be introduced next week to implement the changes, and the Opposition will have to decide whether or not it will support them or not.
The tricky part is that Labor’s tax changes will deliver a larger tax cut to more voters, which is a hard proposition to argue against.
Plus, federal political staffers and the
Has Australian cash gone to a brutal military dictatorship?
It was exactly three years ago today that Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup d’etat, toppling the democratic government. Since then, the junta has killed and imprisoned its opponents, and attacked innocent civilians - all in the name of consolidating power.
It’s a devastating state of affairs that has led Myanmar to become an international business pariah. Many Western democracies have placed sanctions on the country, barring companies from investing there.
But Australia’s efforts at impo
Peter Hartcher on whether the US is about to enter into a war with Iran
When a militia, believed to be backed by Iran - killed three American soldiers, in Jordan, over the weekend, it marked a dangerous new development in the war in the Middle East.
It was the first time, in the more than three months since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, that any American troops had died from hostile fire in the conflict.
So, could this tip the United States into a full-blown war with Iran?
It’s a situation that American president Joe Biden has been actively avoiding since O
What's next for the ABC?
It’s been nearly six weeks since journalist Antoinette Lattouf was sacked from the ABC.
How did a short contract, that was only ever meant to last for five days, turn into a full-blown cultural reckoning?
Because it’s not just the national broadcaster that has been plunged into turmoil.
Today, media reporter Calum Jaspan on how this scandal saga has exposed questions about free speech and workers’ rights. And whether journalists have any business performing the role of activists.Subscribe to The
Could the US migration crisis upend Biden’s re-election bid?
The United States is in the grip of a migration crisis unlike it’s ever seen before. The seemingly never-ending flow of migrants into New York, Chicago and Denver has - according to those cities’ mayors - pushed their areas to breaking point.
The migrants themselves, bussed in from the border with Mexico, often end up in foreign cities without any assistance; injured, unwell and ill-prepared for freezing winter temperatures.
And for president Joe Biden, these historic migration levels during an
Inside Politics: The promise and peril of Labor’s broken promise
When it comes to the stage 3 tax cuts, voters will judge for themselves.
We learned this week that the Albanese government will break its oft-repeated promise not to change the stage 3 cuts - which gives tax back to high income earners.
Instead, it will redirect some of those cuts to middle-income earners - those earning up to $150,000. The overall impact on the federal budget will be broadly the same, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
So will voters let Labor off a broken promise if it me
Trump is one big step closer to the White House
Yesterday, Donald Trump won the Republican primary election in New Hampshire. He beat his only remaining rival, Nikki Haley, and with this victory, Trump declared that he is now his party’s presidential nominee.
This status won’t actually be made official until the Republican National Convention in July. But one thing is for sure, Trump is now one giant step closer to returning to the White House.
Today, Bruce Wolpe, senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre, on whether Nikki Haley could
Kate McClymont on the life and death of Australia's most corrupt cop
When Roger Rogerson died over the weekend, many people celebrated the end of an era. Gone are the days, they said, when the NSW police force was so corrupt, it offered priority parking at police headquarters to the select gangsters with whom it was in cahoots.
Because Rogerson, once a celebrated police detective, was arguably the most corrupt of them all. He gave the green light to criminals to commit crimes, in return for wads of cash. By palling around with notorious hit men, and in one case,
How you'll be affected by the stage three tax cuts
For years now, we’ve been hearing about the so-called Stage 3 Tax Cuts. And not just hearing about them, but being warned about them. They’re going to increase the gap between the rich and the poor. Even take us back, economically speaking, to the 1950s.
At other times, we’re told they’re great. After all, they’ll help workers earning as little as $45,000 a year to keep more of their pay packet.
So, which is it?
Today, economics correspondent Rachel Clun takes us through what this all means, a
The pope called surrogacy despicable. Does he have a point?
When Pope Francis remarked in a speech earlier this month that surrogate motherhood was a “despicable practice” that should be universally banned, for some, it signalled a backwards step for the Catholic Church.
Only weeks earlier, the global religious leader had allowed same-sex couples to finally receive the blessings of a priest.
But before we write off the pope’s most recent comments, we have to ask ourselves: does he have a point?
Today, surrogate and surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford on the e
Inside Politics: Penny Wong walks a tightrope in the Middle East
The Albanese government has announced a review into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says all options are on the table to force supermarkets to ease cost of living pressures on consumers. Even the option of significant government intervention.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong copped criticism for her itinerary on her visit to Israel, representing Australia.
And the Chinese Ambassador gave an interesting press conference in Canberra which took an inter
Is your data safe from the next big hack?
If you’re getting the feeling that more and more Australians have fallen prey to cyber attackers recently, there’s a reason for that.
The number of hacks has recently grown by 300 per cent in the period of just 12 months.
And the devastation to Australians is multifold. Some have lost tens of thousands of dollars. Others have had deeply private information - including intimate health details, and court testimony they thought was given anonymously - exposed to the world.
Today, technology editor
Why Beijing tried to sabotage Taiwan's new president-elect
Over the weekend, Taiwan elected a new president. This was a race that was watched incredibly closely by leaders in Washington and Canberra, for the ripple effect that it will have on so much of the world.
Because the president-elect, Lai Ching-te, is precisely the person China didn’t want to win. His campaign was centered on attacks against Beijing, and its plans to unify with the island.
So, will Taiwan’s new president bring his nation closer to “war and decline”, as China has claimed?
Today
US airstrikes and a genocide charge: The latest in the Israel-Hamas war
We are now more than 100 days into the war between Israel and Gaza. And as the suffering in Gaza continues to grow - with reports of famine and disease - so too, does the fear that the conflict has gained a new and worrying momentum.
Do the attacks by the United States and the United Kingdom last week on Houthi rebels in Yemen mean we've passed a point of no return with regards to where this conflict could spread?
Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent, Matthew Knott, on how
Are Woolies and Coles ripping you off?
The federal government is reviewing the supermarket code of conduct over concerns about the gap between food prices charged by big supermarkets and those paid to farmers.
While a separate senate inquiry will examine alleged price gouging by Coles and Woolworths in coming months.
Supermarkets have denied accusations of profiteering and say they’re experiencing economy-wide inflationary pressures.
Today, business columnist Elizabeth Knight what an inquiry may be able to tell us.Subscribe to The
Wind farm fight blows up in Victoria
The Victorian government is stuck in limbo after its proposal for a wind turbine production terminal was rejected by federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek who argued the development would harm globally significant wetlands.
The dispute is the latest from a growing list of community and environmental group opposition to offshore wind farms along Australia’s east coast.
Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley, on how we reconcile both the development of a renewable energy grid,
A hole was ripped in an Alaskan Airlines plane mid-air. What caused it?
A plane door ripping open mid-flight, leaving a gaping hole thousands of metres above sea level is usually the stuff of nightmares or blockbuster Hollywood movies. But for those on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 last week, that became a reality.
The flight made an emergency return to Portland, where 171 passengers and six crew landed safely. But the incident caused air safety investigations all over the world to probe whether there may be issues with other Boeing aircraft in operation.
Today, avia
America’s highest court weighs in on Donald Trump’s candidacy
We’re days away from the first Republican primary, where in Iowa, Republican party members will nominate their chosen presidential candidate for 2024.
Polls place Donald Trump as the overwhelming front-runner to become the Republican presidential nominee, but Maine and Colorado have found Trump ineligible to run, with challenges pending across the country.
Today, North American correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the Supreme Court ruling on a civil war era provision that could bar Trump from running
An Australian cricketer’s Gaza protest and the politics of sport
When Australia’s lead batsman and first Muslim player Usman Khawaja sought to express his politics on the field, his team and even the prime minister rallied behind him, but he was ultimately reprimanded for it.
Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth in a personal gesture of mourning for children killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. That was after being rejected for wearing shoes with the words ‘All lives are equal’ and ‘Freedom is a human right
When doctors are incentivised to prescribe dangerous amounts of cannabis
Demand for medicinal cannabis in Australia has sky-rocketed since its legalisation in 2016.
Same-day telehealth consultations are a quick google search away. Cannabis dispensaries are popping up in major cities across the country.
And while medical cannabis is helping people with conditions ranging from chronic pain and anxiety, to cancer and migraines, concerns are being raised about how the industry is operating.
Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on whether doctors have their patients bes
Best of 2023: The curious tale of the British Museum's disappearing collection
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
Who robbed the British Museum? And how did they get away with it for so long? The news that the world’s largest, and arguably most prestigious, history museum was robbed made global headlines.
It’s no wonder. It’s home to, among other precious artefacts, the Rosetta Stone. As in, the stone that was originally discovered by Napoleon’s soldiers, and later taught the world, for the first time, how to read Egyptian hieroglyphs.
So, just what wa
Best of 2023: She exposed Australian war crimes. She paid a price
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
In November 2020, a damning report about Australia’s Defence Force was published. Known as the Brereton report - it found credible evidence that our Defence Force had committed war crimes.
This investigation shocked the nation, and led to a reckoning within our Defence Force - and the public’s perception of it.
And there was one woman - Samantha Crompvoets - whose research kicked off the whole thing. But in doing so, she has had to pay a hef
Best of 2023: The cocaine boom behind Sydney’s gang wars
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
Over the last couple of months, Sydney’s streets have been plagued by murder after murder.
They’re a byproduct of turf warfare, linked to the lucrative cocaine trade. We’ve seen this carnage before, in various parts of NSW. But we’re now in the midst of an unprecedented cocaine boom. And experts have warned that the violence it attracts is likely to grow rather than recede.
On this episode, chief reporter Jordan Baker on what’s behind these
Best of 2023: Roe v Wade shocked the world. What's happened since?
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
For nearly 50 years, women in the United States were protected, by federal law, from having to carry an unwanted pregnancy. They gained this right, in 1973, thanks to the historic Supreme Court judgement in the Roe v Wade case.
This held until nearly a year ago, when the current Supreme Court overturned that judgement. This weekend marks the one year anniversary of that groundbreaking decision.
So, what has life in the United States been l
Best of 2023: Was the woman dubbed “Australia’s worst female serial killer” wrongly convicted?
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
Most Australians know the name Lindy Chamberlain. She’s famously the victim of what’s been called “the most notorious miscarriage of justice” in Australian legal history. She was wrongfully convicted of murdering her nine-week old daughter, Azaria, during a camping trip at Uluru, and sentenced to life in prison.But how many people know about the murder conviction inquiry that’s going on right now that could, as one expert put it recently, ma
Best of 2023: Stan Grant, the ABC, and Australia’s racism problem
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
In May 2023, Stan Grant announced that he would be leaving the ABC and standing down as the host of its Q+A program. His decision, and the torrent of abuse that prompted it, has led to a reckoning about how responsible the media is for the racism that pervades our culture.
On this episode, culture news editor Osman Faruqi joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss Stan Grant, the ABC and Australia's racism problem.
This episode first aired on
Best of 2023: The trial of Malka Leifer
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
A jury has found Malka Leifer guilty of rape and indecent assault, drawing a close to a trial that had been a decade in the making.
The former principal of the ultra-orthodox Jewish school had been accused of sexually abusing former students in Melbourne in the early to mid-2000s.
After a lengthy battle to extradite Leifer from Israel in 2021, her trial began this year.
She has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges,
Best of 2023: How millions of dollars in detention money went to Pacific politicians
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
Australia's Home Affairs Department used vast sums of taxpayer money to fund suspect payments to powerful Pacific Island politicians, specifically to run offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island.
A major investigation by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald has found a secret money trail beginning in Home Affairs coffers and ending with payments to bank accounts controlled by powerful Pacific Island politicians.
The p
Best of 2023: Why are thousands of students enrolled in college, but not studying?
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
They stand largely empty, hiding in plain sight, their little-used classrooms scattered through office buildings in cities across the country. In the exploding foreign education industry, they call them ‘ghost colleges’.
These colleges are supposed to be providing tens of thousands of international students with an education. But in reality, many of them are near deserted.
On this episode, investigative reporter Clay Lucas joins Samantha Sel
Best of 2023: Could an unexpected group of delegates set Julian Assange free?
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.
It’s been 17 years since Julian Assange created Wikileaks, the online publisher of classified documents that has changed politics forever. For eleven of those years, Assange has either been in hiding, or in prison.
But why is Assange still in prison? When American whistleblower, Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years for leaking secret government files to Wikileaks, has already been set free?
On this episode, foreign affairs and nati
Inside Politics: Interest rates, housing affordability and the economy - what can we expect in 2024?
It has been a busy year in Australian politics.
We voted no to the Voice to Parliament. Three state premiers resigned. The government legislated industrial relations changes and housing affordability measures.
But the throughline of the year, and the main concern of ordinary voters, was the state of the economy, and the government’s handling of it.
We had the scourge of stubborn inflation and the RBA’s ratcheting up of interest rates. And we had a housing affordability problem that politician
'A live performance’: Higgins, Lehrmann and the internet trial
We have been bystanders to the saga of the Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins case for nearly three years now.
If one thing has defined the devastating set of lawsuits, it’s been a lack of definitive answers about allegations that a rape occurred in the office of then-defence industry minister, Linda Reynolds. And whether the government at the time orchestrated a cover-up.
Lehrmann has always strenuously denied raping Higgins, insisting that the pair had no sexual contact at all.
Today, associa
The Democrats chose Biden because he could beat Trump. That was then
Back in April, the Democrats officially chose Joe Biden to run for the American presidency next year, because he could beat Donald Trump. But that was then.Since then, Biden’s approval has begun to tank. And voters of all stripes have reportedly been clutching their foreheads in despair. These are the candidates? An 81-year-old, and a would-be criminal with a fondness for quoting Hitler?Bruce Wolpe, who served on the Democratic staff in the US Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term,
Inside the 'fraud and bribery' that sank a $1b Australian science success story
When an Australian company called Phoslock first hit the market, its sell was hard to resist.
Phoslock had created an innovative clay product that had the power to get rid of pollution in waterways around the world.
But a new investigation reveals a host of worrying allegations against the company including suspected bribery, money paid to dump polluted water and an alleged cover-up of a wrongful death.
Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie on the suspect behaviours that led to Phoslock’s
Inside the court case that exposed Gina Rinehart’s bitter family feuds
It’s a real-life Succession saga. And it’s taking place right on our doorstep. We’re talking, of course, about the civil lawsuit that Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, is embroiled in, with two other families. Not to mention two of her own children.
They are all battling over more than a billion dollars in royalties from iron ore mines that her father discovered back in the 1950s. Is the fight worth it? The cost for Rinehart, even if she wins, could still be high.
Because for years, th
The backburn that escaped: Part 2
Yesterday we brought you part one of an investigation into one of the Black Summer bushfires, which was the result of a backburn lit by the NSW Rural Fire Service, and the search for answers as to why it escaped.
Today, investigative reporter Harriet Alexander takes you inside the decisions that led to the backburn, from the phone hook-up where the fateful call was made to bring it forward, to the moment the fire got out of control.
We also explore why the RFS has been reluctant to talk about i
The backburn that escaped: Part 1
In this two-part series, we look at a backburn that got out of control during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20.
Investigative reporter Harriet Alexander looks at what went wrong. How the backburn escaped and destroyed a large part of the upper Blue Mountains. And the subsequent battle by locals to find out what happened.
This is episode one: From the outside.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Politics: Why the Albanese government is now calling for a ceasefire
At the United Nations headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Australia voted in favour of a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The UN vote coincided with a separate development in Australia’s position on Gaza.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to issue a statement supporting a pause in the fighting in Gaza and efforts towards a sustainable ceasefir
The tobacco wars, and rise of a ruthless new kingpin
For months, Melbourne’s underworld has been plagued by escalating violence. Bashings, a public execution, even the desecration of the grave of one crime boss’ sister. Firebombings have also become increasingly common, whereby shops are set alight and gutted by flames. One of the main targets: tobacco stores. So many have been hit, that a new era of gangland warfare in Melbourne has gained its own moniker: the “tobacco wars”.For more than eight years, my colleague, law and justice editor Chris Ve
Penny Wong's fight for a two-state solution
Is our foreign minister about to jump ship? So went the rumours, recently, around the press gallery, in Canberra.
Elsewhere, too, people have tried to diminish Penny Wong. The fact that she hasn’t visited the Middle East, since she landed the job of foreign minister, 18 months ago? It’s just not good enough, according to the opposition. And why isn't she doing more to broker peace in the Middle East?
But for a staggering amount of ordinary Australians, Penny Wong is something of a unicorn. Not
The mounting accusations against Alan Jones
For decades, radio broadcaster Alan Jones was king of the airwaves. Often using a bullying and vitriolic tone on his show, he held powerful figures up to scrutiny. And even while rumours about questionable behaviour towards young men swirled over the years, Alan Jones remained one of the most influential and feared figures in the country.
Now, a major investigation can reveal allegations that Jones used his position of power to prey on a number of young men; allegedly indecently assaulting, grop
Why thousands of New Zealanders are protesting against their new government
The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document, an agreement between the Crown and Maori tribes, sets out the rights and political power of the Maori people.
But now, a massive unravelling is taking place, with a new coalition government pushing to reinterpret the country’s founding document.
Since taking office in October, the National, Act and New Zealand First parties have scrapped a world-leading smoking ban and plan to roll-back use of Maori language.
Today, political editor for
Inside Politics: Peter Dutton’s perfect political storm
This week the government struggled to manage its response to the High Court’s landmark November ruling, that indefinite detention is illegal.
As a result of the decision, about 150 non-citizens have been released from custody, and this week it emerged that four of them have allegedly reoffended since their release. This includes a former detainee and convicted multiple rapist who was arrested on an indecent assault charge, and another man, a registered sex offender, who was arrested on charges
Sole destroying: How surgeons wield scalpels without medical degrees
Imagine that you find out that the person you thought was a doctor - a surgeon who operated on you - didn’t have a medical degree.
This is the case for all podiatric surgeons in Australia, practitioners who can legally pick up a knife with only a podiatry or science degree.
Maybe that’s fine if the issue you had with your foot, or ankle, was fixed. But, a joint investigation by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes, has uncovered dozens of allegations of surgeries gone wrong by a sma
Peter Hartcher on a new weapon of war, and its ‘profound’ implications
Has Australia started an arms race with China? It’s a question that is sometimes lobbed at Australia’s defence community. Consider the facts, on the surface. Australia entered a pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, two years ago, that will give Australia its first nuclear-powered submarines. And now we’re reading about how China is readying its naval fleet to welcome not just nuclear-powered submarines, but nuclear armed submarines. But, says International and Political editor Pet
A country three hours away from Australia is the next frontier of China’s ambitions
Honiara is a small city just three hours by plane from Australia, where many of the locals struggle on a daily basis. They grapple with poverty, crime, and unemployment. Some health care centres in town are breaking down; others are running out of paracetamol.
This, even though Chinese state-backed companies are investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the Solomon Islands.
As one landowner said of Chinese investors who are failing to fulfil their promises to the locals: “They are treating
From bitcoin to bust: How the world's biggest ponzi scheme caused heartache for Australians
It has been called the world's biggest ever cryptocurrency ponzi scheme.
The scheme, allegedly the work of South African con artist Johannes Steynberg, is estimated to have scammed $2.6 billion from consumers worldwide.
But it’s the details behind the figures that read like something out of a Netflix special. Like how the alleged conman escaped to South America, to be with his mistress, and evade authorities. And the angry investors who became citizen investigators, and helped the authorities
Inside Politics: The immigration detention debacle, plus why boomers should hold off spending
Earlier this month the High Court overturned 20 years of precedent, ruling that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful.
It led to the immediate release of dozens of people. Some murderers, some sex offenders, and others who had failed on character grounds to remain in Australia - but none of them could be returned to their home countries.
Since that November 8 court ruling, the federal government has been scrambling to find a solution, rushing through legislation to impose tough restricti
Cocaine, lies and tears: The latest on the Bruce Lehrmann trial
Last week, Bruce Lehrmann took the stand for the first day of his defamation trial against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
The former Liberal staffer is suing the network, and Wilkinson, for what he says are their allegations in a television interview that he raped his former colleague, Brittany Higgins, in Parliament House in 2019.
Lehrmann has always strenuously denied the allegations against him.
Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn on what the court case has revealed a
Peter Hartcher on how Benjamin Netanyahu has helped Hamas
We’re now eight weeks into the deadly war between Israel and Hamas. And one question looms large. What is Hamas’ goal? And who does it serve? The narrative surrounding this vital question has changed many times over the last 35 years.
The group has long been viewed by the States, the European Union and others as a terrorist organisation. But a perception of Hamas as freedom fighters has been growing steadily.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how Hamas has sold this im
The hostage deal, the ceasefire, and the next phase of the Israel-Hamas war
It’s now the fourth day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Dozens of hostages have been released from Gaza, in exchange for the release of more than 100 imprisoned Palestinians in Israel.
But what has the hostages' experience in captivity been like? How are they now? And does this extraordinary turn of events - the first pause in almost two months of fighting - signal a greater change in the conflict?
Today, national correspondent Matthew Knott on what the loved ones of hostages have t
The study was retracted years ago. How did it get into guidelines for pregnant women?
When you go to see your doctor, and they give you a medical opinion - based on established guidelines by a governing medical body - you tend to trust them.
But what if there’s been a hidden flaw in the scientific community for years? One that can lead doctors to recommend certain drugs, or treatments, that are based on studies that end up being deemed untrustworthy?
Today, national science reporter Liam Mannix joins Samantha to discuss the worrying rise in retracted scientific papers. And what w
The Drop: Is Saltburn the most divisive film of the year? Plus, the best (and weirdest) show on TV right now
Saltburn, the dark psychological thriller starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, is the second feature film from writer/director Emerald Fennell after her Oscar-nominated debut, Promising Young Women. It's one of the most divisive films of the year, with some critics describing it as a funny, sharp satire of the rich while others have dismissed it as derivative and messy.
Osman, Thomas and Mel review the film (spoiler-free) and discuss the most controversial moments, what works and what doesn'
Death threats, an angry prime minister and corrupt politicians: Kate McClymont on her career in journalism (bonus episode)
Kate McClymont has been one of the most respected figures in Australian journalism for more than three decades. Her fearless investigative reporting has held the powerful to account and uncovered corruption, fraud and criminal enterprise across politics, business, sport and wider society.
Last night, Kate was recognised in Australia’s top journalism awards - the Walkleys. She was given the award for outstanding contribution to journalism.
Today, chief investigative reporter at The Sydney Mornin
Inside Politics: How the Israel-Hamas war is dividing Australian politics
This week, a hostage exchange deal was brokered between Israel and Hamas. In Australia, we saw divisive protests over the Middle East conflict, and a strong political backlash from those protests.
Meanwhile, on bread and butter issues, the Albanese government is coming under increasing pressure to address the cost of living crisis. Data released this week indicated the economy might soon start losing jobs.
Today on Inside Politics, chief political correspondent David Crowe, foreign affairs and
Will Gladys Berejiklian be Optus’ next CEO?
When Kelly Bayer Rosmarin resigned as the CEO of Optus, earlier this week, it wasn’t a surprise. This came only days after Optus unleashed one of the worst ever telecommunications outages in our country’s history.But now there’s a massive question hanging in the air. Who will be Optus’ next CEO?And why is former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian considered a front runner? Especially since NSW’s independent corruption commission found her guilty of serious corrupt conduct, just five months ago?Today
Australia’s connected to three wars, but only one of them will be measured in decades
Three different wars are being fought across the world right now. And Australia is connected to each one of them.
Each war threatens our security, and it’s arguably the first time we’ve been in this position since the Cold War.
But, amid the threats, these wars also have lessons to teach us about what particular sort of warfare poses the biggest challenge to our sovereignty.
And what has accounted for some surprising, recent, developments in the wars between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukra
The cold case that reached Canberra, Part 2: Moses Kellie
This is a story of two men from vastly different backgrounds whose lives and deaths would see no justice and reveal bigger questions about the institutions that underpin Australian society.
On yesterday’s episode, we heard from Anthony Cawsey’s friends about the life he led before it came to a brutal end in Centennial Park.
Experts and panels weighed in on whether the murder was a gay hate crime and as detectives swabbed more than 100 people searching for suspects – they had one man, Moses Kelli
The cold case that reached Canberra, Part 1: Anthony Cawsey
In this two-part series, we look at a police investigation into a Sydney murder from 2009 – and what came next.Through interviews with dozens of insiders and hundreds of documents – we look behind the scenes to expose new tactics used by detectives to get what they want – through politicians. It’s a story about loss, fairness, power and the Australian character – what is it, who decides and at what cost?
Today, investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve brings us episode one in a two-part series:
The Drop: The Killer is a stylish, thrilling hit. Plus, Nathan Fielder is back with the wildest show of the year
David Fincher's The Killer is deservedly the most popular film on Netflix right now. Osman, Thomas and Mel unpack this stylish, cold-blooded thriller starring Michael Fassbender and discuss how it compares to other Fincher classics like The Social Network, Gone Girl, Fight Club and Zodiac.
They also review the first episode of Nathan Fielder's new show The Curse, starring Emma Stone. Plus, a conversation about Robbie Williams' documentary, The Buccaneers and a new book about Marvel.Subscribe to
Inside Politics: The ugly fight over immigration
This week the government rushed through legislation placing tough restrictions on more than 80 people who have now been released from indefinite immigration detention.
Those detainees were released after the High Court last week upended two decades of immigration law, ruling that the indefinite immigration detention of non-citizens who can’t be deported was illegal.
Debate around indefinite immigration detention flared as a broader debate about migration continued, amid concerns a record level o
David McBride trial: The latest on the war crimes whistleblower
It was big news at the time. In 2019, Australian Federal Police officers, wearing black suits and clutching briefcases, raided the ABC’s headquarters in Sydney before an array of journalists and photographers who were there to capture their every move.
The AFP was investigating a leak of documents that formed the basis of a series of stories called the Afghan Files.
The source of those documents was military lawyer David McBride, who faces jail time after he was charged with disclosing the conf
Peter Hartcher on why Israel is winning the battle, but losing the war
We’re now more than five weeks into the war between Hamas and Israel, and time is not on Israel’s side. At least in the realm of public opinion.
As more and more people around the world cast their eyes on photographs from Gaza - of dying children and people trying to rescue their loved ones from rubble - the pressure on Israel to take steps towards a ceasefire grows.
And it isn’t just from American president Joe Biden, who continues to call for Israel to explore “less intrusive action”. Or from
The Optus outage: What not to do in a crisis
Last week, 10 million Optus customers woke to no phone or internet coverage.
And then the problems dominoed from there.
Melbourne’s entire train network came to a screeching halt, and phone lines to hospitals were down. Some people were unable to call triple zero if they needed to.
For several hours, Optus’ CEO was also missing in action, and a two-line statement on the company’s website - that customers without internet couldn’t see - said Optus was “aware of an issue” and was working to resto
A UN expert on why Israel cannot invoke the right to self-defence
Will there ever be peace in the middle east? And if so, how can it be accomplished? This is one of the great questions of our time. Multiple, deadly wars have been fought to try and achieve lasting harmony between people who have been divided for generations. It is at the heart of the latest atrocities that the people in Gaza and Israel have been suffering through, for more than a month.
But the problem, says Dr Francesca Albanese, The United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights in the Pa
Inside Politics: Spectacle aside, has Albanese thawed China's deep freeze?
This week Anthony Albanese completed his first visit to China as prime minister - the first official top-level visit in about seven years.
Greeting Albanese in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Australia and China have “worked out some problems”.
Albanese said the pace of bilateral visits was increasing, and trade has begun to flow more freely between the countries.
It’s a fresh start for Australian-Chinese relations, after a years-long diplomatic and eco
‘Terror alone can kill you’: Life in Gaza now
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will retain "security responsibility" for Gaza, once the fighting stops.
But when will that be? The war with Hamas is now in its second month. Thousands of Gazans have died, many buried beneath rubble, as a result of Israeli airstrikes. The living struggle to find food, shelter and water.For Palestinian-Australians like Samah Sabawi, a poet and a writer living in is Melbourne, it’s a nightmare. Sabawi has 75 family members in Gaza, where
Peter Hartcher on Australia’s reliance on Chinese trade
When Anthony Albanese visited Beijing over the weekend, it was a victory lap, according to some commentators. This was the first visit from an Australian Prime Minister to China in seven years. It marked an end of nearly a generation of China’s multi-pronged attempts to dominate Australia.
But have we been lulled into a false sense of security by Albanese’s so-called victory lap? Are we still too reliant on China?
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the ominous warning ou
How Elon Musk changed X — and what he plans to do with it
It was the deal of a century. Because, when Elon Musk finally bought Twitter for a whopping $44 billion a year ago - and this came only after months of drama, and waffling, and a lawsuit - it ushered in a new era in social media.
A self-confessed “free-speech absolutist”, Musk said that he wanted to create a “digital town square”. So, has he? And if so, who’s populating it?
Today, business columnist Stephen Bartholomeusz on what has arguably been the worst financial deal of the century. And wha
What happens now in the deadly mushrooms case
It was the quiet country lunch that ended with three people dead, and the town’s pastor fighting for his life after police suspect the food they ate was laced with death cap mushrooms.
Last week, there was a significant development in a case so bizarre it has attracted worldwide attention.
The woman accused of hosting the now-infamous lunch, 49-year-old Erin Patterson, was arrested and charged by homicide detectives.
Today, law and justice editor Chris Vedelago on how this latest news unfolded,
The Drop: The Hasan Minhaj controversy, Netflix’s OneFour doco, and a new fine-dining TV drama
They say never let the truth get in the way of a good story, but what about a funny joke? Following on from the New Yorker’s allegations that comedian Hasan Minhaj fabricated stories in his Netflix specials, Osman, Mel and Thomas discuss how much comedians should be allowed to embellish on stage, why Minhaj was fact-checked when other stand-ups aren’t, and where the line is when it comes to “emotional truth.”
Plus, Mel learns about drill rap via the OneFour doco on Netflix, and there’s a new fin
Inside Politics: Why Albanese's first China trip will be a balancing act
On Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will touch down in Beijing for an official visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It’s the first time in six years that an Australian leader has travelled to China, and an important symbolic step in the defrosting of China-Australia relations, after they entered a deep freeze, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe and North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw, on what this means for relations b
How Palestinians and Israelis are viewing this moment
Over the last few days, the war between Israel and Hamas has entered a new stage. The Israeli Defence Force has sent tanks, and troops, into Gaza. At the same time, rage, over civilian deaths, is building around the world.
But what is the mood on the ground, in Israel, and in the Palestinian territories? Foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott just returned from spending two weeks in the region. He witnessed ancient hatreds play out. And met with countless locals.
Toda
Peter Hartcher on Australia’s global power move
Decades ago, the idea that American political leaders might care about what Australia does, or doesn’t do, with its foreign policy decisions was laughable. In fact, former American secretary of state Henry Kissinger once made a joke about it. At our expense.But that was then. Just last week, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was feted at the White House. But it wasn’t just his treatment at an elaborate state dinner, or during informal talks, that has signified a major change in the geop
The murder of Lilie James and the conversation we can't keep having
Last week, Lilie James, a water polo coach at an elite school in Sydney, was found dead. Her death sent shock waves not just through her school community, but across Australia.
In part, it was because of her youth, and innocence. She was only 21, and was found dead in the school in which she worked.
The man suspected of killing her was a fellow staff member, with whom she had had a brief relationship.
But as shocked as people are, James’ death touches on a much wider problem in our country.
To
This year will likely be the hottest in 100,000 years
Many of us know that the last year has been calamitous. We know this from our own visceral experience - the unseasonably warm days in winter and even in spring, that tell us that the climate has gone haywire. And then there’s the news. For instance, that more than 16.5 million hectares of Canada has burned this year.
So when a large team of scientists says that even they were stunned by the temperatures around the world this year - that this year will probably go down as the hottest in 100,000 y
Inside Politics: Albanese goes to Washington
This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Washington, DC, for meetings with US President Joe Biden.
Top of the agenda for discussion was the AUKUS submarines deal. Albanese also wanted to talk about the trade of critical minerals, commodities which represent a growing export market for Australia.
Back on the home front, Indigenous leaders emerged from their week of silence following the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.
Bruce Wolpe, senior fellow at the United States Studies Ce
The models boycotting Melbourne Fashion Week
For years, we’ve been hearing about how the Australian fashion industry has changed. How it’s increasingly embracing diversity, in magazine shoots and on the runway.
But behind the scenes, black models paint a very different picture. They say they’re paid less than their white counterparts. That they’re subject to prejudice and disrespect.
Which is why, this week, more than a dozen local models are boycotting Melbourne Fashion Week. They’re fed up with the treatment they receive that, says one
Peter Hartcher on what history can tell us about what's next for Gaza
It’s been nearly three weeks since Hamas launched its bloody attack on Israel. And a ground invasion of Gaza is “inevitable”, the Israeli Defence Force said the other day, unless Hamas surrenders unconditionally.
But what will an incursion into Gaza mean for the people there? How many people might lose their lives? And can horror lead to peace in the Middle East?
International and political editor Peter Hartcher says that previous conflicts foreshadow what might happen after Israeli troops hit
Donald Trump, an Australian billionaire and the secret tapes
Anthony Pratt, one of Australia’s richest men, was once given advice by the boxing champion Muhammad Ali. If you get in a fight - run. But now, Anthony Pratt might not have that chance.
Until now, Pratt was known for heading up Australia’s second biggest private company. But then came October 5, when it was revealed that former American president Donald Trump had allegedly revealed state secrets to Pratt, in a secret meeting. Secrets he had no business hearing, even if he’s not accused of break
Should electric vehicle owners pay tax like everyone else?
Last week, a High Court ruling sent many state governments into a tailspin.
It was Victoria that was rapped on the knuckles, legally, after the court ruled that a tax it imposed on users of electric vehicles was illegal.
But this decision could cost the states billions. Because the ruling has opened the way for potential challenges to all kinds of state taxes, from gaming, to car registration.
Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on the political fight that has resulted from trying
The Drop: Why Killers of the Flower Moon is Martin Scorcese's most important film
From Goodfellas to Taxi Driver, The Wolf of Wall Street to The Departed, Martin Scorcese has made some of the biggest and best films in Hollywood history. But his latest film, Killers of the Flowers Moon, which focuses on a series of murders in the US in the 1920s could be the director at his very best.
Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss (spoiler-free) the Killers of the Flower Moon, and why it feels so important in this current moment. They compare notes on Scorsese's body of work, talk about their
Inside Politics: After the referendum and amid a war, it's not a normal week in politics
Politics this week was dominated by the aftermath of, and the fallout from, the contentious referendum on the Voice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced pressure from the Opposition to explain what his position was on treaty and truth-telling, the other two parts of the Uluru Statement that outlined the vision for the failed Voice to Parliament.
Separately, the conflict in Israel caused tension in Canberra. The parliament passed a motion condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel, but the
Israel's "devilish" choice: What an army expert says about rescuing the hostages
It is, say many, the most complicated hostage-taking situation in recent memory.
When Hamas first attacked Israel nearly two weeks ago, it took what was believed to be around 100 hostages. Men, women and children. Many snatched from their beds.
Now, the Israeli government says the number stands at more like 199 hostages.
Their loved ones wait in anguish for any news.
Today, former Australian army officer and middle east analyst Rodger Shanahan on the unique challenge the Israeli defence force
Peter Hartcher on why Israel needs to show restraint, and what happens if it doesn't
It’s now 11 days since Israel began bombing Gaza, in retaliation for the gruesome attack on Israel by Hamas.
Until recently, Israel’s allies have been reluctant to call on the country to temper its response to the militant group. But now that appears to be changing.
The world’s lens is starting to shift away from the atrocities suffered by Israel. And towards Gaza, where the number of innocent civilians dying increases with every passing day.
Today, political and international editor Peter Hart
What an Israeli ground offensive will mean for Gaza
The Israeli Defence Force is preparing to invade the Gaza strip, and attack by “air, sea and land.”
This comes days after the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, launched an unprecedented and bloody attack on Israel.
Hamas fighters kidnapped Israeli women, men and children from their homes. And left more than 1,500 Israelis dead in their wake.
But on the other side of the border from Israel, Palestinian civilians are enmeshed in a devastating humanitarian crisis.
Today, chief reporter Jordan Ba
The Voice failed in under 90 minutes, but it’s been failing in slow motion all year
The Australian people have spoken. They do not want an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament enshrined in our constitution.
But how did we come to this result? Were our votes determined by our age, socio-economic status and political allegiances? By where we live? By fear, or, conversely, hope?
And where do we go from here? Is “reconciliation dead”, as one key ‘Yes’ advocate has claimed? Has this result “poisoned” our nation, in a way that cannot be remedied? Or does it leave
Inside Politics: Is Australia really prepared for the outcome of the Voice referendum?
Tomorrow, Australia will decide the fate of the Voice to parliament, when we turn out to vote in the historic referendum on Indigenous recognition. All the polling shows that the Voice referendum will fail to pass, which will represent a hugely significant moment in the history of reconciliation.
Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe, and The Age and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Sean Kelly join Jacqueline Maley to discuss what happens after the referendum, and what the Voice debate
'A constant state of panic and fear': The fight to stamp out gay conversion therapy in Australia
It is a practice that some people say has ruined their lives. For others, it has led to long-lasting mental and physical anguish. So why is gay conversion therapy banned in some states of Australia, and perfectly legal in others?
NSW premier Chris Minns made an election promise that he would ban gay conversion practices, if he were to be elected. That was in February this year.
Since then, LGTBQ advocates have faced off against some religious groups that have opposed the ban. While others fear a
Why this Israel-Hamas war is different, and what’s next
Over the weekend, the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, achieved what no one thought was possible.
Under the cover of a hail of thousands of deadly missiles that overwhelmed Israel’s vaunted Iron Dome defences, invading Hamas militants freely roamed residential streets. They took dozens of Israeli civilians at will, and left hundreds dead.
Since then, Israel has responded with force, launching airstrikes that killed nearly 300 Palestinians in 24 hours. The country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin N
Revealed: The key reasons Australians are voting No on the Voice
Just days away from one of the most significant referenda on the rights and recognition of Australia’s Indigenous people, new polling is still showing the proposal is heading for a defeat.
Though support has risen on the proposal to enshrine, in the Constitution, a group that would advise parliament on policy and laws affecting First Nations people, a clear majority of Australians have turned against the Voice.
For the first time our exclusive polling, in the Resolve Political Monitor, has explo
Australia’s energy debate is going nuclear
When many of us think about nuclear energy, disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima naturally come to mind.
But now, some of our most powerful politicians are arguing that nuclear energy is just the ticket for solving Australia’s energy crisis.
So, is it realistic to build nuclear reactors here? And if so, what about the risks?
Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on whether there’s a good enough case for introducing an energy source that was banned in Australia 25 years ago.Subs
The Drop: 'Beckham', the problem with celebrity docos, and a hidden prestige TV gem
Netflix's latest blockbuster sports documentary, directed by Succession's Fisher Stevens, is about the life and career of David Beckham, and his relationship with Victoria (aka Posh Spice), Osman, Thomas and Mel review Beckham, discuss what makes a sports documentary and talk about whether celebrities have too much control when it comes to telling the story of their lives before sharing their favourite sports docos of all time. Then they dig into The Gold, a gripping heist drama that deserves mo
Inside Politics: Was Peter Dutton as tough on borders as he seemed?
On Wednesday, the Albanese government announced the biggest reforms to Australia's visa system in more than a decade.
The government crackdown will see $50 million spent on tougher compliance and permanent investigation teams in a bid to stamp out criminal exploitation of the migration industry.
The new measures are part of the government’s formal response to a report by former police commissioner Christine Nixon into the exploitation of the visa system.
Will the crackdown end the criminal act
What our history of failed referendums says about us
This week, early voting began for the Voice to parliament referendum at centres across the country.
Support for an Indigenous voice to parliament seems to have been in a steady decline since last year. But now, a new poll suggests the Yes vote has - for the first time in many months - gained some ground.
We won’t know the outcome of this latest referendum until next weekend.
But we can glean a lot of insight from our history. In particular, the 44 constitutional referendums we’ve had, in additio
Why the US is abandoning Ukraine
Over the weekend, the American government narrowly avoided - by only a matter of minutes - a total shut-down. This might not be uncommon these days. It’s happened numerous times over the last decade.
But this time it’s different. Because a virtual civil war has erupted within the Republican party, one that, according to some commentators, is unprecedented.
So, what will this mean for the United States? And the rest of us?
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how this chaos
What Anthony Albanese’s COVID inquiry won’t tell you, but a new book will
Ever since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a long-anticipated inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, accusations about it have ricocheted across the nation.
Why aren’t the state and territory leaders being compelled to give evidence? And why won’t some of the more extreme pandemic measures, like lockdowns and border control fines, be scrutinised?
Entering this void is a new book, which comes out today. Life As We Knew It: The Extraordinary Story of Australia’s Pandemic, takes us through s
How an assassination triggered a stand-off between two of Australia’s closest allies
For the last couple of weeks, the relationship between India and Canada has been crumbling, with each government lobbing extraordinary accusations against the other. They claim acts of espionage and terrorism.
The match that lit the powder keg of tensions was a murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada. It’s thrown a spotlight on a relatively obscure protest movement, which aims to create a new homeland for Sikhs. And has now stretched beyond the borders of India.
Today, we speak with North Asia cor
The Drop: How Taylor Swift conquered... everything
Taylor Swift has already dominated the cultural conversation in 2023 and now she's turning her attention to professional sports, with a surprise appearance at an NFL match leading to a global meltdown. Osman, Thomas and Mel break down what exactly this crossover event means for pop culture and Swift, and why everyone is obsessed with Travis Kelce.Plus, they discuss the end of the Hollywood writers' strike, and share their recommendations in Impress Your Friends.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https:
Inside Politics: The end of the most powerful man in Canberra?
Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo became widely known this week when The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes published a cache of text messages between him and a former Liberal power broker, Scott Briggs.
The messages, which span many years, seem to show that Pezzullo used Briggs as a conduit between himself and former Coalition prime ministers Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull.
Pezzullo was stood down and an investigation is pending, but questions remain about the power of unel
Has Rupert Murdoch chosen the right successor?
Rupert Murdoch has long been more than simply an uber-wealthy media magnate. As the owner of influential outlets like Fox News and a global stable of newspapers, he has helped put presidents in the White House. And, in Canberra, take prime ministers out of parliament house.
So what will happen now - to both the media, and to politicians - now that Murdoch has stepped down from his role leading both News Corp and Fox Corporation? And his son, Lachlan Murdoch, has taken over? Today, senior corresp
Why did Daniel Andrews resign early, and what’s next for Victoria?
Yesterday Daniel Andrews announced his resignation as the Victorian premier. This was a snap declaration, made in a press conference outside the Victorian state parliament, and was organised only 40 minutes beforehand. First, we speak to state political editor Annika Smethurst about why he’s resigned, why now and what it means for Victoria. Then we’ll air an episode from late last year, just ahead of the Victorian state election. In that episode, state political reporter Rachel Eddie interviewed
How bad will the bushfires be this year?
The Climate Council already warned us in February that Australia was “primed to burn” this summer.
But just how bad are things likely to get in NSW and Victoria? Are we likely to see a return to the destruction of the Black Summer fires of nearly four years ago, which burnt millions of hectares of land in NSW and killed at least 34 people?
Or are the conditions ripe for an event like the Black Saturday fires in Victoria, 15 years ago, which killed 173 people?
Today, national science reporter
How a top public servant used WhatsApp to reshape governments
For months our newspapers have been laying out the operational failures in the federal Department of Home Affairs.
Now, an exclusive investigation conducted by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes can reveal allegations that the man who heads up the Department of Home Affairs tried to use back channels to shape governments and build his own political empire.
Today, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie on Michael Pezzullo, and how power and influence really work in the halls of Pa
The Drop: The Russell Brand allegations and the cult of celebrity
A years long investigation into Russell Brand has seen the actor, comedian and controversial commentator accused of sexual assault by multiple women. Brand denies the allegations, but this week a number of examples of him acting inappropriately towards women have resurfaced. Osman, Thomas and Mel unpack Brand's rise to fame, why his behaviour was never reined in and what his career, and the allegations against him, reveal about celebrity culture.
Plus, we introduce a new segment: Impress Your Fr
Inside Politics: Win or lose, what comes after the Voice?
The countdown to the Voice referendum is on - it is only three weeks away this Saturday. This week we saw a fragmentation of the No campaign with a dispute over the issue of treaty, as well as a powerful endorsement of the Yes case from one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes.
Right now, the Voice dominates debate, but in a month the political caravan will be moving on, whatever the result of the referendum, and post-referendum politics is likely to centre around the economy, and its uncert
Could Hunter Biden be Joe Biden’s undoing?
For four years now, Joe Biden has had a niggling problem that has threatened his ability to function as president.
Since 2019, there have been rumours floating around that his son, Hunter Biden, has capitalised on access to his famous father in business dealings with people in Ukraine and China.
Then, last week, Hunter was indicted on federal firearms charges, for which he faces a possible criminal trial.
Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on whether the activities of Hunter Biden cou
Peter Hartcher on what Australia stands to lose in the Pacific
A number of Pacific Island nations, which sit right on our doorstep, are dangerously close to slipping into the oceans, as they continue to rise.
In response, a number of their governments issued a proposal last week to Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong. They want their citizens to enjoy visa-free travel to and from Australia and New Zealand.
But, how much support do these nations have from us? Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on who is standing in the way of helpi
Claw and order: Are cats villains or victims in the war on feral animals?
Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate of any continent. And cats are high on the list of just who, or what is to blame.
Various politicians have been bemoaning this reality for years. But the killing of our native wildlife has continued, virtually unabated.
Now, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has a new plan of attack. It targets not just feral cats, which Plibersek called walking, stalking, ruthless killers, but pet cats, too.
The move is pitting wildlife researchers, who are happ
Could an unexpected group of delegates set Julian Assange free?
It’s been 17 years since Julian Assange created Wikileaks, the online publisher of classified documents that has changed politics forever. For eleven of those years, Assange has either been in hiding, or in prison.
But why is Assange still in prison? When American whistleblower, Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years for leaking secret government files to Wikileaks, has already been set free?
Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on the unusual group of
The Drop: Has Olivia Rodrigo really dropped the album of the year? Plus, celeb relationship chaos season is here
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is back with her second album Guts, and it’s receiving rave reviews. Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss reaction to the album, the drama surrounding it, and what it says about the state of pop music right now. Plus, some of the insane celebrity relationship drama making headlines recently, and what it tells us about the state of humanity and our own brains. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Politics: Truth and lies in The Voice campaign
Dirty tactics and accusations of racism: after months of increasingly strident argument, this might have been the week that debate about the Voice referendum officially got nasty.
On Tuesday, our reporter Paul Sakkal published a story about the deceptive tactics of the No campaign - Its volunteers are instructed to ring voters and sow misinformation, by telling them the Voice might be used to push for financial reparations.
Then it was reported that Indigenous leader Marcia Langton told a foru
Ross Gittins on how big businesses are enslaving us
Australians haven’t been shy in expressing their rage at Qantas, and the fact that the company made billions in profits over the last year, while it continues to leave them stranded and frustrated.
But, here’s the thing. Qantas is far from the only big business behaving badly. The list has been growing for years now.
Today, economics editor Ross Gittins, on how big business got out of control - and why it should be serving, rather than enslaving us.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.
Peter Hartcher on why China wants more food. And why this is bad for the world.
We’ve been hearing, for a while now, about how China is making moves consistent with its intention to become a global power, to rival the United States. How it’s beefing up its military arsenal. And claiming sovereignty over more and more areas in the South China Sea, which other countries say belong to them.
But if this is the case, why did China’s president, Xi Jinping, ditch one of the most important yearly summits, with other global leaders over the weekend?
Today, international and politic
Voters continue to turn against the Voice – and Albanese along with it
We’re now less than five weeks away from the referendum on the Voice to parliament. But as a new and exclusive poll for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed yesterday, voters continue to walk away from supporting the proposed amendment to the constitution.This comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the splashy ‘Yes’ video campaign, featuring the iconic John Farnham song You’re The Voice. And, after the prime minister has stated that we’re now in the period when the Yes ca
The secret deals to privatise the sea
It’s a controversial new industry being built right under our noses. By a cast of characters who sound like they’re straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. We’re talking about deep-sea mining.
It is the last frontier on earth yet to be mined for riches. Many argue that deep sea mining will benefit the environment. But others, like world-famous environmentalist David Attenborough, say that it’s unthinkable to embark on this practice until its environmental impact is better understood.
Today, j
The Drop: From Kylie to Leo - everything to watch, listen to and read this spring
Osman, Thomas and Mel share what films, television, books and music they are most looking forward to over the next few months. From Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon to Olivia Rodrigo's Guts and Britney Spears memoir The Woman in Me, here's the pop culture you don't want to miss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Politics: A week is a long time when you're the Albanese government
It used to be one of Australia’s most beloved brands, synonymous with the national character, and what it means to come home…but now Qantas is the most complained-about company in Australia, and the Albanese government has been dragged into the controversy.
So why has Qantas lost the love of the Australian public? And how much collateral damage is being done to the Albanese government?
Plus, why pharmacists are heckling the government, and an update on the Voice referendum.
Today, reporter on d
Peter Hartcher on the new world map that's causing an uproar
What happens when a global economic power spits the dummy?
It has been a pertinent question ever since China decided to pull out of a number of upcoming and crucial global meetings. And in the process, enrage many of its neighbours.
It all began when China released a new map just over a week ago.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what impact this new map will have on Australia, and the sort of havoc that geopolitical tantrums have unleashed in the past.Subscribe to
What the end of Alan Joyce means for Qantas
Today, Qantas’ outgoing boss Alan Joyce will leave the airline after 15 years at the helm. His tenure has been nothing if not dramatic.
Three years ago, he steered the company away from ruin, only 11 weeks out from having to declare bankruptcy. Nine days ago, Joyce faced allegations of improper government influence and anti-competitive practices at an explosive senate hearing. And now, as he’s about to pocket an eye-watering bonus, Alan Joyce leaves countless enraged consumers in his wake.
So, h
For decades, China had a one-child policy. Now one man is paying women to have babies
For decades, we’ve read about China’s one-child policy, and the often traumatic impact it has had on the country’s citizens. Of the forced sterilisations, and babies abandoned in orphanages.
But now, decades after that policy was first put into place, China is battling a different problem. Namely, a fertility collapse that has led to a drastic decline in the economy and innovation. And now the challenge to convince its citizens to have more babies.
Today, North Asia correspondent, Eryk Bagshaw,
The bus ride that shaped a generation
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally announced that the referendum on the Voice to parliament will be held on October 14. We are less than six weeks out until the referendum. And there seems to still be a lot we don’t know. About the way people - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous - feel the Voice will impact them.
This is what one of our journalists discovered during a recent trip to three towns in regional NSW. In 1965, these towns were pivotal stops on the so-called Freedom Rid
The Drop: The wild story behind the No. 1 hit polarising the world
The biggest song in the world right now is Rich Men North of Richmond, a controversial country anthem. But is it's success really organic, or is it part of a right-wing plot to take over the charts?
Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss the song's popularity and its politics amid the massive surge country music is experiencing. Songs from Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are dominating the charts, representing a significant shift away from pop and hip-hop.
So why is country so popular right now, and what do
Inside Politics: Will the Voice referendum succeed on an idea without the detail?
This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially revealed the date of the referendum on the Voice to Parliament - October 14.
Albanese gave a minimalist speech, focusing on what the Yes campaign says is the simplicity and the modesty of its request for Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people.
So how did the launch go? How was it received and what was the political fallout?
Plus, the pay rise our federal politicians just received - the largest in nearly a decade.
Today, national aff
The prime minister, the Qantas boss, and an enraged public
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is, arguably, one of Australia’s most criticised executives. That his airline announced a record $2.47 billion in profits, over the last financial year, when so many Australians are struggling with the cost of living, hasn’t helped his reputation.But, it isn’t just his famously ruthless business acumen that is currently making headlines around the country. Instead, Alan Joyce is currently at the centre of a scandal which questions whether he has undue influence over Prime M
Why the moon is about to get busy
We’re in the midst of a new space race. A week and a half ago, Russia and India were in a neck-and-neck race to reach the moon.Then Russia’s spacecraft crashed. Four days later, in a moment that has been celebrated worldwide, India’s craft, successfully landed on the moon. Or, as it’s now being called, “the hottest real estate in the solar system”.But why are so many countries now racing towards the moon? After all, it’s been 54 years since NASA landed a man on the dusty lunar surface. And these
'Hunting Traitors to the ends of the earth': Vladimir Putin and the Wagner crash
Over the weekend we finally received confirmation that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, is dead.
It comes days after speculation ran rife about whether the warlord had indeed been in his private jet when it fell out of the sky in a stream of white smoke six days ago.
Head of the Wagner Group, the most notorious mercenary group in the world, Yevgeny Prigozhin rose from peddling hot dogs to supporting Vladimir Putin’s bloody bid for Russia’s expansion. That is, until he “made serious mistakes
The curious tale of the British Museum's disappearing collection
Who robbed the British Museum? And how did they get away with it for so long? The news that the world’s largest, and arguably most prestigious, history museum was robbed made global headlines.
It’s no wonder. It’s home to, among other precious artefacts, the Rosetta Stone. As in, the stone that was originally discovered by Napoleon’s soldiers, and later taught the world, for the first time, how to read Egyptian hieroglyphs.
So, just what was stolen? And how? Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harr
The Drop: Twenty years ago, The O.C. changed television forever
Welcome back to The O.C. b—ch! It's been twenty years since The O.C. hit screens and the time has come to revisit Newport, California.
On this episode of The Drop Osman, Mel and Thomas discuss the hit series, examining its cultural impact at the time, the importance of its legacy today and how the shows sound track influenced the musical taste of a generation.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Politics: This is a snapshot of Australia in 2060. And it’s terrifying
An ageing population, declining living standards, and a climate that is getting hellishly hot - these are just some the bleak takeaways from Australia’s latest Intergenerational Report.
According to the report, there will be forty million people in Australia by 2060 and the main spending pressures on the Budget will grow from one-third to one half of all Commonwealth government spending.
Today, senior economics reporter Shane Wright and chief political correspondent David Crowe on Australia’s po
Pretty much everywhere, it’s gonna be hot
You might have forgotten it's still winter.
It was 24 degrees and sunny in Sydney earlier this week. In Melbourne, the forecast for tomorrow is 20 degrees.
We are living through some of the hottest times on record. In fact, this past July was the hottest month ever recorded.
But while this mid-winter warmth may come as a pleasant surprise, climate experts say it signals a troubling future for humans.
Today, National Environment and Climate Editor on Nick O’Malley on the dangers these high temper
Can Australia avoid a war by preparing for one?
How can Australia avoid being dragged into a war with China? Is building up our own military the best way to manage what is, diplomatically speaking, a relationship with a “frenemy”? And not just any frenemy, but one armed with nuclear weapons?
This is Australia’s current tactic, cemented on Monday, when the Albanese government announced that it was going ahead with its plan to buy cruise missiles from the United States. Even though Beijing has previously claimed that our acquisition of these mi
Why are thousands of students enrolled in college, but not studying?
They stand largely empty, hiding in plain sight, their little-used classrooms scattered through office buildings in cities across the country. In the exploding foreign education industry, they call them ‘ghost colleges’.
These colleges are supposed to be providing tens of thousands of international students with an education. But in reality, many of them are near deserted.
Today, investigative reporter Clay Lucas joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to talk about his months-long investigation into the
An enemy of Putin speaks from his jail cell
What happens, on a visceral level, if you defy Vladimir Putin?
In his first Australian media interview from prison since being jailed last year, one of Russia’s most high profile dissidents has been able to give us the answer.
Ilya Yashin is a two-decades-long veteran of Russia’s anti-Putin opposition. A former leader of the People’s Freedom Party, he rose to prominence during mass protests against fraudulent elections, and Putin’s return to presidency. More recently he has spoken out against t
Inside Politics: Labor’s big day out
Today, Labor’s national conference officially begins. Held in Brisbane over two days, it’s Labor’s first face-to-face national conference in five years.
Around 2000 Labor politicians, party members and unionists, will meet to discuss some of the most important issues in our politics right now: The Voice, housing, AUKUS and the climate, to name a few.
Today, national affairs editor James Massola and chief political correspondent David Crowe on what decisions or flashpoints could come out of Labor
Caroline Kennedy on Trump, Julian Assange and the threat of China
When JFK was assassinated in 1963, his ambition to be the first sitting American president to visit Australia died with him.
But for the last year, his daughter, Caroline Kennedy, has served as the American ambassador to Australia. She’s here during a particularly critical time for the alliance between the United States and Australia, which is arguably more important for our safety than at any time since World War II.
Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on
Matildas mania has swept Australia. Can they go all the way?
We are now firmly in the grip of Matildas mania. Close to 50,000 people were in the stands in Brisbane watching the team battle France on Saturday. More than 4.7 million people tuned in to watch the live TV broadcast of the match. And hundreds of thousands more streamed the match at pubs and clubs around the country.
So, how will the Matildas summon the energy, and focus, to do it all again tonight?
Today, sports reporter Marnie Vinall, on what tactics the women in green and gold might use, in o
'Attenzione pickpocket!': Viral do-gooder or racial profiler?
She’s the TikTok sensation nobody saw coming. Monica Poli, a middle-age Venetian woman, has racked up millions of views on social media, for videos in which she screams at local thieves, in order to chase them away from tourists.
Videos taken in her local train station, or crowded square, shows how her screaming sends suspected pickpockets running, turning up their hoods to cover their faces. Her screeches have been turned into viral memes. Even a dance track.
But, lately, some unexpected facts
Are you living in the most powerful state?
How powerful is the state that you live in? And does it matter? The answer might surprise you. Because wealth, population size and even a headline-grabbing premier aren’t what determine whether your state comes out on top.
Today, National Affairs Editor, James Massola, on how our most primal needs, and desires, are wrapped up in what we think about state power. And how our sense of competition is embedded into the fabric of our nation.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See
The Drop: Asteroid City and the cult of Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson is back with his 11th feature film, the star-studded Asteroid City.
On this episode of The Drop, Osman, Thomas and Mel review the film, discuss how it compares to the rest of Anderson's filmography, and talk about the director's aesthetic and how it's influenced social media and the broader culture.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Politics: Labor comes to the party on renting, but is it enough?
After years and years - maybe even a lifetime of neglect by politicians - renters are finally getting noticed.
This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brought his focus to renters, when he promised to negotiate with National Cabinet next week to come up with a plan to strengthen renters’ rights across the country.
This comes after months of pressure from the Greens over rental rights, as the government tries to secure Greens’ support for its $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.
Today,
The mysterious mushroom deaths gripping the nation
Last week, a family sat down for a lunch in a small town in Victoria’s south-east. But that lunch would soon turn into a tragedy.
Within a week, three of those people would be dead - and one would be in hospital in critical condition. All of them suffered symptoms consistent with the ingestion of death cap mushrooms.
Today, crime reporter Marta Pascual Juanola joins me to discuss the mushroom poisoning case gripping the nation. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnyst
The wrecking ball of the Lehrmann-Higgins saga keeps swinging
It’s the case that wrecks the lives of everyone it touches and spawns a seemingly never-ending cascade of legal action.
Such is the reputational damage and emotional devastation that has ensued since Brittany Higgins alleged that Bruce Lerhmann, her former Liberal staffer colleague raped her in Parliament house. Lehrmann has always strenuously denied the accusation.
Today, senior writer Jacqueline Maley, on how an inquiry into this trial, which was hoped would spearhead an overhaul of parliament
Can extinctions be reversed?
Australia has the highest extinction rate of mammals in the world. But what does this erasure actually do to us? It’s more profound than many of us realise.
It’s not just that our country has lost 33 species of its unique mammals since colonisation in 1788. Their eradication has also changed the wider environment in which we live. Even changed what we, and our children, know to be true about the world. Today, National Environment and Climate Editor Nick O’Malley on how one group of conservation
The cocaine boom behind Sydney’s gang wars
Over the last couple of months, Sydney’s streets have been plagued by murder after murder.
They’re a byproduct of turf warfare, linked to the lucrative cocaine trade. We’ve seen this carnage before, in various parts of NSW. But we’re now in the midst of an unprecedented cocaine boom. And experts have warned that the violence it attracts is likely to grow rather than recede.
Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on what’s behind these latest killings. And why Sydney, more than anywhere else in the w
The Drop: Should we care about the Logies? Plus, The Bear's perfect final course
After one of the most controversial Logies in recent memory, Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss whether Australian TV's night-of-nights still matters, and what it tells us about the state of the industry.
They also unpack what Sonia Kruger winning the Gold Logie means, given her controversial comments about Muslim immigration.
Plus, a discussion about the second half of The Bear season two, which Thomas and Osman think could be better than Succession.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.
Inside Politics: Is Donald Trump going to jail?
On Tuesday, in the Federal District Court in Washington DC, special counsel Jack Smith filed an indictment against former US president Donald Trump, for his role in the violent aftermath of the 2020 US election.
Trump faces four criminal charges related to alleged conspiracies to overturn the results of the 2020 election and obstruct the process of certification of those results on January 6 2021, the day of the violent Capitol riot.
If convicted, Trump could potentially go to jail for decades
Is the US hiding evidence of discovered UFOs?
Is it possible that the United States government has been hiding evidence of discovered UFOs? And even biological matter of non-human origin that it has also found? These were the jaw-dropping claims made, last week, by an American whistleblower and former intelligence officer.
David Grusch’s testimony was at the heart of a US congressional hearing, held last week, to discuss sightings and evidence of what is now being called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.
Today, Dr James Murray, programs di
'Let her be a doll': Processing the mixed messages in Barbie
It’s the movie that’s launched a thousand think pieces, and more than a few analytic hit jobs. Ever since Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster hit, Barbie, debuted in a pink fever dream of merchandise tie-ins and red carpet film premieres, people have hotly debated the film’s merits, and potential dangers.
Is Barbie, a “feminist film”, as Greta Gerwig has declared? A timely satire that skewers the problematic aspects of Barbie’s legacy and highlights our culture’s fraught gender relations? Or is it most
Never heard of ‘drip pricing’? You’ve probably still fallen for it
We’re all feeling the pinch these days when we fill up our shopping baskets.
The check-out prices can make you do a double take. Maybe you’ve attributed this to inflation or getting sucked into buying name brands.
But did you know about the marketing practice that convinces us to spend even more than we’d planned? It’s a so-called “dark strategy” known as “drip pricing”. And it’s everywhere.
Today, explainer reporter Angus Holland on the psychological tools many companies now use to make us pay
‘Weeping and humiliated’: when new mothers are rushed out of hospital
Shell-shocked, stitched up and bleeding. This is how health reporter Henrietta Cook describes the situation she was in, only 19 hours after giving birth to her first child, The problem? Rather than being tended to in hospital, she’d been discharged already. Instead, she was stuck in peak hour traffic, dazed and inching along a main road on her way home.
But she’s far from alone. Almost half of mothers in Australia are now discharged from hospital one day or less after having an uncomplicated va
Inside Politics: Interest rates in spotlight as parliament resumes
After five weeks of rest and relaxation - for some, at least - federal parliamentarians will return to Canberra on Monday for another sitting fortnight.
Besides the resumption of question time, expect heated debate on Labor’s next round of industrial relation reforms, which include plans to convert thousands of casuals into permanent employees.
Also looming large over parliament is the Reserve Bank’s next decision on interest rates, as the board meets on Tuesday to discuss whether to hold fast o
Peter Hartcher on Oppenheimer and the threat of nuclear attack
Who would have thought a film about the advent of the nuclear bomb would capture our imaginations in the way it has? Not to mention our fears.
Oppenheimer, the film starring Cillian Murphy, was released last week, almost 78 years to the day that the first atomic bomb was detonated over a dusty plain in New Mexico.
And since the film’s blockbuster release, it’s led to debate among experts around the globe. Just how imminent is the threat of nuclear attack?
The director of Oppenheimer says his f
‘Microscopic’: the difference between a luxury bag and a superfake
Some people save for years just to have one. For others, it’s a reward for achieving a significant milestone. We’re talking about luxury handbags. The sort from designers like Gucci, Prada and Hermes, that, at the highest end, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But now there’s a new trend. Superfakes. They’re counterfeit designer bags, but not like you remember. These aren’t cheap knock-offs from markets. They’re virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Sold as the real thing. An
How millions of dollars in detention money went to Pacific politicians
Australia's Home Affairs Department used vast sums of taxpayer money to fund suspect payments to powerful Pacific Island politicians, specifically to run offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island.
A major investigation by The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald has found a secret money trail beginning in Home Affairs coffers and ending with payments to bank accounts controlled by powerful Pacific Island politicians.
The payments were made by companies engaged by the governmen
The agony and ecstasy of dating during a financial crisis
Remember dating? Or rather, dating before the cost of a rockmelon made you wince? Before handing over your rent made you feel like you were thrust into the middle of a horror movie?
It’s been somewhat lost within all the discussion around the cost of living crisis just what an impact it’s had on people trying to make a romantic connection. Maybe even meet their life partner.
Today, culture and lifestyle reporter Nell Geraets on what happens when financial struggles meet sexual tension. And when
Good Weekend Talks: Tracey Spicer on artificial intelligence, misogyny in the media and living with long covid
On today’s episode, we speak with former broadcaster Tracy Spicer about artificial intelligence, misogyny in the media and what it’s like living with long COVID. Her latest book, Man-Made, examines the rapidly developing world of technology, which she says is fraught with danger, posing a real risk to the gains made by the civil rights movement. And hosting this conversation about bias in machine learning, living with a disability and indigenous women as the world’s first coders - is senior cult
Inside Politics: Can the government fix Australia’s education system?
Education Minister Jason Clare has announced the beginning of an overhaul of higher education. He said the changes were critical for the future of the country.
An interim report on universities has made several short term recommendations, including letting students who fail half their subjects keep government subsidies, and opening new study hubs across the regions and outer suburbs.
Also this week, the official yes and no arguments for The Voice referendum were finally released, and we take a l
Why Hollywood is on strike
Hollywood is on strike. Over the last week, we’ve seen some of the biggest stars in the business marching in picket lines in New York and Los Angeles, and speaking out.
So, what is behind this outpouring of anger and sense of betrayal being felt not just by thousands of Hollywood actors, but by even more of its writers?
Today, culture reporter Thomas Mitchell on what’s behind this historic Hollywood shutdown, and just how long it may last.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.a
Will a new RBA governor mean interest rate relief?
The cost of living crisis has been crushing countless Australians, emotionally and financially, for more than a year now.
Nearly every day, we read stories about the social avalanche that’s been set off by this crisis. About how the staggeringly high cost of petrol, groceries and rent is leading many young Australians to take insecure employment, instead of further study, in order to support their families. About those now putting off having children or becoming homeless, thanks, in part, to a
The Coalition’s ‘unusual’ $20 billion research fund
Winning public funding for scientific research in Australia is usually a bare-knuckle business. A typical researcher will spend months every year just writing applications; peer-reviewers are brutal, and success rates for grants are often less than 10 per cent.
But since 2015, Australia has had another path. The $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund was offering hundreds of millions for scientific projects. It was heralded as a huge boost to the Australian science sector. Until now.
An invest
Good Weekend Talks: Author Tim Winton on his fight to save Ningaloo
This week, we speak to writer Tim Winton about his campaign to save the remote, pristine ecosystems around Ningaloo, in north-west Western Australia.
The award-winning author has produced a documentary about the battle to protect this beautiful reef and the land that surrounds it from numerous threats including salt mines, oil and gas pipelines and a deep water port proposed for the middle of a humpback whale refuge.
Hosting the conversation is Good Weekend senior writer Tim Elliott.Subscribe to
Gaslighting, boundaries and the manipulation of 'therapy-speak'
Therapy-speak. It’s an umbrella term for any kind of psychological phrasing - and it’s not a new concept, but it’s certainly becoming harder to ignore.
From gaslighting to love bombing, from “holding space” for some friends to protecting ourselves from “toxic” others, therapy-speak has changed the way we discuss our most intimate relationships.
And it’s in the spotlight again after pro-surfer Sarah Brady released alleged text messages from her former partner, actor and comedian Jonah Hill.
Today
Inside Politics: The robo-debt revelations are damning. Who will be held responsible?
After nine weeks of hearings involving 115 witnesses, the robo-debt royal commission report was published last week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Commissioner Catherine Holmes did not hold back in her assessment of the failings of former government ministers and senior public servants who implemented a scheme to claw back $1.7 billion from more than 500,000 welfare recipients.
The Prime Minister said this report exposed the human tragedy of the scheme, and the government would work throu
The turf wars: why golf courses are dividing our cities
The Government has promised to take on the housing crisis, but many are asking how they will deliver the new housing needed for our cities, and indeed where those new houses might be built.
The growing populations in Sydney and Melbourne mean increased attention is being paid to golf courses, as large, sparsely used pieces on land, often in prime locations.While golf courses look ripe for housing development, green groups and local communities often advocate that golf courses become public park
Threads has exploded like no platform in history. But will it kill Twitter?
Last week, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram released a new app: Threads. It became the most rapidly downloaded app ever, amassing a whopping 30 million downloads in just 16 hours.
Threads is a text-based social media conversation app similar to Twitter. In fact, some are calling Threads the “Twitter killer” because the similarities between the platforms are so uncanny.
So what’s behind Threads’ enormous popularity? Can it last? And will it spell the end of Twitter?
Today, cu
The real reason young Australians aren’t having children
For years now, fertility rates in Australia have been dropping.
Access to cheap contraception, along with better education and career prospects meant women started having babies a little later in life - and fewer of them.
But now there are new reasons. Experts believe the most recent decline in the fertility rate is also a bellwether of unique contemporary challenges facing young workers.
Today, senior economics writer Matt Wade on whether young people are being forced to choose between having
The Drop: why is there so much hype around Barbie?
It's Barbie's world and Osman, Thomas and Mel are just living in it.
On today's episode of The Drop, a conversation about Thomas' interview with Tom Cruise and a deep dive into the marketing hype around Margot Robbie's upcoming Barbie film, which has taken over the culture.
Plus, a recap of the season finale of The Idol.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good Weekend Talks: Actor Rachel Ward on regenerative farming, independent film and having the “pretty ticket”
On today’s episode, we speak to actor Rachel Ward, the subject of our recent cover story Promised Land. The Thorn Birds star is married to Bryan Brown, lives on a property in the Nambucca Valley on the mid-north coast of NSW. And in the past three years, Ward has been on a transformative journey, away from traditional farming techniques, to a fully-fledged regenerative practice. And hosting this discussion, about regenerative farming’s role in reducing climate change and Ward’s upcoming document
Inside Politics: Does banning vapes make the problem worse?
Earlier this year, the federal government declared war on vaping.
Health Minister Mark Butler announced a blanket ban on disposable vapes, vowing to rid Australia of the e-cigarettes that have ignited a health crisis among teens.
It’s the biggest smoking reforms this country has seen in more than a decade, but there are now concerns that Australia’s world-first blanket ban on vaping without a prescription could actually make the problem worse.
This week, our papers published private corresponden
She exposed Australian war crimes. She paid a price.
In November 2020, a damning report about Australia’s Defence Force was published. Known as the Brereton report - it found credible evidence that our Defence Force had committed war crimes.
This investigation shocked the nation, and led to a reckoning within our Defence Force - and the public’s perception of it.
And there was one woman - Samantha Crompvoets - whose research kicked off the whole thing. But in doing so, she has had to pay a hefty price.
Today - Samantha tells us about that story,
The bitter feud over the 'spirit' of cricket
The Ashes, the most venerated contest in Test cricket, has descended into farce and controversy after a moment on the field led to questions about the game's spirit and the intervention of two prime ministers.
If you're a casual observer of the sport, you'd be forgiven for wondering how the legal stumping of a batsman led to the abuse of players and a borderline diplomatic incident.
So how has a dismissal on the final day of the second Test, upheld by the umpires and the rules of the game, drive
Can Australia stamp out corruption?
This week, the National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) opened its doors. It is an independent agency that investigates and reports on serious corruption in the public sector.
The timing is fortuitous, just as state-based integrity watchdog ICAC released its explosive findings about former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian. While the PwC tax leaks scandal, and former Coalition minister Stuart Robert have been referred to the new national watchdog.
Today, federal political correspondent Lisa Vise
How Taylor Swift tore Australia apart
Taylor Swift is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed artists of her generation, winning over the hearts and minds of fans around the world with relatable and catchy lyrics about love, feminism and nasty break-ups. Now the 12-time Grammy-award winner is set to visit our shores for the first time in more than five years. And Swifitie mania is well and truly upon us, with millions of Australians trying last week to secure a ticket at her shows in Sydney and Melbourne.The incredible dema
Good Weekend Talks: Myf Warhurst on keeping young, being a failed musician, and her long-running career
On today's episode, we speak to broadcaster Myf Warhurst about her eclectic career in radio and TV, including the music knowledge that made her both a Eurovision commentator and a Spicks and Specs favorite, as well as her current stage role playing the narrator in a new production of the Rocky Horror Show. Not to mention a recurring gig on the animated global hit Bluey.
Hosting the conversation - from being a foster parent and her documentary about menopause - is Good Weekend senior writer Meli
Inside Politics: Anthony Albanese on his relationship with power
Our guest on Inside Politics this week is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Jacqueline Maley and David Crowe talk to the Prime Minister about the nature of power, how it feels to wield it, the economy, the Voice, and Taylor Swift tickets. And he reveals that he didn’t meet a single Liberal voter until he went to university.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who will be the next Reserve Bank boss?
Last week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that a decision on the next RBA governor will be made next month.
The current governor Philip Lowe’s seven year term is due to end in September. But there’s no guarantee his term will be extended - in fact some 52 per cent of Australians think Lowe should lose his job, according to a survey for our papers.
Traditionally, the position is handed to the deputy governor, but a scathing review into the RBA found the bank needs major changes, including a s
The promise and perils of Artificial Intelligence
It’s been called the greatest threat to democracy. Indeed, a force so powerful, it could spark the end of human civilization as we know it. We’re talking about Artificial Intelligence.
Many people are, understandably, frightened. How could they not be, when even some pioneers in the field have rung the alarm bells themselves? No less than Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and Elon Musk recently called for a moratorium on the development of the most sophisticated artificial intelligence syst
Is the beginning of the end for Putin?
It’s been a chaotic 48 hours in Russia that put the world’s most notorious leader, Vladimir Putin, in the crosshairs. Putin is no stranger to the headlines, but this story was different.The boss of the notorious Wagner Group, shocked the world by turning his band of ruthless mercenaries on the Kremlin and threatening to march on Moscow. It was a shocking display of belligerence from a man who’d long been an ally of Putin. Now the man who’s pulled Russia’s strings for decades faced, as he describ
How trauma became the new “It” word
When it comes to understanding trauma, we’ve come a long way from the bad old days. That was back in the 1980s, when we thought war veterans who struggled with flashbacks were suffering from brain damage.
Now we know that trauma affects not only our memory, but our immune system. But have we gone too far? Trauma has become the word of our generation.
Justin Bieber has referenced it, in speaking about his first year of marriage. Characters who are haunted by their pasts are a hallmark of TV show
Good Weekend Talks: Nick McKenzie on war crimes, defamation and Ben Roberts-Smith
On today’s episode, we speak with Nick McKenzie, an investigative journalist with The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald about his work with Chris Masters uncovering shocking alleged war crimes by former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith – and the defamation case that followed. McKenzie, the winner of 14 Walkley awards, joins us to talk about criminals, victims and public-interest journalism as well as his new book Crossing The Line: The Explosive Inside Story Behind The Headlines, out June 28. Hosti
Inside Politics: Labor and Greens battle it out on housing
The government wanted its $20 billion Housing Australia Future Fund legislated this week, but the Greens had other plans - they joined forces with the Coalition to defer the vote on the bill until October.
The Greens say they won’t support the bill until the government makes concessions - they want a national rental freeze and more taxpayer money directed straight into housing, as opposed to putting it into an investment fund.
The government has intimated that the blocking of the bill is the f
Roe v Wade shocked the world. What's happened since?
For nearly 50 years, women in the United States were protected, by federal law, from having to carry an unwanted pregnancy. They gained this right, in 1973, thanks to the historic Supreme Court judgement in the Roe vs Wade case.
This held until nearly a year ago, when the current Supreme Court overturned that judgement. This weekend marks the one year anniversary of that groundbreaking decision.
So, what has life in the United States been like for women since then?
Today, North American corre
Secrets and lies: If the walls in Parliament House could talk
It’s been a monumental week in parliament. Multiple allegations of sexual harassment have been made about a little-known Victorian senator, David Van. David Van has strenuously denied the allegations. But since they surfaced, a week ago, discussion about who knew about the alleged offences, and how they were managed, has dominated political debate.
It’s taken us all back to the political earthquake that was set off in 2021, when former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged that a colleague ha
HECS debt: why you don’t need to panic
HECS debt. If you’re to believe the countless news reports about it over the last few months, millions of Australians are about to be crippled by it.
But what if all the panicked headlines have been misleading us? And, actually, everything will be fine?
Today, federal politics reporter Paul Sakkal, on why the current HECS system helps us, rather than hurts us. And what people worried about debt should fight for, instead.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omny.fm/listen
'A mess of his own making': Donald Trump's second indictment
Last week, Donald Trump became the first former president to be charged with federal crimes. He was arraigned on 37 counts related to his handling of classified documents.
The top secret documents, which include information about nuclear programs and military vulnerabilities, were found spread throughout his Mar-a-Lago club and residence. Some documents were stashed in a ballroom, an office, and even in a bathroom.
While the former president has pleaded not guilty to all charges, this past week
Good Weekend Talks: Lucinda Williams on her new memoir, performing with Bruce Springsteen and America as a divided nation
On today’s episode, we speak to Lucinda Williams, the multiple Grammy-award winner based in Nashville, about everything from the power of protest songs to America as a divided nation, her outrage at censorship and the need for truth in art, as well as song-writing and the joy of collaborating with Bruce Springsteen. And hosting this conversation with Lucinda, about life after her recent stroke and writing her new memoir Don’t Tell Anybody The Secrets I Told You, is senior culture writer for The
Inside Politics: Tanya Plibersek on parliament's women problem
She is the longest-serving woman in the House of Representatives - and has been, for many years, one of Labor’s most high profile politicians. Tanya Plibersek entered the federal parliament at just 28 years of age - and since then, has made a name for herself campaigning for social justice reform on issues like paid parental leave and violence against women. She’s held numerous portfolios, including Housing, the Status of Women, and Health.Last year, when the Albanese government was voted into p
How politics became entangled with the Brittany Higgins case
It was a criminal trial unlike any other in recent memory.
Former Liberal party staffer Brittany Higgins alleged that she was raped by colleague Bruce Lehrmann inside Parliament House. Lehrmann strongly denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty after he was charged.
But since that trial was abandoned last year, due to juror misconduct, the matter has become even more intensely political.
Politicians have been lobbing accusations at each other, over who knew what about the allegation and when.
Why support for The Voice is lower than ever
Earlier this week, new polling results on the Voice came out. For the very first time, a majority of Australians federally say they’ll vote ‘no’ when the referendum comes in October.
This comes after months of polls showing that support for the ‘yes’ vote has held the majority. Just seven weeks ago, the ‘Yes’ campaign was ahead in every state and territory.
Today, chief political reporter David Crowe and veteran pollster, Jim Reed, who conducted this latest, exclusive, poll, on whether this win
How we got the Myall Creek Massacre so wrong
The massacre of 28 Aboriginal people in 1838 was the first and only time in Australia when white people were arrested, charged and prosecuted for the mass killing of First Nations people.
Those people killed at Myall Creek Station in northern NSW were women, children and elderly men known as Wirrayaraay, a tribal clan of the Gamilaraay nation.
But while some publications held the perpetrators to account, our papers did not. 185 years on, The Sydney Morning Herald confronts the brutality of its o
The Queen remembered (From the archive)
For the first time since 1951, we’re enjoying a long weekend to celebrate a King’s Birthday, rather than a Queen’s Birthday.
We don’t yet know what sort of king Charles III will be. Or what impact he’ll have on the Commonwealth.
Today on Please Explain, we look back on an episode we originally aired on September 9 2022, the day after the Queen died. Special writer Tony Wright shares his experience meeting the Queen with Julia Naughton, head of Lifestyle, Culture and Travel and Europe correspon
Good Weekend Talks: Marc Fennell on his Pentecostal upbringing, Hillsong and leaving it all behind
In latest episode of Good Weekend Talks, we talk to Australian journalist and podcaster, Mark Fennell about his new SBS documentary, The Kingdom, which explores the rise of Hillsong church, a powerhouse in the Pentecostal movement, not just in Australia, but worldwide.The conversation examines everything from the show biz side of the congregation music lights, razzle dazzle, to the business model that brings billions of dollars into the church coffers.Hosting this conversation, on everything fro
Inside Politics: How bad could the economic crisis get?
The data is in. Australia’s economy is approaching stall speed.
Over the first few months of this year, the economy grew by just 0.2 per cent, the slowest rate of growth we’ve seen since the Covid lockdowns.
This depressing picture - courtesy of the national accounts figures out Wednesday - came right after the most recent Reserve Bank decision, to raise interest rates again, this time to 4.1 per cent.
It’s the 12th increase the Reserve Bank has announced in 13 months.
The worsening state
Pardoned after 20 years in prison
Kathleen Folbigg spent 20 years in prison for the death of her four children.
For much of that time, she was pilloried as the worst female serial killer in Australian history. Then, on Monday, she was released from prison.
In a news conference, the NSW Attorney General announced that Folbigg, now 55, had been pardoned.
Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn on what’s been called the largest injustice in Australian legal history, and what will happen now to the woman at the centre of i
The rise of superbugs
They could wipe 20 years off average life expectancy. And possibly return modern medicine to a pre-antibiotic era. We’re talking about superbugs, those organisms that have evolved to become resistant to modern medicine. They can cripple us. Or kill us.
Right now, millions of people around the world are battling one. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, 10 million people will die every year from superbugs.Today, senior reporter Henrietta Cook on the rise of superbugs, or what one expert cal
Hillsong trauma: megachurch refugees on what they left behind
A few years ago, Hillsong Church was a byword for glitzy and empowering faith.
The global megachurch, which started in Sydney with one small congregation, was the church to the stars. Everyone from Justin Bieber to Chris Pratt worshipped at the church known for its rock concert-like services and gleaming pastors who sported gold watches.
But in the last two years, the megachurch has been rocked by a series of explosive allegations. Tax evasion. A pastor fired for infidelity. And, worst of all, a
War criminal, bully, disgrace: Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters on exposing Ben Roberts-Smith
In 2018, our newspapers published a story titled ‘SAS soldier accused of killing innocent villager'. It was the first of many articles, which eventually identified Australia’s most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, and accused him of multiple murders of unarmed civilians.
Roberts-Smith proceeded to sue our newspapers - in what’s become known as the defamation trial of the century. It went for more than 100 days, and examined more than 40 witnesses. And on Thursday, a judgement was fin
Inside Politics: Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation case, and Australia's most popular politician resigns
Justice Anthony Besanko has found Nine's newspapers had proven that Ben Roberts-Smith was a war criminal who was involved in the unlawful killing and assault of unarmed Afghan prisoners.
And earlier this week, Mark McGowan announced that he would be stepping down as Western Australia’s premier. How much has McGowan’s way of doing politics impacted the Labor party - and Anthony Albanese?
Plus, there are now calls for former cabinet minister, Stuart Robert, to face the government’s new anti-corru
The PwC scandal - is the worst yet to come?
The top tax expert at Price Waterhouse Coopers, one of the big four consulting firms, helped the Australian government create a pioneering tax law that would finally crack down on multinational companies that were avoiding paying tax here.
At the very same time, that expert shared that confidential information to help the firm’s clients avoid paying that very same tax.
This betrayal, which one senator has likened to a “major cancer”, was revealed in January this year. But since then, we’ve hear
After Clare Nowland’s death, a reckoning on who polices the police
A week ago, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old great grandmother, died after being tasered.
She weighed 43 kilograms, and suffered from dementia. The case has shone a spotlight on NSW Police, which is now battling to regain control.
Today, state political reporter Michael McGowan, on who should police the police. And why calls for greater oversight have a history of being ignored. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The poisoned Australian paradise left asking: who's going to die next?
For millennia, Wreck Bay, a tiny Indigenous village on the south coast of NSW, was paradise.
But in the last few decades, a remarkable number of residents have died or become sick. They’ve suffered from heart attacks, kidney disease and cancer after cancer.
Today, investigative reporter Carrie Fellner on the toxic chemicals that locals argue have poisoned Wreck Bay, and why the Australian government hasn’t banned these dangerous chemicals.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
Melissa Caddick: Fraudster's death to remain a mystery
Warning: This story contains graphic content.
We finally know what happened in the missing persons investigation that captured a nation. Melissa Caddick, the fraudster who stole $23 million from her closest family and friends, is dead.
So said the deputy state coroner, who handed down her report last week. But how did she come to this finding? Until now, all we knew was that Caddick’s right foot had washed up on the shores of a remote beach. This was shortly after she went missing, nearly two an
Inside Politics: The Voice debate turns ugly
The week in parliament has been dominated by debate over the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The legislation enabling the Voice referendum was introduced to the House of Representatives, and more than 80 MPs spoke during the debate on the bill’s second reading.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton kicked off the debate with a no-holds-barred attack on the proposal, saying it would “re-racialise” Australia, and would have an Orwellian effect, making some Australians more equal than others.
Meanwhile,
Why is Scott Morrison still in parliament?
Ever since Scott Morrison was booted as prime minister, exactly a year ago this past weekend, the rumour mill has been in overdrive. When will he leave politics?
Calls for his resignation have been coming since Morrison was accused of undermining our democracy. That was last year, when we found out he had secretly appointed himself to five senior ministries when he was in power.
Today, national affairs editor James Massola joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss what happens when a former PM w
Stan Grant, the ABC, and Australia’s racism problem
Last week, Stan Grant announced that he would be leaving the ABC and standing down as the host of its Q+A program. His decision, and the torrent of abuse that prompted it, has led to a reckoning about how responsible the media is for the racism that pervades our culture.
Today, culture news editor Osman Faruqi joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss Stan Grant, the ABC and Australia's racism problem.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privac
18 and over? The plan to ban porn
Warning: This episode contains graphic content.
Australia will soon embark on a debate about whether the government should step in to restrict children’s access to online pornography.
For many advocates, it’s not a minute too soon. While the link between young people watching pornography and real-life harm has been disputed for years, numerous experts now say that this long-held truth is starting to come undone.
Among them is a president of a children’s court here who now sees sexual assault all
The scathing secret report into Australia’s broken visa system
He's known as the Mr Big of trafficking and for the last few years Binjun Xie has cultivated a lavish lifestyle in Sydney off the back of human misery.
Evidence suggests that the crime syndicate boss has been exploiting women in an illegal prostitution ring here, moving them around like cattle from one hotel to another.
But did it have to be this way? A report leaked last week reveals that Australian government authorities have failed to heed warnings about corrupt officials within our immigrat
Inside Politics: When will the Albanese government’s honeymoon period end?
On Sunday, the Albanese government will have been in power for one year.
When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became Prime Minister, he made big promises. He said “no one left behind and no one held back” under his government. And that he would “seek common purpose and promote unity” among Australians.
So what exactly has this government achieved so far? Has Albanese lived up to the optimistic promise of his election night victory speech? And what upcoming problems are likely to bring the gover
The day Joe Biden snubbed Anthony Albanese
It was meant to be a moment of great triumph for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
American president Joe Biden was due to visit our shores next week for a historic meeting, in what would have been the first Australian visit by an American president in a decade.
But yesterday, less than nine hours after Albanese confirmed Biden's visit, the American president cancelled.
National correspondent Matthew Knott tells Samantha Selinger-Morris why Biden pulled out, and what it means for the
Ozempic: from Hollywood secret to the drug next door
Billionaire tech boss Elon Musk takes a version of it. Model Julia Fox has denied using it. We’re talking, of course, about the new weight-loss drug that has swept the globe. The weekly injection that helps people feel fuller on less food.
It is now, say local doctors, shockingly easy to get. But is Ozempic, and other drugs like it, medical magic? Are they the first medications to produce double-digit weight loss without crippling side effects?
Or are the drugs and the new online shops now sell
Secret Power: Parliament’s mystery lobbyists
Thanks to recent queries from an independent senator, we now know that nearly 1,800 people have been granted access to lobby our federal government. The kicker? We don’t know who they are.
Under a system that is now under great scrutiny, these people have unfettered access to the private corridors of Parliament House in Canberra. With their bright orange passes granted to them by politicians, they have the ability to wander into the offices of ministers, backbenchers and independents at any hou
Heating or eating: Inside Australia’s cost-of-living crisis
The “cost of living crisis”. It’s a phrase we constantly hear at the moment. And it was the centrepiece of the budget the federal government handed down last week.
But what does that mean for families on the ground who were struggling to make rent and put food on the table for their children, even before the recent record-breaking spike in inflation?
Today, Sydney Editor Michael Koziol takes us inside one community cafe that exposes Australia’s devastating cost of living crisis.Subscribe to The
Inside Politics: Was this really a budget for women?
Before the budget was handed down earlier this week, Katy Gallagher - the Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service - tweeted that Labor is, “backing Australian women with the most significant single-year investment in women’s equality in at least the last 40 years”.
Gallagher said that’s because equality for women isn’t an add-on or a nice to have. That it’s crucial for our prosperity.
But what exactly has Labor promised women? And were they really “winners” in this year’s budget?
And
Mark Latham: From Prime Ministerial hopeful to police investigation
Many listeners may have seen recent articles - and there have been many - about how One Nation MP Mark Latham recently wrote a homophobic tweet, aimed at another politician. It could lead to Latham being charged with a criminal offence, or even sent to jail.
But how did it come to this, for a politician who was once close to becoming our Prime Minister?
Today, state political editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, Alexandra Smith on the damage Mark Latham has wreaked on others during his politic
Budget 2023: Labor’s big balancing act
Last night, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Labor government’s second federal budget.
While it forecast a $4 billion surplus – the first surplus in 15 years – it also laid bare the challenges the economy is facing, both here and globally.
Today, David Crowe and Shane Wright join host Tory Maguire to discuss what the budget will do to ease the economic pressures, who it will help, and what it can tell us about Labor's priorities.
#breakingnews #news #budget2023 #auspol #australia #finance
Trapped in Sudan
A sudden outbreak of violence in Sudan, beginning last month, has killed hundreds of people, and trapped millions in their homes.
Bodies lie in the streets and the sounds of gunshots reverberate off concrete walls torn with bullet holes. Many fear starvation.
Amid this chaos are hundreds of Australians. More than 230 of them have already been evacuated, but an unknown number are still struggling to leave.
Today, senior writer with The Age, Bianca Hall, on the conflict in Sudan - and the Australi
Will Australia’s plan to ban vapes work?
Disposable vapes will be banned under a major crackdown by the federal government, with Health Minister Mark Butler calling it “the biggest loophole in Australia’s healthcare history”.
The emphasis will be on quote “the people selling” with tougher border controls, policing - and millions of dollars invested in nicotine cessation support programs.
But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen the government attempt to curb vaping. So will the new reforms be enough to stop a new generation of vapers
Inside Politics: Albanese and the shock jocks
Will the Albanese government make changes to JobSeeker after its own committee called it a “pressing concern” because of the “precarious financial situation” of those on the payment?
And, what did we learn about our Prime Minister after his hour-long exclusive interview with controversial TV host Piers Morgan in the UK?
Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe and columnist Sean Kelly join Jacqueline Maley to discuss the week in politics.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with ne
Should Australia sever ties with the King?
The coronation of King Charles the third takes place in two days. Inevitably, the debate about whether Australia should become a republic is rearing its head. This is a conversation that’s been happening in Australia for more than 30 years. But could we finally be on the precipice of change?
Today, Craig Foster, former Socceroo and now co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, on why Australians may finally be ready to sever ties with the monarchy.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscrib
How old is too old to be president?
US President Joe Biden has announced that he will be running for a second term in office. Biden, now 80, is already the oldest American president in history. If he wins the presidential election next year, he will be 86 by the time he leaves the White House.
His political rivals, and even some of his supporters, are now asking the same questions. How old is too old to be president? At what age is a person still fit to be the individual with the nuclear codes?
Today, Peter Hartcher, political and
How our healthiest koala colony collapsed into extinction
For decades, NSW town Gunnedah had a booming koala population. So much so that it called itself “the koala capital of the world".
But now, the town’s koala population has been deemed “functionally extinct.”
National environment and climate editor Nick O’Malley joins Julia Carr-Catzel to explain how the healthiest koala colony collapsed into extinction.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Fox News have a future?
It’s been a huge couple of weeks for Fox News. The network’s lies about a fraudulent 2020 US election have cost it upwards of $1 billion Australian dollars, its severed ties with its most-popular and profitable news anchors and the media giant faces more lawsuits in the future.
But what will become of Fox after its historic defamation settlement? Will the news machine continue to give the audience what it wants in lieu of what it needs? Or have the events of the past few months paved the way for
Inside Politics: Defence v welfare, are Labor's priorities right?
Earlier this week, the Albanese government released its Defence Strategic Review - the biggest and most significant review into Australia’s military structure in decades.
The review found that the risks Australia faces are “profound”. And that our military “is not fully fit for purpose”.
So on the one hand, the government is considering increasing military spending, but it also faces pressure ahead of the May budget to increase some welfare payments. This pressure comes from all sides, the soci
How young is too young to be held criminally responsible?
Children as young as 10 can be arrested, charged and jailed as criminals in Australia. But tomorrow, Australia’s attorneys-general will consider raising the age of criminal responsibility nationally.Today, state political reporter for The Age Sumeyya Ilanbey on the question: how young is too young when it comes to criminal culpability? Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One woman’s basketball dreams - and the people who oppose them
Last week, Basketball Australia revealed it had denied an athlete’s application to play for a semi-professional women’s basketball league. It made global headlines and is fuelling a debate about how our biology impacts our ability to run, jump and compete against one another.
This is because Lexi Rodgers is a transgender athlete. Her bid to play the sport she loves strikes at the very heart of some of the most pressing issues of our time: human rights, discrimination and a fear - and love - of
How housing ate the Australian economy
The Australian economy is being broken by a dysfunctional housing system that is inflicting long-term financial and community pain on almost every part of the nation.
Decades of bad policies, greed, NIMBYism and population growth have enabled the economy to be consumed by the Great Australian Dream.
So has Australians’ love affair with housing so distorted the economy that it is at the heart of the problems plaguing our cities, our governments and our way of life?
Today, economics correspondents
The cult-like church and the crash that rocked Victoria
A joint investigation between The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes into The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship reveals a disturbing picture of the religious group operating in Australia.
Former members have described an unhealthy level of control over the lives of its followers, subject to hardline indoctrination tactics instilling fear about the prospect of hell and the imminent second coming of Jesus.
Today, investigative reporter for The Age, Simone Fox Koob on the former membe
Inside Politics: What the Reserve Bank's shake-up means for Australians
Yesterday, a long-awaited review into the Reserve Bank of Australia was unveiled.
The 51 recommended changes - including the creation of a new interest rate setting board - represent the biggest shake-up to the RBA in a generation.
So what exactly has the report recommended? And, if implemented, how might those recommendations change Australia’s economy going forward?
Today, senior economics correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Shane Wright on the review and what it might me
Will the shootings in America ever stop?
Gun violence has become deeply embedded in the fabric of America. At the time of recording, there have been at least 160 mass shootings across the US so far this year. So will the shootings ever stop? And why are guns such a divisive issue for Americans now more than ever? Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Matthew Knott on the guns, and people, killing people in the US.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See
Inside Olympian Peter Bol's doping scandal
You might not know the name, Peter Bol. A few years ago, virtually nobody did.
But in 2021, the Olympic runner stunned the athletics world, and captured the hearts of millions, by becoming the fastest Australian 800m runner in history.
Now Bol is accused of being a drug cheat, and his career hangs in the balance.
Today, Andrew Webster, chief sports writer for the Sydney Morning Herald, joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss how the scandal is affecting Peter Bol, and the drawn-out investigati
Confessions of a conman who promised millions, and never paid a cent
Kris Ridgway is a conman who used his position at a respected financial firm to push unauthorised, high risk investment products to his trusting clients. He made at least $1.6 million in commissions, but his investors haven’t seen a cent.
And now he's confessed.
Ridgway was part of a dubious investment scheme that's left Australian families millions of dollars out of pocket.
He tells investigative journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald, Adele Ferguson in a joint investigation with 60 Minutes t
How do you close a coal-fired power station?
At the end of this month, the Liddell coal fired power station will be shut down. It’s a station that has dominated the Hunter Valley skyline for half a century.
Its fall will represent the end of an era in the Hunter region, but the power station’s closure also holds great national significance.
But how is Australia really tracking when it comes to a transition away from coal and towards renewable energy? And what will come of the communities left behind?
Today, environment reporter for The Sy
Inside Politics: Cyberattacks, China and Dutton's risky Voice move
The rising threat of cyber attacks on Australians, a possible thawing of relations with China, and Dutton’s strategy to oppose an Indigenous Voice to parliament dealt another blow.
Foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott and federal political reporter Lisa Visentin join Stephanie Peatling this week on Inside Politics.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The device, the women and the lawsuit
This week, hundreds of women launched a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria against multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company Bayer over its contraceptive device called Essure.
These women say they have been left with severe side effects after being fitted with the Essure device, touted as a gentler, permanent contraceptive option.
Their allegations echo a long history of healthcare scandals in which women’s pain has been dismissed and their safety compromised by medical devices and
Has the IPL changed cricket forever?
It’s been 15 years since the Indian Premier League launched with a bang, reshaping cricket almost overnight. Like the World Series revolution of the 1970s, the IPL injected unprecedented millions into the game, attracting wealthy backers and younger audiences to cricket’s snackable new offering.
Now, the IPL’s world domination is set to reach a whole new level, with the potential for Australian players to earn millions more dollars in globe-trotting deals that could force yet another reckoning f
Do phone bans in schools actually work?
Last week, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a state-wide ban of mobile phones in government high schools. He was coming through on a long-held election promise; one that seeks to remedy a decade of declining academic performance in schools.
At first glance, you might think that teachers and parents alike would welcome this ban. But it’s sowing division in both communities.
Today, education reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, Christopher Harris, on why NSW has lagged behind other states in
Nagi Maehashi dishes the dirt on RecipeTin Eats
Today we're sharing an episode of our sister podcast, Good Weekend Talks.
It's a conversation between Nagi Maehashi, the creator of cult cooking website RecipeTin Eats, and senior culture writer for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Kerrie O’Brien.
Maehashi talks about what inspired her to start cooking, as well as her obsessive testing process, and how her former career as an auditor helped make her business so strong.
You can find more episodes of Good Weekend Talks on Apple Podcasts, or
Inside Politics: Will Dutton’s stance on the Voice consign him to political oblivion?
What’s behind the federal Liberal Party’s decision to oppose the Voice? Is it in line with what the electorate wants? And how will it affect the Liberal party brand after its recent blow in the Aston by-election?
Today, Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe and federal politics reporter for The Age Paul Sakkal - join Jacqueline Maley to discuss the week in politics.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The trial of Malka Leifer
A jury has found Malka Leifer guilty of rape and indecent assault, drawing a close to a trial that had been a decade in the making.
The former principal of the ultra-orthodox Jewish school had been accused of sexually abusing former students in Melbourne in the early to mid-2000s.
After a lengthy battle to extradite Leifer from Israel in 2021, her trial began this year.
She has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges, including rape.
Today, court reporter at The Age, David
Is the war on inflation coming to an end?
For the first time in almost a year, The Reserve Bank of Australia held official interest rates steady yesterday.
Following its meeting on Tuesday, RBA governor Philip Lowe confirmed the official cash rate would remain at 3.6 per cent until at least May.
So why has the RBA made this decision now? Will it help ease the cost of living crisis? And is it a pause - or an end to the fight against inflation?
Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright joins economics correspondent Rachel Clun,
How Daniel Andrews pulled off a China trip shrouded in mystery
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has recently returned from a trade visit to China, the first Australian state leader to visit the country since international travel has opened.
While pledging that no new trade deals would arise, the visit wasn't without controversy.
Andrews' trip to revive Victoria’s trade ties with China excluded the media, a fact that raised questions about the nature and transparency of the visit.
Victorian political reporter Broede Carmody joins Chris Zappone to discuss t
Why banning the Nazi salute could be a bad thing
Victoria has vowed to ban the Nazi salute and strengthen its anti-vilification laws after neo-Nazis recently gatecrashed an anti-trans rally in Melbourne.
A group of about 30 people dressed in black from the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network performed the salute on Victoria’s parliament steps before being led away by police.
But an expert has cast doubt on the effectiveness of banning Nazi symbols, questioning whether this will do enough to deter far-right extremism in the country an
The Drop: The great John Wick debate
Is John Wick one of modern cinema's best franchises? Or overrated, ultra-violent garbage? With the fourth instalment of the series in cinemas now, Osman Faruqi and Rob Moran debate the strength of the John Wick universe.
Warning: This episode contains spoilers for the John Wick franchise.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faruqi and the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age's team of culture writers and critics along with int
Inside Politics: Should the Greens have backed Labor's climate bill?
This week, the federal government and the Greens both declared victory after long negotiations about key climate policy.
The policy - called the safeguard mechanism - imposes a hard cap to stop the nation’s industrial pollution rising.
It also forces companies to shell out hundreds of millions of dollars to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
Crucially, however, the deal struck with the Greens doesn’t rule out new fossil fuel production - the thing climate scientists say is needed to stop run
Was the woman dubbed “Australia’s worst female serial killer” wrongly convicted?
Most Australians know the name Lindy Chamberlain. She’s famously the victim of what’s been called “the most notorious miscarriage of justice” in Australian legal history. She was wrongfully convicted of murdering her nine-week old daughter, Azaria, during a camping trip at Uluru, and sentenced to life in prison.But how many people know about the murder conviction inquiry that’s going on right now that could, as one expert put it recently, make the Chamberlain case pale into insignificance?Today,
Why growing numbers of kids are refusing to go to school
When the pandemic lockdowns ended, the number of students returning to school never fully recovered. With the number of kids refusing to go to school rising, the reasons behind the trend aren’t completely understood. Called “school refusal”, the problem disrupts young people’s education, upends family life and often leaves parents feeling defeated. So why are kids increasingly refusing to go to school? And if this trend continues what will it mean for the future of learning? Today, education rep
Succession: Introducing our recap podcast
Succession is back for its fourth and final season.
Join Osman Faruqi, Meg Watson and Thomas Mitchell as they unpack the season premiere, discuss their favourite lines and analyse who came out on top.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Labor's win means for NSW and the nation
On Saturday, New South Wales voters ended 12 years of coalition rule by comprehensively backing Labor to form government. Outgoing premier Dominic Perrottet has resigned from the Liberal leadership. And Chris Minns will be the first Labor premier of New South Wales since Kristina Keneally.
But what does this change mean for New South Wales? What can we expect from the Minns government? And what did the results tell us about the changing political sentiment of the nation? Today on Please Explain,
The Drop: Succession, is it the best show ever?
Part satire, part black comedy, part drama, Succession is one of the most critically acclaimed shows in the world. Ahead of the premiere of the fourth and final season of Succession, Thomas Mitchell, Meg Watson and Osman Faruqi unpack what makes the show so great, and refresh us on where the Roy family is at before the stunning show comes to a conclusion.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faruqi and the Sydney Morning Her
Inside Politics: The rising tide of far-right extremism, and NSW goes to the polls
Every Friday, Jacqueline Maley hosts an “Inside Politics” panel discussion, wrapping up the week. Today, she discusses the rising tide of far-right extremism, the NSW state election, and the Voice referendum question with David Crowe and Alex Smith. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/li
Abducted in Japan, Part 2
Yesterday, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw described his months-long investigation, which has revealed that 82 Australian children have been snatched by Japanese partners, never to see their Australian parents again.
Today, he joins host, Chris Zappone, to discuss the people trying to change the system that allows this to happen.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abducted in Japan, Part 1
Right now, there are hundreds of parents across the world whose children have been abducted. Not by a stranger - but by the other parent.
A months-long investigation by The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes has revealed that Japan is home to a system of parental abduction that has driven dozens of Australian parents to breaking point, created immense psychological distress for children, and torn families apart.
In part one of this two-part series, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw
Two towns separated by a bridge, a border — and $28 million in gambling
Each year, Australians put 125 billion dollars through the pokies - and over half of that is in NSW alone. The state has more poker machines than any jurisdiction in the world outside Nevada.
This billion-dollar gambling industry will be in the spotlight when New South Wales goes to the polls this weekend.
So, how did NSW become the pokies capital of Australia? And will this election mark a turning point in the debate around poker machines?
Today, reporter Angus Thomson travels to the border of
Should the US bank collapse have Australia worried?
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank - the second biggest in US history - has triggered fresh fears the entire financial sector may be under threat.
Depositors lined up to withdraw their money from SVB and other banks before they folded within days.
But should Australians be concerned about our own financial institutions?
Today, technology editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Nick Bonyhady joins Julia Carr-Catzel on the fragility of the financial sector.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: htt
The Drop: AI, TikTok and the future of art
Artificial intelligence is already being used to make incredible memes, hilarious videos and fascinating art. But what are the downsides, and how will AI challenge the world of art, and society and politics more generally?
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faruqi and the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age's team of culture writers and critics along with interviews with musicians, actors, film makers and everyone involved i
Inside Politics: The fallout from the mammoth submarine deal
Every Friday, Jacqueline Maley will host an “Inside Politics” panel discussion, wrapping up the week. Today, she discusses the AUKUS fallout with Peter Hartcher and David Crowe.Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Murdoch, Trump and the billion-dollar lawsuit
On US election night in 2020, American TV network Fox News declared Democrat Joe Biden had defeated sitting Republican president Donald Trump in the crucial swing state of Arizona.
The declaration infuriated the president and his allies, and set in motion a chain of events that are now haunting his one-time biggest supporter, Rupert Murdoch.
A $2.4 billion lawsuit by voting machine maker Dominion claims Murdoch’s Fox News repeatedly aired unsubstantiated election accusations that Dominion had ri
What does the AUKUS deal really mean for Australia?
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood in front of the world's media, next to US President Joe Biden and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
They were announcing details of the AUKUS agreement which will see Australia acquire and build eight nuclear-powered submarines over the next three decades at a cost north of 350 billion dollars.
Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Matthew Knott on what we now know
Israel pushed to breaking point after Netanyahu’s power grab
In Israel, a recently elected government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is proposing a law that is so controversial it is pushing the nation to a breaking point.
The proposed law would allow parliament to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court, effectively crippling its judicial oversight.
Seen as a naked power grab, Israelis have taken to the streets in protest. The government under Netanyahu has responded with tear gas, batons and riot police.
Israel, once seen as an island of democracy among M
Is freezing your eggs worth it?
Historically, egg freezing has been expensive, invasive and often unsuccessful.
While new technology has improved the thawing process, leading to dramatically higher pregnancy rates from frozen eggs, there are still questions about whether the industry exploits or empowers women.
Today, social affairs writer for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Wendy Tuohy on the egg freezing industry - and whether the fertility treatment is worth the cost.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com
The Drop: Where are all the good TV shows?
Have you noticed a lack of prestige TV on your favourite streaming platforms lately? You're not alone. The good news is, some of the most critically acclaimed shows of the past few years are about to return, including Succession and Ted Lasso. Plus, a whole bunch of brand new series are set to drop in the next couple of months.
On today's episode: our guide to best upcoming TV shows.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faru
Inside the Rugg v Ryan battle
The legal case brought by prominent social campaigner Sally Rugg against her former employer MP Monique Ryan has captured the public’s attention.
Not only is it a story of a working relationship gone bad, but the legal fall out could have implications for employment law for all Australians.
At the heart of the case is how much overtime, if any, should an employee be expected to work.
Today, federal politics reporter Paul Sakkal and The Age’s chief reporter Chip Le Grand on the workplace drama
Why is it still so hard to get an abortion in Australia?
Women wanting to terminate their pregnancies are still being turned away from public hospitals, despite abortions being decriminalised across Australia.
Private clinics are often booked up and if you can find an appointment, it’ll cost you upwards of $600 for a surgical abortion.
If you’re in regional and rural Australia you’ll likely have to drive hundreds of kilometres to get to the nearest abortion provider.
So why is it still so hard to get an abortion in Australia? And could a decision due
Is Sam Kerr Australia’s greatest athlete?
Women’s sport has seen a momentous rise in recent years - and many women have had a hand in that change, from athletes to administrators, journalists to sports agents and sponsors.
Some have taken a stand on issues that transcend sport, some made the decisions that determine where the money goes or what sports we see on TV, and others worked in the background to keep the major codes rolling along.
On International Women's Day, sports reporter Georgina Robinson joins Marnie Vinall to talk about t
Is Australia prepared for war with China?
Are we on a collision course for war with China? Does our military have the weapons it needs to fight a modern war? How useful will the much hyped AUKUS submarines be in a potential conflict?
For a day and a half in February this year, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald hosted a gathering of experts to examine Australia’s most urgent & dangerous national security threats.
Today, political editor and international editor at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald Peter Hartcher joins Matth
You’re not hallucinating, psychedelics are back
Decades ago, scientists looked at psychedelic drugs as tools that could help improve people’s mental health.
Then came counterculture, Woodstock, hallucinogenic trips - and a backlash against the drugs.
But now hallucinogens are once again being examined for their unique ability to treat mental health issues that existing pharmaceutical drugs cannot. And Australia is at the forefront of this research.
The Age social affairs editor Jewel Topsfield joins Chris Zappone to discuss medicinal psychede
The Drop: The 2023 Oscars deep dive
The Academy Awards are just two weeks away. Will Everything Everywhere All At Once clean up? Could Top Gun: Maverick sneak ahead? Will Cate Blanchett pick up her third Oscar?
Today on The Drop, a deep dive exploring the state of the race, who's likely to win and the potential upsets. Plus, an interview with Mandy Walker, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer behind Elvis.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faruqi and the Syd
‘Like the gates of hell had opened’: Fears grow over Ohio toxic train wreck site
It’s been exactly one month since a train carrying hazardous material came off the tracks in Ohio in the United States.Many residents in the affected town of East Palestine say they are still feeling the effects, from respiratory problems and rashes to headaches and unusual odours.But East Palestine isn’t just another story of an American environmental disaster. It’s also a tale of corporate profits, regulation and communities that feel “forgotten”.Today, North America correspondent for The Age
Is our health system failing children with eating disorders?
Before the pandemic, an estimated 1 million Australians had an eating disorder. But this week, we learned that the number of eating disorder patients has exploded over the last three years. Australian children as young as eight are being diagnosed with eating disorders.
It's a horrifying scenario for their families who would go to extraordinary lengths to get them the treatment they need. So what happens to these families when the healthcare system buckles under the pressure of overwhelming dem
The superannuation wars heat up
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the tax on superannuation earnings over $3 million will double from 15 per cent to 30 per cent in two years' time.
Australians have about $3.3 trillion in superannuation, but that money is far from evenly divided. At the top end, some accounts have more than $100 million, while the vast bulk of people have less than $100,000.
So how generous are the tax concessions? And who has the most to gain or lose from the changes?
Today, senior ec
Should TikTok be banned?
By some measures, TikTok is the most downloaded social media app in the world. Yet even as it wins millions of users, democratic governments worry about the company's ties to the government of the country of its origin: The People's Republic of China.
Governments bodies in Australia and in like minded democracies overseas have taken to banning the app over fear of who has access to the data.
Today, Co-CEO of Internet 2.0 Robert Potter joins us to discuss the war on TikTok - and whether it’s jus
The superannuation wars heat up
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the tax on superannuation earnings over $3 million will double from 15 per cent to 30 per cent in two years' time.
Australians have about $3.3 trillion in superannuation, but that money is far from evenly divided. At the top end, some accounts have more than $100 million, while the vast bulk of people have less than $100,000.
So how generous are the tax concessions? And who has the most to gain or lose from the changes?
Today, senior ec
The Drop: What is the Roald Dahl controversy really about?
Gender neutral Oompa-Loompa's and banning the word "fat" are just some of the changes that will be made to Roald Dahl's classic children's books.
The edits have sparked intense debate in the literary world, with Salman Rushdie condemning them as censorship while others have suggested that it's just about keeping up with the times.
So what is really behind these changes, and what will their impact be?
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Joi
Inside the fight of Charlie Teo’s life
Charlie Teo is Australia’s most famous neurosurgeon, a man mobbed by adoring supporters, celebrity mates and former patients whose lives he saved on the operating table.
But this same doctor is at the centre of a five-day disciplinary hearing, facing multiple allegations of unsatisfactory professional conduct concerning two operations that had disastrous outcomes. Teo denies the allegations.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont joins host Kate Aubusson to discu
‘I wanted to give up 100 times’: One year after the invasion of Ukraine
Tomorrow marks one year since Vladimir Putin launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. Even though it followed eight years of Moscow-fomented war in the nation’s east, and the annexation of Crimea, the brutality, severity and scale of the 2022 invasion has shocked the world.
Since then high-intensity fighting has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, Ukrainian civilians have been massacred, and Moscow continues to strike power plants, schools and non-military targets.
Today, Marta Barandiy,
Are Australia’s cities dying or evolving?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of Australia’s biggest city centres resembled ghost towns.
But now that restrictions and lockdowns have ended - our cities are not returning to how they used to be. Shops are still empty and office vacancy rates are approaching all-time highs as people continue to choose to work from home.
So what is the future of our city centres? And are they worth saving?
Today, city editor for The Age Cara Waters and Sydney Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald Michael Kozio
Is Philip Lowe a scapegoat?
The last two governors of the Reserve Bank of Australia have had their terms extended to complete a decade in one of the nation's most important economic jobs.
But the current governor, Philip Lowe, might not.
Last week, Lowe faced a grilling from politicians about rising interest rates and the state of the economy, fuelling growing doubts that his term will be renewed.
Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright joins Chris Zappone to discuss Lowe’s days of reckoning and the future of th
The shiny kitchen benchtops killing young Australians
It’s being called the ‘asbestos of the 21st century’ - exposure to silica dust particles from engineered stone has placed hundreds of thousands of construction workers at risk of the lung disease - silicosis.
A joint investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 minutes has uncovered how companies continually place profit before the health of their workers and how regulators fail to do their job.
Today, investigative journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald, Adele Ferguson on the d
The Drop: Why Australia went crazy for Fred Again. Plus, surveying the pop music landscape
Who is Fred Again? The 29-year-old UK musician sold out his surprise concerts in Australia in just a few seconds, demonstrating how massively popular he has become.
But where did he come from, and what explains his meteoric rise?
Rob Moran breaks down the Fred Again phenomenon, plus a survey of the pop music landscape in 2023 featuring Caroline Polacheck, Lana Del Rey and up and coming Australian acts.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. J
Elon Musk bought Twitter. Then he took over your feed.
Elon Musk has been in the news again after demanding a change to Twitter to help boost his tweets engagements. He was apparently upset that his tweets about the Super Bowl got less engagement than US President Joe Biden’s. It's yet the latest caper in Musk's extremely disruptive tenure as CEO of Twitter.
But that’s just Musk the showman. The businessman is also rapidly making changes to the company to boost its profits and establish a more sustainable model.
Could Musk’s purchase of Twitter, se
The big business of medical tourism
Niamh Finneran Loader was 25 years old when she travelled to Bali for minor dental work late last year.
The Australian University student was found dead on December 2 in the bathroom of the Kuta-Bali Famous Hotel, leaving her grieving family and friends struggling to comprehend how she died.
The circumstances of her tragic death are still a mystery to law enforcement both in Australia and Indonesia. But her case has reignited questions about the allure of medical tourism for more than 15,000 Au
‘Millions of plastic bags go to landfill’: inside the REDcycle collapse
Hundreds of millions of plastic bags have been sent to landfill since the collapse of Australia’s largest soft-plastics recycling scheme.Revelations uncovered by the Age and Sydney Morning Herald last year, found plastics dropped in REDcycle bins in supermarkets across the country - were stockpiled and not recycled for years on end.Over 12,000 tonnes of soft plastics have since been found at 32 locations across Australia.Today, law and justice editor for the Age, Chris Vedelago on how this schem
Australia's creeping inequality problem
As the nation grapples with a cost of living crisis and stagnant wages, many are asking how we got here. An increasing number of Australians live in a state of economic insecurity, as others have become incredibly wealthy. Inequality in our society is not new. In fact, it’s been on the rise steadily for decades.
Today, Investigative reporter for The Age and author of Hard Labour - Wage theft in the age of inequality, Ben Schneiders joins Chris Zappone to discuss the issue and how it affects our
How the Super Bowl became a global phenomenon, and the Aussie who could win it
The Super Bowl offers a dream opportunity for advertisers, with millions of people in the stands and glued to television screens for the year’s most-watched football game. But the ads are only one side to the game’s spectacle. The halftime shows offer an unrivalled if fleeting global audience to performers for the one American football game that even non-sports fans watch.In more recent years, the Super Bowl has also become a kind of defacto commentary on race in America - with issues like who p
The Drop: Steven Soderbergh on the Oscars, Salma Hayek and making Magic Mike
Oscar-award winning director Steven Soderbergh is the mastermind behind Ocean's 11 and its sequels, Traffic and Erin Brockovich. His latest film is Magic Mike's Last Dance, starring Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek.
On this episode of The Drop, Soderbergh discusses why he returned to the world of male strippers, the upcoming Oscars and his thoughts on Top Gun: Maverick.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. Join host Osman Faruqi and the Sydne
Chinese balloon-gate: the US and China's mysterious spy balloon
On January 28, a giant Chinese surveillance balloon - the stuff of spy thrillers from another time - traversed the continental United States for a week before being shot down.
US-China relations subsequently took a hit, with top US diplomat Antony Blinken calling off a highly-anticipated trip to Beijing shortly after the incident.
But as the US Navy works to recover the balloon’s payload - what are the broader implications for the world’s biggest superpowers and the future of their diplomacy?
To
Is the healthcare watchdog sick?
The primary role of the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency, known as AHPRA, is to protect the public when doctors fall below the high standards expected of them.
Today on Please Explain, investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve on AHPRA’s chronic under-resourcing, bullying, systemic racism and loopholes that keep doctors' records clean after they've caused serious harm.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A colonial past and Indo-Pacific future: Penny Wong’s UK visit
On a diplomatic visit to London last week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told her counterparts that Britain needed to be mindful of its colonial legacy if it wanted to be relevant in the Indo-Pacific.
Malaysian-born Wong invoked her own family to illustrate the imperial role Britain has played in history. The foreign minister’s comments raised eyebrows, but also underscored the changing view of Australia’s role in the region.
London-based journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Latik
How do we fix Australia’s rental crisis?
Across Australia - renters are often competing with hundreds of others for a single unit. Some people are forced out of the market entirely - resorting to couch surfing and other makeshift arrangements just to get by. In the last 12 months, the average rental price has gone up 10 per cent in capital cities - marking a record high in annual rent growth - while wages have only risen by three per cent in the same period. Yet this crisis - affecting people of many backgrounds - is anything but new.T
How Canberra can tackle our cost–of-living crisis
Senators and MPs from around the country are landing in Canberra today for the first parliamentary week of the year.
The government has a jam-packed agenda for the coming weeks. It plans to introduce legislation on everything from extending paid parental leave to establishing a referendum on an Indigenous voice and housing reforms.
But it's going to be a particularly big week for Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Tomorrow, the Reserve Bank is expected to lift interest rates again, as figures show Australi
The Drop: Why Survivor is the most interesting reality TV show on right now
Reality TV shows come and go but one franchise has outlasted pretty much all of the others: Survivor. The series is nearly a quarter of a century old and is undergoing a renaissance.
A new season of the Australian version of the franchise kicked off this week and it’s already being called the best ever.
Today on The Drop, culture reporter Meg Watson on how Survivor has outlasted other reality TV shows.
The Drop is a weekly show tackling the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. J
Fleeing the junta in Myanmar, one Australian's story
It’s been two years since the Myanmar military launched a coup against the civilian government - an event that has cost thousands of people their lives.
Australian photojournalist Steve Tickner was just one of the journalists - local and foreign - fleeing the military as hundreds were being detained and protesters were being tortured.
Today, South-east Asia correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, Chris Barrett tells the story of Tickner’s daring escape from military dictators
Has an Australian scientist discovered the Fountain of Youth?
Tales of the Fountain of Youth have been told for thousands of years across countless civilisations. The ability to turn back the ageing clock is the stuff of legend and one of humanity’s greatest desires.
Scientists across the world have been trying to reverse ageing for decades, and now Australian researcher David Sinclair has come closer than ever before.
But if we could stop the ageing process, would we really want to?
Today, Lifestyle Health Editor Sarah Berry on the latest frontier in th
Can you drive from Sydney to Perth in an electric vehicle?
Over the summer, James Massola drove from Sydney to Perth across the Nullarbor, a trip of nearly 5000 kilometres.
It’s a bucket list trip for many Australians. But for James, it looked a little different - because he did it in an electric vehicle.
Accompanied by his dad and a mate, James set out to answer one simple question: was it possible to drive from the east coast of Australia to the west in an EV?
Today, national affairs editor James Massola on his electric-fuelled road trip, and the fut
Why private schools raise fees, and why parents pay them
This week, over four million Australian children will return to classrooms, marking the beginning of a new school year.
But parents are paying more than ever - with private school fees in Sydney and Melbourne increasing more than 50 per cent over the past decade.
The fees have far exceeded the rate of inflation and wage growth, forcing some parents remortgage homes, take on more debt and sacrifice family holidays to cover the costs.
Today, education editor for the Sydney Morning Herald, Lucy Car
Is the big tech jobs bloodbath coming for you?
Over the past few months, tens of thousands of tech workers have been fired from some of the biggest tech companies in the world - companies like Google, Meta and Amazon.
So why are these cuts happening now? And will the tech sector survive?
Today, technology editor from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, Nick Bonyhady on the big tech jobs bloodbath - and whether these cuts are coming for the rest of us.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for
The Drop: Breaking down 30 years of the Hottest 100
Australia's biggest music countdown is here, but does it still have the kind of cultural resonance it used to?
On this episode of The Drop, host Osman Faruqi and journalist Billie Eder dive into the data to look at what it takes to get a winning song, and what we can expect in this year's countdown.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How alcohol and violence plunged Alice Springs into crisis
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an emergency visit to Alice Springs.
Local community leaders have been concerned for months about the soaring rates of crime and alcohol-fuelled violence after laws curbing the sale of booze expired in the middle of last year.
From Alice Springs, senior reporter Zach Hope tells Rachel Clun what is happening on the ground.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do Australians think about January 26?
Officially, it’s ‘Australia Day’. But celebrating the landing of the first fleet is increasingly becoming a faux pas, and crowd numbers at Invasion Day rallies are growing by the thousands.
Surveys show the majority of Australians still want to celebrate Australia Day, but more people, particularly younger generations, are choosing to ignore the public holiday altogether.
Today, City and Culture reporter for The Age, Sophie Aubrey, on the impending fate of Australia Day and whether this bitterl
Why gas stoves have ignited a culture war
It’s something many of us use every day, but there is growing evidence that gas stoves may be harmful to our health.
An American consumer safety watchdog recently suggested gas stoves could be banned if they couldn’t be made safe, sparking fury among conservative and Republican commentators. One outspoken chef even taped himself to his gas stove in protest.
Now, that heated debate may be coming to Australia.
Today, national environment and climate editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and Th
To the moon and beyond: the new space race
Half a century after humans first touched down on the moon, we are once again planning missions there. Cheaper rockets, more powerful computers, and economic competition with technology at its heart is spurring a growth in space flight. Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone speaks to Professor Alan Duffy, an astronomer at Swinburne University and Director of Space Technology and Industry Institute, about the race to get back to the moon and possibly beyond.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https
The end of the Ardern era
Late last week, Jacinda Ardern announced she would be stepping down as New Zealand's prime minister.
In her five years as the nation's leader, Jacinda Ardern became a global icon known for her youth, progressive values, and emphasis on a politics of kindness.
So why is she resigning now? And what's next for politics in New Zealand?
Today journalist and author of Jacinda Ardern: The story behind an extraordinary leader, Michelle Duff, joins Julia Carr-Catzel to discuss the end of the Ardern era
The Drop: M3GAN, and the new horror renaissance
One of the biggest movies in the world right now is about a robotic doll who goes on a violent rampage.
The film is called M3GAN, and it’s part of a new wave of campy, self-aware horror movies that are becoming huge box office success stories.
On today's episode, we explore how horror appears to be in the middle of a renaissance right now, thanks to an emphasis on fun, slick marketing, and a healthy dose of social and political satire.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See
What do Indigenous people think of the Voice?
Later this year, Australians are expected to vote in a referendum on the Voice to Parliament - a proposal that aims to enshrine an Indigenous voice in the constitution.
The Voice has become a hotly debated topic in politics. But what do Indigenous people think of the proposal?
Over the last few months, Birpai man and reporter for The Age and SMH, Jack Latimore has been trying to answer this question.
He has spoken to dozens of Indigenous people - from capital cities to remote communities - to
'Collective amnesia': Why fascism is on the rise
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s misguided decision to wear a Nazi uniform may have been cosplay, but he was playing with fire.
Recent events in the US, Germany and Brazil point to the way far-right movements are taking hold across major democracies, and Australia is not immune from this threat.
Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher joins David King to discuss the collective amnesia behind the revival of fascism, and whether Australia is doing enough to stop its return.Subscri
Australia’s disappearing beach towns
Coastal erosion is posing an increasing threat to beach towns across Australia.
Each week, there are more reports of cliffs collapsing and properties coming under threat from encroaching water.
But governments have been slow to respond to this crisis. Many people in these towns are now questioning how much longer their homes will be around - and what will happen if and when they’re swept into the sea.
Today, regional editor for The Age, Benjamin Preiss, joins Chris Zappone to discuss the coastal
Why young men idolise Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate has developed a reputation as one of the most popular figures online. In one month last year, the former kickboxer was googled more than Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, and Covid-19.
But he is also known as one of the most controversial online personalities. He’s been kicked off nearly all social media platforms for his misogynistic views, and has been referred to as the “king of toxic masculinity”.
Now, Tate has been arrested on charges that include human trafficking - reigniting a
Has tennis reached its breaking point?
Right now, tennis is losing many of its biggest names.
Last year, Roger Federer and Serena Williams retired, and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are in the twilight of their careers.
But there’s no obvious answer to who will take their place, and in the meantime, younger generations are tuning out.
Today, columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald, Malcolm Knox, joins journalist Angus Thomson to discuss whether tennis has reached its breaking point - and if a new documentary series could help sav