7am (Schwartz Media)

The royal family is no stranger to gossip, innuendo and controversy.

But this week, the rumours and speculation over the whereabouts and health of Kate Middleton reached new, conspiratorial depths. 

So, after an official photo of Kate Middleton and her children was revealed to be digitally altered – leading to more questions than answers about the princess – how broken is the trust between the public and the royal family? 

Today, royal reporter Ellie Hall on the mistakes made by the Palace, and how the scandal reflects on the people next in line to be our head of state.

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Guest: Royal reporter and former Buzzfeed News royal correspondent, Ellie Hall

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In 2017 Melbourne musicians Ed Service and Jack Madin recorded a song in their Brunswick studio. It was recorded with, and for, their friends.

The track got some love at local gigs and warehouse parties, but disappeared pretty quickly. Ed and Jack soon moved on with their lives and got day jobs.

But four years later that song they wrote has gone international. It’s playing at festivals and stadiums all over the world. It’s even been remixed by David Guetta. 

The track has been streamed millions of times and is rocketing up the charts.

So what happened? Today on The Culture we look at how two Melbourne musicians took the world by storm.

Guest: Ed Service and Jack Madin from Shouse.

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Coles and Woolworths are in the sights of a Senate inquiry, which has been hearing evidence across Australia this week.

It’s looking into whether prices are set fairly and what could be done to make them more reasonable.

While that was underway, one of parliament's most colourful characters stole the show. Bob Katter has been ratcheting up a campaign of high-profile stunts to force the major parties to crackdown on supermarkets.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on Bob Katter’s contradictions and how the crossbench could force the major parties to get tougher on the big two supermarkets.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Peter Dutton is a lot of things: a right-wing firebrand, a former Queensland cop and a champion of what he believes are simple Australian values. But he’s also a multi-millionaire who colleagues describe as pleasant, shy, but fiercely ambitious.

Lech Blaine spent months studying Peter Dutton’s past and political ascendency to discover who the leader of the opposition really is and what’s underneath his “bad cop” exterior.

Today, the author of the latest Quarterly Essay: Bad Cop, Lech Blaine, on what’s driving Peter Dutton’s strongman politics.

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Guest: Author of the latest Quarterly Essay, Lech Blaine

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The Morrison government is committed to a budget surplus above all else. But as Paul Keating points out, this commitment can be a kind of sickness. Paul Bongiorno on what happens when politics refuses to acknowledge circumstances.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading:

The Coalition's surplus focus in The Saturday Paper.

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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The gender pay gap in Australia is well documented, with data on the difference between men’s and women’s wages more detailed and comprehensive than ever.

But we haven’t always been on a course for greater transparency. Almost a decade ago, the Coalition government attempted to dismantle open reporting on the gender pay gap.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica, on how Australia almost took its eye off the gender pay gap.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Kristine Ziwica

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As a number of inquiries interrogate how prepared state and federal government’s were for the coronavirus pandemic the Prime Minister has evaded criticism by changing the conversation. The announcement of a coronavirus vaccine made headlines, but how realistic is it? Today, Paul Bongiorno on Scott Morrison’s attempt at distraction.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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When starting out at university, it’s normal to want to meet new friends and establish a community. 

But for some young Australians, that formative time has led them down the path of a secretive and extreme religious sect that some former members describe as exerting “mind control” and taking over their lives. 

So, who’s behind this group? And how are Australians being impacted?

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Aleisha Orr, on the story of Nathan and what he describes as a “doomsday cult” that changed his life. 

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Aleisha Orr

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The Coalition is going all in on nuclear power. The opposition’s vision for Australia’s future puts the technology front and centre, despite experts’ concerns about its costs, risks and impracticalities.

So, is there more to it than first appears? Have the Coalition found the answers to making nuclear work in Australia?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the real reason why the Coalition is going after nuclear, and the factional warfare simmering underneath.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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There are laws in Australia that desperately need to be overhauled and amended for the modern era..

But even with almost universal agreement that these laws need to be updated, the challenge is to get our politicians to agree on how to rewrite them.

This is exactly the situation we find ourselves in on reforms to religious discrimination – which still protects religious schools' right to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students and teachers.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on how today’s parliament is failing to break a decade of political gridlock.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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The latest IPCC report says current farming practices are unsustainable. But there are solutions, if farmers want to change. Matthew Evans on how the way we grow food could change the world.

Guest: Farmer, chef and former restaurant critic Matthew Evans.

Background reading:

The need for sustainable farming in The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

The Saturday Paper

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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An Australian court once ruled that the federal government has a duty of care to young people, to protect them from harm the climate crisis will inflict during their lifetimes.

That decision was overturned on appeal, but today there’s an inquiry looking into how that responsibility could be enshrined in law via the parliament.

It’ss been a long journey for the young woman who first brought that case against the federal Environment minister – something she did while still in high school.

Today, climate activist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Anjali Sharma, on her campaign to legislate a duty of care and taking the fight to Parliament House.

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Guest: Climate activist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Anjali Sharma

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Sri Lankan-born Canadian essayist, poet, and Booker Prize-winning novelist Michael Ondaatje recently released a stunning collection of poems. Ondaatje is now 80 years old and it’s almost half a century since he published his first novel; even longer since he first published poetry. On this episode of Read This he joins Michael for a conversation about A Year of Last Things and why writing remains such a joyful act of discovery.

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Kate Grenville has spent her career bringing history to life, often using the lives of her own family to tell stories about the kinds of voices who are often left out of the official record.

In this episode, from Schwartz Media’s podcast Read This, Michael heads to Kate's house to discuss her latest novel, Restless Dolly Maunder, and why she is preparing for the chance that someday someone’s going to rifle through her life and make up their own stories.

(This episode was first published in September 2023)

Reading list:

Lilian's Story, Kate Grenville, 1985

Joan Makes History: A Novel, Kate Grenville, 1988

The Idea of Perfection, Kate Grenville, 1999

The Secret River, Kate Grenville, 2005

One Life: My Mother's Story, Kate Grenville, 2015

The Case Against Fragrance, Kate Grenville, 2017

Restless Dolly Maunder, Kate Grenville, 2023

The Bee Sting, Paul Murray, 2023

You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Or if you want to listen to them as audiobooks, you can head to the Read This reading room on Apple Books.

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Guest: Kate Grenville

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As Julian Assange fights against extradition to the United States, an unlikely group of politicians is working to have him returned to Australia. Rick Morton on the question of law that underpins his case.

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading:

Saving Julian Assange in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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If a child experiences a complex mental health condition like psychosis, everyone would agree that someone at such a young age needs careful and considered care. If drugs are prescribed, the benefits must outweigh the risks. 

But there are fears that isn’t always happening, and that growing demand for mental healthcare means the people who need the most specific treatment aren’t always getting it.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper and author of The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About, Elfy Scott, on how mental health care for young people is becoming an issue of equality.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper and author of ‘The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About’, Elfy Scott

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Yesterday, Labor’s emergency legislation on immigration detention was slammed by crossbenchers and the Greens as a “race to the bottom” on the way governments treat asylum seekers.

But in the lead up to that move, criticisms that Labor is trying to be tougher than the Coalition on immigration laws have been growing louder. 

So, why is Labor intent on being known for its hardline border policy?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on whether Labor is attempting to one up Peter Dutton on immigration. 

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Guest: national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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As coronavirus shuts borders and creates global panic, there is a risk it will reach a point where it cannot be contained. Rick Morton explains where the virus originated and looks at the scientific breakthroughs behind the attempt to combat it.

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading:

Anatomy of an epidemic in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Many Australians could have been infected with Covid-19 for the second, third or even fourth time in the last couple of months.

That’s because a new variant of the virus has caused the biggest wave in over a year.

But while for many the symptoms are milder, and the risks of serious illness are dropping – what do we need to know about the new variants still emerging? And what evidence do we have about multiple reinfections?

Today, applied mathematician, expert in respiratory diseases, and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Dr James Wood, on the latest Covid wave and what could be in store this year. 

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Guest: Applied mathematician, expert in respiratory diseases, and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Dr James Wood

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Today on the show, writer Richard King, with his piece ‘Machine Learning’ about the AI chatbot ChatGPT.

He begins his story with discourse sweeping a university campus as AI reaches the hands of ordinary students and teachers.

How will this technology – still only a few months old – change not only teaching and marking, but the very nature of the transfer of knowledge?

This is the question he sets out to answer, and it’s a compelling one as we stand on the precipice of a new age of technology.

Richard will read his story from the latest edition of The Monthly after a short conversation.

(This episode first aired in April 2023)

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Guest: Writer Richard King.

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Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, former members of the Stasi are still working to control the conversation about the regime they once served. Anna Funder on how understanding what happened in East Germany can help us comprehend the age of surveillance in which we now live.

Guest: Author Anna Funder.

Background reading:

Stasiland now in The Monthly

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Over the long weekend, we're featuring episodes from the podcast Read This.

In this episode, host Michael Williams chats with author Briohny Doyle, whose most recent novel Why We Are Here explores the complexities of grief, both individual and collective. They discuss the role of writing during the pandemic and how relationships with non-human others enable us to access repressed parts of ourselves.

Reading list:

The Island Will Sink, Briohny Doyle, 2013

Adult Fantasy, Briohny Doyle, 2017

Echolalia, Briohny Doyle, 2021

Why We Are Here, Briohny Doyle, 2023

The Great Undoing, Sharlene Allsopp, 2024

Tremor, Teju Cole, 2023

You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. 

Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter

Guest: Briohny Doyle

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As coronavirus shuts borders and creates global panic, there is a risk it will reach a point where it cannot be contained. Rick Morton explains where the virus originated and looks at the scientific breakthroughs behind the attempt to combat it.

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading:

Anatomy of an epidemic in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Over the long weekend, we're featuring episodes from the podcast Read This. Today, we have a treat for those who think about the Roman Empire more than once a week.

Even if you’re not an obsessive Ancient Rome aficionado, you may have heard of Mary Beard. With more than 20 books to her name, including the wildly successful SPQR, Mary might be most famous for her work as a BBC host for shows such as Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town and Julius Caesar Revealed. Her latest book is Emperor of Rome and this week on the show she sits down with Michael to discuss her life sentence — the half dozen words that set her on the path to becoming Britain’s best-known classicist — and why the Roman Empire is so misunderstood.

Reading list:

SPQR, Mary Beard, 2015

Twelve Caesars, Mary Beard, 2021

Emperor of Rome, Mary Beard, 2023

Meditations, Marcus Aurealius, 167 A.C.E..

Tidelines, Sarah Sasson, 2024

You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. 

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Guest: Mary Beard

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A year on from the Christchurch massacre, survivors face isolation and economic hardship. We speak to the men and women living through the aftermath of one of the worst white supremacist attacks in history. This is part one of a three-part special on the far right.

Guest: Features and field producer Elle Marsh.

Background reading:

Life after the Christchurch shootings in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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As debate over police accountability continues, research suggests predictive policing may be targeting racial minorities in Australia. Victoria Police has been challenged in court on the issue, but settled the case to avoid a finding against them.

Guest: Journalist and documentary filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe.

Background reading:

Law enforcement and racial profiling in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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A speaking tour of Europe has revealed the strategy behind Peter Ridd’s rejection of reef science: he believes that if people doubt the reef is dying, they will doubt climate change more broadly. Max Opray on the Australian physicist whose sacking became a cause célèbre. 

Guest: Morning editor at Schwartz Media Max Opray.

Background reading:

Peter Ridd and the climate sceptics in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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With an election looming in the United Kingdom and chaos among the British Conservative Party, 2024 could see a new prime minister taking residence at 10 Downing Street. 

Amid the political drama, a right-wing broadcaster named GB News has been stirring up debates, igniting culture wars and making headlines for its provocative social commentary.

So, what is GB News? Who’s behind it? And what role has the Australian media played in its rise in popularity? 

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper, Amy Fallon, on the Australian inspiration behind Britain’s divisive broadcaster. 

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Amy Fallon

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Some of Australia’s most powerful religious bodies have taken aim at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and also the Greens – accusing them of threatening the future of religious freedom.

But the cause of this backlash is simply the possibility that the government would work with the Greens to reform a 40-year-old loophole in our discrimination laws.

So, what’s really at stake? And is there about to be a showdown between religious lobbies and the prime minister?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on religion’s influence in Canberra and the political strategy behind Albanese’s latest move. 

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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Boris Johnson has announced he will resign as Prime Minister of the UK.

He once delivered his party historic victories, but now he is being called a risk to the United Kingdom and an existential threat to the existence of the Conservative party — by some of his own colleagues.

So how did one man do so much political damage?

Today, World Editor of The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman on Boris Johnson’s incredibly predictable downfall.

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Today on the show, author of ‘Sundressed’ and fashion editor for The Saturday Paper Lucianne Tonti reads her piece on confronting the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing condemned to landfill every year. 

The Australian fashion industry is a major cause of the 227,000 tonnes of waste clothing generated each year — much of it never worn before being discarded.

Non-profits are attempting to curb the issue, redirecting and recycling the waste clothing – but the problem lies at the source: overproduction.

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Guest: Fashion editor for The Saturday Paper and author of ‘Sundressed’, Lucianne Tonti

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Donald Trump is known for being the loudest, most controversial and outburst-prone politician of our time. 

Now, a judge has issued a gag order against him in an attempt to prevent further outbursts.

Can Donald Trump really be told to be quiet? And will orders from the courts begin to hamper his chances of being re-elected as president?

Today, senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre and author of Trump’s Australia Bruce Wolpe, on whether Trump’s legal battles are finally catching up with him.

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Guest: Senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre, and author of Trump’s Australia, Bruce Wolpe

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Detailed accusations that Australian soldiers in Afghanistan committed war crimes have drawn widespread condemnation from around the world. But who is ultimately responsible for the actions of Australian armed forces? Today, Karen Middleton on the disturbing and shocking allegations involving Australia’s most elite military unit, and our collective shame. 

Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.

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Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in Gaza has been met with international outrage.

The workers at World Central Kitchen, including an Australian woman named Zomi Frankcom, were providing critical relief to Palestinians in the form of food. 

Their deaths now risk entrenching starvation further, as aid organisations begin to doubt whether they’re receiving the protections and safety they should be offered in a war zone. 

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on Australia’s response to the Israeli attack and whether this is a turning point in the Middle East.

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Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper and editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan Pearlman

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The Albanese government was elected on a sense of optimism for the climate movement.

But nearly two years later, there’s a growing sense of unease from the climate movement and traditional owners towards the government in Canberra.

So, what’s going on? How has this distrust emerged? And will it practically change how we all live with the consequences of climate change?

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Royce Kurmelovs, on the bad blood brewing between the government and environmentalists.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Royce Kurmelovs

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As fires burn across the east coast and Sydney suffers catastrophic air pollution, the Coalition government is arguing to do less on climate change. Scott Morrison all but avoids mentioning it. Paul Bongiorno on the reality that’s filling people’s lungs and making their eyes sting.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading:

PM's clouded judgement on climate in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Australia’s anti-lockdown movement reached federal parliament this week, when a rogue Coalition MP took to the floor to blast public health measures used to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The comments highlight growing divisions in the government over Australia’s national approach to the pandemic.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the challenges Scott Morrison is facing from his own side, and why he’s unwilling to openly confront them. 

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Former Channel Seven producer Taylor Auerbach has given extraordinary evidence at Bruce Lehrmann’s trial against Channel Ten over defamation.

Auerbach’s evidence is significant enough that the judge sensationally reopened the case, and it could impact the final verdict – but it has also led to explosive allegations that ask questions of the entire Australian media.

So, what has Auerbach alleged and why has he come forward now?

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on the three men who are now at the centre of the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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This week, after more than 100 days in lockdown, NSW residents were officially allowed back into restaurants, bars, shops and gyms. 

But for many, the end of lockdown wasn’t about being able to drink beer in a pub again but the chance to see family after months of isolation.

Today, 7am producer Kara Jensen-Mackinnon speaks to two sisters finally reunited after lockdown about what opening up means to them.  

Guest: Producer at 7am, Kara Jensen-Mackinnon

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Australian Border Force and Western Australian police spent the weekend searching for 15 men who had arrived in the country by boat.

Eventually, all 15 were arrested and put on a flight to Nauru.

The arrival of this boat comes as the federal government attempts to legislate controversial new laws, deflect criticism from the opposition and keep immigration off the political agenda.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the politician in the middle of it all – Immigration Minister Andrew Giles – and his surprising 23-year journey from asylum seeker lawyer to immigration minister.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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Three years ago, Australia became the first nation in the world to make Facebook pay for news. 

Now, those deals are about to expire, and Facebook isn’t willing to renew them.

That leaves Australia’s world-first deal hanging by a thread, and if the conflict escalates, it could even lead to Facebook and its other products, Instagram and WhatsApp, pulling out of the Australian market completely.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper and author of Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade Tim Burrowes, on why the world is watching Mark Zuckerberg’s fight with the Australian media and government.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper and author of Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade Tim Burrowes

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When Penny Wong took the lectern for the keynote speech at a conference on foreign affairs this week, she could have done what politicians usually do at these events.

She could have delivered a mundane speech about the same challenges we all know Australia faces in its region.

Instead, she decided to float the idea that Australia should recognise an independent Palestinian state.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on what recognising a Palestinian state would mean – and why the foreign minister decided to talk about it now.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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The Morrison government is contemplating new laws which could see charities held responsible for minor legal breaches by their members and supporters. 

The sector says the changes are an attempt to stifle protest, while lawyers are warning they could be unconstitutional. 

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on why the government is targeting charities, and what the changes could mean. 

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

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This is the first episode of 7am’s new five-part special series on the housing crisis.

What happened to housing in Australia over the past few decades wasn’t by chance. It’s the result of decades of deliberate decisions that have turned us into a nation of landlords and property speculators.

This episode uncovers who broke the housing market, and introduces one of the few people who saw what was coming and tried to warn us.

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Guest: Economist Saul Eslake; Television producer Julian Cress; Housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran

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While most of the attention has been focused on Victoria’s handling of the latest coronavirus outbreak, behind the scenes the federal government has been sending mixed-messages on economic policy and state border closures. Today, Paul Bongiorno on whether Scott Morrison is accurately reading the mood of the electorate during this phase of the crisis.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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With home ownership out of reach, more and more younger Australians have no choice but to rent for much longer than their parents ever did – maybe for the rest of their lives.

That puts younger Australians at the mercy of landlords, making some intensely angry and leading to what might be described as a “renters resistance”. 

In this episode of 7am’s five-part special series on the housing crisis, we meet the people who are trying to make it better: the people who are mobilising, taking matters into their own hands and fighting back.

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Guest: Tenant, Blake Hesketh; founder of shitrentals.org and social media figure, Jordan van den Berg; Senior lecturer in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, Dr Sophia Maalsen.

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Comments about Aboriginal people by a Northern Territory judge have led to widespread outrage. But the legal body whose clients were being addressed did not lodge a formal complaint. Russell Marks on the silence in the Northern Territory justice system. 

Guest: Lawyer and writer Russell Marks.

Background reading:

Rough justice in the Northern Territory in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Two Australians have launched court cases in an attempt to radically overhaul the way our government and big corporations are responding to climate change. Today, lawyer Kieran Pender on the story of climate litigation in Australia and what’s at stake.

Guest: Lawyer and writer for The Saturday Paper Kieran Pender.

Background reading:

Suing for climate change in The Saturday Paper

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To celebrate 300 episodes, we produced a special, behind-the-scenes feature on how we make 7am. We followed host Ruby Jones and senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton as they put together an episode on the crisis in aged care.

Guest: Host Ruby Jones and senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

To support 7am you can make a one-off or monthly contribution here.

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With federal, state and local governments promising to build more Australian homes, it’s fair to say that all levels of government want to fix the housing crisis.

But are they building enough? Are they listening to the people they’re building it for? And who really benefits from the way we build housing in Australia?

In this episode of 7am’s five-part special series on the housing crisis, we find out who gets a say when it comes to housing, and why that can get in the way of building the homes Australia needs.

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Guest: Public housing tenant, Carolyn Ienna; Housing expert, Nicole Gurran; Sydney Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, Michael Koziol.

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A solution to the housing crisis is one of the most sought-after ideas in Australia.

Political careers, fortunes and the fate of a generation will rest on how we respond to the increasingly dire housing market, which means there are countless solutions to this crisis being debated throughout the country.

In this episode of 7am’s five-part series, we explore four of these possible solutions to the crisis. You will hear from finance expert Alan Kohler, Greens spokesperson for housing Max Chandler Mather, housing advocate Maiy Azize and former deputy lord mayor of Sydney and author, Jess Scully.

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Guest: Finance expert, Alan Kohler; Greens spokesperson for housing, Max Chandler Mather; housing advocate, Maiy Azize; former deputy lord mayor of Sydney and author of Glimpses of Utopia, Jess Scully.

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At the end of the day, the people who decide what path Australia takes to solve the housing crisis are those in government. In this episode, we speak to the federal minister for housing, Julie Collins.

Does the government think we’re in a crisis? How does she plan to ensure we all have a safe and affordable place to call home? And how will she convince voters in the next election that Labor has the boldest ideas?

In this final episode of 7am’s five-part series, we dive into what the government is doing and whether there is more that could be done.

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Guest: Federal minister for housing, Julie Collins

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It’s now been a week since the Federal Court of Australia’s Justice Michael Lee ruled it was substantially true that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittney Higgins in a minister’s office at Parliament House back in 2019.

In other cases, that may have been the end of the matter. But this case has drawn in dozens of characters, with careers ended, others on the rocks and Channel Seven appearing as if it could implode.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton, on who emerges from the wreckage of one of the most dramatic defamation cases we’ve seen in years.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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A year on from the Christchurch massacre, survivors face isolation and economic hardship. We speak to the men and women living through the aftermath of one of the worst white supremacist attacks in history. This is part one of a three-part special on the far right.

Guest: Features and field producer Elle Marsh.

Background reading:

Life after the Christchurch shootings in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Growing concern about far-right extremists in Australia has led to the creation of a new federal inquiry, but the inquiry has revealed that one police force is out of step with our national security agencies. Today, Osman Faruqi on the emboldened far-right in Australia, and whether enough is being done to counter them.

Guest: Editor of 7am, Osman Faruqi.

Background reading: Victoria Police and extremism in The Saturday Paper

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Grace Tame knows how to advocate. Her campaigning for survivors of sexual assault and abuse helped to create real change and pushed powerful institutions to be better.

Now, Tame is turning her focus onto something she has lived with her whole life and which is now on the agenda in Canberra, – autism and neurodivergence.

Today, former Australian of the Year and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Grace Tame, on Australia’s first attempt at a national autism strategy – and why we must get it right.

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Guest: former Australian of the year and Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Grace Tame

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Scott Morrison’s inner circle is a group linked by faith and friendship – and now, the front bench. Some in this group trace their connections back to his preselection and even before. Their ties were confirmed during the leadership spill last year. Karen Middleton on who is close to Morrison and why.

Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.

Background Reading: 

Scott Morrison's inner circle in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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An attack at a Western Sydney church last week was inextricably linked to social media.

The bishop who was stabbed is a social media celebrity, the attack itself was live-streamed, and both the attack and the reaction may have been inflamed by online extremism.

The Australian government is so concerned it has picked a fight with the global social media giants X and Meta, ordering them to pull down content about the attack.

Today, counter-terrorism expert and Lowy Institute fellow Lydia Khalill, on the attack, whether it was an act of terrorism and how we can do more to prevent extremism.

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Guest: Project director of the Lowy Institute’s Digital Threats to Democracy Project and expert on counter-terrorism, Lydia Khalil

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The wait for elective surgery in our public hospitals is longer than ever, but it seems there’s a way to jump the queue.

If you can afford to pay for private care in a public hospital, you might find yourself being offered more perks than just a free bathrobe and some slippers.

Today, lawyer and contributor to The Monthly Russell Marks, on whether our public health system is truly fair and what happens when your own child’s health is on the line.

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Guest: Lawyer and contributor to The Monthly, Russell Marks

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From The Monthly and LiSTNR comes The Politics Podcast, a new daily podcast that cuts through the noise and delivers you the in-depth analysis of the moments that defined the day in politics. Hosted by Rachel Withers from The Monthly, The Politics Podcast drops at 5.30pm each weekday.

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When Australia’s eSafety commissioner issued takedown orders to some of the world’s biggest tech companies at the beginning of this week, the commissioner probably didn’t realise it would put us on the frontline of a global battle over the internet.

The orders were aimed at removing the kind of footage social media companies have agreed to remove in the past – but today things are very different, in large part because of Elon Musk.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on why Elon Musk and his fans turned on Australia and how one Senator in particular, ended up in the firing line.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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There’s an old adage in Canberra: every first-term government gets a second chance.

But when voters head to the polls next year, could the current Labor government be an exception?

With so many Australians feeling the cost-of-living crisis, and the government facing a slump in the polls, evidence is mounting that Labor will struggle to retain majority government.

So what’s its strategy to change course?

Today, special correspondent in Canberra for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on why Labor appears so calm in turbulent times.

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Guest: Special correspondent in Canberra for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

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There are strict rules around how drug company representatives can interact with doctors to ensure they aren’t influencing how medications are prescribed.

But when it comes to expensive medical devices inserted in our bodies during surgery – all sorts of screws, pacemakers and implants – those same rules don’t apply.

Medical device sales reps are scrubbed up and working in the operating theatre, even advising surgeons on which products to use.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on whether the pursuit of profit risks driving clinical decisions.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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It feels like hardly a week goes by where we don’t hear about a woman in Australia being killed by a man she knows.

Intimate partner deaths increased by almost a third during the last reporting year and early counts by advocacy groups suggest this year is set to be even worse.

The spike in killings has led to protests, a national outcry and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declaring that violence against women is a national crisis.

Today, author of See What You Made Me Do and journalist Jess Hill, on what can be done to stop the violence – and why “awareness” is no longer good enough.

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Guest: Author of See What You Made Me Do and journalist Jess Hill

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This week the federal government was caught out without a clear plan on two of the biggest crises facing the world right now: the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In both instances, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been accused of not sufficiently preparing for outcomes that many had predicted, and responding too defensively.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on whether being underprepared is now a feature of Scott Morrison’s leadership - and what the consequences are. 

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Eighteen months ago, Dhanya Mani spoke to the press about being assaulted while working as a Liberal Party staffer. This week, she reflected on how little has changed - and how culpable the prime minister is for that.

Guest: Lawyer and founder of Changing Our Headline Dhanya Mani.

Background reading: ‘I was a staffer, and so was my perpetrator’ in The Saturday Paper

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As Donald Trump zeroed in on his successful 2016 run to the presidency, he began to engage in what is called “catch and kill” journalism.

Trump and his lawyers developed relationships with journalists, who were allegedly prepared to track down damaging stories aboutTrump, and then take money to ensure they would never be printed.

Today, managing editor of The Saturday Paper Emily Barrett on the Australian who built a reputation as one of the best at “capture and kill” in America – and how he’s ended up being central to Donald Trump’s trial in New York.

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Guest: Managing editor of The Saturday Paper, Emily Barrett.

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Musician and writer Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay woman from freshwater country in north-west New South Wales. Her debut novel was 2020’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning Song of the Crocodile. In this episode, from Schwartz Media’s podcast Read This, Michael sits down with Nardi for a wide ranging conversation about her new book, The Belburd.

Reading list:

Song of the Crocodile, Nardi Simpson, 2024

The Belburd, Nardi Simpson, 2024

You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. 

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Guest: Nardi Simpson

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As Australia demanded answers to the domestic violence crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became a focal point in all the wrong ways when he got into a confrontation with a rally organiser on Sunday.

But this week’s national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders offered a chance to respond to the community’s concern and produce real solutions.

So what solutions came out of that meeting? And will they genuinely help women who face domestic violence?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the crucial moment for Australia and whether governments are delivering on their mission to end violence against women.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Infighting within the Coalition has been exposed as candidates emerge and then quit in the race for the seat of Eden-Monaro. The by-election is reopening divisions across the Liberal and National Parties. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the first real test for Scott Morrison’s popularity.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading:

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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In recent years, Australia has faced a reckoning over the actions of some of our special forces soldiers, who have gone from decorated heroes to murderers accused of horrific war crimes against civilians.

David McBride is the former military lawyer who first gave journalists documentary evidence of civilian killings in Afghanistan.

To his supporters he’s a war crimes whistleblower, but detractors say that was never his motivation.

During a secretive national security trial, he pleaded guilty to handing over those files and this morning his sentencing hearing gets underway.

Today, David McBride, on why he did it, whether he has any regrets and how Australia keeps its secrets.

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Guest: David McBride

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The video games industry is worth over $180 billion a year, more than the US film and sports industries combined. For decades though, it’s been plagued by a culture of misogyny, homophobia and racism.

Right now, a reckoning is taking place at one of the biggest games developers in the world, Activision Blizzard, the publisher of some of the most popular games ever, including Candy Crush, Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

This isn’t the first time sexism and harassment in gaming has made headlines, but could this be the long-awaited reckoning that the industry needs?

To help break down the lawsuit and why it matters, games reporter for Screenhub and regular games critic for The Saturday Paper, Jini Maxwell, joins The Culture this week.

Guest: Jini Maxwell

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It’s a small mystery in Australian politics: Why was Peter Dutton’s first major policy as opposition leader a promise to build nuclear power plants?

On the surface, it doesn’t seem like an obvious vote winner and early polling shows most Australians are yet to be convinced.

But this may be less about votes and more about holding the Coalition together, with the help of a lobby group most of us have never heard of.

Today, investigative journalist and contributor to The Monthly Marian Wilkinson on the Coalition for Conservation lobby and their links to Peter Dutton’s nuclear promises.

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Guest: Investigative journalist and contributor to The Monthly, Marian Wilkinson

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Israeli airstrikes are targeting the southernmost city in Gaza and tanks have been seen entering the outskirts of the city.

Rafah was once the last safe haven in Gaza, where civilians fleeing Israeli bombardment had been told to seek refuge.

The United States, along with international allies, have long pushed for Israel not to invade the city.

Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom, on Rafah and what it would take to clinch a last-ditch ceasefire deal.

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Guest: Middle east correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom

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While Australians grapple with shocking allegations of war crimes levelled against our armed forces, the federal government is moving ahead with a $500 million redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial. Today, Mark McKenna, on what our preoccupation with war tells us about who we are. 

Further listening: Brendan Nelson’s gravy sandwich

Guest: Historian and writer for The Monthly Mark McKenna.

Background reading: Australia’s haunted house in The Monthly

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One of Australia’s favourite shows has a contentious sponsor this year.

MasterChef, a show that delivers fairytale stories of home cooks rising to national celebrity, is being supported by the gas industry.

So what does big gas want with MasterChef? And what are they paying for?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the fight over the future of our kitchens and whether the gas industry can survive their next major elimination challenge. 

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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Malcolm Knox began his career as a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, back in the 90s. His breakout was in 2004 when, as literary editor, he broke the story of the fake Jordanian memoirist, Norma Khouri for which he won a Walkley Award. Since then he has written more than a dozen books of nonfiction and has been publishing fiction since 2000. On this episode of Read This, Malcolm sits down with Michael to discuss his seventh and latest novel, The First Friend.

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The tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother, the double-murder of a Surry Hills couple, the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial and now the spike in domestic violence.

These are some of the biggest stories in Australia over the past 12 months, and all of them have drawn in one very powerful woman – Karen Webb, the commissioner of the NSW Police Force.

The veteran cop has found herself at press conferences and interviews having to defend herself and the force to a national audience.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on who Karen Webb really is and how she climbed her way through the vipers nest of the NSW police.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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A case currently before the High Court, involving one academic’s controversial views on climate, could have significant ramifications for freedom of speech in Australia.

Physicist Peter Ridd was fired after he publicly criticised his colleague’s research on the Great Barrier Reef, but what started as an employment dispute has become a test case on climate denial and cancel culture.

Today, writer for The Saturday Paper Kieran Pender on Peter Ridd’s day in court and what the outcome could mean for academic freedom.

Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Kieran Pender.

Background reading: Peter Ridd’s High Court case in The Saturday Paper

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The growing diplomatic dispute between China and Australia took an ugly turn this week, after a Chinese government official posted an incendiary tweet. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the harsh realities of an increasingly dominant China, and whether Scott Morrison can navigate Australia through a period of growing tension.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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This week, as the federal budget is handed down, we’re bringing you The Cost: Inside the living crisis.

We’ll explore the impact this crisis is having on our country, why it just isn’t ending and whether our leaders are doing enough to protect our standard of living.

Today, executive director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss on when prices will finally stop going up – and the kind of country we risk becoming once the crisis is finally over.

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Guest: Executive director of the Australia Institute, Richard Denniss

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It’s budget week, which means crunch time for the leaders tasked with tackling how expensive Australia is right now.

And the thing we’re all talking about is our grocery bills, why food seems to cost more each time we visit the supermarket.

Today, national affairs correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on what some call the great price gouge and whether the government is doing enough to address the rising cost of putting food on our plates.

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Guest: National affairs correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

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Every year, in the lead up to Christmas, thousands and thousands of native flying insects, known as Christmas beetles, would emerge from the soil and attach themselves to trees, street lights and crawl into homes across Australia.

Or at least that’s what used to happen.

In recent years Christmas beetles have disappeared, concerning scientists who are worried climate change is to blame.

Today, producer for 7am Kara Jensen-Mackinnon on what happened to Australia’s Christmas beetles.

Guest: Producer for 7am, Kara Jensen-Mackinnon.

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Jim Chalmers delivered what could be the most important budget of his political career last night. But how much will it help with the cost of living and how will we feel the impact?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow on the budget that’s attempting to reshape Australia’s response to the living crisis.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow 

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Britney Spears is one of the biggest music stories in the world right now, but it’s not because of her music.

It's to do with the saga of her controversial 13 year long conservatorship.

In 2019 the Free Britney hashtag and movement went viral. More recently we’ve seen a series of documentaries covering the issue, and the story has grown and grown.

Then, a few weeks ago, after years of silence, we saw Britney finally speak out publicly. 

She confirmed years worth of speculation regarding her conservatorship, and perhaps most importantly, the role her father Jamie Spears has played in all of it.

So could the 13 year battle to free Britney finally be coming to an end?

Guest: Editor of Music Junkee, Jules LeFevre

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It’s a budget we’ll be talking about for a long time, as we head to the next election and try to escape the cost of living crisis. But even though the budget is only 36 hours old, we’re starting to see the early criticisms from rival politicians emerge.

So, has Labor spent enough to ease the cost of living? Or spent too much? And do the critics have plans of their own that would actually benefit Australians?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on where the battle lines are being drawn.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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As fires burn through NSW and Queensland, a fundamental shift can be detected in Canberra: the politics of climate change have altered. It is no longer viable to do nothing. Paul Bongiorno on how the Coalition is dealing with this new reality. 

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading: 

The Saturday Paper 

The Monthly 

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Last month, under the cover of the federal budget, the Coalition government rushed through new laws legalising the indefinite detention of refugees.

Australia’s embrace of indefinite detention puts us at odds with international law, and it’s led to condemnation from human rights groups.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how Australia got to this point, and what it means for those seeking safety in our country.

Guest: National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

Background reading: Australian government legalises ‘a crime against humanity’ in The Saturday Paper

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The federal government has finally released the modelling underpinning its plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the Prime Minister, the economic impact of the plan won’t be that significant. But at the last election Scott Morrison had a very different position when he was opposing Labor’s emissions reduction policy.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the documents that reveal who’s behind the federal government’s climate modelling - and what it tells us about the way science is being spun for political purposes.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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This week, Jim Chalmers delivered what could be the most politically significant budget of his career – with the future of a Labor government and the country’s cost of living crisis on the line.

Today, he joins 7am to discuss his vision for Australia’s economy and whether the government has done enough to end the living crisis.

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Guest: Treasurer of Australia, Dr Jim Chalmers

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There are over 1 million migrant workers in Australia who aren’t eligible for any financial support from the government as they try to navigate their way through this crisis. Some have been here for years, and they’re now stranded in a country that won’t help them and unable to get home as borders remain shut. Today, we speak to one migrant worker negotiating this new reality. 

Guest: 7am producer Ruby Schwartz.

Background reading:

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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NSW is currently experiencing its worst outbreak of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. With case numbers continuing to rise, the government has slowly acknowledged it’s losing control.

Unlike the rest of the country, it now appears that NSW is abandoning its intention of eliminating the virus and reaching zero cases of community transmission, instead relying more heavily on vaccinations.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the NSW strategy to deal with the virus and what it might mean for the rest of the nation. 

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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If you’ve bought salmon at the supermarket, there’s a strong chance it came from Tasmania.

The island state is home to a billion-dollar salmon farming industry and much of it is located at Macquarie Harbour. That harbour is where Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan grew up.

But it’s also home to a 60-million-year-old creature whose fate appears to be the first Australian species to be wiped off the face of the earth during this federal government.

Today, writer and contributor to The Monthly Richard Flanagan on how corporate greed, political inaction and our demand for supermarket salmon are all choking the Maugean Skate. 

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Guest: Booker Prize-winning author and contributor to The Monthly Richard Flanagan

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A multimillion-dollar contract for an app that places aged-care workers in nursing homes has triggered concerns about quality and access. The government money favours one private company, which says it has “no duty of care” for the work it provides. Rick Morton on the limited tender that won big for an app called Mable.

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading:

Exclusive: Gov’s $5.8 million aged-care app offers “no duty of care” in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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When observing the Al Roj refugee camp in Northern Syria on Google Maps, you can see it’s only a few hundred metres away from an airport tarmac.

But for the 40 Australian citizens stranded at the camp – with no water, electricity or any real plan for the future – getting on a plane home could still be years away.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on why the government seems to have abandoned its plans to bring them home.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

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Outbreaks of Covid-19 are continuing to spread across the country, hitting largely unvaccinated and unprepared populations.

Eighteen months into the pandemic many Australians are feeling exhausted, and compliance with public health measures is dropping off - leading governments to ramp up policing efforts.

Today, infectious disease and pandemic response expert Dr Alexandra Phelan on the situation in Australia, how governments can maintain public trust, and what the end game looks like.

Guest: Member of the Center for Global Health Science and Security, Dr Alexandra Phelan

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As wealthy countries like Australia race to vaccinate their population, many other nations in our region are falling behind due to the high cost of vaccines: a cost set by big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer.

As a result, South East Asia is now the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Lyndal Rowlands on the proposal that could speed up vaccinations around the world, and why Australia is holding it back. 

Guest: Contributor for The Saturday Paper, Lyndal Rowlands

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Julian Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, describes the long, meandering court process Assange has faced as “punishment by process”.

Just this week, in a decision that may have saved Assange from being immediately extradited to the United States, the British High Court ruled it will hear one more appeal against his extradition – but not until later this year.

The only other literal get-out-of-jail card for Assange is if the US drops the charges against him.

Today, Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson, on why she’s back in Australia lobbying the government and whether they can secure a deal before the US election in November. 

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Guest: Lawyer for Julian Assange, Jennifer Robinson.

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The members of this federal Labor government have been pretty disciplined on not publicly criticising party policy.

So it raised a few eyebrows when MPs from inner-city seats took aim at the government’s Future Gas Strategy.

The plan pumps up gas as a vital part of the energy transition through to 2050 and beyond, which is at odds with moves to get households off gas as quickly as possible.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what’s behind the gas plan and why a little “sanctioned dissent” might be part of a broader electoral strategy.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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On Monday, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan announced he would apply for arrest warrants for senior Hamas leaders as well as Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant.

So, how did the ICC’s prosecutor come to the point of applying for arrest warrants? What happens next? And can international law survive the scrutiny it’s now under?

Today, expert in international law and professor at the University of California Davis Chimene Keitner on the warrants now drawing attention from around the world.

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Guest: Professor at the University of California Davis, Chimene Keitner

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