Bertin Huynh

Taiwan conducted a civil-defense drill in Taipei involving air-raid sirens, shelter evacuations and mobile alerts. For the first time, the exercise also drastically reduced internet speeds to simulate a coordinated attack, including the inability to access services such as TikTok. The drill reflects growing concern in Taiwan about potential Chinese action across the Taiwan Strait and the need to prepare for disruptions to communications and daily life.

Rafqa Touma discusses Meta’s camera-equipped glasses with Guardian technology reporter Josh Taylor, lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman and Human Technology Institute policy specialist Lauren Perry. The conversation focuses on whether people can tell when they are being recorded and examines privacy concerns surrounding the growing use of smart glasses.

A video profile traces Alan Jones’s career from schoolteacher and political candidate to coach of Australia’s national rugby union team and one of the country’s most influential, highly paid talkback radio hosts. It also outlines the 20 indecent-assault and two sexual-touching charges he denies, allegedly involving six men between 2003 and 2020, ahead of his four-month trial in Sydney.

Ben Carroll has delivered his first speech as Victoria’s premier, presenting his leadership as a new era for Labor politics and saying Victorians want change. He announced that his first action would be to call a royal commission into the construction sector and establish a special prosecutor to work alongside it.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine Pauline Hanson’s podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, considering whether it could fracture One Nation and weaken Hanson’s leadership. They also discuss the party’s positions on international affairs and polling ahead of the Victorian election.

Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy examine One Nation’s nearly $3m fundraising success and how major parties are responding to the rightwing party’s rise, noting where they believe the prime minister erred. They also discuss the re-emergence of the “Ditch the Witch” slogan and assess the Liberal Party’s prospects in the upcoming Victorian election.

The hosts discuss the government’s difficulties promoting its proposed tax reforms as the legislation enters parliament, consider arguments for and against forming a teal political party, and highlight new Redbridge polling indicating One Nation may surpass the Liberals to become the official opposition.

Discussion of the Australian government’s plan to move thousands of people off the NDIS to reduce costs, alongside commentary on the broader economy, proposed taxation of gas companies, and the political landscape including developments involving Donald Trump.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey was shot entirely on Imax 1570 film, a rare high‑resolution format that only 41 cinemas worldwide can project. Imax Melbourne is the sole cinema in the southern hemisphere equipped to screen the film, prompting fans to travel long distances to experience it in the intended format.

A review of politicians’ missteps over the week highlights a series of gaffes alongside discussion of the prime minister’s Pacific strategy following China’s long‑range missile test, as well as Nigel Farage’s resignation and decision to contest an upcoming byelection.

Two Cambodian Australian brothers, Ryan and Chan Khun, have turned Country Cob bakery into a multi‑award‑winning pie maker, earning Australia’s 2026 best pie prize for a Malaysian‑style prawn curry filling. Their success follows years of developing innovative flavours inspired by Southeast Asian dishes, adjusted to suit local tastes. Despite some unsuccessful trials, the bakery continues to expand and experiment, with new flavours in development and strong enthusiasm from customers who travel long distances to try their creations.

Two Cambodian-born brothers, Ryan and Chan Khun, have become leading Australian pie makers, earning five national titles in eight years. Their Country Cob Bakery won this year’s top prize with a Malaysian-style prawn curry pie featuring coconut-poached prawns and aromatic spices. Ryan explains how the award-winning recipe is made.

Discussion of One Nation’s first decline in polling in over a year and the failure of disaffected voters to return to the Liberal party, alongside examination of political challenges posed by falling house prices for Labor.

Discussion highlights the decline in One Nation’s polling numbers and the absence of corresponding gains for the Liberal Party, underscoring broader challenges in conservative voter appeal. Falling house prices are examined as an emerging political issue that may create difficulties for Labor.

A new generation of Australian footballers, highlighted by Nestory Irankunda, is renewing optimism for Australia’s World Cup prospects. Bertin Huynh argues that as One Nation gains political support, the multicultural identity embodied by the Socceroos should be celebrated. Comments from Awer Mabil underscore how the team’s diversity resonates with Australians.

Public enthusiasm for footballer Nestory Irankunda during Australia’s World Cup win highlights a hopeful embrace of multicultural identity despite a political climate shaped by One Nation’s rise and anti‑immigration rhetoric. While celebrating Irankunda’s talent and the diversity of the national team, the piece warns against placing the burden of defending multiculturalism on young athletes. It contrasts Australia’s pride with past racist backlash faced by players abroad and urges continued resistance to narratives that scapegoat migrants amid economic anxiety.

Australian fans celebrated in Melbourne’s Federation Square as the Socceroos defeated Turkey 2-0 in their opening World Cup match, with supporters cheering, waving flags, and reacting passionately to Nestory Irankunda’s performance during extra time.

Discussion focuses on One Nation’s nearly $3m fundraising success and how major political parties are responding to its growing influence. The hosts assess a perceived misstep by the prime minister, the re-emergence of the “Ditch the Witch” slogan, and the likelihood of a Liberal victory in the upcoming Victorian election.

Polling from Redbridge shows One Nation with an unprecedented leading primary vote, prompting analysis from Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry on the party’s potential limits. The conversation also examines Peter Garrett’s appointment to lead a new public inquiry into Aukus and considers whether Anthony Albanese has sufficient political capital to support the process.

Redbridge polling shows One Nation leading Australia’s primary vote, prompting analysis of its electoral ceiling and broader implications. Peter Garrett is appointed to lead a public inquiry into Aukus, raising questions about its political impact. Anthony Albanese’s available political capital is assessed amid these developments.

Generative AI is increasingly used across the fashion industry, including AI‑generated models used by Australian retailer The Iconic. Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman evaluates how accurately these virtual models represent garments. The Iconic emphasizes transparency and accuracy in AI‑generated imagery, while designer Atoir argues that responsible use of such tools can help smaller brands stay competitive without compromising creative standards or product integrity.

The discussion focuses on the government’s difficulty defending its tax reform package as it reaches parliament, the potential emergence and risks of a teal political party, and polling that suggests One Nation may surpass the Liberals as the main opposition to a Labor minority government. The conversation also touches on concerns raised by Zali Steggall about donation rules affecting independent candidates.

Lam Tac Tam recounts his 1976 journey from Vietnam to Darwin as the first Vietnamese refugee to reach Australia by boat, detailing the political upheaval that forced his family to flee and the challenges faced during the voyage. Early assistance from locals in Darwin helped him settle, work, and rebuild his life, leading to a long-term commitment to the community. Over time he shifted from resentment toward Vietnam’s communist government to promoting ties between the two countries. Historian Claire Higgins notes that Australia’s initial welcoming stance under Malcolm Fraser shaped its international reputation, though later political and economic shifts led to more restrictive policies. Reflecting on global conflicts, Lam argues countries involved in wars bear responsibility to accept refugees.

Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy analyse Mark Butler’s announcement that Labor plans to transition thousands of people off the NDIS to reduce costs, assess the political risks and implications surrounding upcoming Victorian and NSW byelections, and consider whether the Coalition can regain ground from One Nation amid rising public support for taxing major gas corporations.

Discussion focuses on rising pressure on Australian politicians in response to Donald Trump’s intensifying rhetoric, the fragile ceasefire in Iran, the prime minister’s visit to Singapore, Matt Canavan’s call for an economic shift and the political fallout from Ben Roberts-Smith’s arrest.