Hannah Parkes

Australia’s housing crisis has become central to debates about immigration, inflation and the economy, but political parties have struggled to present coherent solutions. Liberal senator and shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg has argued that reducing immigration would address the crisis, although the details of his proposal remain unclear. Meanwhile, the government appears reluctant to claim credit for falling house prices. Economist Saul Eslake discusses which policies are effective and why governments have been unable to resolve the housing problem.

The podcast examines why no woman has led Australia’s Labor Party since Julia Gillard, despite women achieving gender parity in the parliamentary caucus. Tanya Plibersek, a long-serving senior politician and former deputy leader, is highlighted as an experienced figure who nevertheless receives little attention in speculation about who might succeed Anthony Albanese. Political reporter Krishani Dhanji and Rafqa Touma discuss the factors contributing to the continued overlooking of Labor women.

The Full Story podcast explains how Alan Jones came to face 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching, allegedly spanning nearly two decades. Jones denies all charges. Media correspondent Amanda Meade outlines the background to the high-profile Australian criminal case and the alleged pattern prosecutors say they will present.

The podcast revisits the 2001 disappearance and presumed murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio on a remote Australian highway. Bradley John Murdoch flagged down Falconio and Joanne Lees, after which Falconio disappeared and Lees survived. Police continue searching for Falconio’s body, while a former British government expert claims to have identified the most likely burial location.

Ben Carroll has become Victoria’s new premier after Labor MPs voted him in during a chaotic caucus meeting. He replaces Jacinta Allan, who stepped down after months of declining poll numbers, internal difficulties and pressure from a rising One Nation ahead of Victoria’s November state election. The leadership change is examined as an attempt to revive Labor’s electoral prospects, while Carroll’s first major act—a royal commission into the construction sector—is noted as an early test of his premiership.

Reged Ahmad speaks with political editor Tom McIlroy about whether Anthony Albanese exercises excessive control over the Australian Labor Party. The discussion examines the implications of tighter leadership control for internal policy debate, the party’s national conference, and Labor’s ability to compete with One Nation.

Tony Barry and George Megalogenis discuss Barnaby Joyce’s viral confrontation with his dog, why the incident resonated with One Nation’s base, and historical elections in which the party performed better than expected. They also consider whether rising support for One Nation could damage democracy.

Tony Barry and George Megalogenis examine Barnaby Joyce’s viral media moment and why it resonated with One Nation’s supporters. They compare the current polling rise with past elections in which One Nation performed well, cautioning that political predictions can be unreliable, and consider whether the party’s growing support could damage democracy.

Tens of thousands of young people protest in New Delhi over India’s education system, youth unemployment and alleged government failures. The demonstrations are led by supporters of the Cockroach Janta party, an online joke that has rapidly developed into an unexpected challenge to Narendra Modi’s rightwing government. Nour Haydar discusses the movement’s origins and growing political impact with South Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen.

Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy examine Donald Trump’s prime-time address on the US electoral system, including whether it was intended to destabilize public confidence ahead of the midterm elections and whether it may succeed. They also discuss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order requiring annual testosterone-deficiency screening for military personnel aged 30 and older, and its implications for the US military.

Pauline Hanson’s overseas trip has generated sustained negative headlines over her comments and actions, forcing One Nation members, including Barnaby Joyce, to defend and explain her conduct in Australia. The podcast examines how the controversies—including Hanson’s support for mass deportations and immigration-focused media messaging—could affect One Nation’s supporters and political standing.

Political adviser and communications consultant Ed Coper discusses how social media outrage, which he terms “angertainment,” drives engagement and shapes political strategy, particularly on the political right. He argues that constructive conversation may offer an antidote to the cycle of online anger.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has opened in Australia amid intense interest, with fans traveling significant distances to see the film in its original 70mm IMAX format. The podcast examines whether the film’s scale, rarity and event-like theatrical experience can draw audiences away from streaming and help an ailing cinema industry regain momentum.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine Pauline Hanson’s podcast interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson and consider whether the association could create divisions within One Nation and weaken Hanson’s leadership. The discussion also covers the party’s stance on international affairs and polling ahead of the Victorian election, including implications for Australian politics, immigration and race-related debates.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine Pauline Hanson’s podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson and consider whether it could create divisions within One Nation and weaken Hanson’s leadership. The discussion also covers the party’s approach to international affairs and polling ahead of the Victorian election.

The 2026 World Cup is nearing its conclusion after a record 102 matches, with Spain preparing to face Argentina in the final. Nour Haydar and football writer Sam Lewis examine the tournament’s defining moments, including presidential interference and controversial VAR decisions, and assess how the competition may have permanently changed the World Cup.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death has created uncertainty within US politics and the Republican Party. As a prominent congressional deal-maker and intermediary between Republicans, Democrats and Donald Trump, Graham’s absence could make cross-party cooperation more difficult. His death also raises questions about the future direction of Republican foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Israel, while prompting renewed scrutiny of his complicated legacy.

Australia’s AI revolution is creating fears of workplace displacement and broader social disruption. The Labor government has been slow to establish reforms as it weighs stronger regulation against opportunities for investment and economic growth. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to address the issue in a landmark speech, with the central challenge being how to embrace AI while protecting workers.

The podcast examines why support for the Australian Greens has stagnated in the year since the federal election while Pauline Hanson and One Nation have gained ground among voters dissatisfied with the major parties. Nour Haydar and political reporter Sarah Basford-Canales discuss why disaffected voters are moving to the right rather than the left and consider strategies the Greens could use to improve their prospects at the next election.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry review the week’s most notable political stumbles and missteps. They also discuss Anthony Albanese’s efforts to strengthen ties in the Pacific amid China’s test of a long-range missile, as well as Nigel Farage’s resignation from politics and intention to contest an upcoming by-election.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry review a series of political stumbles in Australia during a busy week. They discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to strengthen Pacific relations amid China’s test of a nuclear-capable missile, as well as Nigel Farage’s resignation from the UK Parliament and intention to run in an upcoming byelection.

Telstra’s massive network outage disrupted trains, traffic lights, retail Eftpos systems and some triple-zero emergency calls across Australia. Chief financial officer Michael Ackland apologized publicly, while technology reporter Josh Taylor and Reged Ahmad examine what caused the failure, who may be held responsible and how critical connectivity could be protected from similar disruptions.

Donald Trump’s threat to “take” Cuba, combined with escalating US sanctions and an oil blockade, has intensified fears across the Caribbean island. The measures have crippled essential services, caused persistent blackouts and disrupted daily life for Cuba’s 10 million people. Reporting from Havana examines the conditions on the ground and assesses whether US military intervention could be the next development.

The podcast examines reported details of Donald Trump’s intervention with FIFA to seek the lifting of Folarin Balogun’s suspension ahead of a World Cup match against Belgium, and considers whether the move could affect football. It also discusses growing calls for Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation.