Lu Hill

Australia’s housing crisis has become central to debates over immigration, inflation and housing affordability, but political parties have struggled to present coherent solutions. Liberal senator and shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg has argued that cutting immigration would help, though the details remain unclear. The government faces a contrasting political dilemma over falling house prices, which it supports but appears reluctant to promote. Economist Saul Eslake discusses which policies are most likely to work and why governments have struggled to address the crisis.

Despite the Australian Labor Party having gender parity in its caucus, no woman is widely viewed as a likely successor to Anthony Albanese. Tanya Plibersek, a senior Labor figure and former deputy leader with extensive cabinet experience, is set to become the longest-serving woman in Australia’s House of Representatives but is largely absent from leadership speculation. Political reporter Krishani Dhanji discusses with Rafqa Touma why Labor women remain overlooked.

The podcast follows Alan Jones, the veteran Australian radio broadcaster, as he faces trial on 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. Jones denies wrongdoing and is defending the charges; hosts Nour Haydar and Amanda Meade provide weekly courtroom updates and explain the evidence.

Despite broad Australian support for clean technologies, organised campaigns opposing wind and solar infrastructure have effectively undermined confidence in renewable energy, especially among people in rural and remote communities. Graham Readfearn and Reged Ahmad examine the tactics behind this opposition, why it has resonated, who is obstructing the transition, and how Australia might bring more people along toward a renewable energy-focused future.

Barnaby Joyce has supported efforts to establish Armidale as a refugee resettlement centre, despite repeatedly rejecting multiculturalism and joining One Nation, which advocates a monocultural Australia and tighter migration restrictions. Reporting from Armidale examines how the electorate’s growing refugee community challenges those policies and explores Joyce’s own explanation of the apparent contradiction.

The podcast revisits the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio on a remote stretch of Australian highway. Falconio disappeared after Bradley John Murdoch stopped Falconio and Joanne Lees, and his body has never been found. As Northern Territory police continue searching for answers and closure for Falconio’s family, a former British government expert claims to have identified the most likely location where the body was buried.

Ben Carroll has become Victoria’s new premier after being elected by Labor during a chaotic caucus meeting, replacing Jacinta Allan, who stepped down following several difficult months in office. The Victorian government is struggling in the polls and facing a stronger challenge from One Nation ahead of the November state election. The podcast examines how the leadership change unfolded and whether Carroll can improve Labor’s chances at the ballot box.

The podcast examines 764, a global online network accused of coercing children into violence, self-harm and sexual exploitation, and in some cases turning vulnerable minors into perpetrators. Nour Haydar speaks with investigative reporter Ariel Bogle about urgent FBI warnings, the dangers these groups pose to children and the worldwide investigations, including in Australia.

The podcast examines whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese exercises excessive control over the Australian Labor Party. Reged Ahmad speaks with political editor Tom McIlroy about the limited debate at Labor’s national conference, the implications of Albanese’s tight leadership for internal party democracy, and Labor’s ability to confront One Nation.

Tens of thousands of young people protested in New Delhi over India’s education system, scarce government jobs, youth unemployment and alleged exam leaks. The demonstrations are being led or supported by the Cockroach Janta party, an online joke that has evolved into an unexpected political challenge to Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party government. The protests have expanded through hunger strikes, opposition-party support and clashes with police, while the government has promised action over alleged irregularities.

Pauline Hanson’s overseas trip has generated sustained negative coverage following controversial comments, forcing members of One Nation, including Barnaby Joyce, to defend and explain her actions in Australia. The podcast examines how the controversy, including Hanson’s views on immigration and mass deportations, could affect support for One Nation.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has generated intense interest in Australia and around the world, with fans travelling to one of only 41 cinemas capable of screening its original 70mm IMAX presentation. The podcast examines whether the film’s scale, hype and commitment to the theatrical experience can persuade audiences to leave their devices and return to cinemas, potentially helping an industry struggling against streaming.

The podcast reviews the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup after a record 102 matches, including presidential interference and controversial VAR decisions. With Spain set to face Argentina in the final, Nour Haydar and football writer Sam Lewis discuss the tournament’s major highs and lows, offer final predictions and assess how the competition may have permanently changed the World Cup.

Concerns over political tensions and allegations of corporate greed overshadow the impending World Cup in the United States, raising fears about the tournament’s global impact. Journalist Samantha Lewis discusses the geopolitical disputes and organisational issues that could shape the event, highlighting rising unease ahead of kickoff.

Australia’s aged care regulator is investigating dozens of complaints that providers charged older residents for services they could not use or understand, including Foxtel, wine and newspapers. A class action against a major for-profit provider separately alleges that residents were charged for basic services, high teas and classes that providers were legally required to supply or that residents could not access.

Australia weighs how to regulate artificial intelligence as concerns grow over job losses and industry disruption. The government has moved slowly while balancing economic opportunities with worker protection, placing attention on an upcoming address from the prime minister outlining the national approach. Discussion centers on the political challenges of embracing technological innovation while managing its labour and social risks.

A nationwide Telstra outage disrupted transport systems, retail transactions and some emergency calls, prompting an apology from chief financial officer Michael Ackland. Josh Taylor outlines the causes of the failure, questions over responsibility and options to prevent future connectivity breakdowns.

Details of Donald Trump’s reported attempt to influence Fifa over Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension are examined alongside rising pressure for Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to exit the race following a sexual assault allegation.

Australia strengthens ties with Pacific nations through a new defence alliance with Fiji and diplomatic events involving Papua New Guinea and Tonga as part of a strategy to counter China’s regional influence. The prime minister’s engagements coincide with criticism over comments made about Kylie Minogue, raising concerns about potential distractions. A subsequent Chinese long-range missile test in the South Pacific drew condemnation from Australia’s foreign minister, reinforcing tensions in the region.

Zohran Mamdani’s rise as New York City mayor has boosted progressive and democratic socialist candidates, who are increasingly defeating established Democrats in primaries in states such as New York and Colorado. With the momentum of this political shift growing, questions arise over whether this movement can gain national traction and whether Democrats are positioned to challenge Donald Trump in 2028, as discussed by David Smith in conversation with Nour Haydar.

Labor’s unexpected tax policy changes, Liberal leadership shifts and rising support for One Nation define the year’s early political dynamics. Michelle Grattan and Melissa Clarke review key developments and identify major contests shaping the remainder of 2026.

An inquest examines the death of Melbourne influencer Stacey Warnecke, who chose an unassisted birth supported by an untrained “birth keeper” linked to the Free Birth Society. The investigation explores the rise of unregulated freebirth practices and the circumstances surrounding Warnecke’s death, with insights from medical and investigative journalists highlighting safety concerns and regulatory gaps.

The discussion reviews Australia’s political landscape in early 2026, highlighting Labor’s unexpected tax reforms on negative gearing and capital gains, the Liberal Party’s latest leadership change, and rising support for One Nation. Key political figures and parties are assessed as commentators outline major contests and trends to watch in the second half of the year.

Poll results following Pauline Hanson’s confrontational National Press Club speech show her support stagnating, with even One Nation voters expressing doubts about her policy agenda. Josh Butler and Peter Lewis examine public reactions to her positions on multiculturalism, climate action and national institutions, and consider broader approaches to addressing voter anger that fuels interest in her party.

A coroner’s inquest is examining why Melbourne influencer Stacey Warnecke chose to give birth without medical assistance, leading to her death, and scrutinising the growing freebirth movement and the unregulated training of birth supporters such as those linked to the Free Birth Society, with insights from journalists covering the case.

Analysis of Keir Starmer’s resignation and parallels drawn with Anthony Albanese explores how both leaders experienced early electoral success followed by falling support amid rising rightwing parties, with discussion on what Albanese may do to avoid a similar outcome.

Karl Stefanovic’s independent podcast came under scrutiny after he interviewed far-right activist Tommy Robinson while in the UK, prompting the episode’s removal within hours and raising questions about his future with Nine. The discussion highlights Stefanovic’s recent engagement with far-right figures and the implications for his professional standing.

H5N1 bird flu has reached Australia after spreading globally and causing extensive wildlife losses, with infected birds now found on Western Australian beaches. Authorities and experts are closely monitoring the outbreak to determine whether it signals a larger threat, while concerns rise about its potential impact on wildlife and public health.

Keir Starmer’s decision to step down as UK prime minister has triggered a leadership race within the Labour Party, with Andy Burnham emerging as a leading contender following a strong byelection win and concerns over Reform UK’s growing influence. Journalist Josh Halliday outlines why the coming week could be decisive for the country’s political trajectory.

Interest rates remain on hold in Australia amid warnings of possible future increases as inflation persists. Global supply chain disruptions linked to the US–Iran conflict add pressure to economic conditions. Rising cost‑of‑living concerns have contributed to public pessimism and growing support for populist politics, including One Nation. Greg Jericho explains the economic drivers behind this shift and why many Australians feel increasingly dissatisfied.

Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club speech highlighted attacks on multiculturalism, Islam, public broadcasting and climate science, drawing strong criticism for its right‑wing, Trump‑like rhetoric. The discussion examines the implications of her rising political influence and the confrontational vision she outlined for Australia.

An investigation into the death of toddler Mason Jet Lee reveals repeated warnings about his stepfather were ignored by police, suggesting systemic failures in child protection. Journalists Nour Haydar and Ben Smee discuss evidence from an unpublished submission to the inquest and parallel cases, including Baby Justin, highlighting broader issues in policing responses to domestic and family violence in Queensland and Australia.

The conversation explores the decline of Australian music in the charts, examining why local artists struggle for airtime and sustainable careers and discussing what could help revitalise the industry.

Polling shows One Nation overtaking both major parties, raising questions about Pauline Hanson’s prospects and prompting internal tensions within the Liberal party, highlighted by Angus Taylor’s rejection of a seat‑sharing deal and scrutiny of the party’s housing policy messaging.