Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, dives into the concerning impact of Trump-era funding cuts on Australian research. He reveals how a recent US government questionnaire is pressing researchers to conform to a 'non-woke' agenda, raising alarms about foreign interference. Morton highlights the precarious state of Australian universities grappling with diminishing resources and missed collaboration opportunities, questioning the government’s response to these challenges and the implications for the future of innovation in Australia.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, offers sharp insights into the tumultuous state of Australian politics. He discusses Peter Dutton's abrupt pivot towards reclaiming inner-city teal seats after the Coalition's historic defeat. Morton highlights the Coalition's ambitious plans to win back 18 seats in Victoria, and the aggressive strategies being deployed against teal independents. The conversation also touches on internal party divisions and Dutton's challenges in reshaping his image to connect with discontented voters.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, delves into the controversial decisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the robodebt scheme. He discusses the backlash against the NACC for failing to investigate serious allegations and the complexities surrounding the withdrawal of an independent review by Justin Gleeson. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for public trust and transparency in anti-corruption efforts, alongside criticisms of leadership and internal processes within the commission.

Rebecca Huntley, a social researcher and author, is joined by beloved TV presenter Julia Zemiro and award-winning journalist Rick Morton for a lively storytelling event. They share unforgettable tales of mishaps and misadventures. Huntley recounts her chaotic first drive, while Morton hilariously reflects on a wild run-in involving his brother's friends. Zemiro reveals her mortifying professional experience and the frustration of perfect comebacks arriving too late. Together, they explore the humor in human failure and the beauty of resilience.

Rick Morton, Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, discusses the murder of Lilie James at an elite private school, highlighting the culture of privilege and protection of young boys. The podcast explores the contradictory letter from the headmaster, the impact of language on crimes against women, and the prevalence of sexism and power dynamics in elite schools. It also covers other topics such as the UN Special Rapporteur visiting Australia and rental affordability.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper known for his investigative work on welfare issues, delves into a harrowing glitch in Australia's welfare system. The government ignored this error for three years, leading to the tragic deaths of ten individuals due to lost support. Morton uncovers the failure of officials to act in the interest of vulnerable people, raising crucial questions about accountability. He highlights the systemic issues stemming from privatization, revealing the severe impact of bureaucracy on those in need.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter at The Saturday Paper known for his investigative prowess, unravels the shocking saga behind a failed takeover of Meals on Wheels. He dives into the dubious alliances and motivations that drove a privatization attempt, raising critical questions about the misuse of taxpayer funds. The conversation also emphasizes the vital role Meals on Wheels plays in providing not just meals, but essential companionship to the elderly. Listeners are treated to a gripping narrative filled with betrayal and the real impact on community care.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, exposes the troubling trends affecting children's access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He highlights how cost-saving measures are pushing vulnerable children off the program while disguising it as a crackdown on fraud. Morton discusses the alarming discrepancies between the scheme's intended purpose and its current execution, shedding light on the devastating impact of these cuts on families in need of essential support. His insights reveal a critical look into the NDIS's future and its implications for Australia's most vulnerable.

Rick Morton, Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper and Walkley Award-winning journalist, dives deep into the Robodebt scandal in this engaging discussion. He shares insights from his book, Mean Streak, detailing the human cost of bureaucratic failures. The conversation explores societal stigmas against welfare recipients and critiques the misguided policies that exacerbated their struggles. Morton also emphasizes the importance of empathy in journalism and reflects on the ongoing quest for accountability within the government.

In this discussion, Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper known for his insights on Australian politics, dives deep into the fallout from the Royal Commission into the RoboDebt scheme. He reveals how the National Anti-Corruption Commission's reluctance to act on key findings sparked outrage among victims. The conversation explores serious allegations of officer misconduct against the NACC's head and the implications for Australia's integrity in tackling corruption. Morton highlights a crisis of credibility surrounding the NACC and calls into question its effectiveness.