Rick Morton

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.

Rick Morton, a Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, reveals the unsettling rise of consulting firms like Nous Group in Australian universities. He discusses how these firms are restructuring institutions, often without transparency. Morton raises concerns about the decision-making power they wield and the fragility of academic governance. The conversation also highlights the impacts of budget cuts and outsourcing on education, painting a grim picture of the future of higher education in the face of corporate influence.

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, an investigative journalist, discusses the proposed Thriving Kids program and its potential impact on children with autism and developmental delays. He highlights the federal government's plans to transition support from the NDIS to this new scheme, which may shift responsibilities to state governments. Morton reveals the ongoing tensions and disagreements among ministers over funding and clarity, while noting that many children are already facing reassessments and removals. The conversation paints a concerning picture of children's futures in the face of bureaucratic changes.

Rick Morton, an investigative journalist, dives deep into the controversial KPMG-UTS spreadsheet that ranked researchers by their financial contributions. With 1,100 job cuts looming at University of Technology Sydney, he questions if these redundancies were influenced by financial metrics. Morton reveals how UTS initially denied the spreadsheet's existence, sparking concerns over transparency in university governance. His insights raise critical questions about the balance between profitability and quality in Australian higher education.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper and author, sheds light on the controversial 'Thriving Kids' initiative by the Australian government. He discusses how the plan aims to shift children with mild to moderate autism off the NDIS, raising concerns about the criteria for classification. Morton explores the implications of this policy on service quality and funding, as well as the erosion of trust in the NDIS. He emphasizes the critical role of early intervention and the nuances of disability funding in Australia.

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.