The recently released Universities Accord report featured recommendations for improving education in Australia. Joining us to discuss the government's response is Education Minister, Jason Clare.

The March 2 byelection in the outer suburban Melbourne seat of Dunkley is a challenge for the government. Labor goes in as the favourite but at a time of high cost of living will it's 6.3 margin be enough?

To discuss this week's policy announcement, the centrepiece of which is a $700 million jobs program for people in remote areas, we're joined by Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. 

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen joins the podcast to discuss the potential impact of adopting fuel efficiency standards similar to the United States in Australia, renewable energy and the regions, a report's findings and recommendations for better community engagement, and the government's energy transition progress and Indigenous clean energy strategy.

In our first podcast of 2024, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor discusses the tax broken promise, where the economy is heading, falling inflation, and more. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers, overseer of the government's economic policy, joins us on the podcast to talk us about the latest budget numbers, interest rates, changes to the Reserve Bank board, Australia's debt, cost of living measures and more. 

Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, has released the review of the NDIS, which recommends sweeping changes to the scheme. The reforms to come will see the states take up much of the responsibility for providing services for people with more minor issues, especially children with developmental delays. Shorten joined the podcast to talk about the way ahead for a scheme that has run off the rails and become financially unsustainable. 

Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, next week heads to COP28 in Dubai, leading the Australian delegation. He joins the podcast to talk about the meeting, which he hopes will be easier than last year's was.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock – who has a background in economics and industrial relations and formerly worked at the Reserve Bank, in the federal public service and as an academic – has been in parliament only since the 2022 election, But she has already made a mark. Pocock has been one of the federal parliamentarians who has been holding the big consultancy firms to account this year. PWC especially has felt the heat over its improper use of confidential government tax information for its commercial gain. The behaviour of the other consultancies has also been under strong scrutiny. Pocock and other members of parliament have shown how the parliamentary committee system can be used to great effect to hold big companies accountable when other avenues fail. In this podcast, the Greens senator talks of the need for action to bring greater transparency.

Last week the High Court ruled that holding high-risk asylum seekers in indefinite detention was unconstitutional. As a consequence of the court decision, more than 80 people, some of whom were convicted of serious crimes including murder and rape, have been released. The government is now expected to rush in legislation to deal with the fallout. In this podcast, Liberal senator and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security James Paterson joins The Conversation to discuss the High Court’s ruling, his concerns about increasing anti-Semitism across the country, the rising cyber risks, and Australia’s future relations with China.