The Conversation Hour

Are more Youth Specialist Care Centres an effective way of bolstering the mental health of young Australians? As Albanese pledges $1 billion in mental health support if re-elected in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what measures need to be taken to improve youth mental health.Plus, we also look at what it means to create neurodiverse events.

From lighting at train stations to CCTV cameras on trams – in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how safe commuters feel on public transport. We also pay tribute to tribute to Melbourne fashion designer Perri Cutten and discuss the risks associated with young people using beauty products.  

Two men have been charged after allegedly carrying two guns into the MCG last night. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at the gun ownership in Australia and what the current rates of illegal gun ownership is. We also talk gambling sponsorship in sport and reflect on why the media likes to pit women against each other.

As Trump talks tariffs on Aussie beef The Conversation Hour explores the potential impact this will have on local producers. Plus, The Australian Electoral Commission is investigating whether podcaster Abbie Chatfield was endorsing the PM in a recent interview, so just how influential are influences on young voters. Plus, People with print disabilities are not being adequately supported by public libraries, according to new research from University of South Australia, so what needs to happen to better support the print disability community?

Yesterday on The Conversation Hour we heard a first-hand account from a former police officer about the mental and emotional toll of serving in the force — and today and today Victoria's Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has confirmed to Raf on Mornings that he will not apply for the top job reflecting on the demands of a 24/7 job. So what does it take to attract and retain new officers and how would you feel about your kids joining the force.Also in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what matters to young people in the upcoming election and ask just how effective are cat curfews.

Wayne Gatt, CEO of the Police Association told Breakfast this morning that policing has become such a violent and confrontational career path that there needs to be better supports in place to allow officers to retire healthy, wealthy and with dignity. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to happen to better support police officers in their retirement. Also, from today cigarettes (not just the packages) will have health warnings on them — so far will this go in preventing people from smoking. And speaking of prevention WA has recently introduced a preventative health minister — do we need one in Victoria too?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we learn about the development of a training program that aims to train doctors on how to have conversations with their patients about death and dying.  We also talk how to combat the current rates of school violence, get a behind the scenes glimpse at what happens behind the scenes on the campaign trail and pay tribute to former Collingwood and Richmond player who died suddenly on the weekend. 

Are the days of being a rusted on voter becoming a thing of the past? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much our voting habits changed over the decades. Plus,  as another small music venue closes its doors,  what needs to happen to save live music in Victoria. And we reflect on what it means to be called a difficult woman. 

Tom Cochrane to become first AFL player with Tourette syndrome, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what this means for people living with the condition.We also look at the role of social media influencers on the campaign trail, what underpins the increase in measles outbreaks and ask whether the climate has taken a bit of a back seat in this years budget.

In this edition of The Conversation we look at the role of the Urgent Care Clinic in the health system. The Government says if re-elected it will fund 50 UCCs across Australia, with 12 new clinics in Victoria. While this might feel like a positive move for consumers, GPs, particularly in regional and rural areas have resourcing concerns.We also discuss what last nights budget means for a struggling hospitality industry, talk why there has been an Inquiry into the harmful impacts of pornography plus the rise and rise of athletics in Australia.