The Conversation Hour

CFA volunteers and farmers have protested against the emergency services tax across the state today. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how far reaching the impact of this tax could be. Plus, we as homeowners wait with baited breath for the RBA interest rate decision — we look at what it will mean for the housing market. We also talk how the State Budget will shake out this afternoon. 

There has been a lot of discussion over the weekend about suicide prevention in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the role of grass roots community action. 

Cricket commentator and former international cricketer Mel Jones OAM was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award this week at the Victorian Sports Awards, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with Mel about her work in supporting women in the game. Also, in this edition, we discuss injuries caused by energy based cosmetic treatments such as laser treatments, we also delve into the delicate terrain of when friendships get romantic.

Record amounts of plastic have been discovered in the seabirds of Lord Howe Island, so much so that you can hear their bodies crunch. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what it would take to cut back plastic use. Plus, we look at the new national guidelines for the treatment of early pregnancy loss.

A new study has looked at the impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on teachers and the role it could play in driving teachers out of the profession, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the importance of formal recognition of the condition and what might help alleviate the stressors. Also in this edition we discuss whether there needs to be stronger legal protections for employees who are dismissed for having a criminal record, plus learn about some new technology to help prevent falls.

In this engaging discussion, Sol Kim shares her heartfelt journey as a mother navigating palliative care for her son, highlighting the invaluable support from Very Special Kids. She emphasizes the emotional complexities of dealing with life-limiting illnesses and the importance of celebrating life amidst sorrow. Ray Chamberlain reflects on the pressures faced by umpires at all levels, sharing anecdotes from his career and stressing the need for respect and support for officials. Together, they illustrate the profound impact of compassion in both palliative care and sports.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at where a love of reading stems from and whether it is something that in innate or can be developed. Also, as farmers in some of the lushest parts of the state run out of water, we look at the impact it is having on livestock producers and just how serious the issue is becoming. And a controversial mural in Fitzroy prompts questions about what the role of public art should be.

How concerned should we be about the risk of concussion in kids footy? In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we explore the challenging decision many parents have to make about whether the risk is just too high.Plus, the Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Leo, so who is he and what will he stand for? Also, as Nicole Kidman sported a new hair do at the Met Gala this week, we talk the significance of hair and identity.

There has been a decline in the amount of young people driving trucks, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to happen to attract and retain young people to the industry. We also look at why there has already been a spike in flu rates this year and the importance of keeping clothes manufacturing local. loring the issues that affect all Victorians.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into why AFL recruiters are being sent to America , and what it could mean for the profile of the game internationally. We also discuss the impacts of the closure of the Bega Cheese processing site in Strathmore, talk the dangers of AI bias in surveillance and we reflect on what role the piano has in people's lives