7am

Steve Cannane, an ABC investigative reporter and Four Corners journalist, dives into the complexities of gambling reform in Australia. He discusses Andrew Wilkie's push for a parliamentary vote to ban gambling ads, revealing significant bipartisan support yet silence from many Labor MPs due to fear of repercussions. The episode uncovers how the Prime Minister's office allegedly pressures MPs to remain quiet and examines the stark contrast between rhetoric and action regarding gambling industry influence. Cannane highlights the alarming scale of gambling harm and the slow government response, all while hinting at the deeper political entanglements.

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.

Nick Robins-Early, a Power and technology reporter at The Guardian US, dives into Elon Musk's recently approved $1 trillion compensation package. He discusses the monumental milestones Musk must achieve for the payout and explores Musk's ambitions for transformative technologies like robotaxis and humanoid robots. The conversation also highlights the performance implications of Musk's political activities, exploring how they might impact Tesla's brand and sales. Robins-Early poses intriguing questions about the future of Musk's influence in both tech and politics.

Paul Bongiorno, a veteran press gallery journalist and political commentator, reflects on the 1975 Dismissal of Gough Whitlam, calling it a significant warning about the fragility of Australia's democracy. He discusses the constitutional powers that allowed this unprecedented political crisis to occur. Bongiorno emphasizes the lack of safeguards against a repeat event and argues for a republic that would establish an independent Australian head of state. He also examines the historical legacies of key figures involved and the current political landscape regarding a potential republic referendum.

Ariel Bogle, a journalist and author specializing in policing and protest tactics, discusses Australia’s escalating use of 'non-lethal' weapons during protests. She highlights the risks of pepper spray and rubber bullets, detailing alarming injuries among demonstrators. Bogle also examines the origins of these police tools, the legal changes limiting protest rights, and the troubling dynamics of accountability in police actions. The chilling effect of increased police force on public willingness to protest is a critical concern raised throughout the conversation.

Amy Remeikis, a political journalist and contributing editor at The New Daily, dives into the Coalition's chaotic struggle over net zero. She reveals how key figures like Barnaby Joyce have fueled this internal conflict. Despite Sussan Ley's personal support for net zero, Remeikis argues that her attempt to abandon it won’t secure her leadership. The discussion also links this political turmoil to broader international trends, revealing a coordinated campaign against climate policies that could jeopardize market confidence and the party's future.

Kholood Khair, a Sudanese political analyst and founder of Confluence Advisory, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. She details the horrifying violence in El Fasher, where bloodstains are even visible from space. Khair explains the RSF's strategic gains and the roots of the conflict tracing back to the 2021 coup. She highlights foreign influences, particularly the UAE's interests in Sudan's gold, and discusses the West's complicity and inaction in the face of escalating violence. The conversation paints a grim picture of Sudan's future.

Brendan Taylor, a Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University and contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, delves into the implications of Trump's directive to resume nuclear testing. He highlights the sophisticated advancements in Russian and Chinese arsenals, including nuclear-powered missiles and hypersonic delivery systems. Taylor discusses potential regional proliferation, especially regarding Japan and South Korea, and warns of the risks of an arms race affecting Australia, examining whether the country might someday consider its own nuclear options.

Cam Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey, dives into OpenAI’s controversial decision to introduce erotica to ChatGPT. He discusses the implications for mental health, highlighting past issues related to chatbot interactions. The conversation explores the balance between user demand and safety, as well as the evolution of OpenAI from a nonprofit to a commercial entity. Cam warns about the potential dangers of dependency and the effects on human relationships, emphasizing the need for careful age verification measures.

A courageous Queensland mother, who brought legal action against the government over a ban on gender-affirming care, shares her inspiring story. She discusses recognizing her daughter's transgender identity early on and the urgency of accessing puberty blockers to protect her well-being. After winning a crucial court ruling, she reveals the swift government pushback and stresses the profound impact on her family and other trans youth. With a commitment to continue the legal fight, she likens her struggle to a modern-day David versus Goliath.