7am

Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey, dives into Australia's looming social media ban for teens under 16. He discusses the Digital Freedom Project and the teen plaintiffs challenging the government's decision in court. With TikTok users sharing workarounds and alternative apps like Yope gaining popularity, Cam explores potential consequences and enforcement issues. He questions whether the ban will genuinely protect children or simply drive them to unregulated platforms, highlighting the ongoing battle between youthful innovation and government regulation.

Charlotte Grieve, an investigative reporter at The Age known for her work on medical stories, dives into the controversial world of limb-lengthening surgery. She discusses her intricate investigations into Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, from patient experiences to surgical failures. Grieve highlights the alarming risks of the procedure and the troubling legal battles surrounding Al Muderis. With the Paley Institute's expansion plans for Australia, she raises concerns over the potential impact on patient safety amid cosmetic pressures.

Nick Feik, an independent journalist known for his investigative work on offshore contracts, speaks with whistleblower Derek Elias, who exposed corruption within the Department of Home Affairs. They explore how contracts remain extended despite a dramatic drop in detainees and the political motivations behind this anomaly. Elias shares his journey from internal whistleblower to public advocate, revealing instances of luxury spending linked to these contracts. They highlight the bipartisan silence surrounding critical scrutiny of the offshore detention system.

Samantha Floreani, a digital-rights advocate specializing in online safety, dives into Australia's controversial plan to ban teenagers from social media. She discusses enforcement challenges and the implications for privacy as platforms face hefty fines for underage accounts. Samantha raises concerns about the risks of age-verification methods, like biometric scans, and how this could endanger user data. She also highlights the global trend towards age-gating, stressing the need for public discourse on these emerging laws.

In this discussion, Paul Bongiorno, a seasoned political journalist known for his insights on Australian federal politics, shares the details behind Labor's groundbreaking environmental law reforms. He breaks down the coalition with the Greens, highlighting key concessions like ending logging exemptions and closing coal loopholes. Paul also reveals how intense negotiations and deadlines shaped the deal. He reflects on the fracturing Coalition's stance and the political significance of this landmark legislation for Australia's future.

In this discussion, political reporter Amy Remeikis delves into Barnaby Joyce's resignation from The Nationals, exploring the reasons behind his departure and its implications. She reveals Joyce's complex relationship with party dynamics and speculates on his potential move to One Nation, where compatibility with Pauline Hanson is questioned. Remeikis highlights Joyce's self-centered political style and debates whether this shift could truly reshape conservative influence in Australia, ultimately pondering if he can broaden One Nation's appeal.

Stephen Nellis, a Reuters technology journalist specializing in AI and semiconductors, dives into the current AI investment boom. He discusses how companies are heavily investing in AI without yet seeing profits. Nellis highlights NVIDIA's dominance in providing chips that power AI, along with its major customers like OpenAI and Microsoft. He also explores the risks of an impending AI bubble and potential fallout, warning that both investors and pension funds might feel the impact if the boom turns to bust.

David Pocock, an Independent Australian senator and former rugby star, delves into the alarming rise of deepfakes and AI regulation. He shares personal experiences of his likeness being misused and unveils his new bill aimed at protecting individuals' images. Pocock emphasizes the urgent need for legislation to combat scams and misinformation, particularly in politics. He advocates for a comprehensive AI safety framework, criticizing existing political data practices and pushing for greater transparency and accountability in AI technology.

David Ritter, the Chief Executive of Greenpeace Australia Pacific and a savvy climate policy expert, dives into the complexities of COP30. He reveals how negotiators struggled to reach a deal in Brazil, ultimately concluding without addressing fossil fuels. Ritter critiques Australia's contradictory stance on signing the Belém Declaration while still approving new coal and gas projects. He shares insights on the growing influence of the fossil fuel lobby and emphasizes urgent actions needed for real progress in combating climate change.

Kate de Pury, a Moscow-based journalist and former Reuters correspondent, delves into the evolving landscape of Russia's ruling class influenced by the war in Ukraine. She discusses how long-standing elites are being replaced by new figures closely tied to the battlefield. De Pury highlights Anna Tsivilova's rise and the implications of wartime promotions. She also analyzes the long-term effects of these shifts on ordinary Russians, who are increasingly disenchanted with the ongoing conflict and the elite's new dynamics.