7am

Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, delves into the significance of the recent economic roundtable in Canberra. He highlights the pressing issues of sluggish productivity and rising intergenerational inequality, particularly affecting young Australians struggling with housing affordability. Denniss critiques the current focus on corporate interests and discusses the need for ambitious policy changes. He also examines the political landscape shaped by millennials' demands for progressive reforms, emphasizing Labor's unique opportunity to address these challenges.

Join Joe Aston, founder of Rampart and author of *The Chairman's Lounge*, as he dissects Qantas' recent $90 million penalty for illegally outsourcing ground staff. Aston questions whether the airline's remorse is genuine or merely a reaction to getting caught. He delves into the ongoing legal fallout and the implications for Qantas' leadership, including challenges faced by the new CEO in rebuilding trust. Aston also examines the ethical dilemmas within the company's culture, raising important questions about accountability in Australian business.

David Szakonyi, an associate professor at George Washington University, dives into the latest US-Ukrainian diplomatic developments. He discusses Trump’s rare strategy of leveraging security promises for profit and the complexities of ongoing peace negotiations amid conflict. Szakonyi sheds light on the potential implications of a recent Trump-Putin meeting and examines the evolving landscape of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The conversation also touches on skepticism regarding future Zelensky-Putin interactions and the shifting global responsibilities in the region.

In this eye-opening conversation, award-winning journalist Katherine Wilson delves into Australia's controversial crocodile skin industry. She shares her shocking findings from undercover investigations in Darwin, revealing cramped conditions for crocodiles and inhumane slaughter methods. Wilson also highlights the exploitation of Indigenous workers in this lucrative trade and the complex interplay of conservation and commerce. This gripping exploration uncovers the dark side of luxury fashion, challenging our perceptions of style and ethics.

Katherine Wilson, an award-winning journalist known for her deep dives into the Australian crocodile skin industry, shares shocking revelations about the industry's claims of conservation. She discusses the ethical dilemmas faced after a leading scientist's criminal past shook the foundations of crocodile farming. The conversation exposes the tension between economic ambitions and environmental protection, alongside troubling secrets that keep industry workers silent. Prepare for a gripping exploration of animal welfare and the controversial realities of an otherwise glamorous trade.

Daanyal Saeed, a Crikey reporter, dives into the complexities surrounding the appointment of Aftab Malik as Australia’s envoy to combat Islamophobia. They discuss Malik's private briefings with Parliament and the controversial distinction some draw between Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Saeed highlights concerns over Malik's approach and effectiveness amidst rising tensions in Gaza, as well as the struggles to staff his office with candidates wary of political implications. Calls for concrete actions to combat Islamophobia echo throughout the conversation.

Hannah Marshall, Principal at Good Company Law, delves into the contentious relationship between AI, art, and copyright. She discusses how AI companies like Meta navigate legal challenges by using copyrighted materials. The conversation highlights the tug-of-war over copyright reforms needed to nurture industry growth versus the protection of creative rights. Marshall also emphasizes the urgent need for updated legal frameworks to safeguard journalism against AI's encroachments. This clash could redefine creative work in the digital age.

Cam Wilson, co-author of Conspiracy Nation, dives deep into the rising acceptance of conspiracy theories within Australian society. He discusses how these fringe beliefs have infiltrated mainstream politics, often leading to protests and dangerous ideologies. The conversation covers the unsettling connection between conspiracies and violence, illustrated by specific incidents, as well as the growing phenomenon of pseudo law. Wilson emphasizes the importance of empathy towards those who believe in these theories while calling out the political exploitation of such narratives.

Cam Wilson, co-author of Conspiracy Nation, delves into the intricate web of COVID conspiracies and the psychological pull behind them. He discusses how fears and conspiracies merged during protests, creating a 'conspiracy pipeline' fueled by distrust in authority. The allure of these theories often offers a comforting 'us versus them' narrative, while personal relationships can suffer as people dive deeper into fringe communities. Wilson also highlights how conspiracy theories can be exploited for profit and power in our post-pandemic reality.

In this gripping discussion, marine ecologist Dr. Scott Bennett, who studies algal blooms at the University of Tasmania, shares his alarming findings from South Australia. He details the unprecedented algal bloom affecting the region, leading to the death of over 12,000 marine animals, including rare species like leafy sea dragons and giant cuttlefish. Scott emphasizes the threats posed by rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves, urging urgent conservation measures to protect delicate ecosystems from further decline.