

7am
Solstice Media
An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 29, 2022 • 18min
The ruling that could end trans inclusion in sport
Trans athletes have effectively been banned from elite swimming, because of a decision last week by the international governing body of the sport, FINA.The decision and the document released by FINA could have an impact not just on swimmers, but on how other sports around the world handle participation and inclusion.So, what does it say? How have the people it affects most – trans athletes – reacted? And what does the decision mean for other athletes starting their sporting journey?Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Martin McKenzie-Murray and former women’s rugby player Caroline Layt.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-MurrayElite athlete and journalist, Caroline LaytSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 28, 2022 • 21min
How the Christian right overturned Roe v Wade
The case that established the legal protection for people in the United States to choose to have an abortion has been overturned.The majority of Americans support the right to choose, but trigger bans in several states across the country have made it immediately illegal to perform an abortion.So how did a small minority of religious conservatives overturn the rights of millions to choose? Today, author of Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is Taking Over the World Elle Hardy on how the Christian right plotted for years to overturn Roe v Wade and why they are not done yet.Guest: Author of Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is Taking Over the World, Elle Hardy.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2022 • 16min
What Murdoch asks from new prime ministers
When you become prime minister, a lot changes – but there’s only a few people who know exactly what that's like.One of them is Kevin Rudd, and according to the former prime minister, one of the most drastic changes is the way you’re treated by News Corp.So what kind of conversations does a prime minister have with the Murdoch press? And what’s at stake if you don’t play the game required of you?Today, former prime minister Kevin Rudd on the way News Corp brings new governments to heel.Guest: Former prime minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2022 • 16min
The crisis in our hospitals is not about Covid
This winter flu, colds and Covid are all pushing hospitals to breaking point.Across the country, hospital staff are overworked and frustrated. And tomorrow nurses and midwives across NSW will stop work over pay and conditions.So what is happening to the care of patients as hospitals fill up? And can we stave off a major crisis?Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton on a devastating winter for our healthcare system.Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 23, 2022 • 16min
How much do you crossbench, bro?
Australia has a new emissions reduction target.Last week, Anthony Albanese promised the United Nations Australia will cut emissions by 43 per cent of our 2005 levels by 2030.But the Prime Minister wants to turn that target into law by passing it through parliament. Whether he can will come down to the historic new senate crossbench, which was finalised this week.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the battle lines in Australia’s new senate.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 22, 2022 • 17min
The men who killed the Liberal Party
The Liberal Party is now in the political wilderness.As well as a devastating federal election loss, the party is only in government in New South Wales and Tasmania.The immediate reaction to the recent federal election focused on Scott Morrison’s personal approval and a series of scandals in the last term of government. But is there a bigger decline happening? Is something irreparably broken inside what was once Australia’s most electorally successful political party?Today, senior correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on if we are seeing the beginning of the end of Australia's Liberal Party.Guest: Senior correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 21, 2022 • 16min
Airport chaos: The true story of the Qantas debacle
In recent weeks, we’ve seen chaos at airports around the country, and it’s about to get worse.Major airports and airlines have warned that the July school holidays could see even more delays and disruptions as they scramble to try and fill thousands of job vacancies.Of course, there’s one Australian airline that used to fly above all the chaos: Qantas. It’s long been one of the safest and most reliable airlines in the world. But now is its reputation at risk?Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how Qantas became one of the country’s worst performing airlines and the future of the company.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 20, 2022 • 16min
Why nuclear power won’t solve the energy crisis
There’s a type of power plant we don’t have in Australia. Advocates say that it could help us overcome both the climate crisis and the energy crisis.They’re suggesting bringing nuclear energy to Australia.So why is there a conversation about nuclear power right now? Is it safe? And could it even work in Australia?Today, former Greens senator and anti-nuclear activist Scott Ludlam on the Nuclear fantasies of conservative politicians and why they continue to make headlines.Guest: Former Greens senator and anti-nuclear activist, Scott Ludlam.Background reading: Why nuclear energy won’t work in Australia in The Saturday Paper.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 2022 • 15min
Is the road to recession paved with $7 lettuce?
Right now, our grocery bills are soaring, with some common vegetables more than doubling in price.Part of the reason is that there’s a nation-wide shortage of leafy greens, but there’s also a bigger force at play: inflation.Inflation is now at a higher level than anytime since 1990 and the cure for inflation could involve more economic pain for many of us.Today, journalist and Policy Fellow at the University of Sydney Sydney’s Policy Lab, Claire Connelly on why prices are rising and the risk that poses to the economy.Guest: Journalist and Policy Fellow at the University of Sydney Sydney’s Policy Lab, Claire Connelly.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 18, 2022 • 32min
The Weekend Read: Anna Goldsworthy on the importance of music and learning
Today, writer and pianist Anna Goldsworthy will be reading her piece from the latest issue.It's called 'The slow fade of music education', and in it she discusses the importance of music and learning, in an arts landscape eroded by nearly a decade of wilful neglect.Guest: Writer and pianist, Anna Goldsworthy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


