7am

Right now thousands of Australian citizens are trapped in India unable to get home, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to devastate the country. They are stuck because the Australian government took the unprecedented step of barring all Australians in India from returning.The legality of the move, which the government says is about protecting Australia from the virus, has been questioned by experts.Today, Indian-Australian economist Gabriela D’Souza on the situation in India right now, and what the federal government’s new travel ban says about how we treat our own.Guest: Indian-Australian economist Gabriela D’Souza.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Crocodile Dundee to Marvel blockbusters… Australia’s film industry is being rejuvenated by an influx of international productions.The pandemic has forced major film and TV productions to relocate to Australia, bringing with them big name celebrities and jobs.But there are concerns that the production boom here could be more of a bubble, with the main beneficiaries being big overseas studios, rather than local creatives.Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on who really benefits from the current film and TV gold rush, and the importance of telling Australian stories.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s restaurant industry has been devastated by lockdowns and the loss of international tourism. Some of the hardest hit businesses are those in Chinatowns across major cities. Even before travel bans and lockdowns, many suffered the brunt of anti-Asian racism.Today, writer and food critic Jess Ho on what it could mean if we lose one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world.Guest: Writer Jess Ho.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, was recognised for her advocacy against sexual abuse. Since her appointment she’s been outspoken in her criticism of the Morrison government. The government has now launched an urgent review of the Australia Day Council. It denies the review is linked to Grace Tame’s appointment, but it could result in the government having more decision making power over the position.Guest: Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading: Exclusive: Government review follows Tame appointment in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and activist Bri Lee regularly runs workshops on consent and sex in schools.In the upcoming issue of The Monthly Bri writes about those workshops in the context of a growing national conversation about sexual harassment and assault.In this special weekend episode of 7am Bri reads her article, 'Ill-informed consent'. Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Bri Lee.Background reading: Ill-informed consent in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made no secret of his deep, evangelical Christian faith. At a recent appearance at the Australian Christian Churches conference he referred to social media as evil, and said he believed he was doing God’s work as Prime Minister. Those comments have ignited debate over the role of faith in political leadership. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the Prime Minister's Pentacostal faith and how it fits with some of his policy decisions.  Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch’s media empire is one of the most powerful corporate influences right around the world, but in recent years it’s been through radical changes.Now it looks like Rupert is starting to hand power over to his son Lachlan, as part of a succession plan.Journalist Paddy Manning is currently writing a biography of Lachlan Murdoch, titled Sly Fox.Today, Paddy Manning on Lachlan Murdoch’s ambitious plans for the family’s business empire, and how they compare to those of his father.Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Paddy Manning.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dutton has long been one of the most controversial ministers in the federal government. As Immigration minister he became the face of the Coalition’s hardline policy on asylum seekers and refugees.Now, at a time of rising global tension, especially in our region, he’s become the minister for Defence.Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on Peter Dutton’s new job, and the concerns already being raised in the Defence community. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For much of the 20th century Northern Ireland was marred by violence, as Irish republicans and forces aligned to the United Kingdom fought over the future of the region. That conflict, known as the Troubles, officially came to an end with a peace agreement in 1998. But now the violence is flaring up again, and there are concerns the fragile peace deal is on the verge of being shattered.Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what's behind the new wave of violence across Northern Ireland and what might happen next. Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The billion dollar Tasmanian salmon industry promotes itself as environmentally friendly, healthy, and good for the state. But when you look a little closer, the environmental and social impacts are alarming. Award-winning author Richard Flanagan has seen the impacts of the commercial fishing industry first hand, and has spent years investigating the murky relationship between big business and the government.Today, Richard Flanagan, on the real impacts of Tasmania’s salmon farms and the failures in regulation that have allowed them to keep growing. Guest: Author Richard Flanagan.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.