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Throughout this pandemic one group in particular have been at the forefront of key policy debates: young people.From whether schools should close, to how likely children are to get sick from Covid-19, the conversation has been filled with uncertainty and doubt.But as we’ve learnt more about the virus, a new fault-line has emerged: the question of how and when to vaccinate young people.Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the growing debate over whether we should be accelerating our plans to vaccinate younger Australians.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen MiddletonStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four years ago the mining giant Adani was struggling to fund its massive coal project in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.Public pressure and a political backlash had stalled the company’s plans to build the biggest coal mine in the country.So Adani turned to the Chinese government to try and secure its financing. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe on how a group of Australians stopped China from backing Adani, and what the story says about our approach to fossil fuels.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rapidly spreading Delta variant has forced nearly half of Australia’s population back into lockdown, and it’s not clear when the restrictions might end.The slow uptake of vaccinations has been pointed to as a key factor behind the latest outbreaks, and how fast they spread.But why is vaccine uptake so slow in Australia?Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how shifting medical advice, poor communication and careless journalism created a perfect storm for this latest wave of Covid-19. 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.

The Tarkine rainforest, in Tasmania's north west, is Australia's largest temperate rainforest and home to some of the country’s most endangered species. So far it’s natural wilderness has remained largely untouched.But now a mining company has started clearing the Tarkine, to build a new dam. And the project could cause irreparable damage to the natural environment. Today, former leader of the Australian Greens Bob Brown on the fight to save the Tarkine, and why the Morrison Government is so hesitant to intervene. Guest: Former leader of the Australian Greens Bob Brown.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017 Melbourne musicians Ed Service and Jack Madin recorded a song in their Brunswick studio. It was recorded with, and for, their friends.The track got some love at local gigs and warehouse parties, but disappeared pretty quickly. Ed and Jack soon moved on with their lives and got day jobs.But four years later that song they wrote has gone international. It’s playing at festivals and stadiums all over the world. It’s even been remixed by David Guetta. The track has been streamed millions of times and is rocketing up the charts.So what happened? Today on The Culture we look at how two Melbourne musicians took the world by storm.Guest: Ed Service and Jack Madin from Shouse.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new COVID-19 financial support package for Sydneysiders currently in lockdown. The new measures were welcomed as a necessary response to help those impacted by a loss of work and business.But the announcement was met with frustration from other states, particularly Victoria, who had been asking for help during their own lockdowns.Today, contributing editor of The Monthly Rachel Withers on why it took an outbreak in his own backyard for Scott Morrison to act.Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly Rachel Withers.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cheers is a psychologist who spent the long lockdown in Melbourne last year supporting people struggling with their mental health. A few days ago he began sharing advice on social media about getting through lockdowns, as a way to support those in Sydney. His posts went viral, encouraging other Melbournians to share their own tips.Today, Chris Cheers on how those of us not in lockdown can support our friends and family who are, and why listening is one of the most helpful things we can do right now.Guest: Psychologist Chris Cheers.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been over 50 years since equal pay for equal work became law in Australia, but right now women are still significantly underpaid.In recent years, efforts to better value women's work and increase wages have stalled but now, a new case being brought to the Fair Work Commission by a group of aged care workers could change that. Today, writer for The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica on the case that could help close the gender pay gap. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica.Background reading: The case that might close the wage gap in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to most scientists, the world has until 2030 to transition away from coal-fired power in order to prevent runaway climate change.Six years ago one Australian energy company tried to do just that. But now, new details have emerged showing the role played by the federal government in trying to stop that from happening.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how ideology keeps trumping economics when it comes to Australia’s climate policies. Guest: National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: Exclusive: Frydenberg pushed AGL to sack boss in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few years the federal government has passed more and more laws granting police and security agencies greater access to our private communications.  Law enforcement agencies claim the powers protect Australians from criminals, but there are growing concerns that they actually weaken our online security.Today, writer for The Saturday Paper and chair of Digital Rights Watch Lizzie O’Shea on Australia’s ever expanding surveillance powers, and if they could actually make us more vulnerable. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper and chair of Digital Rights Watch Lizzie O’Shea.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.