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Australia’s relationship with Indonesia has a significant impact on our culture, economy and national security. But despite our proximity, it’s often been a relationship defined by tension as well as indifference. Today, Karen Middleton on Australia’s regional blind spot, and why it’s time we started engaging more closely with South-East Asia.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading: Australian Foreign Affairs - Friends, Allies and EnemiesSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As political battles over the government’s stimulus measures and proposed industrial relations reforms loom, Scott Morrison has been taking aim at the federal opposition.Today, Paul Bongiorno on how the prime minister is drawing influence from his political predecessors.  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.

After enduring one of the world’s longest lockdowns, Melbourne is slowly reopening and hairdressers are some of the first businesses allowed to welcome customers back. Today, Rick Morton on the return of hairdressers, and the intimate role they play in our lives. 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.

In recent weeks refugees and asylum seekers living in Australia have received letters from the federal government stripping them of financial support and threatening them with deportation. Today, Rick Morton on the newest frontline in the government’s war on refugees. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading: Exclusive: War on refugees moves to final phase onshore in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week after her secret relationship with a politician being investigated over corruption was first revealed, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is still facing questions over what she knew. Today, MIke Seccombe on what the Premier’s connection to a disgraced MP means for her political future.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: ‘Poor Gladys’ rings hollow after premier’s ICAC grilling in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 100 days of strict lockdown, Victorians finally have a new path out of restrictions. It signals a more gradual easing than the government originally hoped, after outbreaks amongst frontline workers led to a spike in case numbers Today, Osman Faruqi on the story behind the slower path out of lockdown and where the risk now lies. Guest: Editor of 7am Osman Faruqi.Background reading: Where Victoria’s second-wave cases are still occurring in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All the way from their home in Los Angeles, actors Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall provide more information than is entirely necessary as they stumble across the answers to this week’s quiz. We get an insight into safe work practices on film sets in the time of Covid-19, and a special bonus question about Cats.Guests: Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Queensland state election looming, the Prime Minister has hit the campaign trail. But just as he arrived it was revealed that the LNP Opposition leader had been referred to the election watchdog for alleged impropriety. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the growing political scandals around the country. 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.

A reliance on imports has left Australia with dwindling supplies of some essential medicines and now experts are warning that manufacturing capabilities at home need to be boosted. Today, Margaret Simons on Australia’s pharmaceutical vulnerability. Guest: Journalist for The Saturday Paper Margaret Simons.Background reading: Why Australia runs out of vital medicines in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few weeks an inquiry into Crown Resorts, Australia’s largest gambling company, has laid bare a culture of risk taking and threats. It’s also embroiled one of the company’s biggest shareholders. Today, Mike Seccombe on James Packer’s extraordinary evidence, and what’s at stake for Crown. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: James Packer’s testimony at the Crown inquiry in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.