7am

In recent years Australia has seen an acceleration in law and order style electioneering, and it’s led to a record high incarceration rate. Now, as a global conversation about justice reform continues, there are growing calls to change our approach. Today, Mike Seccombe, on who gets jailed in Australia and what needs to change.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: Failures of the criminal justice system in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure has started to mount on the federal government following a string of scandals involving senior public officials. Labor and crossbench senators used Senate hearings this week to forensically examine government departments, bureaucrats and ministers. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the government’s attempts to use Covid-19 to deflect criticism.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.

This week, the Victorian government began cutting down sacred Djab Wurrung trees to make way for a highway expansion between Melbourne and Adelaide. After years of protest, police moved in to dismantle an embassy on the site. Today, Djab Wurrung woman and Greens senator Lidia Thorpe on the fight to save her peoples’ heritage.Guest: Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an investigation into Australia Post’s leadership gets underway, a deeper crisis at the organisation is threatening to jeopardise the way it operates. Today, Rick Morton on what went wrong at Australia Post. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick MortonBackground reading: What went wrong inside Australia Post? in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The controversial Adani coalmine in Queensland has already been approved by both state and federal governments, but a new legal challenge by two teenagers could be one last roll of the dice to stop it from going ahead. Today, Anna Krien on the cracks opening up in the federal government’s backing of Adani.Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Anna Krien.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.