7am

Comedian Zoë Coombs Marr and programmer for the Melbourne International Film Festival Kate Jinx work their way through The Saturday Quiz. Bonus points for an ice-cream-based Lenny Bruce story.Guests: Comedian Zoë Coombs Marr and MIFF programmer Kate JinxIn the paper: Zoë Coombs Marr and her stand-in stand-up Dave See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of the pandemic Prime Minister Scott Morrison was keen to project himself as a unifying leader, coordinating the nation’s response. But as the crisis has stretched on he’s adopted a much more reserved approach – on internal border disputes and aged care. Today, Paul Bongiorno on Morrison’s strategy of inaction and if it will work.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.

One of the federal government’s most controversial decisions during the coronavirus pandemic has been allowing workers to access their superannuation accounts. The policy risks dramatically increasing Australia’s generational wealth gap, as young workers drain their retirement savings. Today, Mike Seccombe on how the government is reshaping the fundamental purpose of superannuation.  Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: Super funds transformed by Liberal ideology in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten days ago, Melbourne entered the strictest shutdown the country has seen so far, and one of the harshest lockdowns currently taking place in the world. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the extraordinary powers a state of disaster bestows on the government, and how we got here. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading: What led to Victoria’s extraordinary shutdown in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Australians have launched court cases in an attempt to radically overhaul the way our government and big corporations are responding to climate change. Today, lawyer Kieran Pender on the story of climate litigation in Australia and what’s at stake. Guest: Lawyer and writer for The Saturday Paper Kieran Pender.Background reading: Suing for climate change in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As calls for police reform and prison abolition grow across the world, a new campaign in Australia led by formerly incarcerated women is seeking to combat the stigma of criminalisation. Today, Tabitha Lean, one of the organisers of that campaign, on life after prison.  Guest: Tabitha Lean, a formerly incarcerated Gunditjmara woman.Background reading: Speaking out for criminalised women in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent Emmy nominee Sarah Snook and the guy from the 7-Eleven ads, Dave Lawson, solve The Saturday Paper’s quiz. What’s the best use for a Logie? What’s your middle name? And if you just repeat the question back to the quizmaster, will they answer it for you?Guests: Emmy nominee Sarah Snook and actor Dave LawsonIn the paper: The Quiz See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most of the attention has been focused on Victoria’s handling of the latest coronavirus outbreak, behind the scenes the federal government has been sending mixed-messages on economic policy and state border closures. Today, Paul Bongiorno on whether Scott Morrison is accurately reading the mood of the electorate during this phase of the crisis. 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.

There are new signs that Covid-19 can cause a range of serious, long-term health problems. Today, we look at the evidence that the virus can cause neurological damage, and the scientific race to understand how it operates. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading:Lost function: Long-term consequences of surviving coronavirus in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Treasurer Josh Frydenburg praises Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan’s economic policies, a controversial recovery plan is gaining traction. In today’s episode, Mike Seccombe discusses the Treasurer’s economic inspirations, and whether Australia can spend its way out of the crisis. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Could Frydenberg ease this crisis by printing money? in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.