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Aged care has been one of the hardest hit sectors during this phase of the Covid pandemic, with residents and their carers making up a large proportion of those catching the virus. The sector is also being examined by a Royal Commission, following widespread allegations of mismanagement and poor care. Today, Rick Morton on the crisis in our aged care facilities, and why we should have seen it coming.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.

Scott Morrison’s Prime Ministership has been dominated by a series of rolling crises, but what can we learn about the ideology that drives him from the way he’s governing at this moment? Today, Richard Cooke on how Scott Morrison is using the pandemic to fulfil his political objectives. Guest: Writer for The Monthly Richard Cooke.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney from Get Krack!n solve The Saturday Paper’s quiz. Who would invite Hitler to open the Olympics? Does the existence of a Henry VIII suggest a Henry VII? What do you learn at private school?In the paper: ABC TV’s ‘Get Krack!n’ in The Saturday Paper See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the Covid pandemic traditional political hostilities have been dialled back, with governments of all political persuasions trying to project a sense of national unity. But this week that unity started to fray. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the growing political stoush over the crisis in Victoria’s aged care system. 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.

With two-thirds of volunteers staying at home due to Covid and donations drying up, there are serious concerns about the viability of Australia’s charity sector. Experts are worried about the impact the funding drought will have on the provision of key services. Today, Mike Seccombe on the challenges charities are facing, and what we might lose if they collapse. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading: The end of charity: Sector at risk of collapse in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday the Prime Minister announced a revamp of the National Covid Coordination Commission, the body he tasked with leading Australia’s pandemic recovery. But what do we really know about Neville Power, the man in charge of the Commission? Today, Margaret Simons on Power’s background, and what the Commission is actually doing.Guest: Business writer for The Saturday Paper Margaret Simons.Background reading:Mysterious Mr Power, architect of our recovery in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Wong warns that coronavirus could unravel the rules-based system on which the modern world is founded. The shadow foreign minister says we must guard against trends towards nationalism and xenophobia – and prepare for the next pandemic, which is climate change. Guest: Shadow foreign minister Penny Wong.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As face masks become compulsory, doctors and public health officials are working to find consensus on their efficacy. But in the rush to contain coronavirus, there is no time to wait for perfect science. Guest: Health journalist Amy Coopes.For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the government reveals the extent of the budget deficit, Scott Morrison has become increasingly short in answering questions. He no longer meets with his virtual party room, and some MPs say he doesn’t like being asked to explain what’s happening. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decision to pull subsidies from childcare has caused alarm in the sector - especially because it is the first place the government cut support. Now questions are being asked about the men-only committee that made the decision. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Gina Rushton.Background reading:Childcare centres at financial risk in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.