7am

As Australia grapples with an unemployment crisis corporate job agencies are benefiting from a boom in government payments. Some agencies are also being accused of pressuring those looking for work into face-to-face appointments during a pandemic. Today, Rick Morton on who is profiting from Australia’s unemployment industry.  Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading:Exclusive: Jobactive virus kickbacks top $500 million in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For months the prime minister has been projecting a return to normality. But it’s become increasingly clear the world around us has fundamentally changed. What kind of Australia is waiting for us on the other side of the pandemic? Today, Sean Kelly on the type of society Scott Morrison envisions, and what might lie ahead.  Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Sean Kelly.Background reading:Snapback in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the Christchurch terrorist was sentenced to life without parole, the first time the sentence has ever been handed down. But even though he’s behind bars, his atrocities continue to inspire far-right extremists around the world. Today, Osman Faruqi on the increased threat of violent white nationalism and what happens after Christchurch.Note: This episode contains use of the attacker’s full name. Guest: Journalist and editor of 7am, Osman Faruqi.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The creators and stars of Rosehaven – Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregor – attempt to answer the questions from The Saturday Paper’s quiz. Unfortunately, there are no questions in Celia’s expert categories, “Stephen King novels” and “Which animals are the cutest?” But Luke knows what a bodhran is… or does he?Guests: Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregorIn the paper: ABC TV’s ‘Rosehaven’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a week where the minister for aged care was unable to answer questions about the crisis in his portfolio, and details emerged about a branch stacking scandal in his own party, the Prime Minister is finding himself under increasing pressure. Today, Paul Bongiorno on whether we should be expecting more from our politicians. 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.

The ongoing crisis in aged care has become one of the defining elements of Australia’s second wave. There are currently over 1500 active cases linked to aged care in Victoria, nearly half of the state’s total number of active cases, and hundreds have died. Today, Rick Morton on the new details that explain what went so wrong, and what the government could have done to save lives. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:Federal government holds back vital Covid-19 spread data in The Saturday PaperExclusive: The phone call that denied elderly patients access to hospital in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal government tries to hand power over environmental regulations to state governments, parallels have been drawn to the battles fought between activists and big business during the Howard years. Today, former Greens leader Bob Brown on how the legacy of John Howard’s environmental policies is shaping the current fight. Guest: Former Senator and contributor for The Saturday Paper Bob Brown.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our hospitals face pressure from coronavirus outbreaks, we’re relying on nurses more than ever. But at the same time, the pandemic means many nursing students may not be able to graduate. Today, Santilla Chingaipe on the looming shortfall in our health workforce. Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Santilla Chingaipe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coronavirus is ushering in a new era of international relations of a kind we haven’t seen since 9/11 and the War on Terror. National intelligence agencies and the way they conduct spycraft are a key part of that change. Today, former intelligence officer Andrew Davies on the world of spies during and after the pandemic. Guest: Contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs Andrew Davies.Background reading:Australian Foreign Affairs: Mission ImpossibleSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi-hyphenates – actors, writers, musicians – Briggs and Tim Minchin take on The Saturday Paper’s quiz. It’s a battle of brains rather than brawn, but have they been keeping up their fitness in lockdown?Guests: Briggs and Tim Minchin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.