7am

Scott Morrison’s appeal for a new compact between workers and business has reminded some of Bob Hawke’s 1980s Accord. But there are big differences - especially over what can be bargained for.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Finding agreement on economic fix 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.

A multimillion-dollar contract for an app that places aged-care workers in nursing homes has triggered concerns about quality and access. The government money favours one private company, which says it has “no duty of care” for the work it provides. Rick Morton on the limited tender that won big for an app called Mable. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:Exclusive: Gov’s $5.8 million aged-care app offers “no duty of care” 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.

Almost overnight, Australian universities have lost the international student fees on which they depend. Some in the sector say universities were reckless to rely so heavily on this source of funds. Margaret Simons on what the future looks like for higher education. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Margaret Simons.Background reading:The end of the university boom 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.

After five years on Manus Island, Imran Mohammad was resettled in Chicago. He says arriving in America was one of the happiest days in his life. But the coronavirus shutdown has brought back memories of detention and isolation. Guest: Writer and Rohingya refugee Imran Mohammad.Background reading:Resettled refugees in Covid-19 lockdown 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.

The Morrison government is working hard to disguise the trade war opening up with China. But its excitement over an inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak cannot cover over the fact our largest trading partner is turning away goods. Paul Bongiorno on the prime minister’s unhappy predicament. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:The 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.

The Prime Minister has appointed a panel of business leaders to develop a blueprint for the country’s economic recovery, but there are serious questions over how this influential group was picked, and how it operates. Today, Mike Seccombe on the vested interests leading this panel and what they’re pushing for.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Background reading:National Covid-19 Coordination Commission scrutinised 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.

Pubs, restaurants and other businesses across the country are reopening and the government is predicting an economic comeback. But will life, and the economy, really return to normal? Today, what one territory’s reopening can tell us about Australia’s potential recovery.  Guest: Features and field producer for 7am, Elle Marsh.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.

Conspiracy theorists have been energised by Covid-19, with misinformation on everything from 5G to vaccinations spreading online and featuring in real-world protests. Today, Rick Morton on where these theories really begin and the groups actively encouraging them. Guest: Senior Reporter at The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background readingHow Covid-19 energised conspiracy theorists 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.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has recently introduced legislation that would expand the surveillance powers available to Australia’s domestic spy agency. Lawyers and civil-rights groups are arguing the proposed laws are too broad, and could contravene a range of human rights. Today, Karen Middleton on the attempt to expand ASIO’s powers in the midst of a pandemic.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.Background reading:Dutton pushing for new ASIO powers 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.

As the federal government struggles to rebuild Australia’s battered economy, the threat of a trade war with China risks hampering our recovery. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the twin challenges of rebuilding the economy, and managing our relationship with our largest trading partner. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:Chokehold on the economy 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.