7am

Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, takes us inside Anthony Albanese's jubilant election night party. He shares how Labor's unexpected victory reshaped Australia's political landscape, leaving the Coalition reeling and Peter Dutton out of a job. The atmosphere was electric as discussions turned to Australian values and the symbol of unity that a Medicare card represented. Koutsoukis analyzes the implications of this historic win and the future challenges awaiting the Liberal Party.

In this discussion, Sean Kelly, a columnist and former adviser to two prime ministers, dissects Peter Dutton's faltering campaign. He highlights Dutton's missteps and how his previously strong traits have become liabilities. Kelly contrasts this with Anthony Albanese's steady approach, emphasizing his clear messaging amidst global uncertainties. The conversation also touches upon the evolving political landscape, examining shifting party dynamics and voter sentiments as Labor gains traction in the current climate.

Dr. Tracy Westerman, a Nyamal woman and psychologist from Western Australia's Pilbara region, sheds light on the alarming domestic violence crisis affecting Aboriginal women. She discusses the deafening silence from major political parties amid rising fatalities, emphasizing the misguided causes attributed to this violence. Tracy advocates for data-driven approaches and genuine community involvement to tackle the issue and critiques existing governmental policies. Her insights call for immediate action to protect vulnerable women in remote communities.

There’s one question Grace Tame is asked all the time: when is she going into politics? And her answer is always the same – never. Like many younger Australians, Tame is disillusioned with the two-party system, which she says serves a dwindling minority of morbidly wealthy players rather than the general public. But as Australia heads into an election where Gen Z and Millennials outnumber Baby Boomers for the first time, she thinks it’s a chance to move beyond the two-party games. Today, 2021 Australian of the Year and director of the Grace Tame Foundation, Grace Tame, on advocating for change outside of politics, and why this election is a chance to fix democracy.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: 2021 Australian of the Year and director of the Grace Tame Foundation, Grace Tame. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Seccombe, the national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into a surprising political shift in Australia. Under Peter Dutton, the Coalition is now favoring One Nation, signifying a dramatic change in their long-standing opposition. Seccombe explores the implications of this alliance and what it means for traditional Liberal values. He also examines One Nation's controversial history and questions whether this strategy could harm the party's future. It's a provocative look at evolving political dynamics!

Adam Bandt, the Leader of the Australian Greens and representative for Melbourne, discusses the potential impact of a minority Labor government. He shares insights on the challenges of negotiating environmental legislation and fair housing policies. Bandt highlights the party's achievements and their strategy to gain more representation, advocating for social democratic ideals amidst rising far-right ideologies. He also addresses national concerns, including the importance of combating extremism and the implications of recent tragedies.

As we head to the polls this weekend, election analyst Ben Raue has been calculating the path to victory for the major parties.  The Coalition needs to pick up 18 seats to win, while if Labor loses four seats, they lose their majority. But as the electorate shifts in all kinds of surprising ways, the path to victory is becoming increasingly complicated for the major parties. Today, analyst at The Tally Room Ben Raue, on the seats that will decide the election – and why Victoria matters more than ever.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Analyst at The Tally Room, Ben Raue. Photo: AAP / Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Chris Flynn, an Irish-born Australian writer known for his thought-provoking novels, reveals that the inspiration for his latest book, Orpheus Nine, came from a vivid dream. He discusses the impact of trauma on communities and unpacks the connections between unexpected subjects like The Exorcist and Winnie the Pooh. Flynn also reflects on his unique writing process, exploring how local experiences shape his narrative voice, and emphasizes the transformative power of literature in dealing with life's complexities.

Paul Bongiorno is one of the 1.2 billion Roman Catholics who mourned the loss of Pope Francis this week. As he read tribute after tribute of the impact of the Pope’s life, he noticed what wasn’t on the front page – Peter Dutton’s last-minute policy announcements. “The Pope is a world figure… and of course, it swamped the world’s media, including here in Australia. So it’s not surprising that the death of this pope would overshadow anything that our leaders were doing in the election campaign. In fact, it would blow the campaign out of the water for a few days.” Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on how the Pope’s death changed the election.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno. Photo: AAP / Domenico StinellisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheyne Anderson, senior producer at 7am, discusses the chilling effect of Donald Trump's executive order banning trans healthcare for minors. He highlights a brave doctor risking everything to provide care across state lines. Anderson also explores the recent healthcare bans in Queensland, Australia, and their devastating impact on trans youth, paralleling the U.S. situation. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for support and resilience among those fighting for trans rights in a challenging political landscape.