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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.

After a 10-year legal battle, the “palace letters” were finally released last week. In full, they show how Gough Whitlam’s relationship with the governor-general broke down - and how involved the Queen was through this collapse. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.auSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the middle of last month, Australia had its last chance to contain the coronavirus pandemic. One strain of the virus was all but defeated in the community. But then a second strain broke out. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.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 climate models predict even worse outcomes for the planet, some scientists believe the way to change what is happening is for people to “feel” the emotion of it. There is still time to halt the crisis, but we are at a fork in the road. Guest: Climate scientist and writer Joëlle Gergis.Background readingWitnessing the unthinkable in The MonthlyThe 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 pandemic worsens in Victoria, Scott Morrison has been careful to distance himself from bad news. He chooses when to be the face of the response, and when to leave it to the state premiers. Guest: Contributing editor (politics) for The Monthly Paddy Manning.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.