7am

Australia’s relationship with China has become more strained than ever, as Scott Morrison pushes for an international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak. The Chinese government has expressed concern that such an inquiry would be political and has threatened retaliation. Today, Paul Bongiorno on a new low in Chinese–Australian relations. 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.

Scott Morrison’s relationship to the founder of the Hillsong church has focused attention on the evangelical Christian movement in Australia. But what does being a pentecostal look like in an age of climate change and coronavirus? Today, Lech Blaine on the appeal of evangelical Christianity and how it influences the most powerful politician in the country.Guest: Freelance journalist Lech Blaine.Background reading:Hillsong’s strange tides 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 we learn more details about the economic fallout from the pandemic, it’s clear young people will bear the brunt of the downturn. Already younger workers are bearing a disproportionate burden of job losses. Today, Mike Seccombe on how the pandemic is fuelling generational inequality. Guest: National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:The generation Covid-19 will scar 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.

Remote Aboriginal communities across Australia reacted swiftly and effectively to the Covid-19 outbreak. Their response reflects the disproportionate burden these communities often carry when it comes to infectious disease. Today, Amy McQuire on the pandemic and self-determination.Guest: Darumbal/South Sea Islander journalist Amy McQuire.Background reading:Aboriginal community health’s success with Covid-19 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.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese is attempting to pull off a delicate balancing act: between appearing constructive, and holding the government to account. But what does the public actually want from their opposition during this crisis? Today, The Saturday Paper’s chief political correspondent Karen Middleton on the Opposition’s tactics in a pandemic.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.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 country may be in the midst of a health and economic crisis, but that didn’t stop former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull going on a media blitz this week to promote his new book. In the memoir Turnbull is brutally honest about what he thinks of the current prime minister and senior cabinet ministers. Today, Paul Bongiorno on Malcolm Turnbull’s return to centre stage.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.

With two hospitals shut down and thousands of residents quarantined, the Tasmanian Covid-19 supercluster has brought the state’s health system to its knees. New evidence has emerged of a severe shortage of protective equipment and the encouragement of dubious practices. Today, Rick Morton on the failures that lead to Tasmania’s deadly outbreak. Guest: Senior Reporter at The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading:Tasmanian hospitals caught in coronavirus storm 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.

Thousands of Australians have been fined by police under Covid-19 public health orders. New analysis shows that a disproportionate number of them have been issued in areas largely populated by Indigenous Australians and those from migrant backgrounds. Today, Osman Faruqi on policing and racial bias in a pandemic.Guest: 7am editor Osman Faruqi.Background reading:Compliance fines under the microscope 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 number of coronavirus infections in Australia stabilises, talk has turned to how and when this crisis might end. With some countries gunning for a full elimination of the virus, and others allowing a controlled spread, what solution makes the most sense for Australia? Today, Mike Seccombe on the coronavirus end game.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:How this crisis will end 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.

There are over 1 million migrant workers in Australia who aren’t eligible for any financial support from the government as they try to navigate their way through this crisis. Some have been here for years, and they’re now stranded in a country that won’t help them and unable to get home as borders remain shut. Today, we speak to one migrant worker negotiating this new reality. Guest: 7am producer Ruby Schwartz.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.