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With the global economy facing its biggest downturn since the Great Depression, the Treasury and the IMF are at odds on the extent of the damage in Australia. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the competing economic forecasts for the country, and the way forward. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:IMF forecasts dire economic outcomes 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.

Federal and state governments have quietly been winding back environmental regulations while most of the world is focused on the coronavirus pandemic. Today, Mike Seccombe on Energy Minister Angus Taylor’s plan to prop up coal-fired power generators, and the push to undermine environmental protections during this crisis. Guest: The Saturday Paper’s National Correspondent Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Angus Taylor’s energy projects push 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 global economic downturn is straining our financial system, and it’s hitting our superannuation funds. But is the way we’ve structured our $2 trillion super industry making things worse? Today, Richard Dennis on the secrets of our superannuation and how we could take back control.Guest: Chief economist at the Australia Institute Richard Denniss.Background reading:Super heroes or super villains? 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.

Australia’s strict quarantine measures have dramatically slowed the spread of Covid-19, but confusion between different levels of government has exposed the system’s flaws. Today, Karen Middleton on the other holes in Australia’s quarantine. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading:The other holes in Australia’s quarantine 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.

Months before the latest mass protests began in Hong Kong, the Chinese government shut down an art exhibition in the city. The work was by Badiucao, a Chinese-Australian artist living in Melbourne. He has since been harassed and intimidated in Australia, and his work has become a key part of the pro-democracy protests. Guest: Chinese-Australia visual artist and political cartoonist Badiucao.Background reading:Hong Kong's fight for freedom 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.

In the 1960s, Anne Hamilton-Byrne set up Australia’s most notorious cult, The Family. Last month, she died. Martin McKenzie-Murray spoke to one of the survivors, Ben Shenton, about living outside the cult and reckoning with her death.Guest: Former chief correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray.Background reading:She’s with Lucifer now – her master 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 year on from the Christchurch massacre, survivors face isolation and economic hardship. We speak to the men and women living through the aftermath of one of the worst white supremacist attacks in history. This is part one of a three-part special on the far right.Guest: Features and field producer Elle Marsh.Background reading:Life after the Christchurch shootings 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 coronavirus shuts borders and creates global panic, there is a risk it will reach a point where it cannot be contained. Rick Morton explains where the virus originated and looks at the scientific breakthroughs behind the attempt to combat it.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading: Anatomy of an epidemic 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 NBN is facing it’s most crucial test yet, and there are serious questions over whether the network will handle the unprecedented load it’s under. Today, Paddy Manning on our virtual lifeline, and how it’s holding up.Guest: Contributing editor at The Monthly, Paddy Manning.Background reading:NBN under pressure 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 lockdown, together with a shattered economy, means that many domestic violence victims are now trapped inside their home with their abuser, unable to access help and services. Today, Rick Morton on how coronavirus is making Australia’s domestic violence problem worse. Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:Family violence increasing during 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.