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A riot caused by the intense summer heat in Alice Springs shows how vulnerable our justice system is to the impacts of extreme weather. Prison reform advocates are calling for change to improve the living conditions inside jails. Stella Maynard on how climate change is impacting the incarcerated. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Stella Maynard. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.Background reading:Exclusive: Detainees denied cold water, cooling before NT prison riot in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past year, the government has directed nearly $5 billion to various schemes using a process lawyers say is likely unconstitutional. Karen Middleton on a system that avoids parliamentary scrutiny, and why one Liberal senator has become a leading critic of it.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading: Government spends ‘unlawful’ billions in The Saturday Paper 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.

Sandwiched between the climate deniers in his government and growing public pressure for real action on climate change, Scott Morrison has edged closer to unveiling a new climate policy. Could the technology investment target solve Morrison’s political problems, or will it leave both sides underwhelmed? Paul Bongiorno on the climate dilemma faced by the PM.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:Scott Morrison's slow burn 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.

Keith Pitt is a climate sceptic and coal evangelist. He is also the minister for Water and Resources. Mike Seccombe on how the parliament’s most strident nuclear advocate ended up with a portfolio that will help decide Australia’s stance on uranium.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Canavan’s successor apt to fuel energy wars 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.

More than 60 former asylum seekers are seeking compensation for the psychological trauma they endured in Australia’s notorious Baxter detention centre. Now the lead case has stalled in the court system, delaying a decision. Rick Morton on the legacy of John Howard’s desert camps.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton. Background reading: Government stalling on Howard refugee compo in The Saturday Paper The Saturday Paper The Monthly 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.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding among thousands of asylum seekers living in Australia without work rights and in some cases without housing. The impact on mental health is enormous. One program in Melbourne is supporting asylum seekers by giving them the opportunity to grow their own community garden. Zoë Morrison on addressing trauma in unexpected ways.Guest: Author and writer for The Monthly Zoë Morrison.Background reading:Planting hope 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.

There is a successful model to de-politicise climate change. It works in Britain, and a private member’s bill says it could work here. Paddy Manning on independent MP Zali Steggall’s proposal to end the climate wars. Guest: Paddy Manning, contributing editor (politics) at The Monthly.Background reading: Warringah warrior at The Monthly The Saturday Paper The Monthly 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 upcoming Queensland state election is shaping Canberra politics and tearing the Nationals apart. Paul Bongiorno on what the elevation of Llew O’Brien to deputy speaker really means - and how it’s set the clock on nine months of dysfunction for the Coalition.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 Morrison government has bought part of a farm in Kimba, South Australia, where it intends to build a nuclear waste dump. Millions have been spent trying to secure community support – but some see this as a bribe and say the risks to health and land are too great.Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper Royce Kurmelovs.Background reading:Nuclear waste site selected in South Australia 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.

Description: Scott Morrison’s re-election campaign received a huge boost from one of Sydney’s most reclusive families. So what prompted a 92-year-old man to donate $4.1 million to the Liberal Party? Rick Morton on the Wakil family and the biggest individual political donation in Australian history.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:The biggest party donor you’ve never heard of 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.