7am

The Prime Minister has appointed a panel of business leaders to develop a blueprint for the country’s economic recovery, but there are serious questions over how this influential group was picked, and how it operates. Today, Mike Seccombe on the vested interests leading this panel and what they’re pushing for.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Background reading:National Covid-19 Coordination Commission scrutinised 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.

Pubs, restaurants and other businesses across the country are reopening and the government is predicting an economic comeback. But will life, and the economy, really return to normal? Today, what one territory’s reopening can tell us about Australia’s potential recovery.  Guest: Features and field producer for 7am, Elle Marsh.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.

Conspiracy theorists have been energised by Covid-19, with misinformation on everything from 5G to vaccinations spreading online and featuring in real-world protests. Today, Rick Morton on where these theories really begin and the groups actively encouraging them. Guest: Senior Reporter at The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background readingHow Covid-19 energised conspiracy theorists 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.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has recently introduced legislation that would expand the surveillance powers available to Australia’s domestic spy agency. Lawyers and civil-rights groups are arguing the proposed laws are too broad, and could contravene a range of human rights. Today, Karen Middleton on the attempt to expand ASIO’s powers in the midst of a pandemic.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.Background reading:Dutton pushing for new ASIO powers 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 federal government struggles to rebuild Australia’s battered economy, the threat of a trade war with China risks hampering our recovery. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the twin challenges of rebuilding the economy, and managing our relationship with our largest trading partner. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:Chokehold on the economy 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.

ABC staff are revealing the pressure they are under as the public broadcaster absorbs budget cuts amounting to more than 100 million dollars a year. Today, Mike Seccombe on the role the ABC plays during a national crisis and the future of the national broadcaster.Guest: National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Hundreds facing the sack with ABC cuts 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 Ruby Princess is responsible for more than 10 per cent of Australia’s cases of Covid-19. The decision to allow the ship’s passengers to disembark is now being investigated by a number of state and federal inquiries. Today, Karen Middleton on what happened in the lead-up to Australia’s biggest coronavirus cluster. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading:What happened with the Ruby Princess 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.

Three months since becoming leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt has begun articulating a plan for the party that embraces “green” capitalism, and sees their future in partnership with Labor. Today, Margaret Simons on what we need to know about Adam Bandt. Guest: Author and journalist Margaret Simons.Background reading:Adam Bandt, the personable hardliner 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.

An aged care facility in NSW is the site of one of Australia’s biggest clusters of Covid-19. Now, with 16 dead, the centre’s owners have been threatened with sanctions and the loss of their licence. Today, Rick Morton on what went wrong at Newmarch House.  Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:The Newmarch House Covid-19 cluster in The Saturday PaperFor more information on today’s episode, visit https://7ampodcast.com.au/.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infighting within the Coalition has been exposed as candidates emerge and then quit in the race for the seat of Eden-Monaro. The by-election is reopening divisions across the Liberal and National Parties. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the first real test for Scott Morrison’s popularity. 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.