7am

As Labor waits for a review of its election loss, and another into the operations of its NSW branch, Anthony Albanese is wrestling with divisions inside the party. Karen Middleton on the crisis they face out of office.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading:Albanese juggles Labor frictions 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.

An error at the Department of Human Services caused the original robo-debt algorithm to restart, issuing thousands of unchecked debt notices. Royce Kurmelovs on how the program operates and why the government persists with it - in spite of its flaws. Guest: Freelance journalist and author Royce Kurmelovs.Background reading:Robo-debt restart affects thousands 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 boom in international education has seen students become commodities. It has also changed the way universities operate - chasing rankings and casualising teaching staffs. Margaret Simons on what would happen if the bubble burst.Guest: Journalist and academic Margaret Simons.Background reading:China dependence by Australian Foreign AffairsThe 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 Scott Morrison attempts to control the message on how his government is handling the drought, there is bad news for his claims to strong economic management. Paul Bongiorno on slow growth and big dries.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.

New legislation will restrict the way Australians use cash. But there are concerns the laws could jail people for using legal tender. Karen Middleton on the future of money.Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.Background reading: Crackdown on large cash transactions 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.

From anti-protest legislation to funding cuts, this government has waged war on dissent. In recent weeks, its rhetoric has intensified. Mike Seccombe on the erosion of democratic freedoms under the Coalition.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:The decline of political freedoms in Australia in The Saturday PaperThe MonthlyThe Saturday PaperFor 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 NDIS was meant to provide better care to people living with disabilities. But a stalemate over funding responsibilities has forced 500 families to forfeit their children into state care. Rick Morton on the unintended consequences of a flawed system.Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:Exclusive: 500 children forfeited to state in NDIS standoff in The Saturday Paper.The MonthlyThe Saturday PaperFor 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 relationship with international investment, especially from China, has been remade in the past six years. What was once a question of business has become one of national security. David Uren on how ASIO helped transform the Foreign Investment Review Board.Guest: Journalist and author David Uren.Background reading:Our Sphere of Influence in Australian Foreign AffairThe 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 Liberal Party is sliding further on climate change, claiming it will meet targets but without policy to do so. At the same time, the Labor Party is fighting an internal push to abandon its climate platform. Paul Bongiorno on the politics of doing less.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading: The Saturday Paper The 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.

Each year, The Monthly assembles a panel of critics and artists to nominate 10 standout pieces of Australian culture from the past 12 months. These works are named as the winners of The Monthly Awards. We spoke to the magazine’s editor, Nick Feik, and critic Alison Croggon, who was one of the judges.Guest: Editor of The Monthly Nick Feik and critic Alison Croggon.Background reading:The Monthly Awards 2019 in The MonthlyThe MonthlyThe Saturday PaperFor 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.