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Scott Morrison has made a new appeal to the group he calls the “Quiet Australians”. He says they have a “trust deficit” with the public service and he wants bureaucracy to change itself so it can focus on serving them. The problem - as Rick Morton reports - is that research describes the opposite of what the prime minister is saying. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.Background reading:Morrison in the middle in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joelle Gergis is one of Australia’s leading climate scientists. She says the current modelling is worse than previously thought. She also says the most extreme effects of climate change can still be arrested - they just need immediate and radical action. She says there is resistance to talking about emotions around science, but she feels grief and anger.Guest: Climate scientist Joelle Gergis. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.Background reading: The terrible truth of climate change in The MonthlyThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After unhappy scenes at the Pacific Islands Forum, Scott Morrison is making a tour of Vietnam and then France for the G7. But his attempts at diplomacy are held back by his position on climate change. Paul Bongiorno on Scott Morrison, out in the world.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 furore over Australian swimmer Mack Horton’s stand against long-time rival Sun Yang underscores confusion about how drug testing in sport works. It has also begun a minor diplomatic incident between Australia and China. Tracey Holmes on what actually happened and what it means. Guest: Journalist and host of The Ticket Tracey Holmes.Background reading: Hypocrisy and bad blood 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 Andrews government attempts to negotiate treaty with First Nations people in Victoria, it is proceeding with a plan to bulldoze hundreds of sacred Djab Wurrung trees. At the same time, Crown land that might have been part of treaty has been sold off. Lidia Thorpe on the campaign to protect her people’s heritage.Guest: Djab Wurrung traditional owner and former Victorian state MP Lidia Thorpe. Background reading:Protecting the Djab Wurrung trees 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 Xi Jinping increases his power and ambition, there is tension over the influence China has in Australia. Progressive critics finds themselves aligned with right-wing voices. Mike Seccombe on how we assess the threat posed to our democracy by the Chinese Communist Party.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.Background reading: How the China question split Australian politics in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Goodes is one of the great AFL players of his generation. His career was played, especially in its final seasons, at the intersection of race and politics. Stan Grant on the weight of that story and what it means now.Guest: Writer and broadcaster Stan Grant. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.Background reading:Adam Goodes and writing a new Australia in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Morrison government begins its inquiry into press freedom, there is concern about the bipartisanship of the committee hearing it. At the centre is Andrew Hastie, facing his own issues over comments on China. Paul Bongiorno on the politics behind both.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading: Press freedom and Hastie words on China 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 strict legal framework means there is a shortage of sperm donors across Australia. But online there is a huge and unregulated market of people willing to donate. Marina Kamenev on sperm donation in the time of Facebook.Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Monthly Marina Kamenev.Background reading: The sperm drought in The Monthly 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.

In the past decade, reports of teachers and principals being abused by parents have increased. Accounts range from intimidation to stalking. Jane Caro on the possible explanations and the impact on the schools sector.Guest: Writer and broadcaster Jane Caro.Background reading:The bullying of school leadership by parents in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe 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.