7am

In this chat with Robert Dessaix, an acclaimed Tasmanian writer known for his versatile contributions to literature and broadcasting, the conversation dives into the layered themes of memory and identity. He reflects on his new memoir 'Chameleon,' revealing his humorous approach to self-representation. Topics like the emotive dance of memory, the tensions between self-acceptance and envy, and the transformative power of travel and literature are explored. Robert's insights on embracing change are as captivating as his rich literary journey.

Kos Samaras, Director at RedBridge Group, dives into the real sentiments of Australian voters, revealing their concerns like the rising cost of living and the housing crisis. He emphasizes how politicians often misinterpret public opinion, leading to a disconnect with younger voters. Samaras also discusses the shifting political landscape as the election approaches, highlighting the influence of demographic changes. He stresses the need for genuine policy discussions over smear tactics, as voters are increasingly focused on substantive issues.

Sam Roggeveen, the Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, discusses the recent maneuvers of Chinese military ships near Australia. He analyzes whether these actions indicate aggression or a defensive posture and the implications for Australia's security. Roggeveen proposes an 'echidna strategy,' emphasizing the need for Australia to enhance its own defense capabilities amid shifting U.S. commitments. He also critiques the current defense focus, highlighting the importance of advanced missile systems and base protection.

Are Catholic priests employed by the Church, or by the hand of God? This question was at the heart of a five-year legal battle between a survivor of child sexual abuse seeking compensation from the Catholic Church and Bishop Paul Bird of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat. The High Court’s decision last November – that the Catholic Church does not employ priests and therefore is not liable – came as a surprise to lawyers and as a devastating blow to survivors seeking justice. Australia now stands alone among common law jurisdictions in taking this stance. Today, lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin, on the far-reaching consequences of this ruling – and how the courts continue to fail victim-survivors. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Karen Barlow, Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, as she uncovers alarming details about a secret climate risk assessment. The report, which the Albanese government has kept hidden, identifies serious national security threats resulting from climate change. Barlow discusses the pressing need for transparency with federal elections on the horizon. She also highlights concerns about Australia's preparedness compared to more open approaches in other nations, emphasizing the potential socio-economic impacts of climate-driven migration.

The discovery of an abandoned caravan full of explosives on the outskirts of Sydney earlier this year triggered widespread panic and fear.  There were reports of a list of Jewish targets – and right away, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it terrorism. In the months that followed, discourse concerning the caravan became increasingly politicised, with Peter Dutton blaming the prime minister for putting Australians at risk. But all the while, police were warning the whole thing could be a hoax. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on how a criminal con job became a political football – and the implications for our national security.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis Photo: Lukas Coch / AAP ImageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s full-throated support of Elon Musk continues, despite more and more people questioning why an unelected billionaire is exerting enormous power over the future of the American government. While Musk claims to be bringing his business expertise to cutting government waste, his true motives are becoming clearer. WIRED reporter Vittoria Elliott has discovered Musk’s actions come straight from an ideological playbook designed to unshackle businesses from government oversight. In part two of our interview with Elliott, we find out what Musk wants – and how far  he will go to get the job done.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Reporter for WIRED covering platforms and power, Vittoria Elliot Photo credit: Joshua Sukoff/Medill News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acolytes of Elon Musk, working in the Department of Government Efficiency, are currently gutting the US government, with Musk claiming he’ll find savings of up to US$2 trillion. Department by department, DOGE staff – mostly young men from the tech world – are sacking federal employees and gaining access to some of the government’s most sensitive information. Vittoria Elliott, a reporter for WIRED covering platforms and power, has been tracking the Silicon Valley figures reshaping the US government – and finding out what it means for the future of her country.    (This is part one of a two-part interview.)   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Reporter for WIRED covering platforms and power, Vittoria ElliotSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novelist Sonia Orchard was in her 40s when a revelation during a therapy session turned her life upside down. Could the relationship she’d had in her teens with a man more than a decade older in fact be abuse? In her new memoir, Groomed, Sonia investigates her own story, sharing her gruelling journey through the justice system, and shines a light on the failures – social, structural, legal – that entrench and prolong the trauma for victim survivors. This week, she speaks with Michael about the power of writing and reclaiming her story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Chinese community proved to be a powerful voting bloc in the last election.  And as the time draws near to vote again, a growing number of politicians have realised that appealing to the country’s 1.5 million Chinese Australians is key to electoral success.  But as journalist Wing Kuang has found, the major parties’ attempts to court Chinese voters are proving to be rocky.  The Chinese-owned app, RedNote, is a new frontier in efforts to reach Chinese voters. But with speech on RedNote filtered by an authoritarian regime, it raises questions about how political debate in Australia is being shaped by foreign rules. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper, Wing Kuang, on how the Chinese community might shape the outcome of the election – and what they really think of Albanese and Dutton.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper Wing Kuang Photo: EPASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.