7am

Polly Hemming, the Director of the Australia Institute’s climate and energy program, dives into the Albanese government’s efforts on environmental protection. She critiques the 'nature positive' initiative, highlighting the gap between promises and real outcomes for biodiversity. The conversation reveals urgent issues like rising extinction rates and the irony of a summit that prioritizes financial interests over ecological action. Hemming calls for honest policies that genuinely safeguard Australia’s natural heritage.

Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, delves into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following missile strikes. He highlights Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon and the humanitarian toll. Pfeffer discusses Netanyahu's strategic military considerations against Iran, examining the potential fallout. The conversation also touches on the shifting objectives of Israel's military response, questioning the clarity of long-term goals amidst rising regional instability and internal conflicts.

Charlotte Wood, an award-winning Australian author known for her critically acclaimed novel *The Natural Way of Things*, joins the discussion to shed light on her latest work, *Stoneyard Devotional*. She reflects on her own journey through grief and resilience amidst family health struggles and how it shaped her narrative. The conversation dives into faith and creativity, exploring how personal crises can fuel artistic expression. Wood also examines the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the ethical responsibilities that come with them.

Australia faces a heightened threat of terrorism, with a 50% chance of an attack in the coming year. In an unusual move, states have abandoned the federal counter-terrorism strategy, opting to forge their own paths. This shift reveals critical failures in the national security framework, including a breakdown of trust among security agencies. Tensions arise as state law enforcement struggles to adapt to evolving threats without cohesive federal support. The implications for national safety are significant, raising urgent questions about effective collaboration.

The recent vice presidential debate reveals how candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz use their Midwestern roots to connect with voters, contrasting sharply with the coastal elite image of their opponents. Discussions span vital issues like foreign policy and reproductive rights, showcasing the political tensions at play. Furthermore, the debate highlights shifting perceptions of masculinity, especially among undecided voters, and reflects on how these cultural dynamics impact the election landscape.

Angry consumers are taking to social media, exposing questionable discount practices by Coles and Woolworths. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is stepping in, alleging these supermarkets misled customers with deceptive promotions. Economist Peter Martin discusses how this controversy has eroded public trust and sparked a Senate inquiry. With fines for misleading practices soaring and government scrutiny increasing, retailers face serious consequences if found guilty of manipulative pricing. Can these giants regain customer confidence amid the backlash?

Michelle Jasmin Dimasi, an Australian journalist stationed in Beirut, provides a gripping account of the current crisis following the recent assassination of Hezbollah's leader. She discusses the ensuing chaos, including Israeli airstrikes and a mass exodus of over 30,000 refugees back to Syria. Dimasi reflects on her emotional struggle to leave Lebanon while acknowledging the dire situation of locals and Syrian refugees. Her observations illuminate the complexity of displacement and the urgent challenges faced by those caught in this turbulent environment.

Hassan Nasrallah, the influential leader of Hezbollah for over 30 years, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, prompting discussions on his controversial legacy. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, reportedly ordered the strike, while Joe Biden labeled it a 'measure of justice'. The ramifications are profound, with Lebanon entering mourning amid ongoing conflict. Analysts delve into Hezbollah's military strength, the complexities of Israeli deterrence strategies, and the relentless cycle of violence affecting the region.

Michael Ondaatje, the Sri Lankan-born Canadian essayist, poet, and Booker Prize winner, shares insights on his latest poetry collection, 'A Year of Last Things.' He reflects on the joy of rediscovering poetry at 80, describing writing as a personal journey through memory and grief. Ondaatje discusses the physicality of the writing process, his emotional experiences during the pandemic, and how poetry serves as a connection to loss. He emphasizes the evolution of his craft, highlighting the intimacy and exploration found in the act of creating.

Nick McKim, a passionate advocate for economic justice and spokesperson for the Greens, argues for lower interest rates and demands government intervention in the Reserve Bank’s decisions. The discussion reveals rifts within the Greens about this bold stance, while questioning the independence of the Reserve Bank. McKim highlights the party's strategy to resonate with younger voters facing housing challenges, and addresses the broader implications of their demands, stirring the ongoing debate about monetary policy in Australia.