7am

Abigail Boyd, an MLC with the NSW Greens and chair of the Inquiry into Early Childhood Education, sheds light on the dire state of Australia's childcare system. She reveals shocking truths about understaffing and neglect in childcare centres, where profit often prevails over child safety. Boyd discusses the lenient regulatory culture that allows these abuses to continue and the cozy ties between providers and government. She calls for urgent reforms, including better staffing and accountability, ensuring that child care prioritizes safety over profits.

Denham Sadler, an investigative journalist specializing in immigration and offshore detention, sheds light on the recently struck $2.5 billion deal between Australia and Nauru. He discusses the implications of a landmark High Court ruling and the deportation of former detainees, raising concerns about legal obligations. Denham reveals details of the financial terms and the challenges asylum seekers may face on Nauru, including limited healthcare and high living costs. He emphasizes ongoing responsibilities Australia may have towards these individuals.

Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist, sheds light on the turmoil surrounding environmental law reform and a secret report on cronyism in government. She discusses how crossbench and Coalition senators have stalled proposed changes, emphasizing the tension between the need for transparency and political pressures. Middleton also unpacks the complexities of negotiating with both the Coalition and the Greens, while highlighting key examples of cronyism that fuel mistrust. Her insights reveal the challenges Labor faces in living up to its promises of integrity.

Hamish Macdonald, host of the ABC podcast Global Roaming and foreign affairs commentator, breaks down the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The stakes for Australia are high, as tensions between the U.S. and China impact its security and economy. Hamish contrasts Trump's quick-win approach with Xi's long-term strategy. Key issues like tariffs, tech dominance, and critical minerals are discussed. He highlights the cautious hope for de-escalation and the importance of ongoing dialogue between the two superpowers.

In this discussion, Professor Susan Park, a Global Governance expert at the University of Sydney, dives into Australia’s $13 billion deal with Trump over critical minerals. She outlines the deal’s framework and concerns about environmental impacts and health risks. While the agreement aims to challenge China’s control, questions arise regarding who truly benefits and whether Australia can build its own processing capacity. Park emphasizes the geopolitical motives, warning that fast-tracking permits could compromise oversight and create long-term challenges for the nation.

Hannah Marshall, a corporate and consumer law principal at Good Company Law, breaks down the ACCC's lawsuit against Microsoft over misleading subscription tactics. They discuss how Microsoft rolled out its AI 'co-pilot' feature with unclear pricing, allegedly leaving users believing an increased cost was mandatory. The conversation dives into potential penalties Microsoft could face, the implications this case has for broader consumer law reforms, and practical tips for consumers to avoid tricky subscription tricks. A riveting look at a David vs. Goliath legal battle!

Sherryn Groch, a crime reporter at The Age with a focus on child safety and childcare investigations, dives deep into the shocking Joshua Brown case. She reveals systemic failures in childcare regulation, highlighting how profit-driven motives overshadow safety. Groch discusses the alarming scale of abuse allegations, understaffing issues, and the opacity of internal documents. She critiques the fragmented regulatory framework and emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to prioritize children's safety over corporate interests.

Nick Feik, an investigative journalist focused on government accountability, delves into the controversies surrounding the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He discusses its substantial budget and workforce, yet disheartening lack of major corruption findings. The conversation highlights a lack of public hearings, the mishandling of the RoboDebt scandal, and conflicts of interest with Chief Commissioner Paul Brereton’s consulting role. Feik argues that for the NACC to regain public trust, it must deliver significant results and consider leadership changes.

Join Ian Verrender, a columnist for Australian Foreign Affairs, as he dives deep into China's strategic grip on critical minerals. He reveals how China's dominance began with Deng Xiaoping's vision and explores the state-backed tools that weakened foreign competitors. Ian highlights the implications for US defense supply chains reliant on these resources. Additionally, he discusses the untapped potential of Western Australia's monazite waste and how Australian firms are racing to bolster refining capacity and secure their role in the global market.

Journalist Joe Aston, also the founder of Rampart News, discusses Barnaby Joyce's surprising exit from the Nationals. He describes Joyce's cryptic press conference and the potential ties to One Nation, exploring whether his populist style would mesh well with Pauline Hanson's party. Aston analyzes the internal dynamics leading to Joyce’s departure and predicts chaos if he joins One Nation. He also reflects on the impact of Joyce’s self-interested politics on the Coalition and warns of possible defections from other members.