7am

Murray Watt, Australia's Federal Environment Minister and a key figure in addressing the nation's environmental issues, discusses his critical role in reforming outdated environmental laws. He tackles the difficult decision to greenlight fossil fuel projects like Woodside, all while aiming to meet climate change goals. The conversation delves into the challenges of carbon emission safeguards and the cultural impact of industrial emissions on UNESCO sites. Watt also highlights ongoing political unrest amid pressing environmental crises in Australia.

Join Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist known for her sharp analysis, as she dives into a crucial diplomatic decision made by Australia. She discusses the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador after evidence linked Iran to anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil. The conversation explores the intriguing interplay between Australia, the U.S., and Israel, unveiling the complexities of recent high-stakes diplomacy. Get insights on the impact of these tensions on future international relations and the safety of diplomatic personnel.

Mahmood Fazal, an investigative reporter with Four Corners, sheds light on the alarming rise of the sovereign citizen movement in Australia. He discusses how individuals like Dezi Freeman, who identified as a sovereign citizen, have become increasingly radicalized, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation uncovers the deep distrust this community holds towards government and law enforcement, their fear of disarmament, and the troubling connections to mainstream politics. Fazal highlights the real dangers these ideologies pose to public safety.

Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper and author, sheds light on the controversial 'Thriving Kids' initiative by the Australian government. He discusses how the plan aims to shift children with mild to moderate autism off the NDIS, raising concerns about the criteria for classification. Morton explores the implications of this policy on service quality and funding, as well as the erosion of trust in the NDIS. He emphasizes the critical role of early intervention and the nuances of disability funding in Australia.

Celeste Liddle, an Arrernte writer and Crikey contributor, dives into the troubling rise of white nationalism in Australia, ignited by a recent neo-Nazi march in Melbourne. She emphasizes the historical roots of racism and criticizes the government's failure to reckon with this past. Liddle discusses police inaction during the march and the contrasting treatment of different protests, urging for accountability. The conversation highlights the role of media in framing these events and the delicate balance between protecting free expression and combating hate.

Antony Loewenstein, co-founder of Declassified Australia and author of The Palestine Laboratory, dives into Australia's controversial role in supplying military support to Israel amid rising protests against the war in Gaza. He discusses the ethical dilemmas tied to Australia's significant contributions to the global arms supply chain. The podcast examines the complexities of Australia's foreign policy, including the recognition of Palestinian statehood while simultaneously continuing arms sales. Loewenstein highlights the intricate legal implications and the impact of public opinion on diplomatic relations.

Jeff Horwitz, an investigative technology reporter for Reuters, explores the tragic story of Thongbue 'Bue' Wongbandue, who died after becoming enamored with a flirty Meta AI chatbot. The podcast discusses the emotional consequences of AI interactions, the ethical dilemmas surrounding Meta's design choices, and the troubling internal guidelines that allowed such romantic exchanges. Horwitz emphasizes the need for corporate accountability and warns against the societal implications of prioritizing short-term growth in tech innovations.

Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, delves into the significance of the recent economic roundtable in Canberra. He highlights the pressing issues of sluggish productivity and rising intergenerational inequality, particularly affecting young Australians struggling with housing affordability. Denniss critiques the current focus on corporate interests and discusses the need for ambitious policy changes. He also examines the political landscape shaped by millennials' demands for progressive reforms, emphasizing Labor's unique opportunity to address these challenges.

Join Joe Aston, founder of Rampart and author of *The Chairman's Lounge*, as he dissects Qantas' recent $90 million penalty for illegally outsourcing ground staff. Aston questions whether the airline's remorse is genuine or merely a reaction to getting caught. He delves into the ongoing legal fallout and the implications for Qantas' leadership, including challenges faced by the new CEO in rebuilding trust. Aston also examines the ethical dilemmas within the company's culture, raising important questions about accountability in Australian business.

David Szakonyi, an associate professor at George Washington University, dives into the latest US-Ukrainian diplomatic developments. He discusses Trump’s rare strategy of leveraging security promises for profit and the complexities of ongoing peace negotiations amid conflict. Szakonyi sheds light on the potential implications of a recent Trump-Putin meeting and examines the evolving landscape of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The conversation also touches on skepticism regarding future Zelensky-Putin interactions and the shifting global responsibilities in the region.