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Solstice Media
An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2023 • 17min
‘Twiggy’ Forrest: Climate messiah or billionaire opportunist?
Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, founder of one of the world’s biggest mining companies and advocate for climate action, discusses the recent turmoil at Fortescue Metals Group and their transition to clean energy. The podcast explores the challenges of aligning their iron operations with their clean energy goals, Australian legal requirements for information disclosure, and Twiggy's determination to pursue a green vision despite emitting more greenhouse gases than Bhutan.

Sep 11, 2023 • 15min
Why didn't Labor agree to a rent freeze?
This podcast explores the controversial topic of rent caps in Australia, discussing the recent passing of a key policy on affordable and social housing. It examines the criticism and arguments against rent control, explores contemporary examples of rent control, and addresses the impact of rent caps. The podcast also discusses policy initiatives for improving housing conditions for renters and emphasizes the growing inequality in society.

Sep 10, 2023 • 15min
Why speaking up in Australia is punished
This podcast discusses the challenges faced by whistleblowers in Australia, including potential consequences and the lack of protection and compensation. It compares the situation with the United States and explores the need for support and legal reform. The Human Rights Law Centre's whistleblower project is introduced as a way to provide support to whistleblowers. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of speaking up and addressing wrongdoing while advocating for better protection for whistleblowers.

Sep 9, 2023 • 20min
The Weekend Read: When music journalism meets an MRI scan
Today on the show, Mark Mordue reads his piece from The Saturday Paper.MRI scans are infamously claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing procedures. During his own MRI, the author was surprised to find solace and inspiration in the barrage of sounds he was subjected to lying within the machine. The cacophony of the equipment presented an opportunity to expound on the musical genres that are its antecedents, and those that are, perhaps, its legacy.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Writer, poet and journalist, Mark MordueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 7, 2023 • 19min
The second referendum nobody asked for
The podcast discusses the start of the referendum campaign and the mixed reactions to the Yes campaign's ad. It highlights the manipulation and misleading information spread by the Conservative No campaign. The criticism of the opposition's position and ideas for a second referendum are examined, along with concerns about the toxic debate and its toll on First Nations communities.

Sep 6, 2023 • 17min
‘Liars and cowards’ in the ADF
The podcast discusses the Royal Commission into veteran suicides in the ADF, highlighting issues of abuse, harassment, and poor leadership. It shares personal accounts of mistreatment, lack of support, and resistance to addressing abuse complaints. The episode emphasizes the need for accountability and moral courage within the Australian defense force.

Sep 5, 2023 • 16min
Australians have a big car problem
Mike Seccombe discusses how Australia's love affair with big cars is hindering progress in reducing emissions. The podcast explores the reasons for high car ownership, the impact on climate targets, and the need for policies to promote electric vehicles and alternative transportation.

Sep 4, 2023 • 17min
Is Australia prepared for a second Trump presidency?
Whispers within Australia's foreign policy and defence establishment suggest a second Trump presidency could be on the horizon. Despite facing numerous criminal indictments, Trump remains popular among Republican voters. This podcast explores the potential impact on Australia's reliance on the US for defense, the declining commitment of America to Australia and the Pacific region, concerns about the Orcus arrangement, and the implications of a second Trump presidency on the Australia-US alliance and Five Eyes Intelligence Band.

Sep 3, 2023 • 16min
Qantas: the spirit of corporate greed
Qantas’s luck has gone from bad to worse. The airline has had to ditch expiry dates for Covid credits, and faced questions over its prices and tickets allegedly sold for flights that had already been cancelled. Meanwhile, the government is accused of unfairly propping up Qantas and putting its profits ahead of consumers’ interests. So will Qantas be pressured into paying back their government support – and can outgoing chief executive Alan Joyce keep dodging the company’s disasters?Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on chaos at Qantas and whether the government is too cosy with our national carrier. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Senior report for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 31, 2023 • 14min
Can the government fix the gig economy?
The podcast discusses the Australian government's second round of industrial relations reform and its impact on gig economy workers. Topics include addressing wage theft and insecure work in the gig economy, reforming the gig economy to improve working conditions, and the government's plan to increase wages and improve rights for casual workers. The episode also covers news updates including subscription opportunities and legal actions against Qantas.


