7am

Today on the show, author Carrie Tiffany, with her piece from the Monthly. After the death of her mother, Carrie reflects on the hold of sugar upon her family’s health and history.Carrie will read her piece, ‘Sweet Regret’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Author, Carrie TiffanySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stuart Robert may have resigned from parliament – but this parliament might not be done with him yet.New allegations, which he strongly denies, paint a picture of a lobbying firm setting up arrangements to profit Robert if he helped them win government work.And we’ll soon see how voters react, with a by-election in Roberts’ seat looming.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the latest Stuart Robert revelations and why opinion polls are putting chills through Canberra.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the Voice to Parliament referendum was announced, it has enjoyed majority support, according to the biggest opinion polls – that is, until this week.As legislation for the referendum made its way through parliament, the debate on the chamber floor and in the media only became more acrimonious. Now, the polls seem to suggest the resounding majority hoped for by advocates of the Voice might be harder to come by.Today, the author The Voice to Parliament Handbook with Kerry O’Brien and board member of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Thomas Mayo, on whether the ‘Yes’ campaign message is cutting through and if it needs to be clearer.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook, Thomas MayoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is struggling with how to handle the case of Senator David Van, who continues to strenuously deny allegations of sexual harassment and assault levelled by Senator Lidia Thorpe and others.The case shows how, more than a year after the Jenkins review into the culture at parliament house, it remains uniquely incapable of handling complaints, finding the truth and providing a safe workplace for all.Today, chief political correspondent Karen Middleton, on why people can stay in parliament long after they’ve been accused of sexual assault. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Chief political correspondent Karen MiddletonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian president Vladimir Putin may have averted an armed mutiny, but the wounds could prove fatal for his leadership.Wagner group, a private military force that has flourished with Putin’s blessing, and just halted its march from the Ukrainian front towards Moscow, has exposed cracks in the Russian government.Russia’s ruling elites will now exchange deep recriminations over how the attempted insurrection was able to get so far.Today, fellow at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Matthew Sussex, on why Wagner’s rebellion makes Putin’s rule uncertain.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Fellow at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Matthew SussexSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A string of recent incidents involving the use of force has raised questions about the way in which Australian police wield power, and how these incidents are investigated.The officer who allegedly Tasered a 95-year old woman, Clare Nowland, is in court next month and is expected to fight the charges.Meanwhile, a Queensland police officer was caught on video punching and Tasering a man who’d been in a car crash, and will be investigated by an internal police standards body.Today, contributor to The Monthly and criminal defence lawyer Russell Marks, on the use of force and the relationship between the police and the public.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributor to The Monthly Russell Marks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learned this week that United States president Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, will accept a plea deal on federal tax crimes.With the 2024 presidential race already underway, Republicans are calling the deal evidence of nepotism and corruption – none more loudly than Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.Trump, of course, is facing a much more lengthy federal indictment, with 37 charges against him. That could mean a prison sentence running several decades if he’s found guilty at his upcoming trial.Today, the editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan Pearlman, on how the contest for the US presidency is suddenly about who has committed what crimes.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan PearlmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government’s housing policy could be dead in the water.On Monday, the Greens chose to block the legislation – by deferring the vote on the bill until October.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the delay is the same as rejecting it, and he’s seeking urgent legal advice about whether this could be a trigger for a double dissolution of parliament – which could bring on an early election.Today, Greens spokesperson on housing and homelessness Max Chandler-Mather, reveals why the Greens blocked the bill, the conversations with Labor behind the scenes and what he thinks could have won his party’s support.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Greens spokesperson on housing and homelessness, Max Chandler-MatherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Folbigg was once known as Australia’s worst female serial killer – now she’s free after being pardoned.New scientific evidence played a big role in her release. But there are other issues that drove the media and the justice system’s condemnation of Folbigg.The way her psychological state, her grief and her reliability were questioned speak to the treatment of women who are accused of murder.Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Wendy Bacon, on the fight for Kathleen Folbigg’s pardon and why it points to more wrongful convictions within our justice system.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper Wendy BaconSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese government is campaigning to host the next United Nations Climate Conference in partnership with Pacific nations.Some have described this as an Olympic moment, but there is real concern it’s just an exercise in public relations and greenwashing Australia’s climate policies. In response, Pacific countries are now demanding Australia do more on climate action before agreeing to be part of the bid.Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper, Polly Hemming on how Australia is peacocking in the Pacific.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Polly Hemming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.