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The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in London on Monday, joining other world leaders at the funeral for the Queen.Parliament has been suspended in Canberra for a period of mourning that is longer than that of the UK parliament.So why is that? What are the rules for mourning the Queen, and who decides them?Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Australia’s extended grieving.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian army has swept across areas in north-eastern Ukraine.Russian troops appear to have been thin on the ground, unprepared and quick to retreat.The stunning collapse could be a turning point in the war, but it’s also increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin at home, with previously loyal politicians and media figures criticising the leadership and decision making by the Kremlin.Today, journalist Charles McPhedran on a humiliating Russian defeat in Ukraine.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Journalist, Charles McPhedranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the country, rents are going up.But it’s not because the value of the properties has risen - in fact values are largely going down.Instead, it has to do with the mortgage repayments of landlords, and the fact there’s not enough supply of rental properties at the moment.Rental stress in Australia is at a crisis point, with mental health and homelessness services raising the alarm.Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on what’s happening to our rents.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick MortonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We could be in for another wet, cloudy summer. The chances of another La Niña weather event are growing, and it’s now very likely the east coast of Australia will be drenched once again.That could make it the riskiest summer yet for flooding, with catchments still full and communities still regrouping.Today, climate scientist and lead author on the IPCC’s most recent climate assessment, Joëlle Gergis, on our never-ending stretch of rainy summers and what they mean for the climate disaster.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Author of Humanity’s Moment: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope, Joëlle Gergis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late last week, news broke that England’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II had died at the age of 96. During her 70-year reign the Queen has steered the royal family through immense social and political change, and there are many who mourn her death.  But there is also a complex legacy of colonialism to grapple with, and questions are already beginning over whether Australia should now re-consider becoming a republic. Today, historian Dr Cindy McCreery on Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, and what’s next for the monarchy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Historian Dr Cindy McCreery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, rates rose to seven-year-highs and inflation still won’t be easing off anytime soon.Cost of living is a problem the government has promised it’s aware of, but there will be increasing pressure for it to start implementing practical solutions that actually help people who are struggling.So what is the Albanese government doing, how is it different and what can we expect the government to pass now that parliament is back?Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Labor’s attempts to reign in a cost of living spiral.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch’s son, co-chair of News Corp, Lachlan Murdoch is suing a small independent publisher in Australia over an article it published on its website.The defamation suit, filed against Crikey a couple of weeks ago, could test Australia’s new public interest laws.Crikey says it wants to defend it, and force Lachlan Murdoch to prove his claims in court. But, the stakes couldn't be higher for the media company, which stands to lose three million dollars.Today, journalist and author, Paddy Manning on the likely successor to News Corp’s global empire vs Crikey.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Journalist and author, Paddy Manning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before he was voted out, the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison received a pitch from the Governor-General David Hurley: the taxpayer should fund a foundation for ‘future Australian leaders’.We don’t know much about the merits of the program, who would get selected and what kind of training they would get – but it was promised the funding.Now, with the secret ministries saga still hanging over Canberra, pressure is mounting to investigate whether there was enough transparency in the process of funding this mysterious leadership training program.Today, chief political correspondent at The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, on Scott Morrison’s secretive $18 million leadership grant.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Chief political correspondent at The Saturday Paper, Karen MiddletonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal election marked a change in direction for the country but it also signalled the beginning of 35 new political careers.As parliament returns once again, many of these newly elected parliamentarians are making their first speeches, a permanent record of their intentions that their actions in Canberra will be compared against.So what are they saying? And what do their speeches tell us about the challenges facing Australia right now? Today, writer and contributor to The Monthly Sean Kelly on first speeches, optimism, and compromise.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Writer and contributor to The Monthly, Sean KellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanya Plibersek is arguably Labor's most high-profile female politician. Once described as the next female prime minister, she rose through the ranks to become deputy leader at one point, and was most recently the party’s education spokesperson. But Labor’s election to power after almost a decade in opposition has had unexpected consequences for Plibersek – she’s found herself in a new portfolio, facing a new challenge. And it’s a monumental one: she’s now the minister for the Environment and Water. Today, writer and contributor to The Monthly, Chloe Hooper, takes us inside how Tanya Plibersek found herself here, and what she plans to do about it.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Contributor to The Monthly, Chloe Hooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.