The Morning Edition

Matthew Knott, a national security correspondent, breaks down Iran's alarming orchestrations of attacks on Australia’s Jewish community. Paul Sakkal, the chief political correspondent, discusses the political ramifications, including the rare move of expelling the Iranian ambassador. They delve into the chaotic organization behind the attacks, drawing thrilling parallels to a spy novel. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for Australia’s national security and the rising antisemitism impacting the community.

Joshua Roose, an associate professor and expert on the sovereign citizen movement, provides an in-depth look at a recent tragic shooting in Victoria involving a member of this radical group. He discusses the origins and ideologies of sovereign citizens, highlighting their anti-government beliefs and the rise of violent incidents linked to this movement. Roose also examines the socio-economic factors fueling the growth of these ideologies in Australia, stressing the urgent need for interventions to address the underlying issues and improve public safety.

Rodger Shanahan, a Middle East and security analyst and former UN military observer, discusses alarming antisemitic attacks in Australia linked to Iranian influence. He sheds light on the Australian government's swift actions, including expelling the Iranian ambassador. The conversation explores the complexities of Iran's involvement through criminal networks, the implications of classifying the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and the necessity for international cooperation in holding Iran accountable for its role in these aggressive acts.

Shane Wright, a senior economics correspondent, sheds light on the challenges first-time home buyers face in today's market. He discusses the federal government's new 5% deposit scheme aimed at easing the path to home ownership. Wright analyzes whether this initiative can truly address the housing crisis or if it's merely a band-aid solution. He explores rising house prices and the complexities of the housing market, all while emphasizing the importance of citizen advocacy in driving meaningful change.

In this engaging discussion, Jackson Graham, an explainer reporter, dives into the rapid rise of AI use in Australia. He shares eye-opening insights about how these chatbots learn and evolve, which can sometimes lead to 'hallucinations' or inaccuracies. Users may depend on AI, yet trust remains shaky, with many questioning the reliability of the information produced. Jackson also highlights the ongoing challenges and improvements in AI, reminding us to stay vigilant about its limitations, especially in sensitive areas like health and finance.

Joining the discussion are Paul Sakkal, Chief Political Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and Shane Wright, Senior Economics Correspondent for the same publications. They dive into the recent Economic Roundtable, emphasizing urgent tax reforms to alleviate financial burdens on younger Australians. The conversation covers housing challenges and tax inequities, alongside the complexities of managing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, illuminating the tensions between budget constraints and vital support for families.

In this insightful discussion, Peter Hartcher, the international and political editor for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, dives into the implications of Trump’s recent meetings with Putin and Zelensky. He reveals how these encounters shape the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Hartcher highlights the catastrophic human costs on both sides following three years of war and underscores the critical role of American support in determining the outcome. The complex dynamics of international relations and the shifting political tensions are explored, shedding light on Zelensky's precarious position.

In this discussion, Kerrie O’Brien, a Senior culture writer known for her incisive commentary, dives deep into the chaos that erupted at the Bendigo Writers Festival. A controversial code of conduct sparked a mass exodus of nearly 60% of writers, revealing tensions between free speech and perceived censorship. Kerrie explores how this debacle highlighted the struggle to engage in nuanced conversations about complex issues, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. She reflects on the urgent need for open dialogue in a climate often stifled by fear and misinformation.

It may have once boasted one of the most heartwarming advertisement ever to grace our TV screens reminding us that Qantas meant coming home, but in the last few years, the airline has weathered multiple scandals, and allegations of ripping customers off. And then came Monday morning, when the national airline was slapped with a whopping $90 million dollar fine for unfairly sacking staff.  We bring you this episode on Monday night, a little early, with aviation reporter Chris Zappone.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a decade of dazzling media coverage, Dr Munjed Al Muderis was lauded as a miracle worker to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, helping people to walk again, against all odds, after losing their limbs in accidents and warzones. This all came crashing down, after a months-long investigation by reporter Charlotte Grieve, who exposed allegations of treatment gone horribly wrong with patients left disfigured, depressed and in excruciating pain, with horrific medical complications. Today, investigative reporter Charlotte Grieve, on a recent - and landmark - court case that backfired on the surgeon, and why, even after the damning Federal Court judgment, Dr  Al Muderis is still practicing.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.