The Morning Edition

Zach Hope, a South-East Asia correspondent known for his insights on regional social issues, shines a light on the lives of Singapore's 300,000 migrant domestic helpers. He delves into the emotional toll of separation from their families, the ethical dilemmas of relying on such workers, and the stark housing conditions some endure. Zach raises questions about societal responsibilities, the commodification of helpers, and reflects on his own parenting choices amidst this complex system. A thought-provoking discussion on sacrifice and care in the expat world!

Chip Le Grand, a veteran political editor specializing in Victorian politics, and Alexandra Smith, covering New South Wales politics, dissect the chaos of the 'killing season'. They explore recent leadership losses and potential changes, like Mark Speakman's precarious position amidst weak polling. Chip talks about Jess Wilson's rise to lead the Victorian Liberals and her challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Alex reveals the implications of Dougal Saunders' sudden resignation from the NSW Nationals. The discussion unveils the powerful dynamics at play in state politics.

Donald Trump has long sworn that his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was no big deal. That he didn’t know about his abuse of girls and women. And there was nothing of consequence in the so-called “Epstein files”.Then came last week, when a group of Democrats, and later Republicans, released - cumulatively - thousands and thousands of pages of emails and correspondence from Epstein, which could suggest that Trump knows more about Epstein’s conduct than he’s been letting on.Today, North America correspondent Michael Koziol, on whether Republicans will vote for the full release of the files this week. And whether this could bring down the president.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Wright, Senior Economics Correspondent for The Age and SMH, dives into Australia's convoluted federation system and its costly inefficiencies. He reveals how state-federal mismatches in health care and regulations lead to wasted billions each year. From inconsistent helmet standards to complex payroll taxes, Shane explains how these frictions hinder economic activity and burden taxpayers. He discusses the critical need for bipartisan reform and national standards to fix the broken system, emphasizing the realistic challenges ahead.

Join Paul Sakkal, chief political correspondent at The Age/Sydney Morning Herald, and James Massola, chief political commentator, as they dissect the unfolding drama within the Liberal Party over its net zero policy. They delve into the murky details of Susan Lee's press conference, the Coalition's muddled strategy, and whether cost-of-living concerns can truly sway public opinion on climate change. The discussion also examines past leaders' influences, internal polling feedback, and the fragile state of Lee's leadership amidst increasing pressures.

Jacqueline Maley, a senior writer and commentator on conservative feminism, tackles the controversial New York Times question: Did women ruin the workplace? She critiques the flawed logic and stereotypes surrounding the argument that femininity leads to inefficiency and wokeness. Maley also highlights the mockery and backlash that erupted online. Exploring the importance of workplace protections, she advocates for the benefits of gender equality while tying the debate to larger cultural trends of masculinity in the U.S.

Alexandra Smith, a state political editor specializing in New South Wales politics, discusses the shocking neo-Nazi rally outside the NSW parliament. She reveals the surprising rise of white supremacist groups in the area and the police's inaction during the rally. Alexandra dives into the legal gray areas around hate speech and explains how procedural failures led to this incident. She also explores the broader implications for the Jewish community and worries about the potential for far-right political movements gaining traction in NSW.

Dr. Denis Muller, a former journalist and media ethicist at the University of Melbourne, dives into the complex legacy of John Laws, Australia's renowned broadcast figure. They discuss how Laws shaped political landscapes, particularly during the pivotal 1983 election, and why politicians sought his endorsement. Muller also addresses the controversial cash-for-comment scandal and the challenges Laws faced with regulators. Ultimately, he paints a picture of a man who was both a champion of free speech and a figure of contention in media ethics.

Katrina Strickland, a senior writer for Good Weekend, dives into the alarming realities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). She reveals how both elite athletes and amateurs struggle with inadequate nutrition, leading to serious health issues. Strickland discusses the significant hormonal and psychological effects of REDs, illustrated by the story of cyclist Georgie Howe. The conversation highlights the need for better education around athlete health and practical tips for preventing energy deficits, urging a shift towards health-first approaches in sports.

Senator Jane Hume, a moderate voice in the Liberal Party, dives deep into the recent chaos over net zero emissions and Andrew Hastie's controversial comments. She explains the internal party dynamics and debates the implications of potentially abandoning the net zero label. Jane highlights the urgency for a costed emissions reduction plan and criticizes public subsidies to profitable corporations. She also discusses pitfalls in appealing to female voters and offers insights on the party's future leadership and campaign focus.