The Morning Edition

What do the great war time Prime Minister John Curtin, and current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have in common?  Well, a little bit, according to Albanese.  On the weekend the PM delivered the John Curtin Oration and set tongues wagging with hints about his newly independent stance when it comes to our relationship with the United States.  But how will this land with the Trump administration, which is currently reviewing the AUKUS pact? Is it possible they will make Australia pay more for submarines under the pact? Or pressure us into participating in a possible conflict with China over Taiwan?  Plus, the confusing matter of yet more US tariffs on Australian goods, perhaps…and what is going on with the Reserve Bank - are they misleading the public, or are they just confused themselves? Joining Jacqueline Maley is chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal, and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many of us, Cambodia has long been synonymous with tragedy, and the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, which killed between 1.5 and 3 million Cambodians.  But, underneath our noses, Cambodia has more recently been roiling from tension with its neighbours. And when a military standoff recently led to the death of a Cambodian soldier, it set off an unexpected chain of political fallout. Today, southeast Asia correspondent Zach Hope, on what happened to Suon Roun on a contested mountain top. And why it just may bring down the Thai prime minister.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many will remember a powerful 2013 video of the then Australian army chief David Morrison ripping into soldiers who denigrated women, saying there was no place for them in the military.  But today, after another set of allegations of rape in the ADF have been revealed, we wonder if anything has really changed. Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie - who broke the story for our mastheads and 60 minutes.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the case that has had people from all over the world talking. And today, after a 10-week trial, the jury returned a verdict.  Erin Patterson has been found guilty of triple murder, killing her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, and also Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson. Patterson was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson. Ian Wilkinson was the only survivor of the now infamous lunch of beef wellington, which a jury has now decided Patterson deliberately laced with death cap mushrooms.  One of the reporters who covered the trial for The Age, Erin Pearson, was there for the verdict and reports from outside court in this episode of The Morning Edition.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since American president Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, on June 24, we’ve been bombarded by hot takes from leaders on all sides. Trump says the entire world is safer, and the United States has triumphed over Iran.  Iran’s supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, says Iran delivered the United States a "severe slap". But what do Israeli civilians, who are caught in the middle of it all, make of it? Today, foreign affairs national security correspondent Matthew Knott, reports from the middle east, on what Israelis are thinking now about the fate of the hostages, a looming ceasefire with Gaza, and whether a Nobel Peace Prize could be the key to peace in the middle east.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Olivia Ireland, a federal politics reporter with insights on government accountability, and Shane Wright, a senior economics correspondent, as they unpack the National Anti-Corruption Commission's inaugural investigation. They explore a case of nepotism that has left many questioning the Commission's effectiveness. The discussion expands to anticipated interest rate cuts and their potential relief for borrowers, as well as the complex web of U.S. tariffs affecting Australia’s economy. Can we expect greater transparency and stronger corruption measures in the future?

Chris Vedelago, a senior reporter, breaks down the shocking allegations against a Melbourne childcare worker charged with 70 counts of abuse involving children as young as five months. Lisa Bryant, an early childcare sector advocate, discusses pressing changes needed to enhance safety protocols in childcare facilities. They tackle challenges in the investigative process, compare for-profit and not-for-profit childcare options, and stress the importance of better reporting mechanisms to prevent future abuse, calling for a systemic overhaul.

Rebecca Peppiatt, a WA Today reporter, dives deep into the tragic story of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey, whose murder sparked worldwide protests. She discusses the emotional courtroom confrontations after the sentencing of his killers and reflects on the broader issues of racial violence. Peppiatt highlights the troubled backgrounds of the murderers, emphasizing how childhood neglect can lead to crime and advocating for early intervention. Her insights shed light on the community dynamics that contributed to this devastating act, urging listeners to seek understanding and reform.

Jacqueline Maley, a senior columnist at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, delves into the opulent wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. She describes it as a turning point into 'The Age of Vulgarity,' contrasting it against the era of 'quiet luxury.' The podcast discusses public reactions to the extravagant event, reflecting on wealth inequality and modern capitalism. Maley also connects this cultural shift to political decorum and the influence of tech billionaires, raising concerns about power dynamics and societal norms.

Eryk Bagshaw, an investigative reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, dives deep into the troubling realities of chefs working at Merivale venues. He reveals alarming issues of burnout, exploitation, and bullying in the kitchen. Many of these chefs, especially migrants from Mexico, face harsh living conditions and fear losing their visa status. A bold class action lawsuit exposes systemic problems, while allegations of racial discrimination raise serious ethical concerns. Bagshaw’s insights shed light on a critical need for change in the hospitality industry.