

ABC News Daily
ABC
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 15min
Charlie Kirk and a new wave of political violence
In this discussion, historian Dan Carter, a Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, dives into the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. He provides a gripping historical perspective, linking current political violence to events from the 1960s. Carter highlights the unsettling rise of political aggression since 2011, exploring the implications of weaponized rhetoric and the profound international repercussions. His insights prompt reflection on whether we are witnessing a pivotal moment in American political dynamics.

9 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
Alan Kohler on the new emissions target
Alan Kohler, ABC TV's finance expert, dives into Australia's revised carbon emissions target, shifting from 2030 to 2035. He raises questions about the political motivations behind this change, while detailing alarming insights from the latest climate risk assessment. Kohler discusses the pressing need for action amidst forecasts of increased natural disasters and the critical balance between optimism and realism in climate discussions. He also explores the challenges of meeting the 2035 target, particularly in the face of ongoing fossil fuel projects and the need for effective adaptation strategies.

16 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 16min
Laura Tingle on China and our military spending
In this insightful discussion, Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor, sheds light on the recent military parade in Beijing, showcasing China's advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. She talks about the implications for Australia's military strategy, revealing how these developments might necessitate a complete rethink of defense priorities. Tingle also explores the impact of global dynamics, including the AUKUS agreement and technological advancements, emphasizing the urgent need for Australia to adapt its military investments to navigate a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

17 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 15min
Should EV drivers pay to use roads?
Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of the EV-focused websites Renew Economy and The Driven, dives into the contentious topic of road user charges for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. He argues that taxing EVs is a clunky solution to address declining fuel excise revenue as EV adoption rises. The discussion highlights legal challenges in states like Victoria and explores fair strategies for implementing usage fees, while also tackling misconceptions about EVs and consumer resistance from traditional car manufacturers. A thought-provoking listen!

21 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 15min
What Charlie Kirk’s killing says about America
Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center, delves into the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, during a university event. He discusses the chilling implications of political violence and its impact on democracy, particularly for public figures in America. The conversation touches on Kirk’s influence among young conservatives, the wider societal consequences of his death, and the troubling normalization of political assassinations in the current climate.

Sep 10, 2025 • 15min
Why Trump didn’t know about the Qatar bombing
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, dissects the recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leadership and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. He explains the communication breakdown between U.S. and Qatari officials that left Trump in the dark, and analyzes Netanyahu's motivations behind the attack. The conversation also touches on Israel's shifting reputation in the Middle East and the complexities surrounding ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, indicating a daunting path to peace.

8 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 14min
How Lachlan Murdoch won the succession fight
Join Paddy Manning, a journalist and author of 'The Successor', as he unravels the dramatic succession battle within the Murdoch family. Discover how Rupert Murdoch's recent decision to hand control of his media empire to Lachlan reshapes the media landscape. Manning reveals the intense family dynamics and legal battles among Rupert's children, exploring their contrasting ideologies and the financial stakes involved. With Lachlan at the helm, what does the future hold for the Murdoch legacy in an evolving media environment?

13 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 19min
Life sentence for mushroom killer Erin Patterson
Dr. Xanthe Mallett, an Associate Professor of Criminology at Central Queensland University, discusses the haunting case of Erin Patterson, who received multiple life sentences for poisoning three dinner guests. Mallett analyzes the court's unprecedented proceedings and the psychological impacts of solitary confinement on high-profile inmates. The episode also highlights the emotional fallout for victims' families and the chilling societal fascination with betrayal in murder cases, painting a stark picture of justice and its complexities.

Sep 7, 2025 • 16min
Will Trump kick-start a seabed mining bonanza?
Mark Willacy, a Four Corners reporter, dives into the burgeoning world of seabed mining, sparked by Donald Trump's push for deep-sea resource extraction. He reveals how polymetallic nodules could play a crucial role in the green energy transition, while also exposing the environmental risks and legal dilemmas involved. Willacy discusses the inspiring story of an individual who transitioned from dairy farming to leading this mining initiative. The geopolitical implications and impacts on Pacific nations add layers of complexity to this underwater gold rush.

Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s 'gaudy' golden White House
Mona Charen, a policy editor at The Bulwark and former White House staffer, dives into Donald Trump's extravagant renovations at the White House. She discusses how Trump’s real estate background influences his opulent vision for the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. Charen highlights the lack of oversight during these modifications and the broader implications for democracy. The podcast also explores mixed public reactions to Trump's lavish style and the potential legacy of his changes for future administrations.