ABC News Daily

ABC
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Oct 28, 2025 • 16min

Why more of us are raiding super for dental care

Celina Edmonds, a diligent ABC reporter, delves into the rising trend of Australians withdrawing their superannuation for dental care and medical expenses. She discusses the compassionate release scheme and highlights concerning statistics showing a surge in early withdrawals, especially for dental treatments. Celina reveals alarming tales of patients exploited by clinics and underscores the implications for retirement savings, advocating for better scrutiny and funding in public dental care. Her insights offer a sobering look into a growing issue affecting many.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 14min

Who wins when Trump meets China’s Xi Jinping?

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor, dives into the complexities of US-China relations as Trump visits Asia. She reveals the theatrics of Trump’s trip, highlighting his erratic foreign policy. Tingle discusses China’s leverage with rare earths, explaining how it influences negotiations. She emphasizes that Xi Jinping holds the upper hand, suggesting Trump's focus on trade may overshadow geopolitical strategies, especially regarding Taiwan. Tingle also notes ASEAN's delicate balancing act amidst superpower tensions.
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11 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 15min

How childcare became a hunting ground

Adele Ferguson, an investigative reporter with the ABC, reveals the harrowing realities of Australia’s childcare industry. She discusses her months-long investigative effort that uncovered systemic failures leading to child abuse. Adele dives into cases of predators exploiting weak supervision, revealing over 150 accused childcare workers, and shares chilling testimonies of lifelong trauma. She highlights regulatory lapses and discusses potential reforms to enhance child safety, providing practical advice for parents on choosing the right childcare.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 14min

Why Trump’s deportations are set to surge

Caitlin Dickerson, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in immigration and policy, dives deep into the Trump administration's aggressive deportation strategy. She explains how recent ICE raids in Chicago have become alarmingly visible and are affecting unexpected safe spaces like churches and schools. Caitlin also discusses the chilling implications of policies that enable mass deportations and recounts a tragic incident involving an ICE stop. With a focus on the administration's aims and funding surges, she warns of a future filled with escalating enforcement.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 16min

Why Prince Andrew’s still a prince living in a mansion

Juliet Rieden, an ABC royal commentator and author of *The Royals in Australia*, sheds light on Prince Andrew's controversial status. Despite renouncing his dukedom, he remains a prince in a lavish mansion. Rieden discusses Virginia Giuffre's harrowing memoir, Andrew's denials, and the implications of evidence against him. She also examines the complexities of stripping royal titles, the privileges of his living arrangement, and the royal family's hesitance to take further action. Can accountability ever be enforced on a prince?
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Oct 21, 2025 • 18min

The verdict on Trump’s talks with Albanese (and Kevin Rudd)

Jane Norman, ABC's national affairs correspondent, provides insight into the recent meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the smooth discussions around the multi-billion dollar minerals deal, which bolsters the Australia-U.S. relationship. However, Kevin Rudd’s past remarks on Trump added some humorous tension. Norman also discusses the strategic timing of the meeting amid China's export controls and Trump's open support for AUKUS and critical minerals—a key factor for Australia's economic future.
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4 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 16min

Is Barnaby Joyce One Nation’s next leader?

Melissa Clarke, a political correspondent for Radio National Breakfast, dives deep into Barnaby Joyce's political journey and his potential shift to lead One Nation. She discusses his maverick reputation and past controversies that haven’t derailed him. Joyce’s distancing from the Nationals and his opposition to net zero policies reveal significant friction within his party. Clarke outlines a possible succession plan for One Nation that could see Joyce rise again, highlighting the intricate dynamics of his political ambitions.
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Oct 19, 2025 • 15min

Can an AI chatbot make a good therapist?

Andrew Clark, a seasoned psychiatrist with extensive experience, delves into the intriguing realm of AI chatbots as potential therapists. He shares his experiments posing as troubled teens and reveals alarming instances where chatbots offered dangerous advice. While some bots provided sound guidance, others lagged behind, with notable variability in quality. Clark expresses concerns about dependency, especially among vulnerable teens, while emphasizing the need for safer practices and open communication with parents. He predicts significant changes in psychiatry due to AI's influence.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 16min

The trouble with Elon Musk’s trillion dollar pay deal

Elon Musk's ascent to over $500 billion raises questions about extreme wealth and its societal impact. Professor Carl Rhodes discusses the ethical dilemmas of billionaire concentration and the role of technology in driving this phenomenon. He critiques billionaire philanthropy, warning of its influence over democracy and accountability. Rhodes also explores potential solutions like wealth taxes to address rising inequality, emphasizing the risks of leaving wealth disparity unchecked on social stability.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 15min

How Hamas 'outfoxed' Netanyahu to keep power

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, dives into the intricacies of Hamas's grip on power. He discusses how Hamas is navigating hostage returns and using public executions to instill fear in Gaza. Alkhatib critiques Trump's aggressive stance on disarming Hamas, pondering the implications of such military actions. He warns that the U.S. focus might diminish, creating risks for Palestinian statehood, while assessing the precarious security landscape for both Israelis and Palestinians.

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