

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


