ABC News Daily

ABC
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Aug 28, 2025 • 14min

Why Alan Kohler loves 5% home deposits

Alan Kohler, ABC's finance expert, passionately discusses the government's expanded 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers in Australia, easing the barriers of traditional 20% deposits. He highlights how this initiative opens doors for young buyers amidst soaring house prices. The conversation delves into its potential impact on housing demand and property prices, plus the complexities of construction regulations. Kohler's insights reveal why he believes this scheme could be a game-changer for many aspiring homeowners.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 17min

Who is Dezi Freeman, the accused police killer?

Mahmood Fazal, a dedicated Four Corners reporter who has spent months exploring the sovereign citizen movement, discusses the chilling events surrounding Dezi Freeman, who is accused of killing two police officers. He highlights the complex motivations behind Freeman's actions and the alarming rise of the sovereign citizen ideology, especially during the pandemic. The conversation also covers the broader implications of these beliefs for public safety and law enforcement, shedding light on a growing threat in Australia.
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6 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 15min

The attacks Iran ordered in Australia

In this discussion, Greg Barton, a Professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, unpacks Iran’s orchestrated antisemitic attacks in Australia that rattled the Jewish community. He explains how these incidents in Sydney and Melbourne aimed to disrupt social cohesion and what they mean for Australia's diplomatic ties with Tehran. The conversation also delves into Australia's strong government responses, including the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador and the implications for national security and community trust.
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4 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 15min

Will cutting autism fix the NDIS?

Nas Campanella, ABC's National Disability Affairs Reporter, offers critical insights on the government's controversial decision to remove autism support from the NDIS. She discusses the emotional impact on families, especially regarding the new Thriving Kids initiative, which aims to assist children with mild to moderate developmental delays. The complexities of eligibility, funding, and therapy adequacy are also explored, revealing the deep concerns within the disability community about the future of support and potential reforms in Australia.
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9 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 15min

What are Trump’s troops doing in Washington DC?

Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center, delves into the surprising deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. He discusses the implications of this strategy in addressing crime, despite a decline in violent incidents. The conversation reveals concerns about militarization in domestic politics and the potential impact on local governance. Kabaservice critically analyzes Trump's motivations and the broader consequences of federal control over local law enforcement, sparking a debate on urban security and political polarization.
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12 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 14min

Laura Tingle on Netanyahu vs Albanese

Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor, dives into the escalating tensions between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She discusses Netanyahu's accusations of Albanese as a weak leader and the implications for Australian-Jewish relations. The dialogue explores the complexities of Australia’s stance on Israel, Palestine, and the criticisms faced by both leaders. Tingle also highlights the evolving nature of their diplomatic ties amidst historical support and rising political dissent.
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13 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 16min

The productivity problem with car washing

Ian Verrender, ABC's Chief Business Correspondent, explores Australia's troubling productivity woes. He dives into the surprising shift from automatic to hand car washes, linking it to immigration policies. Verrender discusses how these changes reflect broader economic trends. The conversation challenges the notion that productivity must always precede wage increases, suggesting that higher wages could actually drive productivity. He also highlights critical factors such as population growth and property dynamics that were overlooked in recent economic discussions.
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11 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 15min

Will Trump’s 'security guarantees' end Putin’s war?

John Herbst, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, provides keen insights into the delicate diplomatic landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses a recent meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, emphasizing the importance of proposed US security guarantees. Herbst analyzes the potential for peace talks with Putin, the significance of NATO's commitments, and the challenges of ensuring reliable support for Ukraine amid fluctuating political dynamics.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 15min

Is Trump backing Putin’s plan for 'peace'?

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Matthew Sussex, a visiting fellow at the Centre for European Studies at ANU and a noted Russia expert, analyzes the implications of the recent Trump-Putin meeting. He dives into Putin's strategic aims and how Trump's actions may inadvertently bolster those goals. The conversation also covers the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Ukraine's resilient military response, and the effects of their controversial alliance on U.S. foreign policy and NATO security.
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Aug 17, 2025 • 14min

How China became a green energy superpower

Jo Lauder, a climate reporter at ABC, dives into China's rapid rise as a green energy titan. She reveals that China now produces half of the world’s wind power and electric cars, yet remains the largest greenhouse gas emitter. Jo discusses the powerful role of the Chinese government in accelerating this transition and the contradiction of its industrial success alongside significant pollution challenges. Explore how China's renewable energy strategies could potentially reshape global markets and serve as a model for other countries.

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