ABC News Daily
ABC News
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.
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 and crime.
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 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.
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 and crime.
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 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
Dec 10, 2025 • 16min
Why Anika Wells’ travel costs don’t fly with taxpayers
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and a political expert, delves into the controversy surrounding Anika Wells' hefty travel expenses. Grattan reveals shocking details about a $95,000 New York trip and discusses how Wells navigated the entitlements system. She explores the implications of family travel and sporting event perks, labeling some claims as questionable. The conversation also touches on historical spending scandals and the challenges of enforcing tighter rules for politicians, raising questions about public fairness.
Dec 9, 2025 • 16min
Which houses will survive this bushfire season?
In this discussion, Sarah Forster, an ABC Central Coast reporter, shares harrowing firsthand accounts from residents during the recent bushfires, detailing their emotional struggles and unexpected losses. Colin Wood, a construction expert on bushfire resilience, highlights how modern building standards can save homes while older ones succumb to flames. They explore the importance of ember protection, construction materials, and practical retrofits that can enhance safety. The conversation underscores the urgent need for preparedness in bushfire-prone areas.
Dec 8, 2025 • 15min
The e-bike problem on our roads (and footpaths)
Geoff Rose, an Adjunct Professor in Transport Engineering at Monash University, dives into the complex world of e-bikes. He discusses the convenience they offer but highlights the alarming spike in injuries and fatalities, particularly among children. Geoff explains the rise of illegal high-speed e-bikes and their dangers. He emphasizes the challenges of regulating these bikes across different states. Additionally, he argues that effective standards can enhance safety while promoting wider e-bike adoption. It's a compelling look at balancing safety with e-mobility benefits.
Dec 7, 2025 • 16min
The reality of the teen social media ban
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, a technology reporter at the Australian Associated Press, dives into Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban for those under 16. She explores how platforms like Meta are already removing accounts and the challenges of verifying users' ages, which could involve selfies and bank data. Concerns about privacy, mental health, and potential migration to alternate apps also surface. Dudley raises questions about the implications for global laws and warns of the chaos that could ensue as the ban unfolds.
Dec 4, 2025 • 16min
Is Trump about to go to war with Venezuela?
Orlando J. Pérez, a political science professor and Latin America expert, dives into the escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. He discusses the unprecedented buildup of 15,000 troops and naval forces in the Caribbean, linking it to Trump's push against Nicolás Maduro's regime. Pérez outlines the complexities of regime change, the legality of U.S. military actions, and the intertwined dynamics of drug trafficking and oil interests. He also highlights the political ramifications within the U.S., noting the divide among MAGA supporters concerning foreign intervention.
Dec 3, 2025 • 16min
Can farmers take on transmission towers and win?
In this engaging discussion, Alysia Thomas-Sam, a reporter for ABC's 7.30, dives into the fierce opposition farmers in western Victoria have towards proposed transmission towers. She shares on-the-ground confrontations and details farmers' deep concerns about land division and family legacies. Joining her, climate reporter Jess Davis discusses the critical need for infrastructure in Australia’s renewable energy transition, the rising costs of transmission, and the importance of community trust in ensuring smooth project implementations.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 15min
What new lending rules mean for property prices
In this discussion, Ian Verrender, ABC's chief business correspondent and senior economics commentator, dives into Australia’s red-hot housing market. He reveals how skyrocketing property prices are forcing the financial regulator to clamp down on risky lending practices. Ian analyzes the impact of interest rates on affordability, the effects of the 5% deposit scheme on home values, and APRA's new lending limits aimed at investors. He also addresses the social implications of high prices, including generational inequality and parental support in home buying.
Dec 1, 2025 • 16min
Is Ukraine any closer to a deal with Putin?
In this discussion with Rajan Menon, a professor emeritus of international relations, geopolitics takes center stage as Ukraine navigates precarious peace talks with Russia. Menon reveals the contentious 28-point proposal that threatens Ukrainian territory and sovereignty. He analyzes Trump's potential influence on U.S. policy and fears in Ukraine over shifting allegiances. Offering a glimpse into possible compromises, he discusses the challenges of security guarantees and emphasizes Ukraine's resilience amid ongoing negotiations.
Nov 30, 2025 • 15min
The overdose risk that forced a vitamin B6 crackdown
Tom Hartley, an investigative reporter for ABC's 7.30 program, uncovers alarming insights from his extensive research on vitamin B6 toxicity. He shares the story of Mary Buchanan, who suffered from debilitating nerve damage due to excessive B6 intake. Hartley discusses how B6 accumulates in the body and highlights the significant rise in reported cases of related symptoms like numbness and paralysis. He also reveals the regulatory actions taken by the TGA, the industry's pushback, and offers practical advice for supplement users to stay safe.
Nov 27, 2025 • 15min
Is Trump losing control of himself?
Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic, joins the discussion to analyze President Trump's recent erratic behavior. They explore Trump's shocking remarks, like calling a journalist 'piggy,' and what these outbursts indicate about his emotional stability. Nichols draws parallels between Trump and Nixon, warning of the dangers of unchecked presidential impulses. He emphasizes the need for vigilance from citizens and Congress to ensure accountability in the face of Trump's unpredictable nature.
