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
Nov 25, 2025 • 15min
Is the $96m BOM website really that bad?
Justine Longmore, ABC's lead rural reporter in Victoria, delves into the chaos surrounding the Bureau of Meteorology's $96 million website overhaul. She discusses the uproar from farmers about missing data and functionality, particularly during critical weather events. Justine reveals how changes to radar displays led to confusion, while essential fire danger information was alarmingly absent. The conversation examines whether the hefty price tag was justified and highlights the communication failures that increased user frustration.
Nov 24, 2025 • 16min
Why are some Triple Zero calls still failing?
Michael Atkin, an ABC consumer affairs reporter known for his investigative work on telecommunications, sheds light on the ongoing failures of Triple Zero calls post-Optus outage. He reveals that over 480 calls failed due to a system upgrade mishap, and discusses tragic incidents linked to phone compatibility issues. Michael shares real stories of individuals unable to reach emergency services, highlights the need for urgent reforms, and advocates for innovative solutions like text-to-000 to ensure safety for all.
5 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 15min
Adam Spencer on the CSIRO job cuts
In this engaging discussion, Adam Spencer, a science communicator and ambassador for mathematics at the University of Sydney, dives into the recent CSIRO job cuts. He highlights the critical role of CSIRO in driving innovation through inventions like Wi-Fi and polymer banknotes. Adam emphasizes the dangers of underfunding, which threatens ongoing research and discourages future scientists. He warns of a potential brain drain as talented individuals look abroad for better opportunities, and argues that investing in science is essential for economic resilience and leadership.
Nov 20, 2025 • 16min
The secret US plan to end Putin’s war
Matthew Sussex, a visiting fellow at the Australian National University’s Centre for European Studies, delves into a secret US-led plan that might end the Ukraine war—one that potentially asks Ukraine to make significant concessions. He discusses the alarming increase in Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, and the implications of a Russian spy ship near the UK. Sussex also explores Ukraine's resistance to the plan’s clauses regarding language and sovereignty, and assesses the motivations behind Putin’s ongoing aggression, questioning whether he genuinely seeks peace.
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
How Donald Trump lost control of the Epstein files
David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and expert in U.S. politics, delves into the unfolding drama surrounding the Epstein files. He reveals how Trump's abrupt change in stance was a reaction to overwhelming Congressional pressure. The discussion highlights the demands from his MAGA base for transparency and accountability, along with how Trump’s reversal may signal cracks in his leadership. David also speculates on the potential impact of the files on Trump's support and the implications for his control over the Republican Party.
Nov 18, 2025 • 15min
The coloured sand that sparked an asbestos scare
Join Associate Professor Anthony Linton, an expert from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, as he delves into the alarming discovery of asbestos in children’s coloured sand. He discusses how this led to widespread school closures and product recalls across Australia. Anthony explains the types of asbestos found, the very low immediate risk posed, and why responses vary by state. He also offers safe disposal advice for concerned parents and reflects on Australia’s ongoing battle with asbestos and its legacy.
Nov 17, 2025 • 16min
What polling reveals about voters and net zero
Kos Samaras, a seasoned pollster and director of the RedBridge Group, dives into voter attitudes towards climate policy as the Coalition drops their net zero target. He reveals how this decision is seen as a potential misstep by younger voters, who associate it with anti-climate sentiment. Kos discusses the disconnect between power prices and the blame directed at energy companies, rather than net zero. He also emphasizes the need for the Coalition to focus on traditional economic issues to regain favor among younger constituents.
Nov 16, 2025 • 16min
Are Trump’s tariffs wrecking the US economy?
Penny Goldberg, a Yale economics professor and former Chief Economist at the World Bank, discusses the complexities of Trump's tariffs. She highlights how despite initial fears, the US economy has shown resilience, with tariffs generating significant revenue. However, she warns about long-term uncertainties, inflation risks, and the potential negative impacts on investment. Goldberg also critiques the idea that the economy is 'the strongest ever,' emphasizing that trade policies could inflict harm. Tune in for her insightful analysis of an evolving economic landscape.
11 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
Should neo-Nazis be banned from protesting?
In a thought-provoking discussion, Josh Roose, an extremism expert and associate professor at Deakin University, delves into the alarming presence of neo-Nazi groups in Australia. He explores the tactics these groups use to evade legal restrictions and questions why a rally targeting Jewish individuals was permitted. Josh argues for re-evaluating the balance between free speech and public safety, highlighting the risks of allowing hate speech to escalate. His insights prompt a deep reflection on the challenges of banning extremist movements in a liberal democracy.
10 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min
What was the point of the longest US shutdown?
Political scientist Charles Hunt from Boise State University dives into the chaos of the longest U.S. government shutdown. He breaks down its triggers, highlighting the role of healthcare subsidies and the impact on over a million federal workers. Hunt discusses the Trump administration's strategy to shrink government and the unusual legal battles around funding. The conversation touches on electoral consequences, pressure dynamics, and the surprising decisions of Democrats that shaped the outcome. Hunt sheds light on the risk of future shutdowns and the slim policy gains achieved.
