

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

Feb 27, 2025 • 15min
The real mission of Musk and DOGE
Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the fascinating dynamics between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He discusses Musk's surprising role at a Trump cabinet meeting, where his blend of celebrity and politics creates chaos. The conversation highlights the aggressive strategies in governmental reforms and the implications for civil services. Nichols questions the credibility of claims about government savings and the long-term effects on public trust and professionalism, posing intriguing insights into their legacy.

12 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 14min
How job hunting became like online dating
Dilhara Sivalingham, an experienced commercial contract manager, shares her struggles with job hunting after redundancy. She highlights the frustrating parallels between job seeking and online dating, where skilled professionals often feel ghosted by potential employers. The discussion delves into the emotional toll of ageism and the unique challenges faced by mid-career professionals in a competitive job market. Dilhara also emphasizes the critical importance of networking and proactive strategies to navigate these tough waters.

Feb 25, 2025 • 16min
Will Putin really allow European troops in Ukraine?
Matthew Sussex, an associate professor at the Centre for European Studies, delves into the intricate dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. He evaluates Donald Trump's assertion on European troops entering Ukraine and the risks involved. Sussex reflects on the three-year anniversary of the war, emphasizing casualties and international aid debates. The discussion also covers peace negotiations, the quest for security guarantees, and the shifting reliability of the U.S. amid evolving global alliances. It's a thought-provoking look at complex geopolitical stakes.

Feb 24, 2025 • 14min
Is GP bulk billing about to make a comeback?
Stephen Duckett, an expert in health economics and Honorary Enterprise Professor at the University of Melbourne, discusses the troubling decline of GP bulk billing in Australia. He explains the factors behind its fall, such as unindexed Medicare rebates and rising out-of-pocket expenses. Stephen also evaluates the potential impact of a proposed $8.5 billion investment aimed at reversing this trend. He highlights the challenges of making healthcare accessible, particularly in low-income areas, and the significance of implementing broader reforms to improve the system.

Feb 23, 2025 • 16min
Is the world ready for what comes after IVF?
Dr. Alexandra Harvey, a senior research scientist at Melbourne IVF, dives into the groundbreaking realm of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), which can create eggs and sperm from skin cells. She uncovers how this technology could revolutionize family structures, allowing for unique parenting possibilities, even with just one individual. The discussion also addresses the pressing ethical dilemmas surrounding multi-parenting and embryo rights, alongside the need for regulations to prevent misuse in this rapidly evolving field.

Feb 20, 2025 • 14min
What Trump’s shift to Putin means for Europe
Samir Puri, Director of Chatham House’s Centre for Global Governance and Security and author of 'Westlessness', discusses significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump regarding Russia and Ukraine. He highlights alarming remarks made at the Munich security conference that rattled European leaders. The conversation touches on the rise of far-right parties in Europe and the sidelining of Ukraine in critical peace talks. Puri also examines the broader implications of these shifts for Europe’s security responsibilities in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Feb 19, 2025 • 15min
Will a single rate cut change your vote?
The recent interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank has brought little relief to families struggling with financial strain. Personal stories reveal how rising rates have forced homeowners to sell their properties. Meanwhile, political implications loom as speculation grows about an early election call. Pollsters discuss how the government faces challenges in convincing voters it isn't responsible for their economic woes. Amid these dynamics, shifting voter sentiments, especially among younger generations, could reshape the political landscape.

Feb 18, 2025 • 15min
Alan Kohler on the first rate cut in years
In a captivating discussion, finance expert Alan Kohler breaks down Australia's first interest rate cut in years, offering insights into the implications for households. He analyzes the economic slowdown and inflation trends, revealing how the Reserve Bank's decisions are influenced by public pressure. Kohler also addresses the ongoing recession perceptions among households and the international monetary policy landscape. Finally, he forecasts future rate projections amidst historically low mortgage rates, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current financial climate.

Feb 17, 2025 • 14min
Is China’s DeepSeek riskier than ChatGPT?
Ange Lavoipierre, an ABC national technology reporter, discusses the controversial rise of DeepSeek, China's new AI chatbot rivaling ChatGPT. She highlights how the app quickly gained popularity but raises alarms about data privacy, as it collects user information to send back to servers in China. The Australian government's ban on the app underscores significant national security concerns, echoing actions taken by other countries. Lavoipierre emphasizes the cybersecurity risks for users and stresses the need for vigilance in today's tech landscape.

Feb 16, 2025 • 15min
How neo-Nazis are recruiting Australian kids
Avani Dias, a Four Corners reporter, delves into the alarming rise of extremism among young Australians, using the poignant case of a mother, Emily, whose son became involved with a neo-Nazi group. They discuss the profound changes in the son's behavior during the COVID pandemic, illustrating how political obsession can lead vulnerable youth into dangerous ideologies. Dias highlights the emotional turmoil faced by families and the critical shortcomings of de-radicalization programs in Australia, calling for urgent improvements in mental health and support services.