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
Jan 30, 2025 • 15min
What we know about the caravan full of explosives
In this engaging discussion, terrorism expert Greg Barton, a Professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, sheds light on a caravan packed with explosives discovered in Sydney. He reveals the chilling implications for the Jewish community and links to organized crime. Barton discusses the risks associated with the explosives, which could have caused mass casualties. The conversation also explores the urgent rise of anti-Semitism in Australia amidst geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the need for improved counter-terrorism measures and community safety.
Jan 29, 2025 • 15min
What’s stopping Dutton going full Trump?
Patricia Karvelas, host of The Party Room podcast and a keen observer of Australian politics, discusses Peter Dutton's new government efficiency portfolio resembling Donald Trump’s DOGE initiative. She explores how Dutton selectively adopts Trump’s strategies, tailoring them for an Australian audience. Karvelas also highlights the differences in political landscapes between the two countries, the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk on governance, and the implications for Dutton’s future in a polarized political climate.
Jan 28, 2025 • 15min
Why China’s DeepSeek AI freaked out Wall Street
Michael Blumenstein, a Professor at the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, discusses the seismic shock caused by China's DeepSeek AI chatbot launch. This newcomer has managed to outpace rivals with lower costs and fewer resources, stirring panic on Wall Street and affecting tech stock values. Blumenstein explores how DeepSeek's unique software approach could redefine market dynamics and challenge established players. He also highlights its impressive performance in app downloads and the global implications of China's rising presence in the AI landscape.
Jan 27, 2025 • 15min
Can you fight back against insurance hikes?
Michael Atkin, ABC's national consumer affairs reporter, sheds light on the soaring insurance premiums affecting Australians. He discusses the staggering 11% increase in costs over the past year and shares personal stories from frustrated homeowners grappling with dramatic rate hikes. Atkin explores the reasons behind these surges, such as climate impacts and inflation, and highlights the limited success consumers have found in challenging their insurers through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. Solutions like a government-funded comparison website are suggested to empower policyholders.
Jan 26, 2025 • 14min
Will your boss axe work from home this year?
The rise of remote work during the pandemic sparked a new debate as companies like Amazon push employees back to the office. Economist Leonora Risse discusses the growing trend of mandatory in-office policies and their impact on teamwork and productivity. She highlights the risk of losing valuable employees if companies overlook the benefits of flexibility. The podcast also examines the evolving dynamics for women in the workforce and how different work models can affect worker retention and overall job satisfaction.
Jan 23, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s rush to reshape America
Molly Ball, Senior Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, discusses the whirlwind changes in Donald Trump's surprising return to the White House. She highlights Trump's newfound confidence and focus, particularly in immigration and his controversial pardons for January 6 rioters. Ball emphasizes the streamlined approach of Trump's team, executing promises efficiently, and explores the potential long-term effects of his aggressive policies on American society and politics. Her insights reveal the challenges that Democrats face in countering his strategic maneuvers.
Jan 22, 2025 • 14min
How politicians are failing on anti-Semitism
Tim Costello, a senior fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity and social justice advocate, discusses the alarming rise of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney. He emphasizes the urgent need for political leaders to reduce tensions and foster unity among diverse communities. Costello shares personal experiences about the impact of these attacks on Jewish and Muslim Australians. He advocates for grassroots efforts to enhance understanding and collaboration between communities, highlighting the need for bipartisan dialogue amidst rising political divisions.
Jan 21, 2025 • 18min
Donald Trump’s first hours as president
Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre, shares insights on Donald Trump's tumultuous return to the White House. They discuss Trump's immediate actions, including the controversial pardons for Capitol rioters and withdrawal from crucial international agreements like the Paris climate accord and WHO. The conversation dives into the implications of his populist agenda and examines the potential upsides of a Trump re-election amid shifting public sentiment.
Jan 20, 2025 • 14min
How Trump ended the TikTok blackout
Vittoria Elliott, a WIRED reporter specializing in platforms and power, discusses how Trump swiftly revived TikTok in the U.S. after a brief blackout. She highlights the national security fears that led to the platform's temporary shutdown and the political maneuvering that allowed it to return. The conversation dives into the implications of Chinese ownership, the legal complexities surrounding TikTok, and user reactions. Elliott also explores the evolving tech landscape and potential shifts in data privacy amidst increasing scrutiny of social media.
Jan 19, 2025 • 15min
What to expect from AI in 2025
Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at the UNSW AI Institute, explores the upcoming transformations in artificial intelligence and their societal impact. He delves into how AI could revolutionize mundane tasks with innovations like robot vacuums. The conversation also highlights the challenges of regulating AI while fostering innovation and the potential job displacement risks for freelancers. Walsh emphasizes the importance of adapting to AI tools for productivity, raising awareness about the fine line between creativity and misinformation in AI-generated media.
