

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

Nov 24, 2024 • 15min
The rise of the freebirth movement
Charlotte King, an investigative reporter for ABC, dives deep into the rising freebirth movement in Australia. As women opt for unassisted childbirth amid distrust in medical institutions, King unpacks the motivations behind this trend, from traumatic hospital experiences to the influence of online communities. She shares cautionary tales, like Alice’s harrowing journey after a freebirth, shedding light on the associated risks and the vital need for accessible midwifery care. The conversation raises important questions about maternal safety and autonomy.

Nov 21, 2024 • 16min
The deaths from methanol poisoning in Laos
Lauren Day, ABC South East Asia correspondent, sheds light on a tragic methanol poisoning incident in Laos that claimed multiple lives, including 19-year-old Bianca Jones. The discussion reveals how toxic drinks can slip through safety nets, leaving travelers vulnerable. Day emphasizes the emotional turmoil for families and explores the darker side of illicit alcohol production in Southeast Asia. She also offers essential advice for future travelers on how to avoid such hazards, promoting safe drinking practices.

Nov 20, 2024 • 15min
Why Putin just changed his rules on nukes
In this discussion, Samir Puri, a former ceasefire observer in Ukraine and an expert on the region, dives into the implications of Russia's claims about Ukraine using U.S.-supplied missiles. He highlights the significance of Putin's new nuclear rules and what they signal for global tensions. Puri also sheds light on the escalating military dynamics at the border and the urgent need for effective strategies amid financial pressures for continued aid. His insights provide a compelling lens on the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Nov 19, 2024 • 15min
How Alan Jones lost his power
Jonathan Holmes, former Media Watch host, dives into the fall from grace of Alan Jones, a once-dominant radio figure facing serious legal challenges. Holmes discusses the delayed legal charges against Jones and the reasons behind his dwindling influence. The conversation touches on Jones's controversial comments, particularly about women and climate change, that contributed to his decline. Holmes also sheds light on the shifting media landscape and the impact of advertiser backlash amid serious allegations against Jones.

Nov 18, 2024 • 14min
Trump’s 'shocking' White House picks
Julia Manchester, a National Political Reporter for The Hill, dives into Donald Trump's unconventional administration picks that have raised eyebrows. She discusses Trump's choice of a vaccine skeptic for Health Secretary and a TV host for Defense. The conversation highlights the controversial nomination of an accused drug and sex offender as Attorney General, examining the implications for party loyalty. Manchester also explores Tulsi Gabbard's potential impact on national intelligence, revealing how these selections reflect Trump's governance style.

Nov 17, 2024 • 16min
Can Australia cope with 40 million people?
Gareth Hutchens, ABC's business and economics reporter, dives into Australia's impending population boom. He discusses how the nation is on track to reach 40 million, largely driven by immigration amidst falling birth rates. Hutchens emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to handle the challenges of housing, water, and climate change. He also grapples with the balance between the economic benefits of a growing population and the potential environmental repercussions. Without strategic foresight, Australia could face significant crises ahead.

Nov 14, 2024 • 16min
Will Trump back Israel’s expansion?
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, discusses the potential implications of Donald Trump's potential return to the White House for U.S.-Israel relations. He highlights Trump's early support for Israeli annexations and sovereignty claims, particularly over Jerusalem and Golan Heights. The conversation delves into the aspirations of right-wing Israeli factions and the broader implications for peace in the region. Additionally, Ibish critiques the disconnect between proposed luxurious developments in Gaza and the grim realities faced by its residents.

Nov 13, 2024 • 14min
The book Jamie Oliver shouldn’t have written
Jeanine Leane, a Wiradjuri writer, poet, and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, dives into the controversy surrounding Jamie Oliver's children’s novel. She critiques its portrayal of an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers, highlighting the importance of accurate cultural representation. Leane sheds light on the historical context of Australia’s stolen generations and calls for responsible storytelling. Her insights reveal the vital need for authors to engage with Indigenous communities to prevent misrepresentation and cultural appropriation.

6 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 15min
Will Trump’s China tariffs trash our economy?
Dr. Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, discusses the potential fallout of Trump's return to the White House and the threat of a new trade war with China. She highlights the risks to Australia's economy, including rising inflation and interest rates. Drawing on historical trade conflicts, she explains how tariffs can lead to job losses and increased costs for consumers. Stone offers insights into the intricate global trade dynamics and their ramifications for both the U.S. and Australia, emphasizing the need for cautious optimism.

Nov 11, 2024 • 15min
Why banning social media isn’t the answer
Susan McLean, a leading cyber safety expert in Australia, discusses the government's proposal to ban under 16s from social media. She highlights the potential risks of such a ban, arguing it could cut off vital support for young people. Instead of restrictions, she advocates for education and digital literacy to navigate online challenges. The conversation also touches on the complexities of cyberbullying, misinformation, and the importance of parental involvement in creating a safer social media environment.