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
Sep 10, 2025 • 15min
Why Trump didn’t know about the Qatar bombing
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, dissects the recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leadership and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. He explains the communication breakdown between U.S. and Qatari officials that left Trump in the dark, and analyzes Netanyahu's motivations behind the attack. The conversation also touches on Israel's shifting reputation in the Middle East and the complexities surrounding ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, indicating a daunting path to peace.
8 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 14min
How Lachlan Murdoch won the succession fight
Join Paddy Manning, a journalist and author of 'The Successor', as he unravels the dramatic succession battle within the Murdoch family. Discover how Rupert Murdoch's recent decision to hand control of his media empire to Lachlan reshapes the media landscape. Manning reveals the intense family dynamics and legal battles among Rupert's children, exploring their contrasting ideologies and the financial stakes involved. With Lachlan at the helm, what does the future hold for the Murdoch legacy in an evolving media environment?
13 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 19min
Life sentence for mushroom killer Erin Patterson
Dr. Xanthe Mallett, an Associate Professor of Criminology at Central Queensland University, discusses the haunting case of Erin Patterson, who received multiple life sentences for poisoning three dinner guests. Mallett analyzes the court's unprecedented proceedings and the psychological impacts of solitary confinement on high-profile inmates. The episode also highlights the emotional fallout for victims' families and the chilling societal fascination with betrayal in murder cases, painting a stark picture of justice and its complexities.
7 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 16min
Will Trump kick-start a seabed mining bonanza?
Mark Willacy, a Four Corners reporter, dives into the burgeoning world of seabed mining, sparked by Donald Trump's push for deep-sea resource extraction. He reveals how polymetallic nodules could play a crucial role in the green energy transition, while also exposing the environmental risks and legal dilemmas involved. Willacy discusses the inspiring story of an individual who transitioned from dairy farming to leading this mining initiative. The geopolitical implications and impacts on Pacific nations add layers of complexity to this underwater gold rush.
Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s 'gaudy' golden White House
Mona Charen, a policy editor at The Bulwark and former White House staffer, dives into Donald Trump's extravagant renovations at the White House. She discusses how Trump’s real estate background influences his opulent vision for the Oval Office and the Rose Garden. Charen highlights the lack of oversight during these modifications and the broader implications for democracy. The podcast also explores mixed public reactions to Trump's lavish style and the potential legacy of his changes for future administrations.
Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
Another IVF mix-up exposed
Grace Tobin, an investigative journalist with ABC, delves into the unsettling world of IVF mix-ups. She shares the harrowing story of a Brisbane couple who discovered their newborn didn’t match their chosen sperm donor, exposing serious ethical and procedural flaws in the IVF industry. Tobin emphasizes the urgent need for reform in IVF regulations to protect families, while highlighting shocking incidents that reveal the emotional turmoil faced by parents. This conversation raises critical questions about safety and accountability in fertility practices.
Sep 2, 2025 • 15min
Why Putin’s obsessed with seizing Donbas
Join John Haltiwanger, a staff writer at Foreign Policy magazine, as he unpacks the critical importance of the Donbass region in the Ukraine conflict. He discusses Putin's strategic obsession with Donbass and its rich industrial heritage. The conversation highlights Ukraine’s fierce resistance to surrendering territory, rooted in a complex historical narrative. Tensions surrounding potential peace negotiations and the implications of Russian ambitions for the region are explored, shedding light on the intricacies of diplomacy and ongoing struggles faced by locals.
12 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 15min
Who's helping alleged police killer Dezi Freeman?
Vince Hurley, a criminologist and former police officer, shares his insights on the ongoing manhunt for accused police killer Dezi Freeman. He discusses the challenges law enforcement faces in Victoria's rugged terrain and the potential support Freeman might be receiving. Hurley explains the complexities of negotiating with suspects and the implications of dealing with sovereign citizens. He emphasizes the need for tailored policing strategies that address individual beliefs while ensuring officer safety.
9 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 16min
Do we need laws to stop AI taking your job?
Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at the AI Institute of the University of New South Wales, delves into the transformative potential of AI on Australia’s economy. He discusses how AI could inject over a hundred billion dollars if leveraged correctly. However, he raises a crucial question: will automation displace countless jobs? The conversation touches on navigating worker protections, the role of unions, and whether regulations are necessary to balance economic growth with job security in this new AI-driven landscape.
11 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 14min
Why Alan Kohler loves 5% home deposits
Alan Kohler, ABC's finance expert, passionately discusses the government's expanded 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers in Australia, easing the barriers of traditional 20% deposits. He highlights how this initiative opens doors for young buyers amidst soaring house prices. The conversation delves into its potential impact on housing demand and property prices, plus the complexities of construction regulations. Kohler's insights reveal why he believes this scheme could be a game-changer for many aspiring homeowners.
