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
Jul 10, 2025 • 15min
New questions in the sunscreen SPF saga
Rachel Carbonell, ABC National Health Equity reporter, dives into the controversial findings around sunscreen SPF claims. She reveals that many popular brands aren’t delivering on their promised protection, raising significant trust issues in the industry. Carbonell discusses the backlash against brands like Ultraviolet and the dubious testing practices of an overseas lab. She emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling and proper application, especially in Australia, where sun safety is critical due to high melanoma rates.
Jul 9, 2025 • 16min
Will Musk’s new 'America Party' take down Trump?
In this discussion, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Center unpacks Elon Musk's ambitious launch of the America Party, intended to disrupt American politics. Kabaservice explores Musk's vision for breaking free from the two-party system, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. He also delves into the rising tensions between Musk and Trump, and the implications for both their political futures. Additionally, they examine potential voter demographics, considering Musk's celebrity status against historical challenges faced by third-party movements.
Jul 8, 2025 • 16min
Why the RBA shocked borrowers and held rates
Michael Janda, ABC's business editor, discusses the Reserve Bank of Australia's unexpected decision to hold interest rates steady, much to the surprise of analysts and the Treasurer. He examines the split views within the board regarding inflation data's reliability. Janda also explores the implications for households, especially those with mortgages, amidst ongoing economic uncertainties. The talk touches on how global trade issues and key economic indicators might shape future decisions on interest rates.
Jul 7, 2025 • 16min
Why are so many younger people getting cancer?
Dr. Norman Swan, a physician and journalist, delves into the concerning rise of cancer among Australians in their 30s and 40s. He explores potential triggers like processed foods, environmental exposures, and microplastics. The discussion highlights the vital link between gut bacteria and cancer risk, the necessity for improved screening for younger patients, and emphasizes the emotional impact of these diagnoses. With alarming statistics and personal stories, Swan sheds light on what must be done to tackle this escalating health crisis.
Jul 7, 2025 • 24min
Mushroom Case Daily: Erin Patterson guilty of murder
Stephen Stockwell, a producer at ABC Audio Studios and part of the Mushroom Case Daily team, dives into the shocking verdict of Erin Patterson, found guilty of murdering three relatives with toxic mushrooms. He discusses the jury's intense deliberations and the charged emotions during the verdict announcement. The podcast unpacks the prosecution's compelling evidence of Patterson's premeditated actions and the profound impact on the victims' families. Listeners get a glimpse of the courtroom atmosphere, filled with tension and media frenzy.
Jul 6, 2025 • 15min
The Glastonbury 'death' chant that sparked a firestorm
Dorian Lynskey, a British music journalist and author known for his expertise in protest songs, dives into the recent controversy surrounding rap band Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. He examines the implications of their provocative chant against the Israeli military, which sparked debates about anti-Semitism and censorship. Lynskey discusses how artists navigate free speech and the repercussions of political expression, emphasizing the complexities of protest music in today's media landscape. The conversation highlights the power and risks of music as a form of activism.
10 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 15min
Alan Kohler on raising the GST
Alan Kohler, ABC's finance expert, delves into the pressing need for economic reform in Australia. He argues that discussions at the upcoming roundtable should prioritize artificial intelligence over traditional tax debates. Kohler highlights the proposal to raise the GST from 10% to 15% as a potential revenue booster while ensuring support for low-income earners. He also addresses the challenges AI poses to employment and the importance of adapting business strategies to leverage this technology effectively.
9 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Why there’s no ‘silver bullet’ to make childcare safe
Caroline Croser-Barlow, the CEO of The Front Project, advocates for improvements in early childhood education. She discusses the recent shocking allegations against a childcare worker, which have left families reeling and raised urgent questions about safety standards. The conversation delves into the need for comprehensive safety measures, including banning personal phones in childcare spaces. Croser-Barlow emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between parents and educators while addressing the systemic challenges facing Australia’s childcare industry.
Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Will Netanyahu’s Iran ‘win’ lead to a Gaza ceasefire?
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He discusses Netanyahu’s shift in focus following military actions in Iran and the implications for hostage negotiations. The political landscape is charged, with Trump advocating for a ceasefire while tensions in Gaza escalate. Ibish highlights the complexity of achieving peace amid ongoing violence and Netanyahu's precarious leadership situation, contemplating whether new U.S. talks could foster a durable resolution.
Jun 30, 2025 • 16min
Is the teen social media ban ready for rollout?
Ange Lavoipierre, ABC’s national technology reporter, dives into Australia's upcoming social media ban for kids under 16, set to kick off in December. She tackles the murky waters of which platforms will be affected and how age verification will work. The conversation highlights concerns over facial age estimation technology's accuracy seen in schools and innovative alternatives like voice analysis. Ange also discusses the pressing need for consistent regulations across platforms to ensure young users are protected from online dangers.
