

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

Oct 2, 2024 • 15min
Does Iran want war with Israel?
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, dives into the tumultuous dynamics of the Middle East. He explores the implications of recent missile strikes and Israel's tactical responses against Hezbollah. The conversation sheds light on Iran's measured response and the complexities of regional politics. With a humanitarian crisis unfolding, Ibish questions whether de-escalation is possible. He emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative approaches to foster stability in the region amidst rising tensions.

Oct 1, 2024 • 14min
The retirement village ‘rip off’
Adele Ferguson, an investigative reporter known for exposing financial injustices, dives into the hidden pitfalls of retirement villages. She shares Joan Green's and Lynette Anderson's heartbreaking experiences, revealing how exorbitant exit and refurbishment fees can decimate life savings. The conversation highlights the lack of regulatory oversight and the often-complex contracts that trap unsuspecting residents. Ferguson emphasizes the urgent need for stronger consumer protections and clearer terms to ensure seniors aren’t left vulnerable.

Sep 30, 2024 • 14min
Annabel Crabb on ‘down down’ discounts
In this discussion, Annabel Crabb, an insightful ABC commentator and presenter, dives into the controversies surrounding supermarket discounts in Australia. She explores the skepticism shoppers feel towards 'down-down' promotions amidst rising costs. Annabel explains the legal actions against Coles and Woolworths, highlighting the emotional burden of grocery shopping. Additionally, she examines the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's efforts to hold these giants accountable and the push for greater pricing transparency in the market.

Sep 29, 2024 • 15min
Could Koala Airlines succeed where Rex failed?
Emily Baker, an investigative journalist known for her work in aviation, dives deep into the challenges facing the nascent Koala Airlines. She discusses the fierce duopoly of Qantas and Virgin and how it stifles competition. Baker reflects on the recent struggles of Rex Airlines and the lessons it presents for new entrants. Insightfully, she suggests that introducing another player could lower airfares, perhaps forcing Qantas to divest Jetstar. Will Koala Airlines rise where others have fallen?

Sep 26, 2024 • 15min
The voters who could swing the US election
In this insightful discussion, Margaret Talev, an Axios contributor and director at Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, explores the crucial role of undecided voters in swing states. She highlights their confusion and apathy towards politics, despite economic concerns looming large, particularly around inflation and wages. Reproductive rights also emerge as a key issue, especially among women. Talev underscores the challenge candidates face in effectively engaging this disengaged demographic using populist messages and innovative strategies.

Sep 25, 2024 • 14min
Is a Christmas rate cut on the cards?
Ian Verrender, ABC's Chief Business Correspondent, dives into the intricacies of the Australian economy. He discusses the recent dip in inflation and its implications for potential interest rate cuts, possibly before Christmas. Verrender highlights the Phillips Curve theory, exploring the tense relationship between unemployment and inflation. He using the analogy of adjusting a shower's temperature to explain the delayed effects of interest rate changes. His insights shine a light on the delicate balance central banks must maintain in today’s fluctuating economy.

Sep 24, 2024 • 15min
Is an Israeli invasion of Lebanon next?
Dov Waxman, a Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California, discusses the recent escalation in southern Lebanon. He highlights Israel's airstrikes against Hezbollah and the likelihood of a ground invasion. Waxman emphasizes that Hezbollah's actions are tied to its solidarity with Hamas, framing the conflict within a broader Iranian-backed axis of resistance. He warns that this situation could evolve into a larger regional conflict, revealing the delicate balance of military strategies and international concerns.

Sep 23, 2024 • 14min
How the childcare system punishes women
Alexandra Dockrill, a NSW mother of two, shares her challenging journey in the Australian childcare system, revealing the emotional and financial burdens it has placed on her. The discussion dives into how high costs and limited availability hinder women’s ability to return to work, shedding light on the broader implications for gender equality and the economy. Professor Elizabeth Hill critiques the impact of privatisation and the inadequacy of proposed reforms, underlining the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul to achieve universal childcare.

Sep 22, 2024 • 14min
One family’s fight against banks and scammers
David Sweeney, who valiantly led his family’s fight against banks after his father lost nearly $1 million to online scammers, shares their harrowing experience. The discussion dives into the emotional fallout of financial fraud and the family's relentless pursuit of justice. A key focus is on new Australian legislation aimed at protecting consumers, yet it highlights the absence of mandatory reimbursements for victims. Investigative reporter Adele Ferguson provides insights into how the UK is succeeding with similar protection measures.

Sep 19, 2024 • 15min
What Trump’s ‘eating the pets’ lie did to Springfield
Julie Carr Smyth, an Associated Press reporter based in Columbus, Ohio, sheds light on the turmoil in Springfield, where a false accusation about migrant pets sparked chaos. Residents face bomb threats, while Haitian migrants experience fear and intimidation. The emotional fallout includes a father's outcry against politicized exploitation following his son's tragic death. Despite the challenges, the Haitian community continues to fight for safety and revitalization in a city struggling with misinformation and heightened tensions.