

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 18, 2024 • 14min
How pagers became bombs in Lebanon
In this discussion, intelligence expert John Blaxland, Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office, delves into a shocking attack in Lebanon where hundreds of Hezbollah's pagers exploded simultaneously. He explores the surprising use of outdated technology in modern warfare and the implications of this strike on Hezbollah’s operations. The conversation shifts to the intricate ties between Iran, Hezbollah, and Israeli intelligence, raising questions about potential future escalations in the ongoing conflict. Blaxland's insights reveal the complex dynamics at play.

Sep 17, 2024 • 14min
The tech to boot teens off social media
Instagram is stepping up its game to protect teens from harmful content by implementing content restrictions and parental controls. New measures include compulsory teen accounts and automatic privacy settings. The podcast also dives into the challenges of age verification, discussing how AI could play a role. With the government targeting a ban for users under 16, mental health concerns like online bullying are at the forefront. The conversation highlights the balance needed between safety and privacy in the digital world.

Sep 16, 2024 • 14min
Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt
Dr. Emma Shortis, a US politics expert at the Australia Institute, discusses the alarming assassination attempt on Donald Trump while he was golfing in Florida. She analyzes the implications for Trump's security and what this means for his political career. The conversation dives into the rising threat of political violence in the US and how such incidents could impact voter sentiment. Shortis emphasizes the influence of violent rhetoric on political campaigns and the complexities of navigating security challenges for public figures.

Sep 15, 2024 • 15min
Kamala Harris’s electoral college challenge
Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, discusses the complexities of the upcoming election. She highlights the contentious role of the Electoral College, where winning more votes doesn't guarantee victory, as seen in the 2016 election. Michael Rowland, ABC News co-host, shares insights on swing states like Pennsylvania and their pivotal influence. They delve into the predictions and challenges of the electoral landscape, emphasizing the importance of securing 270 electoral votes for a presidential win.

Sep 12, 2024 • 14min
The secret battle for the Murdoch empire
Rupert Murdoch, founder of a global media empire, and his son Lachlan, the future heir, discuss their family’s ongoing court battle for control of the media legacy. Rupert aims to secure Lachlan's authority amid sibling rivalry, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and loyalty. Journalist Paddy Manning provides insights into Lachlan's journey as the chosen successor, exploring the deep-rooted family tensions and their implications on global media. The story echoes real-life intrigue reminiscent of a thrilling succession drama.

Sep 11, 2024 • 14min
The wild Trump vs Harris debate
Kamala Harris, a U.S. presidential candidate, shares her journey and future plans while challenging Donald Trump's controversial claims during a fiery debate. Trump raises eyebrows with wild statements about migrants, while Harris maintains her composure and focus on policies. The discussion also highlights the role of real-time fact-checking in clarifying candidates' positions. The excitement peaks with pop superstar Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris, stirring interest among younger voters and influencing the electoral landscape.

Sep 10, 2024 • 14min
Are voters finally ready to dump negative gearing?
Australia's taxation system heavily favors property investors, but public sentiment is shifting. The debate around negative gearing is heating up, especially as younger voters demand affordable housing solutions. Recent polls indicate a desire for significant reforms, including the abolition of negative gearing. Political leaders are faced with internal conflicts on how to navigate these changes. As attitudes evolve, the potential for electoral shifts looms large, making the conversation around housing policy more urgent than ever.

Sep 9, 2024 • 12min
One mother’s fight to end military suicides
Julie-Ann Finney, a dedicated mother, advocates for military accountability after her son, sailor David Finney, tragically took his life post-discharge. She shares the heartbreaking story of a veteran whose hidden struggles culminated in his suicide. The discussion reveals the urgent need for reforms within the Department of Veterans Affairs and highlights the scathing findings of a Royal Commission. Julie-Ann emphasizes the critical importance of implementing recommendations to prevent further tragedies and support veterans better.

Sep 8, 2024 • 15min
How apartment owners are being ripped off
In this episode, investigative reporter Linton Besser explores the murky depths of strata management in Australia, revealing a landscape of greed that impacts millions. He shares harrowing stories of financial exploitation, including phantom fees and alarming mismanagement of funds. Besser emphasizes the importance of owners actively scrutinizing their strata management to prevent being drained financially. The conversation highlights the pressing need for stricter regulations and oversight in the industry as apartment living continues to rise.

Sep 5, 2024 • 15min
The plan to lock up pet cats
Sarah Legge, a wildlife ecologist and professor at Charles Darwin University, discusses the alarming impact of domesticated cats on Australia's wildlife. She outlines the government's draft plan to contain pet and feral cat populations, even proposing indoor-only regulations in some areas. Sarah shares eye-opening statistics about cat predation and the challenges pet owners face in keeping cats indoor. The conversation delves into balancing biodiversity conservation with responsible pet ownership, highlighting the need for innovative management strategies.