

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

16 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 14min
Will Israel’s conflict with Iran draw in the US?
Hussein Ibish, a Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, breaks down the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He explains the implications of Israel's military operations, particularly the precision targeting of Iranian nuclear sites. The discussion touches on Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic moves to rally Iranian citizens against their government. Ibish also warns about the potential U.S. involvement and the risks of a broader regional war. His insights help navigate the complex political dynamics fueling this ongoing tension.

Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
Is Trump trying to normalise troops on US streets?
Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University and expert in constitutional law, discusses the alarming implications of Trump deploying troops on US streets. He analyzes the protests erupting over immigration raids and the controversial military presence in Los Angeles. Somin warns of the authoritarian risks associated with normalizing such actions, highlighting historical parallels and potential threats to democracy and civil liberties. The conversation delves into the Insurrection Act and the possible motivations behind this militarization of domestic issues.

Jun 11, 2025 • 15min
Why the Israel-backed aid plan sparked chaos
James Elder, the Global Spokesman for UNICEF, shares his firsthand experiences from Gaza amidst the current crisis. He vividly describes the chaos surrounding aid distribution, including tragic incidents involving civilians. Elder emphasizes the dire toll on children and the impact of the aid blockade, critiquing the militarized distribution system. He also highlights the challenges faced by aid workers and the urgent need for a ceasefire, advocating for the protection of children's rights and unhindered humanitarian access.

15 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 15min
Trump’s military escalation in Los Angeles
In this engaging discussion, Melanie Mason, a senior reporter covering California politics for POLITICO, unpacks President Trump's controversial decision to send National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles amidst escalating protests against immigration enforcement. She delves into the motivations behind Trump's actions and the potential for heightened unrest. The conversation raises critical questions about authority, response strategies, and the implications of military involvement in urban crises, reflecting on the challenges faced by local leaders.

6 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 15min
Why Trump and Musk were stronger together
Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center, dives into the dramatic fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He discusses the escalating rivalry and its implications for U.S. politics. The conversation touches on whether reconciliation is possible and how Musk's influence on social media shapes political narratives. They explore threats regarding SpaceX's federal contracts and the potential consequences of their feud for both businesses and the political landscape.

Jun 8, 2025 • 15min
Woodside’s massive gas extension explained
Jo Lauder, a climate reporter with ABC News, dives into Woodside's controversial gas facility extension in Western Australia, now running until 2070. She discusses the tension between Indigenous heritage preservation and the government's push for gas extraction. Lauder also highlights the economic implications for Australian taxpayers as the country transitions from coal to gas. With environmental concerns mounting, she critiques the emissions accounting loopholes that allow fossil fuel projects to flourish. It’s a deep look into Australia's energy future.

Jun 5, 2025 • 15min
What the US warning on China means for our defence
Peter Dean, the Director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the United States Studies Centre, dives into pressing global security issues. He discusses Donald Trump's call for increased defense spending among allies and the implications of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Dean highlights China's military ambitions and the need for international cooperation to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also examines Australia's readiness and the UK's recent defense investments, stressing the urgency for enhanced military preparedness in light of rising threats.

8 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 15min
Alan Kohler on making housing a bad investment
Alan Kohler, ABC's finance expert and presenter, dives into the complexities of housing investment. He discusses the alarming trend of rising house prices despite falling interest rates and highlights the issues of housing affordability. Kohler draws parallels to the early 2000s, suggesting conditions are ripe for another surge. He emphasizes the psychological effects of tax reforms and immigration on property preferences, advocating for housing to be viewed as a less desirable investment. The conversation is a critical look at Australia's looming housing crisis.

Jun 3, 2025 • 15min
Erin Patterson’s evidence about eating wild mushrooms
Stephen Stockwell, co-host of the Mushroom Case Daily podcast, delves into the gripping details of Erin Patterson's trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms. He dissects her courtroom testimony and the emotional dynamics at play, revealing the impact of her family grievances. Stockwell also highlights significant evidence presented over the trial's five weeks, including inconsistencies in Patterson's statements and the chilling implications of her culinary passion, all set against a backdrop of public fascination.

12 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 15min
Is it really the end for Elon Musk and Trump?
Ashley Parker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the tumultuous exit of Elon Musk from the Trump administration. She discusses Musk's ambitious yet unfulfilled claims about cutting government spending and the friction he faced with Treasury Secretary Scott Besson. The conversation also explores Musk's chaotic influence on government dynamics and the implications for his businesses like SpaceX and Tesla. Will this really be the last we see of Musk's political ventures? Tune in for intriguing insights!