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In this discussion, David Smith, The Guardian’s Washington DC bureau chief and expert on US foreign policy, analyzes the recently announced Trump-Netanyahu Gaza plan. He argues that the proposal, lacking Palestinian input, primarily benefits Israel and may be a political maneuver. Key points include the implications of excluding Hamas, the potential for international oversight, and mixed reactions on the ground. Smith also delves into Trump's personal motivations, suggesting a blend of legacy ambition and genuine concern.

Ben Doherty, Senior Reporter at Guardian Australia and former foreign correspondent, provides deep insights into the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case. He explains the High Court's dismissal of Roberts-Smith's appeal after ruling he likely committed war crimes. Doherty discusses the implications for journalism and defamation law, emphasizing the victory for investigative reporting despite the challenges. He highlights the bravery of SAS soldiers testifying against a culture of silence and shares the ongoing struggles faced by Afghan victims and their families.

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s hardline rhetoric on migration and manufacturing have led many to question whether the opposition frontbencher plans to pull his party to the right and go for the leadership. Guardian Australia political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about the rise of the SAS soldier turned politician and if he could be successful in importing US-style politics to Australian shores

In this episode, science correspondent Hannah Devlin tackles the alarming claims made by Donald Trump linking paracetamol to autism. With her expertise, she explains the dangers of misinformation, highlighting how such narratives can erode public trust in medical advice. Hannah discusses the limited evidence surrounding paracetamol's effects during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for factual communication. She also reflects on the broader implications of medical misinformation and the challenges journalists face in countering emotional narratives.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry delve into the evolving dynamics of Australia–US relations, emphasizing a more transactional approach showcased at the UN. They discuss Albanese's significant recognition of Palestine and the domestic backlash from US Republican pressures. Andrew Hastie’s strategic maneuvering within the Liberal Party steals the spotlight, as his social media tactics signal an ambitious pursuit of leadership. They also explore the rise of influencers and their crucial role in modern political campaigns, highlighting the transformation of political communication.

Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia, and Josephine Tovey, National news editor, discuss the rapid spread of misinformation from Trump to Australia. They explore the challenges journalists face in live fact-checking and adapting headlines to combat falsehoods. The duo emphasizes the need for integrating facts into stories and highlights the influence of Trump's rhetoric on Australian politics and public health narratives. They also touch on corporate pressures that threaten media independence and the vital role of journalists in upholding truth.

Giridharan Sivaraman, Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner and former chair of Multicultural Australia, dives into the troubling rise of far-right movements and racism in Australia. He discusses the brazen escalation of anti-immigration rallies and the challenge of calling out racism at a personal cost. Sivaraman critiques euphemistic language used by politicians while stressing the importance of systemic change and acknowledging white privilege. He reflects on Australia’s unique position regarding anti-racism and shares a cautious optimism for the future despite the current climate.

Telecommunications expert Mark Gregory from RMIT University joins the conversation to dissect the Optus outage that disrupted emergency services across multiple states. He highlights the scale of the failure, linking it to critical delays in notifying authorities and underlying infrastructure issues. Gregory emphasizes the need for tougher penalties for repeat offenders and stronger regulations to ensure reliability. He raises concerns about public trust in emergency services and advocates for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Guest Tom McIlroy, Guardian Australia's political editor, shares insights from New York on Albanese's significant announcement at the UN recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. He discusses the timing of this decision and its potential to widen Australia's rift with the US amid the Gaza conflict. McIlroy analyzes international reactions, including Netanyahu's criticism, and speculates on future Australian diplomatic responses. He also touches on behind-the-scenes efforts to engage with Trump and other priorities in Albanese's UN agenda.

Georgia Rajic, a knowledgeable commentator on Australian netball and football, delves into the challenges facing netballers today. Despite being the top women's sport in Australia, the limited opportunities in Super Netball are prompting players to explore options like AFLW. Georgia discusses the precarious nature of netball careers, citing low pay and tight schedules. She also highlights socioeconomic biases affecting diversity and proposes increasing reserves to retain talent, illuminating a pivotal moment in women’s sports.