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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.

Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority and former NSW treasurer, dives into Australia's ambitious climate goals. He discusses the Science-based target for a 62-70% emissions cut by 2035, informed by a national risk assessment painting a bleak picture of the future. Kean elaborates on the importance of tech advancements, like EV uptake, and the need for bipartisan support in addressing climate challenges. He also reflects on how international dynamics influence Australia's approach and the crucial distinction between domestic targets and fossil fuel exports.

Political analysts dive into Australia’s ambitious 2035 emissions targets, tackling the rifts within the Coalition. Tensions rise as Papua New Guinea turns down a defense treaty, and Trump’s fiery exchange with an ABC journalist adds spice to current events. They also explore shifting voter sentiments, with One Nation capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction among constituents. It's a lively discussion on the twists and turns of modern politics!

Mike Ticher, head of the Guardian's newsroom, and Tom McIlroy, political editor, dive into the challenges facing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his Pacific trip and upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. They discuss the stalled defense agreements with Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu amid China's growing influence. The conversation highlights the delicate balancing act of maintaining regional ties while managing domestic political implications, showcasing Australia’s efforts in soft power through sports and climate engagement.

Michael Safi, a prominent presenter for Guardian Investigates, discusses the gripping saga of Australian mother Sally Faulkner, who garnered worldwide attention in 2016 after a failed attempt to retrieve her children from Lebanon. Fast forward a decade, Safi reveals the dramatic turn of events as recent US court documents show Faulkner's reunion with her kids. The conversation dives into the harrowing details of the original operation, the legal battles that ensued, and how various entities, including the media, played roles in this emotional journey.