In a coastal corner of Australia, scientist Saul Griffith has been quietly working away on a plan to turn 500 households completely off fossil fuels. He hopes that what he achieves there can act as a blueprint for the rest of the country.

But for that to become a reality, the federal government would need to drastically increase their commitment to renewable energy.

Today, chief scientist at Rewiring Australia, Saul Griffith, on the electrification already underway – and what both sides of politics are promising for our energy future.

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Guest: Chief scientist at Rewiring Australia Saul Griffith

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As a child refugee in India, Harini dreamt of making it to Australia to study medicine and become a doctor.

She arrived in Australia in 2013 when she was 10 years old, leaving behind her two siblings and mother.

Harini did not realise her visa status made her different to her classmates until she received a university offer for a biomedical science degree that required her to pay international student fees of nearly $100,000.

After attempting to self-fund her studies and falling a year behind in payments, the university disenrolled Harini in 2023 – four months before she was set to complete her degree.

Today, Harini Rathnakumar on how her promise of a better life in Australia was shattered, and the many others stuck in visa limbo.

This episode was originally published in September 2024.

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Guest: Harini Rathnakumar

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Over four decades Niall Williams has made a name for himself as one of Ireland’s leading novelists. In his latest novel, Time of the Child, Niall returns to the fictional village of Faha, in west Ireland, the setting of his previous book, This Is Happiness. Time of the Child centres on the notion of familial love, and as he explains to Michael in this week’s episode, Niall couldn’t have written it without becoming a grandfather himself.

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At one point during this term of government, Indigenous affairs dominated national debate. Politicians, pundits and the public couldn't stop talking about it.

But since the Voice referendum failed, it’s become something of a taboo. Labor is eager to move on, while the Coalition is more focused on scoring points than offering a plan.

Now, with the election weeks away, there are glimpses of what might come next. Labor says it’s about delivering jobs. The Coalition says it’s about cutting waste.

Today, contributor for The Saturday Paper, Ben Abbatangelo, on what the major parties are really offering – and what it all means for First Nations people around the country.

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Guest: Contributor for The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo

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Last year, reporter Mike Seccombe looked into the divide between Australia’s richest and poorest schools to find out why this gap keeps widening.

What he found was a broken system. Rich parents are able to get huge tax breaks by donating to opulent building projects at their kids’ private schools.

It’s a practice that goes way back, despite many arguing the tactic has become outdated.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper and a proud state school boy, Mike Seccombe, on why we need an overhaul of the charitable giving system that delivers some kids castles.

This episode was originally published in July last year.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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Last night, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton went head-to-head in the second leaders’ debate of the campaign.

The difference between the two leaders’ visions for the country was stark. Albanese talked about his “optimism” for the future, while Dutton asked voters to reflect on whether they are better off now than they were three years ago, suggesting that most people are not.

But Albanese and Dutton were united on one thing: neither leader really landed a blow – and neither leader won the night.

Today, 7am co-host Daniel James on the biggest moments from the debate – from energy, to housing, to diplomacy and defence – and why Dutton has had to admit another mistake.

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Guest: Writer and co-host of 7am, Daniel James

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Donald Trump’s presence looms large on the campaign trail, as both leaders face questions about how they would handle his trade war.

The market chaos and escalating tensions between China and the US may have once seemed like the last thing Labor needed during an election campaign.

But insiders now believe they’ve been granted a rare opportunity: to hold firm in the face of uncertainty and prove that changing government in this global political climate is too great a risk.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on Anthony Albanese’s Trump strategy – and how Peter Dutton is fighting back.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

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In January, Jonathan Holmes met with the ABC’s then managing director, David Anderson.

Jonathan and his colleagues at ABC Alumni wanted to know if Anderson was concerned about funding cuts under a Dutton-led government.

Successive Coalition governments have made cuts to the national broadcaster over decades. Now, as Peter Dutton signals he’s looking to cut anything he deems to be “waste” at the ABC, alarm bells are once again ringing.

Today, chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes, on the Coalition’s plans for the ABC, and whether it’s possible to truly shield the national broadcaster from outside interference.

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Guest: Chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes.

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