Episodes

  • Why Albanese killed a key environment bill

    Why Albanese killed a key environment bill
    Dec 2 2024
    Anthony Albanese was triumphant on Friday, as he talked up the government’s passing of dozens of bills through the parliament. But there was one key piece of environmental legislation that didn’t make it. Albanese personally stopped the bill, right at the last moment and without warning Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. The decision by the prime minister puts mining interests – and the hope of votes in Western Australia – ahead of a deal that sources say he’d already approved. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on why Albanese stopped the legislation, and whether it’s the Greens who’ll end up winning. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe
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    20 mins
  • The NRL’s influence on Albanese’s gambling reforms

    The NRL’s influence on Albanese’s gambling reforms
    Dec 1 2024
    In Anthony Albanese’s political universe, personal relationships are everything. High on the list for Albanese is his bond with Peter V'landys, the chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission and chief executive of Racing NSW. That relationship has been central to the government’s decision to again delay reforms of gambling advertising, which V’Landys strongly opposes. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis with the inside story of why the government still hasn’t acted on gambling reform. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis
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    21 mins
  • Read This: Thank God for Rick Morton

    Read This: Thank God for Rick Morton
    Nov 30 2024
    The Robodobt scheme is considered by many to be one of the Australian government’s worst scandals. Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper and Walkley Award-winning journalist Rick Morton followed the case closely and he documents the crisis and its devastating effects in his new book. On this episode of Read This, we bring you Michael and Rick’s conversation about Mean Streak from Canberra Writers’ Festival.
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    33 mins
  • Australia is banning teenagers like Maggie from social media

    Australia is banning teenagers like Maggie from social media
    Nov 28 2024
    Two years ago, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled 6 News, a streaming news channel founded by then 14-year-old Leonardo Puglisi, a “fantastic initiative”. Now, under Labor’s very own legislation, currently working its way through parliament, every child under 16 – like Leo was then – will be banned from using almost every social media platform. The government is defending the proposed ban, arguing it will protect vulnerable children from social media giants that utilise “psychological manipulation” to expose them to dangerous content. But critics say the ban will be inconsistent and ineffective, pointing out it doesn’t specify which platforms will be restricted or explain how tech companies will enforce the ban. Today, election reporter for 6 News Maggie Perry on how the social media ban will work, and the harm it could have on young people like herself. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Election reporter for 6 News, Maggie Perry.
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    20 mins
  • The lives of asylum seekers on Nauru

    The lives of asylum seekers on Nauru
    Nov 27 2024
    On Nauru, there are close to 100 asylum seekers who have been released from detention but are currently living hand-to-mouth. They are forbidden to work on the island, and are surviving on a stipend of $230 a fortnight – which they say is not even enough for three meals a day. The Australian government has mostly succeeded in keeping offshore processing off the front pages, but as boat arrivals continue, Nauru remains central to the Australian government’s immigration response. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler on surviving on Nauru and whether Australia’s policy of offshore detention will ever end. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Denham Sadler.
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    20 mins
  • How Trump pushed bitcoin to record highs

    How Trump pushed bitcoin to record highs
    Nov 26 2024
    Crypto is skyrocketing, ever since Donald Trump won the US election. Trump is set to lead the most pro-crypto administration ever, promising a crypto advisory council and appointing a prominent pro-crypto hedge fund manager as his pick for Treasury secretary. His campaign received considerable donations from the crypto industry, who hope he’ll come good on his promise to create a national bitcoin stockpile. Today, managing editor of The Saturday Paper Emily Barrett on why Trump backs crypto and what it means for the global economy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Managing editor of The Saturday Paper Emily Barrett
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    18 mins
  • How Gina Rinehart's friendship with Trump will change Australia

    How Gina Rinehart's friendship with Trump will change Australia
    Nov 25 2024
    The night Donald Trump claimed victory, he celebrated with his closest friends. Among them was Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart. Rinehart, who describes herself as a “long standing member of the Trump support group ‘the Trumpettes’”, is not only cultivating her ties among America’s right-wing political elite. She also remains a highly influential figure in Australian politics. And with the Australian election just months away, Rinehart’s friendship with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is more pertinent than ever. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on Gina Rinhehart, her money, and how she uses it to shape the country. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe
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    20 mins