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Over the past few years, Australia's immigration detention policy, which was once the feature of political debates and elections, has stopped making front page news. That's until a recent high court decision deemed Australia's indefinite detention policy unlawful, leading to the release of over 140 people who had been in indefinite immigration detention. It's a decision that has sparked a scramble among Labor to come up with an immigration policy that is legal. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on calls for more accountability in Australia's hardline immigration regime.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

Australia has one of the most expensive housing markets in the world, with values soaring much faster than wages. This has altered Australian society, increased inequality and profoundly changed the relationship between generations. So, where did things go so wrong, and can we ever go back to normal? Today, finance journalist and author of the latest Quarterly Essay, ‘The Great Divide on Australia's housing mess and how to fix it', Alan Kohler. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Finance journalist, Alan Kohler.

Critics say Australia may be the world's most secretive democracy, with a patchwork of laws and obstacles standing in the way of transparency and press freedom. The Albanese government has recognised this, releasing a review to clean up Australia's secrecy laws.  So, will it fix them, or is it just a band-aid solution?  Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, on Australia's secrecy laws and whether the government's overhaul will go far enough. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton

The first brief ceasefire has taken effect in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As the shooting stops, families are being reunited, as hostages are freed and civilian prisoners are released from behind bars. But meanwhile, decisions are being made about when and how the fighting will resume. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper and Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom, on the ceasefire, how long it could hold and what will happen when the war continues. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper and Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom.

At the shareholders meetings for News Corp and Fox Corporation this month, for the first time, Rupert Murdoch wasn't the star of the show.  The meetings signified that the transition of power from the 92-year old mogul to his eldest son, Lachlan, is complete.  So, how has Lachlan used his first moments of power? And what were Rupert Murdoch's parting words to end his 70-year-long media career? Today, host of Schwartz Media podcast Rupert: The Last Mogul and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Paddy Manning, on what's in store for the next era of the Murdoch empire. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of The Successor, Paddy Manning.

By the 1990s, Rupert is cemented as one of the world's most powerful and divisive men, but his unrelenting drive is beginning to take a toll. As Rupert makes his home in America, Paddy takes a closer look at two of his most consequential relationships.  There is his alliance with the man behind Fox News, Roger Ailes. Then there is his 30-year marriage to his second wife, Anna Murdoch. One will lift Rupert to new heights of influence; the other will crumble, but not without a parting shot.

As climate change threatens to sink small and vulnerable countries, large and powerful ones are seeing an opportunity. The climate crisis is giving them the chance to increase their influence, access to valuable resources and military reach. As Australia enters a new agreement with one of our pacific neighbours facing climate disaster – are we really helping them, or are we just helping ourselves? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the agreement between Australia and Tuvalu.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Israel's government has agreed to a four-day ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza – but promises to push ahead with military operations after the pause ends. The agreement falls short of the total ceasefire that protesters have been calling for. In Australia, the government has found itself delicately balancing its support for Israel with its concerns over the civilian death toll from the war. So, is the government striking the right balance or is it equivocating? Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, on the protests, the parliament and the challenges facing Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton

David McBride is the first Australian who could face jail in relation to alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. But McBride isn't who committed these crimes, he's just the person who leaked documents containing allegations to journalists. Last week, after a dramatic attempt to keep his legal defence alive, McBride ultimately decided to plead guilty. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace, on what the failure of David McBride's case means for truth and transparency in Australia.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Chris Wallace

The royal commission into the robo-debt scheme delivered 57 recommendations to the government in July. Four months later, the Albanese government has given its response, insisting it is acting to ensure that nothing like the "shameful" robo-debt scandal ever happens again. The government says it has accepted, in full or in principle, “all 56” of the commissioner's recommendations. So why has the government chosen to not only ignore the last recommendation, but to pretend it doesn't exist? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on a serious flaw in the robo-debt response. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

In the spring of 2012, an unarmed Afghan villager, Ali Jan, was allegedly kicked off a cliff by Ben Roberts-Smith, who then purportedly directed another soldier to execute him. That allegation was central to the landmark defamation action brought by Roberts-Smith, where the court found it to be “substantially true”.  Roberts-Smith has appealed that decision and the allegations have never been proven to a standard that would be required in a criminal trial. The government has said it plans to compensate the families of victims of alleged Afghanistan war crimes, but 11 years after his murder, Ali Jan's widow says she's still awaiting justice. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Michelle Dimasi on what Australia owes the family of Ali Jan. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Michelle Dimasi.

Today on the show, Author and founder of AIME (the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) Jack Manning Bancroft. Published on the day of the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Jack's piece is a statement on the continuing power of Indigenous knowledge systems, despite the long shadow of a failed referendum outcome. Jack will read his story, ‘The Indigenous Knowledges Systems Lab'.. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Founder of AIME, Jack Manning Bancroft

Off-the-record lunches, handwritten notes and a bouquet of red roses mark Rupert's secret friendship with Britain's most controversial PM, Margaret Thatcher. She helps drive Rupert to become the most powerful media mogul in the commonwealth. Together they will stoke wars against enemies both foreign and within. With Thatcher's support, Rupert will pull off his most daring piece of business, and arguably the most cruel.  Paddy pieces together the evidence that binds them together and examines the scars they left behind.

Social harmony in Australia is under threat. The war in Gaza is prompting concerns about rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia locally, and these deeply felt and wounding subjects are being hotly debated in our parliament. This week, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton clashed in one of the most fiery parliamentary confrontations since they assumed the roles of prime minister and opposition leader, respectively. Are our politicians equipped to moderate this divisive debate? Or are they doing more harm than good? Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on why rhetoric in parliament has been labelled ‘extremely dangerous'. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

If it wasn't for the images of devastation emerging from Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war, this conflict would have the world on edge. It is happening just a few hundred kilometres to the north of Gaza, on the border between Lebanon and Israel – Hezbollah, the most powerful non-state military force in the world, is getting involved. Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman, on what happens if Israel and Hezbollah go to war. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: World editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman

The murder of a young woman at an elite private school – and the reaction from a former principal – has led to nationwide outrage. It's also highlighted a broader culture of privilege in which young boys are protected from consequence or culpability. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the murder of Lilie James, and what it tells us about our most elite institutions. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

The parole system exists to help people in prison who are no longer deemed a risk to the community begin to re-enter society. But the death in custody of an Indigenous woman who had been eligible for release for a year has raised questions about whether the laws are too strict. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler on the consequences of Victoria's parole laws, and the case for further reform. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Denham Sadler

Australia is not out of the woods on the cost-of-living crisis – prices are still rising too fast. Last week, the RBA were so concerned that they hiked interest rates again, saying it's the only way to slow down the spending that's pushing prices higher. But who is doing the spending? And how do they have money to throw around? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the Australians still spending big and why it means more economic pain for the rest of us. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram  Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

Rupert wields enormous influence over Australia's political landscape, but it wasn't always this way. In the 1960s and '70s, Rupert's struggle to step out of his father's shadow drives him to launch the first national broadsheet. His gamble pays off when the paper helps elect our most ambitious and progressive leader, Gough Whitlam.  But as Rupert gets closer to power, he'll learn just how far his papers can push the needle.

Humanitarians say the crisis in Gaza is like nothing they've ever seen before.  There are especially grave concerns about the lives of children, after the deaths of at least 4000 children in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began. It's why 18 international aid agencies – including Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children – have now called for a ceasefire.  Israel, however, says it can't enter a ceasefire until hostages taken by Hamas are freed and the group is removed from power. Today, Save the Children's Jason Lee on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on why a ceasefire isn't happening in the Middle East.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Save the Children's country director for the Palestinian Occupied Territories, Jason Lee and world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman.

It's been a long time coming, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally met Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. The friendly meeting is in stark contrast to our diplomatic relationship in recent years, when China wasn't picking up the phone to Australia.  So how did it go? Why are both leaders so keen to restore ties? And can the relationship be repaired without compromise? Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, on Albanese's four days in China.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton

Renters across Australia are facing a worsening housing crisis. With hikes in rents and growing complaints about the quality of living in rental homes, many are at breaking point.  But now, as national cabinet considers options for strengthening the hand of those who rent, a High Court judgement has redrawn the relationship between tenants and landlords. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on how one community's fight will change the rights of renters nationwide.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

Over the years, countless efforts have been made to release Julian Assange. As of now, he's still likely to be extradited to the United States to face charges that amount to over 100 years in jail. The latest attempt to free him has united an unlikely band of politicians: members of the Greens, Labor, the Coalition and Independents recently travelled to the US to call for Assange's release. Today, Independent member for Kooyong and member of the delegation to Washington, DC, Monique Ryan, on whether Australia's pleas to free Julian Assange are being heard in the US.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Independent member for Kooyong, Monique Ryan.

While they're far from a household name, almost all Australians have now heard the political messages they craft.  Advance, a right-wing campaigning group, has gained enormous ground in the past few years, and played a crucial role in defeating the Voice referendum. So who are they? And what are they after next?  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how a mysterious, once ridiculed group has become a powerful political force.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Today, journalist Nicole Hasham, with her piece from a recent edition of The Monthly.  On top of a hill in a remote Aboriginal community, hours from Alice Springs, is an unmissable sight: a 20 metre high, steel Christian cross. It's a monument that was a decade in the making, cost 2 million dollars to build, and has attracted the interest of Hollywood star Mel Gibson. But despite the grandiosity, it's a project that hasn't been without its controversies. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist Nicole Hasham

After his father's death, a young Rupert inherits a small newspaper in 1950s Adelaide. There, he teams up with the paper's editor to save a man sentenced to hang. When the paper is threatened, a ruthless streak emerges in the boy publisher. He brings down the man he saw as a father figure.  In the present day, Paddy finds an unpublished manuscript that sheds new light on how Rupert's relationship with his first great editor fell apart.

As images of the Gaza ground invasion continue to dominate the news, many Australians are distressed and grieving. Divides in the community are also reflected among our politicians – with splits emerging not just between the major parties, but within them. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno, on how bipartisanship has been lost over conflict in the Middle East and the fault lines between friends and colleagues. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

Ian Parmeter was Australia's ambassador to Lebanon when Hezbollah was fighting Israel in the late 1990s. And although there are parallels between what he saw then and what is happening today in Gaza, the situation is very different. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and prevent it from ever launching another attack like the one on October 7 – but is that even possible? Today, Ian Parmeter on the history of Hamas, and what would take its place if it were removed from Gaza. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Research scholar for the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the ANU, Ian Parmeter

As Anthony Albanese and Joe Biden toasted each other last week, one of the most significant deals in Australian history hung in the background. The AUKUS submarine deal isn't just one of the biggest spends our government has ever made, it also promises to transform Australia's military relationship with the United States. Today, spokesperson on Defence for the Australian Greens, Senator David Shoebridge, on whether Australia's $368 billion submarine deal will be worth it. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Spokesperson on Defence for the Australian Greens, Senator David Shoebridge

Over the weekend, Israel said it was entering the ‘second stage of war' with Hamas. Israel destroyed phone and internet capabilities in Gaza, while a large number of Israeli troops crossed the border. The civilian death toll is mounting daily.  Meanwhile, a majority of countries at the UN General Assembly voted in support of a humanitarian truce.  So, why did Australia abstain from the vote?  Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on what the ground invasion means for Gaza and how the rest of the world is viewing the crisis in the Middle East.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman

For three years, China and Australia had virtually frozen their diplomatic ties – our largest trading partner and regional superpower was not picking up the phone. But there's been a rapid turnaround in the relationship. Ahead of a visit this week by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, we've seen the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei and the scrapping of trade tariffs. So, what will Albanese want to get out of the trip, and what is China's perception of Australia after years of tension? Today, fresh from a trip to Beijing, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton, on whether we're entering a new era in Australia's relationship with China.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.

Rupert Murdoch is the media's most powerful man. His newspapers and TV networks can topple leaders, change policies and throw into doubt the outcome of entire elections. In this six-part series from Schwartz Media, investigative journalist Paddy Manning charts Rupert Murdoch's rise from a small newspaper in Adelaide to his reign as the last global media mogul. Find out what drives Rupert Murdoch and what happens now he has handed over the empire.

This week, Anthony Albanese was given the highest honour a guest of the US president can receive, a state dinner – attended by powerbrokers from Washington and Hollywood. But while the PM was riding high in the US, back home his government is polling at its lowest levels since their election. So, is it all downhill from here? Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on why Labor is losing popularity, and what they'll need to do to win it back.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Calls are growing louder for a ceasefire, or at least a “humanitarian truce”, in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli troops are still on standby at the border, and the Netanyahu government seems committed to pushing into Gaza. But though several hostages have been freed, hundreds are still held by Hamas – can Israel invade without putting their lives at risk? Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on the secretive hostage negotiations, and why Israel's ground invasion appears to be delayed.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: World editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman

Independent MP Zali Steggall has used her time in parliament to advocate for stronger climate targets, and criticised both Labor and Coalition governments for not acting fast enough.  Now she's calling for an urgent change to our climate targets in Australia, to raise them and to include every sector in the economy. Today, Member for Warringah Zali Steggall on what climate action she wants to see next, and why the government isn't aiming high enough.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Independent Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall

In Australia, if you're on welfare your payment can be suspended by a for-profit, private company – even if you've done nothing wrong. With tens of thousands of jobseekerspeople being affected by suspensions every week, anti-poverty experts are urging the government to act, warning thatit's putting already vulnerable people are already at risk and are urging the government to act. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on why private companies have the power to put welfare recipients on a suspension. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporterColumnist for The Saturday Paper, Rick MortonPaul Bongiorno.

Thomas Mayo, one of the most prominent “Yes” campaigners for the referendum, is still reeling from its defeat.  But after observing a week of silence, along with other Indigenous leaders, he's had time to reflect on the campaign's loss and on his own regrets. So, does he think Australia is better or worse off for having had the vote? And does he want another referendum?  Today, author and contributor to The Saturday Paper Thomas Mayo on what went wrong, who's to blame and what comes next.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Spokesperson for the “Yes” campaign and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Thomas Mayo

For many Australians, facing the reality of this country is a task that has proved enduringly difficult, both at a public and a political level. For investigative journalist David Marr, finding the right way to tell the stories that allow us to see the truth of our history is a personal quest and one that has led to his latest book. This week, Michael talks with David about shame – both personal and national – and why his family agreed that he had to write Killing for Country. Reading list: Patrick White: A Life, David Marr, 1991 My Country: Stories, Essays & Speeches, David Marr, 2018 Killing for Country, David Marr, 2023 Septology, Jon Fosse, 2022 The Hummingbird Effect, Kate Mildenhall, 2023 You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store. Or if you want to listen to them as audiobooks, you can head to the Read This reading room on Apple Books. Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter Guest: David Marr

After the Voice to Parliament was rejected, attention turned to Canberra this week to ask what's next. But for those who held out any hope our politicians had a plan prepared to address Indigenous disadvantage, they were sorely mistaken. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper, Daniel James, on whether there's a path to treaty and what the debate will now look like in a new chapter of Indigenous affairs.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Daniel James

Australia's record on climate action places us well behind other countries.  But, at a global summit in New York last month, you'd be forgiven for thinking Australia was a climate leader, after being praised for partnering with a small pacific nation facing the worst consequences of climate change. So, how do our climate representatives manage to sell Australia as an environmental leader, while opening up new fossil fuel projects back home? Today, director of The Australia Institute climate and energy program and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Polly Hemming, on how Australia's style of climate negotiating is distracting the world from our climate truths.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Director of the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy program and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Polly Hemming.

The US Supreme Court has become extraordinarily politicised.  Judge appointments are watched like a spectator sport and decisions like the overturning of Roe v Wade blur the lines between the judicial and the political.  There's a growing concern that a movement against the High Court of Australia is borrowing tactics from the United States.  Today, lawyer and author of Courting Power Isabelle Reinecke, on the threat of the anti-court movement on Australia's justice system and why the High Court needs to be protected.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of ‘Courting Power', Isabelle Reinecke

The international community could soon bear witness to the ground invasion of Gaza, one of the most densely populated residential areas in the world. That is how Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Israel appears to have decided to retaliate after the recent attack by Hamas. It marked the greatest loss of life in a single day in Israel's history. Since then, Israel has laid a “complete siege” on Gaza, shutting off delivery of food, fuel and medicines. Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what's happening in Gaza and why this new war could reshape the Middle East. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: World editor of The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman

The “No” campaign's victory was anything but assured 12 months ago. It's victory came from the elevation of key spokespeople and talking points, cooked up by a group most Australians have never heard of: the CIS. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the secretive groups that crafted negative messaging and elevated key leaders in the successful “No” campaign.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Australians have resoundingly voted against the Voice to Parliament referendum in every state. First Nations Australians won't be recognised in the constitution, and they won't have a Voice.  It means the Uluru Statement from the Heart has been rejected and the path of Voice, Treaty, Truth is over.  Today, contributor to The Monthly and The Saturday Paper, Daniel James, on what this result says about our country and how we'll move forward after voting No.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Daniel James

Tomorrow, Australia will vote on the future of reconciliation. It's a binary question, but we're being asked to consider the country's relationship with the First Australians and how we want to conduct political discourse. The final episode in this series looks at the two different Australias we are choosing between, with someone who has spent her life in the struggle for reconciliation and understanding: Professor Marcia Langton. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Professor of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne, Marcia Langton

There was a time when conservatives could have supported the Voice, by backing a proposal brought by Indigenous Australians at the request of then prime minister Tony Abbott.  Instead, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, after months of equivocation, decided to reject the Voice with all the gusto we've come to expect from the man who walked out on the national apology. So how did it come to this? What damage is anti-Voice rhetoric doing to public debate? And do conservatives really want to do anything to close the gap? Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Federal MP for New England, Barnaby Joyce; Federal MP for Berowra, Julian Leeser

The “Yes” campaign set out to accomplish a rare feat in Australian politics: to win a majority of Australians and a majority of states. That is, to win a referendum. It began as a difficult task and has only become more gruelling as bipartisanship was lost and the polls turned. But this is a grassroots campaign, with tens of thousands of volunteers attempting to reach Australians with face-to-face conversations in time to win a majority on polling day. So how was the campaign built? And can it really overcome the huge challenge in time for Saturday's vote? Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Spokesperson for Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Thomas Mayo; Independent MP for Kooyong, Monique Ryan; Uluru Dialogue co-chair, Professor Megan Davis

Over the course of the referendum's official campaign, the case against the Voice has been dominated by the conservative “No” campaign, led by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine.  But what is the “progressive No” case – the advocates of which are predominantly First Nations people. The Blak Sovereign movement against the Voice isn't officially campaigning for its demise and isn't backed by less-than-transparent fortunes and vested interests. Their opposition comes from an entirely different place to that of the conservatives, yet reaches the same conclusion: NO.  Today we speak to the face of the “progressive No”, Senator Lidia Thorpe.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senator Lidia Thorpe

On October 14, we will be asked a question to which we must answer yes or no. While the question itself is simple, the issues in and around the debate over the proposed alteration to the nation's founding document are anything but simple. To understand how we got here and why we are voting on a Voice to Parliament, it's important to understand what happened to ATSIC, the last consultative body for Indigenous people. Its failures drive the "No" campaign and its disbandment drives the "Yes" campaign. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guests: Mick Gooda, former chief executive of ATSIC; Megan Davis, constitutional lawyer and public law expert. 

Today on the show, writer and historian Robyn Annear, with her piece from the September edition of The Monthly.  While researching the opening of the Yan Yean reservoir in the 1800s, Robyn followed a thread, unravelling the history of sewage and sewerage in Victoria. From cast-iron pissoirs and open-air urinals, to robo-dunnies and the National Public Toilet Map app, our local history of public toilets is rich with squalid detail.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: writer and historian, Robyn Annear

Australia will vote in the historic Voice to Parliament referendum in just over a week. While the “Yes” camp has lost support throughout the campaign, polls show it's making a comeback and has even flipped some outspoken “No” voters. So, what's behind the change, and will the “No” camp be able to maintain its lead? Today, contributing writer for The Monthly Rachel Withers on how Voice supporters are convincing voters and what's in store for the campaign's final week. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributing writer for The Monthly, Rachel Withers.