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Please Explain - from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, a weekly podcast that cuts through the noise to give you insight into the stories that drive the nation. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ Get in touch with the team: please…

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald


    • May 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Please Explain

    Now, it's Putin's turn. Will Xi Jinping encourage Russia to end the Ukraine war?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 23:27 Transcription Available


    Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in China to meet Xi Jinping, days after the Chinese leader hosted US President Donald Trump. Will Putin gush over Xi, as Trump was accused of doing? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses the historic concessions Trump has made to China, and what Putin is hoping to achieve from his meeting.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Almost 20 years of NAPLAN data has revealed something shocking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 15:34 Transcription Available


    It’s like clockwork. Every March, countless parents, children and teachers across Australia grip their foreheads, wondering about how their NAPLAN scores measure up. But now, a new study of our country’s national standardised scholastic test has revealed an unsettling trend. Today, education reporter Nicole Precel on the educational segregation that is thriving in Australia – and what it will take to fix it.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Angus Taylor's immigration plan would really mean

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 19:07 Transcription Available


    With the Liberal Party in a political death spiral, it was perhaps inevitable that when Opposition Leader Angus Taylor gave his budget reply speech last week, he’d swing for the fences.But could his much-awaited immigration policy help fix Australia's housing crisis?Today, chief political commentator James Massola on what Angus Taylor means when he says his policy proposal “puts Australians first”.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why Melbourne's nightclubs have been targeted by a 'Fagin-like' mystery figure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 16:38 Transcription Available


    Melbourne’s nightlife industry has been beset by violent crimes for much of this year.Under the cover of night, well-known venues - including an iconic French restaurant - have been targeted.What makes this series of connected crimes interesting is the motive remains a mystery.Some club owners have received an ominous message before an attack, but with no demand attached.Also notable is the sheer number of teenagers, some as young as 13 years old, recruited over an encrypted messaging app to carry out the crimes.Our episode today, with crime journalists Chris Vedelago and Carla Jaegar, is guest-hosted by Benjamin Preiss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Does a broken promise matter in a broken system, and Angus Taylor's migrant plan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 27:50 Transcription Available


    The federal budget was pitched as a big moment for a progressive government that wants to equalise wealth and home ownership. And one of the main attacks from the opposition is that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has had to break a promise in order to get there. So will the broken promise line resonate if the changes are broadly supported by the public? Also today, Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal talk about Coalition leader Angus Taylor’s plan to centre immigration in his budget reply speech, including that non-citizens should be blocked from welfare payments. We also check in on One Nation’s Farrer by-election win and how significant a threat the party now poses to Labor. Background reading: Budget fallout: Next tax war will be over rival income tax cuts Confused by the federal budget? We answer your questions Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Taiwan, trade and the balance of power: What's at stake when Trump meets Xi Jinping

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 23:32 Transcription Available


    When US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping this week, it will be a geopolitical heavyweight match-up with enormous stakes, according to Joe Biden’s former deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell. On the table is everything from global trade to security. And, at a time when Trump is arguably at his weakest, and Xi at his most paranoid. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher on whether Trump may inadvertently lead the United States into unilateral concessions and unintentional appeasement, and what this might mean for the rest of us. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Zoomers, boomers and a federal budget that could fix housing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 26:06 Transcription Available


    The federal government has delivered one of the most anticipated budgets in recent history, with the focus on shifting wealth from Boomers and opening more of the housing market to younger wage earners. In order to get there, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have enacted an overhaul of negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts. Today, we bring you an early episode of The Morning Edition from Parliament House in Canberra, with senior economics correspondent Shane Wright. Peter Hartcher – ‘This budget will be attacked as a nightmare. That’s exactly what the PM wants.’ Paul Sakkal – ‘Albanese gambles on support from younger Australians as he dramatically shifts wealth.’ Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Will One Nation push Labor to reshape our society?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 20:34 Transcription Available


    We’re only hours away from the federal treasurer handing down the government’s much-anticipated budget. All eyes have been on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s anticipated - and controversial - changes to taxes that benefit the wealthier members of our society.But there’s an entirely different factor that is likely to sway the government’s thinking.Today, political columnist Sean Kelly on what One Nation’s historic win on Saturday could mean for the changes to our society that the government implements, or not.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A fiery air crash in the Top End – and a miracle by Aussie doctors who saved a US marine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2026 22:53 Transcription Available


    Travis Reyes, a 21-year-old US marine, remembers feeling smug as he sat with his feet dangling out the door of a military aircraft, soaring high above a gulf in the Northern Territory.Yes, dozens of military personnel had died in these hybrid aeroplane/helicopters over the years. But the take-off from Darwin had been smooth.Today, senior reporter Grant McArthur on the 23 marines who crashed in the bush, shocking the globe. And the world-first medical experiments by quick-thinking Australian doctors aimed at helping Travis Reyes survive against all odds. Background reading Grant McArthur's full story: 'A fiery air crash, a face-eating fungus and minutes from death in the Top End: How The Alfred’s doctors saved this US marine.' Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    ‘Popcorn out' for Farrer by-election, plus the RBA's pointed comments on government spending

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 27:46 Transcription Available


    The electorate of Farrer is holding a by-election this weekend and we’re expecting the contest will be a good one. The NSW seat, which hugs the border with Victoria, belonged to former opposition leader Sussan Ley for 25 years. Now, it’s a microcosm of the pressures the Coalition is under from independent candidates and One Nation. And as Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley puts it, Labor has grabbed the popcorn and is sitting this one out. Also this week, RBA boss Michele Bullock made some unusually pointed remarks about inflation and government spending when she raised the cash rate again. Plus, we’ve been reporting on tax relief that’s expected to be announced in next week’s budget. Joining Maley today is chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal. Background reading: '‘F’ the lot of youse: Inside the deep political bitterness of the Farrer byelection.' ‘That’s assault’: One Nation volunteer grabs Liberal senator’s phone in clash outside polling booth Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Once dominant fascist powers, Japan and Germany are now saving democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 19:21 Transcription Available


    US President Donald Trump never fails to miss an opportunity to punish his allies. This week, it was Germany after Trump announced he’d be pulling 5000 troops from the country after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the US had been humiliated by Iran. But away from the front-page news, Germany and Japan – another former enemy of the US – have been on the rise. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the stunning turnabout from the two countries that have threatened world peace the most in the past – and how all this will affect us.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    David Attenborough is 100. His legacy may be very different than you think

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 26:36 Transcription Available


    For millions of people, David Attenborough was the man who introduced us to the wonders of the natural world.But, with Attenborough turning 100 years old on Friday, some are rethinking his legacy, and realising that his biggest achievement might have been missed entirely. Today environment editor Nick O’Malley and former BBC arts director Jonty Claypole talk about how the world’s most famous naturalist changed our culture.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kylie Moore-Gilbert on why Australia's hostage strategy must change

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 24:27 Transcription Available


    Kylie Moore-Gilbert was imprisoned in Iran for more than years, accused of being a spy. Five years after her release, the research fellow in security studies at Macquarie University is calling on the Australian government to change its strategy towards hostages. Today, Moore-Gilbert speaks about how the era of "quiet diplomacy" is – in some hostage cases –over.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    'This is far from over': The case of Kumanjayi Little Baby

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 18:22 Transcription Available


    On the evening of Anzac Day, a man is alleged to have set in motion a series of events that sparked a national outcry, broke hearts, and ignited rage in Alice Springs.Today's episode comes after the news that 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis was charged on Sunday with the murder of a five-year-old girl in a tiny Alice Springs community.We cross to the Northern Territory to journalist Hannah Murphy, from WA Today, on the case of Kumanjayi Little Baby. Background reading: Jefferson Lewis charged with murder over death of Kumanjayi Little Baby. A week on, Alice Springs is a town forever changed. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why young people are so angry about housing, and whether this budget will fix it

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 27:23 Transcription Available


    Inflation figures were out this week, and it wasn’t good news. Next week’s interest rates figures from the Reserve Bank aren't looking crash hot either. So how do these results impact Jim Chalmers’ impending budget and what are the chances the treasurer will press ahead with changes to taxes and housing? We also chat about the government’s new favourite buzzwords from ‘intergenerational equity’ to ‘resilience’ and what they really mean. And finally, we discuss whether Angus Taylor’s argument that Welcome to Country greetings were overused was a dog whistle from the opposition leader, or reflects a broad sentiment in the community. Joining host Jacqueline Maley this week are chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mark Butler on the NDIS, private health and vaccine hesitancy 

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 47:11 Transcription Available


    When the National Disability Insurance Scheme was created in 2013, it was proof that a rich society could find the money to help people living with a disability. This was social democracy at work. Twelve years on, it has turned into a $62 billion behemoth, on track to cost more than the age pension. The Albanese government last week admitted the scheme was at risk of collapse. It announced a root-and-branch overhaul to remove 300,000 Australians from the scheme in the space of a few years. The man leading the contentious reform agenda is Health Minister Mark Butler. The 55-year-old South Australian has emerged as one of Labor’s most energetic ministers, taking on big tasks in aged care, tobacco control and disability support. He’s also been asked if he might be the next Labor leader after Anthony Albanese. He joins this bonus episode of Inside Politics with chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal. Background reading Natassia Chrysanthos and Paul Sakkal – New NDIS eligibility tool will be ‘relatively blind’ to diagnoses. Natassia Chrysanthos – ‘Am I disabled enough?’ The question autistic participants are asking after NDIS overhaul. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Peter Hartcher answers your questions about Iran, Trump and the state of the world

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 44:48 Transcription Available


    Regular listeners will know Peter Hartcher – he’s our international and political editor and a weekly voice on The Morning Edition, helping us dissect and process the extraordinary times that we’re living in. Every week we get a lot of comments from our listeners, so we put a call out for the burning questions you’ve wanted to ask Hartcher. Today we've collated a selection of them for this special episode. Background reading Peter Hartcher's latest column – Trump says he’s won the war. No one has told the Iranians. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Australian philanthropist and the alleged $1.6 million sequin-studded fraud

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 14:58 Transcription Available


    It's shaping up to be a story of profound betrayal – if the allegations are proven in court. On the one hand is one of Australia's most influential and richest philanthropists, a woman who doesn't use email or indeed a computer. On the other is her personal secretary, whom she entrusted with access to her intimate personal and financial details. Today, chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont on the case of Judith Neilson, Annalouise Spence and the alleged $1.6 million sequin-studded fraud.Background reading Kate McClymont's story – 'Profound betrayal’: The billionaire and her secretary’s $1.5m sequin-studded fraud. And ‘Overwhelming case’: Billionaire’s ex-secretary refused bail over alleged $1.6m fraud. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump and the Washington attack: This shooting is different

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 20:57 Transcription Available


    Within hours of the shooting, right outside where US President Donald Trump was dining at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, the American president was venting his anger. Not, notably, about the gunman firing shots in the lobby of the hotel. But at a journalist who read out what the suspected shooter allegedly thinks about Trump. Today Bruce Wolpe, a senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre, on why this shooting differs - in such a crucial and dangerous way - from the two attempts on Trump's life during the 2024 election campaign, and the reckoning that is now spreading throughout Washington as a result. Further reading: Inside the pandemonium at the Washington Hilton ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’: Alleged shooter’s manifesto says he was targeting Trump officials And just a note, after recording this episode, Cole Tomas Allen, was charged - on Tuesday, Australian time - with an attempted assassination of Donald Trump. According to a note Allan reportedly sent family members minutes before the attack, he believed that it was his duty to target Trump administration officials. Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in Washington, has said that additional charges would be brought against him.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Airtasker of the underworld, offshore gangs and the uniquely Australian crime

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 13:20 Transcription Available


    Prohibition-era gangs, mafia dons, the notorious Melbourne’s gangland wars and the rise of flashy outlaw motorcycle gangs.Crime in Australia has had a few iterations, and has mirrored crime occurring in the rest of the world.But now we’re in a new era.Today investigative reporter Marta Pascual Juanola on how organised crime has changed and the uniquely Australian trend that has emerged.Read Marta's story on organised crime here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Labor's baby a ‘honeypot of fraud' and the gas tax's viral moment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 25:20 Transcription Available


    Today, we are talking about one of the federal budget’s trickiest customers - the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Labor was once like a proud parent of the NDIS, but now even the minister in charge, Mark Butler, is describing the scheme as a honeypot for organised crime. Also this week, an inquiry about taxing offshore gas exports went kind of viral due to a David Pocock question about beer and an appearance from a podcaster called Punters Politics. Joining host Jacqueline Maley is chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and federal political correspondent Natassia Chrysanthos. Background reading Natassia Chrysanthos’ latest story on the NDIS All of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald’s political news and analysis. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The ‘axis of upheaval' that's forming against the West

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 22:57 Transcription Available


    Since the Cold War ended more than 35 years ago, many of us have likely not given much thought to Bloc warfare. Those nuclear threats that the Western and Eastern Blocs hurled at each other? A thing of the past. But lately, the beginnings of a return to Bloc warfare have revealed themselves. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the group of countries that are assisting each other to fight wars. And why few have heard of their grouping. Next Thursday, we'll be airing a special episode with Peter, in which he will be answering your questions. So if you have any questions about the state of our world that you've been dying to ask Peter, or a topic you'd love him to discuss, emails us at podcasts@nine.com.au and we may feature it on air next week. Background reading Peter Hartcher's article: Trump’s madcap folly emboldening this ‘axis of upheaval’ Peter Hartcher's columns and stories. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The likely change to the capital gains tax and the 'Ponzi scheme' of housing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 20:32 Transcription Available


    Treasurer Jim Chalmers is slated to make a big change to the tax system, with the centrepiece of the May budget a change to taxing capital gains on property. Will the likely tweaks reduce skyrocketing house prices, or address intergenerational inequality? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright talks about who this change will cost, who it will benefit, and by how much.Background reading: Shane Wright's story, 'CGT like it's 1999.' The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age's up-to-date political coverage. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The uprising in women's basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 19:23 Transcription Available


    There’s been something of a revolt in women’s basketball in the United States, and two Australians – Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor – are among the biggest winners.Today, sports reporter Frances Howe on the multimillion-dollar deals netted by these Australian stars, as a result of a very simple demand, and what it means for women in sport. Background reading The Age and Sydney Morning Herald's series on Australia's richest athletes. Frances Howes' story on the WNBA. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Lego became the black market's hottest trade

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2026 14:34 Transcription Available


    Just picture it: under the cover of night, police detectives raid a clandestine drug lab in Melbourne belonging to an organised crime gang. But instead of picking through just the usual: beakers, wads of cash and perhaps the unmistakable acetone odour of ICE, they stumble on something else.Boxes upon boxes – upon BOXES – of Lego.Today, senior reporter Chris Vedelago on why your kids’ favourite toy has become the underworld’s new favourite currency, and why it’s so good for laundering dirty money.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    No ‘drill baby drill' moment: Chris Bowen on oil shock's impact on green Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 37:11 Transcription Available


    A fire at a Geelong oil refinery - one of two refineries left in Australia - has heightened anxiety around fuel supply. Energy Minister Chris Bowen joins the Inside Politics podcast today to address the impact of this fire and the scramble for petrol and diesel imports as the nation grapples with one of the most severe oil shocks in history. The pugilistic minister, a lighting rod in the debate about Australia's renewable energy transition, joins chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and energy correspondent Mike Foley to discuss the rocky path to a green economy, and Australia's position to deal with the war and subsequent energy crisis. You can read Sakkal and Foley's story on our websites here, and all our federal political coverage here.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump or Netanyahu – who pushed who into the Iran war?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 24:33 Transcription Available


    Seven weeks into the US-Israel war with Iran, the narrative that Donald Trump was pushed into the war by Benjamin Netanyahu, and that the US president is an agent of Israel, still permeates the internet.How much truth is there to these claims?Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher talks about who really is driving the war, and why it matters.Read Hartcher's column here.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My niece needs the NDIS. Yes, it must be cut – but with a scalpel, not a chainsaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 19:02 Transcription Available


    As our journalist James Massola put it, his niece Mattea is like most three-year-olds: boisterous and bursting with energy.Mattea is also not like most three-year-olds: from the moment she was born, her parents have had to grapple with a complex set of problems that make life very different.I’m Samantha Selinger-Morris, and you’re listening to The Morning Edition, from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.Today, chief political commentator James Massola on Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme and what next month’s expected cuts to the scheme really mean.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "Harry and Meghan's grifting”: What they're doing Down Under

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 22:53 Transcription Available


    For years, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have been tanking in popularity polls. Meghan is now the second-most disliked royal, beaten only by the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.So why is this faux-royal tour occurring down under when the British monarchy is arguably on the nose?Today, senior writer Bevan Shields comments on recent bullying accusations against Prince Harry, what they're doing here this week - and how much they're charging us for the pleasure.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Albanese's gambling reform – big money versus the 'nanny state'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2026 19:09 Transcription Available


    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been slammed – over the course of years – for failing to crack down on the more than 1 million gambling ads broadcast every year on Australia's free-to-air TV and radio, not to mention the rest of our gambling industry, which has driven some families to financial ruin.Then, finally, just over a week ago, came the prime minister’s announcement of a gambling overhaul.Today, business reporter Kishor Napier-Raman on just how much so-called “filthy money” our government is taking away from stakeholders, and if there’s any chance these reforms might break the link between children and sports wagering.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Matt Canavan on his love of EVs, and calling out Pauline Hanson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 53:46 Transcription Available


    The new leader of the Nationals, Matt Canavan, is a former Marxist from the suburbs who was once a Productivity Commission economist and then, a firebrand right-wing senator. Canavan joins Inside Politics today with chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal at a time when the Nationals are battling for survival against an ascendant One Nation. The pair discuss Australia's over-reliance on the US, Canavan's dislike of identity politics, his surprising love of electric vehicles and, to cap it off, religion.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Peter Hartcher: Donald Trump is now a ‘genocidal tyrant'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 22:22 Transcription Available


    US President Donald Trump has backed down, at the eleventh hour, from his horrifying threat to - as Trump put it himself - unleash destruction on Iran’s entire civilisation. Both sides have now said they have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on how to make sense of the events of the last 24 hours. And whether in two weeks, the world is likely to be, yet again, on the brink of carnage.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nick McKenzie on the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 16:50 Transcription Available


    The Australian Federal Police today arrested war hero Ben Roberts-Smith over the war-crimes murders of five unarmed Afghan civilians and prisoners during the Afghan War.The arrest comes after a quiet, five-year-long investigation into Roberts-Smith, which reportedly involved tapped phones, listening devices, and raids by secretive Office of the Special Investigator detectives.Today, investigative reporters Nick McKenzie and Michael Bachelard reveal how this arrest unfolded, and what happens next.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The court judgment that could change the treatment of Australian women giving birth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 18:13 Transcription Available


    There was a significant judgment in a Victorian court last week, one that is causing a great deal of controversy in the medical community.The case centres on what happened when a woman presented to a regional hospital to give birth.The woman, Larissa Gawthrop, was in labour – but the hospital refused to admit her until she’d undergone a vaginal examination. For the hospital, this test is routine, but Gawthrop had been really clear in her birth plan – she’d only consent to an examination if there was an urgent medical reason.What happened next, according to the court decision, was tantamount to assault, and the judge awarded Gawthrop $275,000 in damages.Today, senior writer Wendy Tuohy discusses the landmark case and its implications for the medical community.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Australian study linked vaping to cancer for the first time. Why all the backlash?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 17:26 Transcription Available


    Many of us probably have a hunch that vaping is bad for our health.Questions about just how bad have been around for years.So why, then, has there been a backlash by health researchers against a new study, that has now declared that the evidence is in, and e-cigarettes are likely to cause oral and lung cancer?Today, science reporter Angus Dalton on the main warnings contained in this Australian study.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A national address, nailing down the budget, and Hastie's ‘striking' interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 27:57 Transcription Available


    This week we debate the merits of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s national address before getting stuck into what’s happening with the budget. With the world in a bit of a shambles, we found it interesting that the PM hasn’t totally killed off the idea of reforms in the budget to things such as capital gains tax and negative gearing. But, as our guest and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright says, this is the most difficult budget to piece together since the response to the global financial crisis in 2008. Finally, host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal talk about a fascinating interview Andrew Hastie gave recently.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Peter Hartcher: Donald Trump is on the cusp of walking away from Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 23:06 Transcription Available


    US President Donald Trump says he’s nearly done with the war in Iran, declaring: "We will be leaving very soon." His secretary of state also said on Wednesday that he can "see the finish line". This would be significant, but only if the Americans were in control of the war. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher argues the United States has leached power in this war, while the Iranian regime is in its element.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nick McKenzie on how North Korean spies are infiltrating Australian companies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 19:02 Transcription Available


    Investigative reporter Nick McKenzie logged on to a Zoom call to meet the man who said he was Aaron Pierson. McKenzie was also hiding his real identity, posing as a recruiter for an Australian tech company. The whole thing was a set-up, a trap for someone McKenzie suspected to be a spy for North Korea. Today, McKenzie talks about the new way spies are targeting Australian businesses, and what happened in that Zoom call.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Albanese has a petrol plan. Will it help, or boost inflation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 17:15 Transcription Available


    The government has finally announced its national fuel security plan to help us cope with one of the worst global oil crisis the world has seen.After meeting with the heads of all states and territories in a special meeting of the national cabinet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was acting now to be “overprepared" for any worsening of the crisis that has resulted from the war in the Middle East - now in its fifth week, and showing no signs of stopping.Today, hear federal political correspondent Natassia Chrysanthos on what relief Australians will get out of this plan, and whether the government’s measures will boost inflation.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The dramatic end to the hunt for Dezi Freeman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 8:35 Transcription Available


    In a sudden conclusion to one of Australia’s most intensive manhunts, self-described sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman was shot dead by police on Monday morning. For more than 200 days, Freeman evaded police after killing two police officers at a rural property in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s High Country, on August 26 last year. In a bonus episode today, crime reporter Melissa Cunningham on how the deadly saga of Dezi Freeman came to an end. For all the latest on this story, visit theage.com.au or smh.com.au.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    After the flood: Exploring the link between disasters and dementia

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 19:44 Transcription Available


    When the murky and fast-flowing water surged into their house in northern Victoria, Brian and Glenys Mulcahey were determined. They would save their home of more than 50 years.In the end, they couldn’t. But what they didn’t know then, during that devastating flood in 2022, was that the worst was still to come.For Brian Mulcahey was never the same again; the previously active man slid into a state of listlessness, and was later sent to a mental health facility.Today, regional editor Benjamin Preiss on the link between dementia and natural disasters.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The EU trade deal, and One Nation's South Australian election

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 28:27 Transcription Available


    This week, while we were all freaking out about the oil crisis – and rightly so – European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen visited to finalise a trade deal between Australia and the EU. Negotiations for this have been on and off for eight years, so it was not a moment too soon that we signed it. But, as Jacqueline Maley and Paul Sakkal discuss, this wasn't just about delicious foodstuffs from Europe, and indeed, Europeans getting access to our delicious foodstuffs; it was also about shoring up our strategic security in a very uncertain time. And, we also talk about One Nation's election unexpected result in South Australia.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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