Saturday Magazine

Spring in Melbourne means one thing: the city is about to get louder, weirder, and infinitely more creative. The 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival kicks off next Tuesday, September 29th, bringing three massive weeks of theatre, cabaret, circus, and comedy across more than a hundred venues. This year's theme is ‘Turn Towards the Heat’—a challenge to lean into artistic risk, lean into raw ideas, and step away from safe, cookie-cutter entertainment. QFWFQ by Gregory Nussen Winner of ‘Best Solo Show' and the ‘Sydney Fringe Exchange Award' at the 2025 Hollywood Fringe, with an additional four nominations including a BroadwayWorld LA nod for ‘Best Solo Show'. A surrealist labyrinth that stretches time and space. Inspired by Italo Calvino's ‘If On a Winter's Night' a Traveler, this razor-sharp, absurdly funny and deeply personal show breaks all genres and has no fourth wall. Join Gregory Nussen as they rummage through the power and peril of storytelling, growing up Jewish and queer, the genocide in Gaza, and the art that saves your life. QFWFQ neither begins, nor ends. Lord of the Flies  It was a game… wasn’t it? A gripping, contemporary encounter with a timeless story. In this fresh, highly physical staging of Nigel Williams' adaptation of Lord of the Flies, award-winning director Steven Mitchell Wright (MEDEA: Out of the Mouths of Babes, Ghosts) leads an ensemble of performers through a visceral retelling of William Golding's literary classic.  Play turns to ritual. Loyalty becomes leverage. Fear redraws the map. In creating their own world, they expose the truths beneath ours: the impulses we carry, the systems we defend, and how little it takes to break them.  Bold, thrilling and deeply human, this production invites us to consider what rises when structure falls away. It asks us what happens when leadership slips into tyranny, fears birth myths, and the line between civilisation and brutality dissolves underfoot.  A gripping, contemporary encounter with a timeless story, one that speaks to the world we live in now as urgently, if not more urgently, than when it was first written. SLUGS It's about nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. We promise. An electro-punk concert, a play, a clown show, and a basement puppet nightmare all rolled into one from award-winning performance/comedy duo Creepy Boys (S.E. Grummett & Sam Kruger). Join us for a technocolour acid trip where you'll meet puppet Joni Mitchell, a two-person horse and every body part we have, and try to have a good time while the world burns. For tonight, at least, we are free. RHOMBOID The Melbourne premiere of Eric Jiang’s funny and touching play Rhomboid. Xavier meets Sebastian in high school. They instantly hit it off, but it doesn't take long for things to get complicated. Moving through university and into the real world, they miss each other, find new partners, have chaotic encounters, and make their own way. For Xavier, the allure of a promising future smashes into a murky reality – especially as a queer Asian-Australian. As he fumbles through relationships and unusual friendships, Xavier continues to orbit Sebastian, sometimes closely, sometimes from afar, infuriating him and craving him in equal measure as they gradually figure out what they mean to each other. Presented by fortyfivedownstairs, Margot Morales (And She Would Stand Like This, Antipodes Theatre) directs the Melbourne premiere of this funny and touching play by Eric Jiang (Lacuna, Griffin Theatre) about the unexpected forms love takes. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Danny Delahunty, Creative Director & CEO, Melbourne Fringe appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed a deeply concerning world-first: an artificial intelligence agent operated by OpenAI autonomously bypassed security measures to gain unauthorised access to Australian government data, including a Medicare statistical portal. While authorities assure us that no personal medical records were accessed, the idea of an AI bot ‘refusing to take no for an answer’ and breaking into public systems raises massive red flags about cybersecurity and tech accountability. To break down how this happened and what it means for our digital safety, we're joined by Professor Nigel Phair from the Department of Software Systems and Cybersecurity at Monash University. Welcome to Saturday Magazine, Professor. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Prof Nigel Phair Dpt. of Software Systems & Cybersecurity, Dept of Information Technology, Monash Uni appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us now on Joy 94.9's Saturday Magazine is Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia. Every four and a half years, Australia's human rights record is put under the microscope by the international community at the United Nations in Geneva. Following our latest Universal Periodic Review, member states issued over 300 recommendations to strengthen human rights in Australia—including nine specifically designed to protect LGBTIQ+ people. However, the Federal Government has formally responded by rejecting every single one of those nine LGBTIQ+ recommendations. LGBTIQ+ Australians were the only marginalised group where not a single recommendation was accepted. Anna, welcome back to Saturday Magazine.” On 25 June 2026, Equality Australia issued a statement criticizing the Federal Government’s response to Australia's fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council. The government rejected all nine recommendations specific to LGBTIQ+ rights—making LGBTIQ+ Australians the only marginalized group to have 100% of its dedicated recommendations declined. Total Recommendations Received: 332 recommendations from over 120 member states. LGBTIQ+ Specific Recommendations: 9 total. Acceptance Rate for LGBTIQ+ Recommendations: 0% (0 accepted out of 9). Comparative Status: Recommendations were accepted or noted across all other categories, including First Nations Australians, women, children, people with disabilities, older people, and refugees. Policy Area Key Recommending Nations Core Policy Issue Current Domestic Status Religious Exemptions in Education Belgium, Iceland, Mexico Remove exemptions under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 allowing religious schools to discriminate against staff and students. Pending ALRC report implementation; Federal Labor has delayed promised protections. Intersex Bodily Autonomy UN Peer Nations Enact nationwide bans on non-consensual, medically unnecessary cosmetic surgeries on intersex children. ACT is the only Australian jurisdiction with legal protections; federal framework absent. Conversion Practices UN Peer Nations Establish a federally coordinated ban on gay/trans conversion practices. Patchwork protection across VIC, ACT, SA, and NSW; no overarching federal protection. Anti-Stigma & Anti-Violence UN Peer Nations Fund public education campaigns and national strategies to combat anti-LGBTIQ+ hate crimes and violence. Lack of dedicated federal funding for national education or targeted anti-vilification laws. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Anna Brown, CEO, Equality Aust, Government rejection of all UN recommendations on improving LGBTQIA+ rights   appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us on Joy 94.9’s Saturday Magazine is Chris Maher, co-host of Joy's flagship footy show, GAYFL. We're just a few hours away from the 2026 AFL Grand Final, and the storylines couldn't be bigger. On one side, we have the Brisbane Lions chasing a rare and historic premiership three-peat. On the other, the Fremantle Dockers, who are hunting their first-ever flag in the club’s history. Add headline acts like Kylie Minogue and G Flip, and it's set to be an iconic day at the MCG. Chris, welcome to the show. Pre-Game Entertainment & Queer Pop Royalty “With Kylie Minogue and G Flip hitting the MCG stage, this feels like one of the gayest Grand Final pre-match shows in AFL history. How big is the excitement in the community for this entertainment lineup?” Fremantle Dockers: Chasing their maiden premiership since joining the league in 1995. Playing in just their second decider after overcoming Sydney in the preliminary final. Brisbane Lions: Aiming to become only the second club in modern history to win three consecutive flags (following their 2024 and 2025 titles). They reached the final after a thrilling preliminary final win over Hawthorn. Head-to-Head: The teams last played in May 2026, with Fremantle defeating Brisbane by 25 points at the Gabba. Pre-Match Lineup: Pop icon Kylie Minogue is headlining the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment alongside local queer favourite G Flip, making it one of the most anticipated Grand Final shows in recent memory. Sponsorship Protest (“Tame Impala effect”): A massive talking point heading into the final has been the fan-led “Woodside, get off my chest” campaign targeting Fremantle’s gas sponsor. High-profile fans (including Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and politician Josh Wilson) have made headlines by taping over the logo on their Dockers guernseys. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Chris Maher, Co-host of GAYFL on Joy 94.9; ‘The 2026 Grand Final’. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Dr Tim Read, the Victorian Greens MP for Brunswick, has passed away aged 64 after a battle with metastatic melanoma. Earlier this week, we were saddened to learn of the death of Victorian Greens MP Dr Tim Read at age 64 following a high-profile fight with metastatic cancer. Dr Read served as the Member for Brunswick from 2018 until his passing, bringing a rare combination of scientific rigor, medical expertise, and profound personal integrity to state parliament. Before entering politics, Dr Read was a general practitioner, a medical researcher specialising in sexual health, and a long-time public health campaigner—from his early days spray-painting health warnings on tobacco billboards with BUGA-UP, through to his final months passionately defending public health promotion and VicHealth. Described by colleagues on all sides of politics as a man of genuine conviction, humility, and warmth, Dr Read left a lasting legacy through legislative reforms in pill testing, public health, anti-corruption oversight, and human rights. Let's revisit our conversation with Dr Tim Read. Dr Tim Read, the Victorian Greens MP for Brunswick, has passed away aged 64 after a battle with metastatic melanoma. From Direct Action to Medical Practice Dr Read's passion for public health and political activism began in his early twenties. In the mid-1980s, while studying medicine, he was an active member of BUGA-UP (Billboard-Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions), taking direct action against legal tobacco billboard advertising by spray-painting health warnings across Melbourne. He went on to earn a PhD while working at a public HIV and sexual health clinic. His research spanned HIV treatment, prevention, and strategies to treat antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted infections. As the only medical doctor serving in the Victorian Parliament during the COVID-19 pandemic, his background provided critical scientific leadership to the public debate. Parliamentary Career & Legislative Impact Dr Read first contested the federal seat of Wills in 2013 and stood for the state seat of Brunswick in 2014 before winning the electorate in 2018. Over his eight years in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, he served as the Greens spokesperson for Health, Justice, Integrity, and Science and chaired Parliament's Integrity and Oversight Committee. His legislative advocacy delivered several significant public policy reforms, including: Implementation of pill testing trials Licensing reforms for tobacco sales Abolition of public drunkenness laws Elimination of restrictions on gay men donating blood Statutory bans on solitary confinement in state prisons Statewide health plans to eradicate congenital syphilis and HIV transmission Final Campaign for VicHealth After scans revealed his cancer had metastasised, Dr Read announced in January that he would not contest the upcoming election. He dedicated his final months in office to campaigning against the Victorian Government's decision to close VicHealth, the health promotion foundation established in 1987. Reflecting on his own diagnosis, Dr Read noted that early sun-safety messaging championed by VicHealth might have reduced his own melanoma risk had it existed during his youth, warning that defunding health prevention represented a “false economy”. Cross-Party Respect Tributes across political lines reflected Dr Read’s standing as one of the state’s most respected lawmakers. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell remembered him as “the most liked MP in state parliament,” combining “conviction, integrity, wit and genuine humility.” Premier Ben Carroll and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson echoed those sentiments, commending his sincerity, commitment to anti-corruption reform, and unwavering focus on making life better for others. In his valedictory speech, Dr Read captured his own philosophy on public service: “Politics is hope in motion. We politicians might want our opponents to lose their seats, but we cannot help but feel some warmth towards those we work with.” Aiv Puglielli MLC, Vic Greens, N. E. Metro, Victorian Greens Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region; Greens Spokesperson for LGBTQIA+ Equality, Health, and Harm Reduction. Aiv is representing the Greens on two major health and community issues: honoring the parliamentary and clinical legacy of the late Dr Tim Read MP, and championing the newly launched Melbourne HIV Consensus Statement 2026 ahead of the November Victorian State Election. Joining us on Joy 94.9’s Saturday Magazine is Aiv Puglielli, Victorian Greens Member for North-Eastern Metro and state spokesperson for LGBTQIA+ Equality. Today we reflect on the passing of former Greens MP and doctor Tim Read, whose career in sexual health and public advocacy helped lay the groundwork for major health reform across Victoria. We also look at a historic milestone: the sector-wide call for Victoria to become one of the first places in the world to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2030. Aiv, welcome to the show. Aiv, before we look at the election commitments in the new HIV Consensus Statement, we’ve recently lost your Greens colleague Dr Tim Read. Can you tell us a little about what Tim meant to you?  Dr Tim Read's Legacy & Public Health Clinical & Political Career: Dr Read worked as a sexual health doctor and HIV researcher before serving as the Member for Brunswick. His career bridged direct clinical care with political advocacy—from early BUGA-UP billboard campaigns to legislative reform on pill testing, public drunkenness, and blood donation restrictions. VicHealth Defence: In his final year, Dr Read fought against the closure of VicHealth, emphasising that investment in health promotion and prevention prevents far greater costs down the line. The Melbourne HIV Consensus Statement 2026 The Goal: Virtually eliminate HIV transmission in Victoria by 2030 (aiming for 95% diagnosed, 98% on treatment, 98% virally suppressed, and 95% at-risk using prevention). Victoria missed its earlier 2025 deadline. Economic Argument: University of Melbourne research demonstrates that every averted HIV infection saves approximately $282,000 in direct lifetime healthcare costs. Key Gaps: Progress is uneven. Diagnoses remain a challenge among overseas-born gay and bisexual men, heterosexual populations, and regional Victorians.  Equity & Cost Reform PBS Co-Payment: Victoria is the last major Australian state charging a PBS co-payment for HIV treatment (NSW, QLD, and SA have waived it). Medicare Ineligibility: Migrants, international students, and temporary visa holders still face high barriers to accessing PrEP, PEP, and rapid treatment. Stigma, U=U, and Workforce Stigma in healthcare settings remains a massive deterrent to testing. How do we bring Victorian law and health practice up to speed with the science of Undetectable = Un-transmittable (U=U)?” “Preventing an infection saves around $282,000 in lifetime costs. What is your message to the major parties who might cite budget pressures as a reason to delay funding these community services? Metric / Issue Current Status / Target Policy Solution in Consensus Statement Lifetime Cost Savings $282,000 saved per averted infection Full upfront investment in prevention toolkits (PrEP, PEP, condoms). Victorian HIV Plan Targets 95% diagnosed / 98% on treatment / 98% suppressed / 95% at-risk on PrEP Resource the plan to hit targets; release the overdue 2025–26 mid-point review. PBS Co-Payment Victoria is the last big state charging co-pays Waive PBS co-payments for HIV medication, matching NSW, QLD, and SA. Medicare Ineligibility Temporary visa holders face high out-of-pocket costs State-funded PrEP, PEP, and rapid treatment initiation within 2 weeks. Public Health Principle Nothing About Us, Without Us Sustainable, long-term funding for community-controlled & peer-led health services. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: On-Air Tribute & Profile: Dr Tim Read (1962–2026); : Aiv Puglielli MLC, Vic Greens, N. E. Metro appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

 Joining Macca and Paul live on air,  is a true powerhouse in the global movement for equality. A former head of global litigation for Apple, she went on to serve nearly a decade as the Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign—quadrupling its size and turning it into the United States’ premiere LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization. She has navigated the highest corridors of corporate and political power to fight for our rights, and today she remains one of America's sharpest minds on workplace equality, constitutional freedom, and civil rights strategy. Welcome to Saturday Magazine, Elizabeth Birch. Workplace Equality & DEI Backlash At events like the Picturing Equality Symposium, you emphasize corporate responsibility. How are American companies holding the line on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in an era where DEI programs are being actively targeted by conservative legal activists?” “When you led litigation at Apple in the 90s, corporate advocacy was radical. Is the current corporate pullback just a temporary trend, or a long-term threat to workplace safety? In Australia some organisations are noticing a pull-back in public support – how do you keep corporate engagement up in tough times? Press Freedom & Constitutional Safeguards “With media outlets being stripped of access or threatened by political figures, do you feel the average American realises how tied LGBTQIA+ rights are to a free, independent press?” “Do you see a path for legal challenges against these press exclusions under First Amendment law, or have the courts shifted too far right to offer protection?” Do you see light at the end of the tunnel?  Healthcare Bans & The Resistance “The North Dakota Supreme Court's decision to uphold the youth healthcare ban is a devastating blow. Where do families and advocates turn when state supreme courts shut the door on constitutional appeals?” “Given the wave of state-level restrictions, where are you seeing the most effective resistance—is it in federal court battles, ballot initiatives, or grassroots mutual aid?” The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Elizabeth Birch; Fmr Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) (1995–2004); fmr Worldwide Dir. of Litigation at Apple Computer. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news, views, reviews of the week; leading up to the 2026 Grandfinal; what’s coming up on this week’s programme, Fringe festival and so much more. The post Sat, 26th, Sept, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us live on the Saturday Magazine to break down all things television is Steven Molk from TV Blackbox. With the dust settling on the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards and local networks gearing up for a packed spring line-up, Molk is here to walk us through the big winners, the host’s performance, and the hottest Australian shows landing on our screens. Welcome back to JOY, Molk!  78th Emmy Awards Highlights & Trends Host Performance: Mariska Hargitay took on hosting duties for the September 14 ceremony as part of NBC’s 100th-anniversary milestone. Moving away from traditional stand-up comedians, Hargitay leaned into TV royalty nostalgia. Major Winners: HBO Max's medical drama The Pitt took out Outstanding Drama Series, while comedy Widow's Bay (Apple TV) swept the night with 14 total wins. Apple TV's Pluribus also made waves with Rhea Seehorn taking home Lead Actress in a Drama Series.  Domestic Australian TV Landscape & Streaming Originals Local Drama Push: Paramount+ recently launched Dalliance, a high-profile Australian drama starring Hugo Weaving and Georgie Parker. Genre Experiments: Stan revealed first looks at its upcoming horror-comedy series Gnomes (featuring Megan Smart, Asa Butterfield, and Nina Oyama), where garden gnomes come to life with murderous intent. This points to a trend of Aussie streamers taking bigger creative risks. Upfronts Season Approaching: Channel 9 and Stan's Upfronts have just happened which should be exciting The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Steven Molk TV Critic, Industry Analyst & Co-Founder of TV Blackbox appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Rachel Payne are joined live on air by, Michelle Reynolds,  Director – Advocacy and Policy, Inner Melbourne Community Legal. Michelle Reynolds is the Director of Advocacy and Policy at Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL). In this role, she oversees strategic advocacy and policy development, working extensively with IMCL’s Police Accountability Project. She is a leading voice on legal reform and social justice issues in Victoria, focusing heavily on systemic police accountability, public housing advocacy, and the rights of marginalised communities. Police impunity could be collateral damage to IBAC ‘follow-the-money’ reforms The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Michelle Reynolds, Director, Advocacy and Policy, Inner Melbourne Community Legal appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

  Joining us live in the studio this morning is Felix Ralph, a leading criminal defence lawyer from law firm Marshall Jovanovska Ralph. As the federal parliament pushes forward with major reforms to the Online Safety Act—including the introduction of a statutory ‘Digital Duty of Care’ for social media platforms—Felix is here to unpack what these legislative shifts mean for corporate liability, digital free expression, and individual rights online. Welcome to JOY, Felix. The proposal for a “Digital Duty of Care” amends the framework under the Online Safety Act 2021. Rather than relying solely on reactive takedown notices administered by the eSafety Commissioner, it imposes an affirmative legal duty on platforms to design safer digital environments and mitigate systemic risks (e.g., algorithmic amplification of self-harm, cyberbullying, hate speech, and deepfakes). Legal Duty vs. Free Speech Concerns: Legal scholars and civil liberties advocates raise concerns over “chilling effects.” If platforms face heavy civil penalties or corporate liability for failing their duty of care, their automated moderation tools may over-regulate, censoring legitimate speech, political commentary, or LGBTQIA+ community discussions. Algorithmic Accountability & Opt-Outs: A central debate surrounds recommendation algorithms. Implementing a duty of care could force platforms to give users direct controls—such as chronological feed opt-outs—and demand transparent risk assessments before launching new platform features or AI models. Enforcement & Constitutional Boundaries: Key legal questions remain regarding the eSafety Commissioner’s enforcement powers, standard-of-proof thresholds, potential class action liabilities, and whether these state-level/federal restrictions withstand implied constitutional protections for freedom of political communication. Section 25C(2) & Ministerial Discretion: The exposure draft of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 sets out 13 explicit categories of “seriously harmful material and conduct” under Section 25C(1). However, Section 25C(2) creates a broad catch-all power allowing the Communications Minister to declare any additional material or conduct as “seriously harmful” via subordinate legislative instruments if they are satisfied it “may cause serious harm”. Critics argue this creates an expandable regulatory ratchet where executive power can bypass primary parliamentary debate to reclassify controversial speech, political advocacy, or social commentary as legally harmful. The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Felix Ralph, Criminal Defence, Technology & Media Lawyer; Digital Duty of Care. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us this morning on Saturday Magazine is Sophie McNeill, Greens Member of the Legislative Council in Western Australia. Before entering parliament in 2025, Sophie spent over fifteen years on the frontlines of global conflict as a Walkley Award–winning foreign correspondent for the ABC and SBS, followed by leading investigative research for Human Rights Watch. McNeill has been a prominent voice in the anti-AUKUS campaign, particularly focused on Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling in WA. Sovereignty risks, the massive $368 billion price tag diverted away from public housing and health, nuclear waste disposal concerns, and the militarisation of local communities. She has also campaigned against state anti-protest laws surrounding arms fairs (such as the Land Forces exposition). As a former ABC Middle East correspondent who produced Walkley-winning coverage in Gaza and author of We Can’t Say We Didn’t Know, McNeill brings personal field experience to parliamentary advocacy. Calling for an immediate end to Australian arms exports and dual-use component supply to Israel, federal sanctions, human rights accountability, and advocating for Palestinian self-determination and refugee protections. The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and hyperscale data centres across Australia is putting severe pressure on state energy grids and net-zero targets. Data centres consume vast amounts of electricity and water, often delaying the phase-out of fossil fuels or sucking up renewable energy capacity meant to power homes. McNeill argues that unconstrained tech infrastructure undermines state emissions reduction commitments and diverts resources from genuine climate action. The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Sophie McNeill MLC, Greens Upper House MP for Western Australia, former ABC Middle East Foreign Correspondent & Human Rights Watch Researcher appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us for our weekly political pulse-check is Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and Contributing Editor for The New Daily. Known for cutting straight through Canberra’s noise and spin, Amy is here to break down the latest media culture wars, truth in political advertising, and the policy debates dominating federal parliament. Welcome back to Saturday Magazine, Amy. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced plans to curb migration to Australia, reducing numbers to 245,000 this year and 225,000 next financial year. One Nation wants Australia to have 0 net overseas migration for the next three years and then 130,000 after that, and the Coalition wants migration numbers to be between 150,000 to 170,000 people. Burke wants to increase the value of skilled permanent migration, with housing construction tradespeople to receive the same recognition as those with university degrees. Priority will be given to construction, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries and teaching. International Students will also no longer be able to attach family members to their visas. For backpackers in Australia, eligibility for a second-year stay will be capped at 45,000 places and applicants will need to complete 88 days of regional work to qualify. For those seeking a third year, it's six months in the country and only 5,000 places available. UK applicants will not be subject to this restriction because of our Free Trade Agreement with them. The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Amy Remeikis; Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute & Contributing Editor, The New Daily appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining Nevena as co-host this week,  live in the studio this morning is Rachel Payne, Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region. Beyond her leading advocacy on drug policy reform, Rachel has been a persistent parliamentary voice calling for greater government integrity, the ending of internal police self-investigations, and urgent support for Victoria’s overburdened justice system—including our volunteer Justices of the Peace. Good morning, Rachel, and welcome back to Saturday Magazine on JOY. IBAC Reform & Police Misconduct Oversight Victoria's anti-corruption framework currently sets a high legal bar for IBAC to investigate misconduct. Historically, over 95% of complaints made to IBAC regarding Victoria Police are referred back to Victoria Police internal affairs (Internal Integrity Command). In 2023, IBAC commenced independent investigations into just 23 out of over 4,000 allegations. Rachel introduced the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission Amendment (Functions) Bill 2026 to strip away barriers that force IBAC to bounce complaints back to the police force. She has also pushed to expand IBAC’s powers to cover broader misconduct, follow-the-money powers, and hold public hearings without extreme statutory restrictions. Systemic Misuse of LEAP: Payne has previously highlighted instances where police officers inappropriately accessed the Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database to stalk or harass victim-survivors, arguing that independent oversight is essential to ending systemic abuse. The State of Victoria's Justices of the Peace (Honorary Justices) The Crisis: Victoria has a severe shortfall of active Justices of the Peace (JPs) compared to other states. Victoria has under 4,000 registered JPs (with fewer than 2,000 actively operating), whereas states like Queensland and NSW maintain tens of thousands. Public Impact: JPs provide essential, free volunteer services—witnessing statutory declarations, affidavits, and certifying legal documents. The severe shortage in growth corridors like the South-Eastern suburbs leaves vulnerable community members, elderly residents, and people without regular internet access struggling to execute legal documents. Parliamentary Action: Payne sponsored petitions in Parliament calling on the Attorney-General to fund and reform the Honorary Justice Services Support unit to prevent the collapse of the volunteer JP network. The post Sat, 19th Sept, 2026; Rachel Payne MLC, Legalise Cannabis Victoria Upper House, MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Celebrated local designer and technologist Mel Huang Buntine, has built a shrine to the tender and personal side of computing. Embracing code as a creative medium, Mel brings together people, communities and computers that push our understanding of what computation can be. “My love letter to the personal computer” – Mel Huang Buntine ‘What if computation wasn't about speed, automation and scale but building slower, tender and more personal systems? Radical Computing, guest curated by Mel Huang Buntine, is a love letter to the personal computer and to all those who tinker, weave, extend, stretch, hack, subvert and make with the materiality of code’. .Owning your own computer was once a radical concept. When computers started entering our homes from the 1970s, computing was out of reach to most people. Affordable, small computers that could be built by everyday people changed this. From the raw energy of the Demoscene, Australia's early rave and hacker underground, to global creative coding and open-source software movements, Radical Computing celebrates those who have shaped, challenged and reimagined our world via code as a medium. Featuring commissions from artists like Chia Amisola and Chok Si Xuan, plus a revival of Laurie Spiegel's groundbreaking work Music Mouse, this exhibition is anything but a computer graveyard. Explore a vast array of personal computers from the Buntine Computer Collection, plus see a rare piece of computing history – NCM's latest acquisition, a Connection Machine CM-2, restored by our Collections and NCM Studio teams, in collaboration with its original industrial designer, Tamiko Thiel. Centring communities who have challenged traditional ideas of what computers are, how to use them and who they're for, this is an interactive exhibition for all ages The post Sat, 12th, Sept, 2026: Mel Huang Buntine; Radical Computing; National Communication Museum (NCM) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Todd Hacking; Chief Executive Officer; Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia. Todd holds a double degree in Arts (Politics) and Law from the University of Adelaide and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has forged a successful career advocating public policy solutions for a range of industries, including infrastructure, transport, land use planning, environment, safety, construction, and logistics. As CEO of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, the peak body for truck, trailer, component, equipment and technology manufacturers and suppliers, as well as being the custodian of the largest B2B event in Queensland, the Brisbane Truck Show, Todd is delving into the policy areas affecting the heavy vehicle industry. On weekends, he moonlights as a marriage celebrant, is an avid AFL fan, a horse racing enthusiast and is at his most comfortable cooking in the kitchen. The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Todd Hacking; Chief Executive Officer; Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Senator Shoebridge is a NSW Greens senator and former barrister. Since June 2025 his federal portfolios include foreign affairs, defence, home affairs, justice and digital rights. He has attacked the government over what the Greens describe as a $29 billion defence blowout and argues procurement changes do not address structural waste or AUKUS risk. Digital accountability is live: the Senate recently ordered the Privacy Commissioner to release a report into American Express technology-security failures after a long-running investigation. He is also prominent in the debate over foreign-owned AI data centres, arguing that government policy must protect Australian jobs, water, energy and data rather than simply facilitate large US technology investments. Senator David Shoebridge profile and portfolios — Parliament of Australia, accessed 10 July 2026 David Shoebridge — latest media — Australian Greens, 1 July 2026 Senate orders release of American Express privacy report — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Angus Taylor attacks One Nation economic plan — ABC News, 9 July 2026 The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Sen. David Shoebridge Aust. Greens Sen. for NSW; State of affairs in Parliament appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live on air by Tim Reardon, Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Assoc (HIA), Is the government pulling on the right levers to when it comes to building more homes? Macca and Fiona are joined live on air by Tim Reardon, Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Assoc (HIA), Is the government pulling on the right levers to when it comes to building more homes? Tim Reardon is the Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), where he leads the association’s economic research and policy advocacy for Australia’s residential building industry. In his most recent reports, Reardon identifies land supply as the primary constraint on Australian home building, rather than construction costs or interest rates.  Housing Industry Association | HIA +1 Land vs. Construction Costs: Since 2000, residential land prices have surged by over 500%, while construction costs and skilled labour have risen by approximately 150%. Infrastructure Taxes: He argues that government policies requiring developers to pay infrastructure fees upfront are “artificial” demand drivers that embed high costs into land prices, ultimately borne by home buyers. Cost of New Homes: HIA estimates that approximately $570,000 in various taxes, fees, and charges are embedded in the cost of a typical new house-and-land package.  Housing Industry Association | HIA +4 Releasing HIA's new report, Taxation of Housing and its Impact on Supply, Tim Reardon, Chief Economist of Housing Industry Association, said governments cannot make homes cheaper by taking more from them. “You don't fix a housing shortage by taxing housing harder,” Mr Reardon said. “And you certainly don't make homes more affordable by destabilising the tax settings that support new home construction.” The report finds that housing is already one of the most heavily taxed sectors in the Australian economy, with taxes applied at every stage of the housing lifecycle. Many of these taxes fall most heavily on new housing, directly increasing costs and reducing the feasibility of new projects. “The political reflex has been the same for decades,” Mr Reardon said. “First it was to blame investors. Then foreigners. Then foreign investors. Meanwhile governments quietly add more taxes, more charges and more costs to housing, and wonder why supply keeps falling short.” HIA's analysis shows that investors play a critical role in housing supply, commencing more than 40 per cent of new homes built in Australia, and an even higher share of apartments and rental housing. “When you discourage investors, you don't free up housing, you stop it being built,” Mr Reardon said. “Investors don't neatly switch from established homes into new construction when taxes rise. They leave the housing market altogether.” https://hia.com.au/our-industry/newsroom/economic-research-and-forecasting/2026/01/stop-taxing-housing-harder-if-you-want-more-homes-built-hia-warns?srsltid=AfmBOooQfowpfnhUyCDTwqExK1c2CmARBq5m-gcKQHUKra2ACDjQvc1g The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Tim Reardon, the Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Association (HIA) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca are joined live on air, by phone this week, not in the studio as usual, by Rachel Westaway, Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality as they discuss State politics. Rachel Westaway is an Australian politician serving as the member for Prahran in the Victorian Legislative Assembly since winning the 2025 Prahran state by-election. She is a member of the Victorian Liberal Party. With a background in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and as former Assistant Freedom of Information Commissioner for Victoria, she brings extensive experience in public service. Rachel has lived in South Yarra for 20 years and is actively involved in the community, including serving as President of the Thai Australian Chamber. Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. Carrol gov fails to get WFH laws passed; IBAC reform at risk of collapse; One Nation’s Pickering drugs admission https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/who-in-this-country-has-not-tried-drugs-hanson-backs-pickering-in-explosive-interview-20260909-p60vy0.html https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/shameful-con-labor-proposes-last-minute-change-to-ibac-reform-20260907-p60v7q.html Victorians will next go to the polls in November 2026, with Labor under Premier Jacinta Allan seeking a fourth term in government. An article by Kieran published on the 13 th of July says voters are showing signs of drifting back to the major parties, but notes only 24% of survey respondents nominated Allan as their preferred premier, while 43% backed Liberal Jess Wilson. That said, the article also says only 23 per cent of Victorians remain uncommitted ahead of November 28, with more than three quarters of the 1,000 people surveyed by Resolve Political Monitor saying they had made up their minds. The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Rachel Westaway; Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality and Kieran Rooney; VIC State Political Reporter, The Age. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. Carrol gov fails to get WFH laws passed; IBAC reform at risk of collapse; One Nation’s Pickering drugs admission https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/who-in-this-country-has-not-tried-drugs-hanson-backs-pickering-in-explosive-interview-20260909-p60vy0.html https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/shameful-con-labor-proposes-last-minute-change-to-ibac-reform-20260907-p60v7q.html Victorians will next go to the polls in November 2026, with Labor under Premier Jacinta Allan seeking a fourth term in government. An article by Kieran published on the 13 th of July says voters are showing signs of drifting back to the major parties, but notes only 24% of survey respondents nominated Allan as their preferred premier, while 43% backed Liberal Jess Wilson. That said, the article also says only 23 per cent of Victorians remain uncommitted ahead of November 28, with more than three quarters of the 1,000 people surveyed by Resolve Political Monitor saying they had made up their minds. Kenny and Macca are joined live on air, by phone this week, not in the studio as usual, by Rachel Westaway, Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality as they discuss State politics. Rachel Westaway is an Australian politician serving as the member for Prahran in the Victorian Legislative Assembly since winning the 2025 Prahran state by-election. She is a member of the Victorian Liberal Party. With a background in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and as former Assistant Freedom of Information Commissioner for Victoria, she brings extensive experience in public service. Rachel has lived in South Yarra for 20 years and is actively involved in the community, including serving as President of the Thai Australian Chamber. The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Kieran Rooney; VIC State Political Reporter, The Age; and Rachel Westaway; Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Josh Burns, the federal Labor Member of Parliament for Macnamara, has been heavily involved in key national policy debates and shared significant personal milestones, including an adult ADHD diagnosis, his appointment as Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness, and strong advocacy for gambling advertising reform. In August 2026, Josh Burns spoke publicly about receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis during an episode of the ABC TV series Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb. In May 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed Burns as the Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness. Working alongside Housing Minister Clare O’Neil, Burns focuses heavily on addressing systemic shortages in the Australian housing market. Burns has stated that the housing market has long been stacked against young people. He has driven initiatives to specifically earmark a portion of the government’s planned 55,000 new social and affordable housing properties for youth-specific accommodation. He is a core defender of the federal government’s $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and has publicly pushed back against criticisms of rental stress, maintaining that aggressive infrastructure builds are necessary to decouple wages from out-of-control property prices. Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which passed through Parliament in August 2026. The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Josh Burns, MP Macnamara, ALP: Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Georgie Purcell is the Animal Justice Party Member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria, and her recent parliamentary advocacy has delivered major developments regarding transparency, native forests, koalas, and the greyhound racing industry. In September 2026, Georgie Purcell moved a “production of documents” motion in Parliament to force the release of an $850,000 taxpayer-funded study titled The Status of Victoria’s Koala Population: Surveys to Estimate Abundance, Genetic Diversity and Koala Health, which had been withheld since June 2025. Just minutes before her scheduled address, the State Government released the report and concurrently announced a $2.6 million commitment toward koala research, welfare, and habitat restoration. Purcell has continuously challenged the ongoing destruction of native forests, pushing back against legislative loopholes and exemptions that allow commercial timber operations or continued logging under alternative guises (such as fire management and safety mitigation) post-official phase-out. Purcell has heavily targeted the greyhound racing industry to increase integrity, accountability, and real-time welfare tracking. Her ongoing watchdog efforts—highlighted by campaigns focusing on GRV operations and monitoring (“moving cameras” and broadcast transparency)—strive to eliminate hidden injuries, track whole-of-life data for every registered greyhound, and expose practices occurring on and off the track. The post Sat,12th Sept, 2026: Georgie Purcell, Member Legislative Council, Nthrn Victoria, Animal Justice Party; Native forest logging; release of documents re: Koala population; GRV Moving Cameras appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The flipside of Australia's often discussed housing crisis is a boom in new developments across Suburbia. But there's plenty to learn about making an investment in these areas. Lifestyle presenter Walt Collins knows all about that – his show New Neighbourhoods discusses showing us what display home trends are set to explode, how buyers can maximise their purchasing power, and what it really takes to build a community from the ground up. Walt Collins—acclaimed TV host, producer, and DIY enthusiast. Known for co-hosting Healthy Homes Australia (10+ seasons), Buy to Build, and Country House Facelift. New Neighbourhoods (9Life) Co-Host: Emmylou MacCarthy (lifestyle TV personality and social media creator). Production Team: Produced by BSTV in collaboration with Infront Media and industry partner Openlot.com.au. Focus Areas: Unpacking major housing developments across Australia; exploring display home trends; maximising buyer purchasing power; and inspecting essential infrastructure (schools, parks, transport) being built for new suburbs. Country Home Renovations (Country House Facelift) Walt recently renovated a 115-year-old historic homestead, Annie’s Hillhouse, in Kilmore, Victoria. Key expertise: Balancing modern rustic interiors with historic charm, navigating old-home challenges (termites, outdated wiring, structural shifts), incorporating smart lighting/heating, and choosing materials that complement the surrounding landscape. The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Walt Collins TV and Lifestyle presenter, New Neighbourhoods & Country Home Renovations appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Australians are passionate coffee drinkers, knocking back about two billion cups every year – but less than one per cent of all the coffee we consume is actually grown in Australia. But that could be about to change thanks to a new 5-year, $4 million national research investment. Rebecca Zentveld is the President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association and founder of Zentveld's Coffee Farm in the hills behind Byron Bay. She joins us now. Rebecca Zentveld is a pioneer of the Australian coffee industry. She established Zentveld's Coffee Plantation and Roastery in Newrybar (behind Byron Bay) in 1993 and serves as President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA). She was the first person in NSW to grow and roast their own coffee. Launch of the Australian Coffee Research Program—a $4 million, five-year national research initiative led by AgriFutures Australia (Federal Government's Agricultural Research Body), Southern Cross University, Plant Health Australia, University of Queensland, and the AGCA. It is the largest coordinated R&D investment in Australian coffee history. Australia currently has around 40 commercial coffee growers farming ~400 hectares, producing roughly 800 tonnes of green coffee beans annually. This is very small. Australian grown beans make up about 1 per cent, if that, of Australia's total coffee consumption. Primary commercial hubs are the tropical Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, as well as subtropical regions in south-east Queensland and northern NSW (like the Northern Rivers). Australia is one of the only coffee-growing regions in the world free of major exotic Arabica pests and diseases (meaning growers can produce near-pesticide-free, high-quality coffee). Core Program Goals: Evaluating higher-yielding, climate-suited coffee varietals. Improving farm mechanical harvesting, efficiency, and grower profitability. Strengthening biosecurity to defend against global threats like coffee leaf rust. Expanding commercial growing into new suitable microclimates across Australia. This new $4 million research investment brings together universities, biosecurity experts, and growers. From a grower’s perspective, what are the most urgent challenges on the farm that this research will help solve? You became a coffee roaster in Melbourne before returning to NSW. For those who haven’t tried Australian-grown coffee, how does the flavour profile compare to beans from South America or East Africa? What does our cool subtropical or tropical climate bring out in the bean? Global coffee supplies are under huge strain from climate change, pests, and disease in traditional growing countries. How important is our clean, pest-free biosecurity status here in Australia, and what risks is this research trying to safeguard us against? Harvesting coffee overseas often relies on low-cost manual labour, whereas Australian farms rely heavily on smart mechanical harvesting and technology. How can research help smaller Australian farms scale up efficiently to compete on price and availability? We’ve seen huge consumer shifts toward buying local produce, wine, and craft beer. Are you finding that local cafes and roasters are getting eager to feature 100% Australian-grown coffee on their menus? The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Rebecca Zentveld President, Australian Grown Coffee Association appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

They say all politics is local, and our next guest knows that all too well. The City of Port Phillip has parks to invest in, libraries and community facilities to run and services to provide ratepayers, but has found itself also chiming in recently on the Royal Commission into anti-semitism and the construction of AI Data Centres. Mayor Alex Makin joins us to what he's been up to this month. Cr Alex Makin, elected Councillor for Montague Ward in November 2024 and chosen by his council colleagues as Mayor of Port Phillip for the 2025/2026 term. Prior to moving to Port Melbourne in 2013, he served as a councillor and independent mayor at Maroondah City Council. Senate AI and Data Centres Inquiry: The City of Port Phillip made 20 recommendations to the Senate Inquiry last month, stating that fast-tracked planning pathways are locking local councils and residents out of having a say. Among their recommendations were: Mandatory consultation with local councils before approvals. Stronger sustainability rules (requiring recycled water and 100% renewable energy use). Nationally consistent planning standards so tech companies can’t exploit weak zones. Greater transparency and public reporting on energy, water and environmental performance Stronger accountability measures Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion The City of Port Phillip made a submission to the Royal Commission in June, and Alex went to Sydney to appear before them and give evidence supporting it. Port Phillip—home to historical Jewish communities in St Kilda, Ripponlea, and Balaclava—has seen local safety and belonging affected by antisemitism, following incidents like the 2024 Adass Israel Synagogue attack and the 2025 Bondi attack. Council's Practical Actions include Place-based planning (CPTED safety design, lighting), rapid response to hate graffiti, strong partnerships (e.g., City of Glen Eira), and visible civic leadership. What Council is Advocating For: Moving beyond crisis response to long-term funding; better data sharing; and formal recognition of local councils as critical delivery partners in social cohesion and prevention. Closure of Coventry Childcare Centre Council is planning to close the Coventry Children's Centre (next to the South Melbourne Markets) for at least two years, disbanding the staff and centre that uses the facility, and instead using Coventry to accommodate children from other centres as they are upgraded. A funded redevelopment plan of two other childcare centres in the City of Port Phillip, the Clarendon Community Managed Centre and Lilian Canam Centre, will not proceed until a suitable site for THEIR children is found – hence the decision to move them to Coventry. Council has now deferred that decision to 16 September as they assess whether they can find new funding to keep the roughly 30 children who are looked after at the facility at that base – which is operating at 48% of its capacity. Makin has likened this plan to kicking the can down the road as he feels council is unlikely to find that money in a month. But there has been backlash over the plan to disband the existing childcare group at Coventry, as no long-term decision has been made about its future as a childcare centre. The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Cr Alex Makin Mayor, City of Port Phillip appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us in the studio now is a voice you know well here on JOY 94.9: David Hunt, long-time presenter and producer of JOY's Sunday Arts Magazine! Today marks what would have been the 80th birthday of a true global icon, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. David is here to reflect on Freddie's enduring legacy, his place in queer culture, and how his extraordinary artistry continues to resonate across generations. Welcome, David! David Hunt hosts Sunday Arts Magazine on JOY 94.9 (airing Sundays 12:00–1:00 PM). He is deeply embedded in Melbourne’s arts scene, with a background covering visual art, theatre, and music history. Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946) would be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 5, 2026. The Intersection of Opera & Rock: Mercury's theatricality, multi-octave vocal range, and passion for classical arts. How Freddie navigated his identity as a bisexual man of Parsi heritage in the 1970s and 80s—existing at the absolute peak of mainstream stardom while maintaining a complex relationship with public openness. AIDS Legacy & Advocacy: His passing in November 1991, the impact on global HIV/AIDS awareness, and the establishment of the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Arts Connection: How his stagecraft borrowed heavily from ballet, theatre, and fine arts, bridging high art and arena rock. The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: The Life and Legacy of Freddie Mercury with David Hunt, Sunday Arts appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, Assistant Minister for Social Services, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. Ged and Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi, have recently launched the National Healthy Men Community Conversations initiative—a nationwide tour meeting with boys, young men, and community groups to discuss health, mental wellbeing, positive masculinity, and respectful relationships. Ged joins us to talk about how engaging blokes early can break cycles of violence and help build healthier communities. Welcome back to JOY, Ged! Ged Kearney MP—Federal Member for Cooper (inner north Melbourne). Former nurse, former ACTU President, now Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. The Campaign / Initiative: National Healthy Men Community Conversations: A national listening tour launched alongside Special Envoy Dan Repacholi. Core Objectives: Connecting men with local health/mental health support, fostering open discussions on healthy expressions of masculinity, promoting respectful relationships, and tackling toxic online influences or harmful cultural norms. Recent Engagements: Listening sessions in Sydney with ACON (focusing on LGBTQIA+ inclusive masculinity workshop Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, Assistant Minister for Social Services, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. Ged and Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi, have recently launched the National Healthy Men Community Conversations initiative—a nationwide tour meeting with boys, young men, and community groups to discuss health, mental wellbeing, positive masculinity, and respectful relationships. Ged joins us to talk about how engaging blokes early can break cycles of violence and help build healthier communities. Welcome back to JOY, Ged! The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Ged Kearney Assist. Min. for Social Services & Prevention of Family Violence appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Dr Emma Shortis, Director of International and Security Affairs at the Australia Institute and author of After America. This week marks the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, but instead of critical reflection on our security ties, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was in Washington meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. With the US confirming plans to accelerate its military footprint on Australian soil, Emma is here to discuss what this means for Australian sovereignty and whether our foreign policy needs an urgent overhaul. Welcome back to JOY, Emma! 75th Anniversary of ANZUS: Marking three-quarters of a century of the alliance. Marles in Washington: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulting in headlines that the US will “accelerate military presence in Australia”. Uncritical Alliance Alignment: Shortis argues the Australian government refuses to interrogate the actions or internal politics of the US administration, opting instead for automatic compliance under the banner of being “good friends”. Controversies Surrounding Pete Hegseth: Points to US military actions in the Pacific/Caribbean, as well as sweeping ideological purges within the US military oversight under Hegseth’s tenure. Divergence in Values: Highlighting the disconnect between Australia's rhetoric on the “international rules-based order” and the actions of top US defense leadership. Alternative Foreign Policy: Recommends a pivot toward sovereign, independent foreign policy, pointing to new work by her colleague Allan Behm (New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times). The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Dr Emma Shortis; Dir International & Security Affairs Program, The Australia Institute; and host of the After America podcast appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

In the face of ongoing cost-of-living pressure, housing affordability hurdles, and new debates within the government over housing and migration policies, our next guest is the man with the Coalition's vision to change things. Tim Wilson is the Shadow Treasurer of Australia and the Federal Member for Goldstein. Welcome back to Joy, Tim. Tim Wilson MP, Shadow Treasurer and Federal Member for Goldstein (Victoria). Human Rights Commissioner (2014–2016): Focused on free speech, economic freedom, and equality. Parliamentary Record: Elected as MP for Goldstein in 2016, served as Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction (2021–2022), lost the seat to independent Zoe Daniel in 2022, and staged an historic comeback to win the seat back in 2025. Current Portfolio: Appointed Shadow Treasurer in early 2026. Key Economic & Policy Focus Areas: Housing & Home Ownership: Long-time advocate for getting young Australians into home ownership, including allowing first-home buyers to access their superannuation for home deposits (a central theme of his book, The New Social Contract). Opposes changes that restrict housing supply or disincentivize housing investment. Taxation & Cost of Living: Focuses on tax relief, government spending restraint, and energy affordability to tackle inflation. Social & Community Values: Prominent advocate for marriage equality as one of the key Liberal MPs who championed the legislation in 2017. The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Tim Wilson MP, Shadow Treasurer & Member for Goldstein appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are in the hosting sits this week, as they discuss the week that was, news, views, and reviews. Macca also regales us with some anecdotes from his recent trip to Taiwan. The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Discussing the life, legacy, and cultural impact of Dolly Parton, following her passing. Mike and his wife/collaborator, Fiona Harris, adapted the hit Dolly Parton musical comedy Here You Come Again for its Australian season last year. This week, the world lost a true global icon, a master storyteller, and one of the most beloved figures in music history: Dolly Parton. While she was famous for her signature sparkle and country hits, her influence reached far beyond the stage—touching millions with her wit, generosity, and message of radical acceptance. Joining us on Saturday Magazine to reflect on her life and legacy is actor, writer, and musician Mike McLeish—who, along with his wife Fiona Harris, adapted the hit Dolly Parton musical comedy Here You Come Again for Australian audiences. Welcome to JOY, Mike. Here You Come Again: The musical centres on a struggling fan whose fantasy version of Dolly helps him navigate life’s toughest moments. How Mike and Fiona grounded Dolly's distinctly Southern Appalachian wit for Australian audiences. The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Tribute to Dolly Parton: “Here You Come Again”; Mike McLeish (Actor, Writer, Musician, Songwriter) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Last month, thousands of researchers, advocates, and community leaders gathered in South America for AIDS 2026—the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro – tackling everything from long-acting treatments to the fight against health inequality. Joining us on Saturday Magazine is Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria, who can tell us what the latest news means for our community to ensure no one is left behind. Record Single-Year Decline: Global donor government funding for HIV dropped by 25% in 2025—the largest single-year plunge since international funding scale-up began in 2002. Driven by the US: The massive shortfall was driven entirely by steep declines, funding delays, and project cancellations in US international health support. The Funding Emergency: Global rollbacks—driven heavily by the US administration's severe cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID, along with reduced contributions from European nations—have resulted in over 1,700 clinic closures, thousands of health worker job losses, and up to a 64% drop in PrEP initiations in sub-Saharan Africa. Breakthrough Science: Major developments presented included twice-yearly injectable PrEP (Lenacapavir), once-weekly oral treatment combinations (ISLEND-1 & 2 trials), a potential $15/year monthly preventive oral drug (alimatravir), and two new cases of long-term HIV remission. Shift toward government-to-government aid models and the exclusion of “key populations” (gay men, trans people, sex workers) in funding guidelines are emboldening anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and pushing vulnerable communities out of decision-making. In 2025, there were 1.2 million new HIV acquisitions and 570,000 AIDS-related deaths worldwide, with new acquisitions climbing in Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Madagascar, while Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe are making progress toward 2030 targets. Low- and middle-income countries stepped up, increasing domestic HIV spending by 4% in 2025 (accounting for nearly 60% of total global HIV funding). Over 55 countries committed to further increases in 2026. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that “the era of relying on international aid is over,” calling for urgent global debt restructuring so developing nations can fund their own health infrastructure. The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria; HIV/AIDS and Global Health Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

We're coming out of winter now and some might say we're leaving flu season behind – but the same can't be said of our feathered friends. As of last might there have been 354 positive events of the H5N1 bird flu across Australia, 203 in South Australia and 112 in Victoria. Joining us on Saturday Magazine is Dr Fernando Gordillo-Altamirano. He's a medical doctor and infectious disease researcher at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University – and he's got more than a few pointers about how to stay one step ahead. Fernando, welcome to JOY! The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Dr Fernando Gordillo-Altamirano Medical Doctor, Postdoctoral Researcher at VICPhage / Department of Infectious Diseases at The Alfred & Monash University appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Every October, Melbourne's streets, iconic concert halls and late-night venues come alive with the sound of world-class improvisers, global icons, and groundbreaking local creators. Now in its 29th year, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is Australia's largest festival of its kind and a major fixture on the global stage. Joining us on Saturday Magazine is the festival’s Executive Producer, Tom Browne. Welcome to Joy, Tom! Key Background MIJF is preparing for its 29th edition this October. It stands as Australia's largest jazz festival and one of the world’s premier international jazz events. Key Festival Stats & Highlights: Scale: 10 days every October; 130+ performances; 550+ artists; drawing 60,000+ attendees. Venues: Iconic Melbourne spaces, from major concert halls (Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre) to intimate jazz clubs and city streets. Programming Pillars: Modern Masters: Bringing legendary global icons to perform alongside top Australian talent. Australian Voice: Commissioning new works and showcasing local artists shaping the future of Australian jazz. Accessibility: At least 35% of the program is completely free or low-cost to ensure broad community engagement. The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Tom Browne Executive Producer, Melbourne International Jazz Festival appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Next sitting week, the Victorian Parliament will receive the final report from the landmark Inquiry into Historical LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes—a pivotal moment for justice, accountability, and healing in our state. Meanwhile, our community also came together recently to celebrate the incredible grassroots advocates, volunteers, and leaders nominated at the GLOBE Victorian Community Awards. To discuss what he's seen, and what he'd like to see, is Aiv Puglielli, Victorian Greens MLC for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region and spokesperson for Equality. Aiv is joining Saturday Magazine to discuss the upcoming report from the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Historical LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes (tabled next sitting week) and celebrate local leaders following the GLOBE Victorian Community Awards. LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes Inquiry: The inquiry investigated historical hate crimes, police responses, anti-LGBTIQA+ violence, institutional accountability, and redress for victims/survivors. Aiv and the Greens have pushed for clear, actionable recommendations: formal state apologies, restorative justice frameworks, dedicated cold-case resources, and mandatory hate-crime recording mechanisms. GLOBE Victorian Community Awards: Celebrating grassroots achievements across community leadership, advocacy, sports, and business. Provides a upbeat counterweight to the sobering inquiry topic. Greens Equality Platform: Pushing for legislative protections against hate speech/vilification, increased state funding for community-led peer support, and structural safety across public spaces. The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Aiv Puglielli, Legislative Council Member for North Eastern Metropolitan, The Australian Greens appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Appointed to the Equality portfolio in August 2026. He steps into the role with extensive senior cabinet experience across several portfolios, serving as the State Member for Oakleigh since 2014. He will be driving Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Strategy, funding community-led health and peer support initiatives, and upholding anti-discrimination and conversion therapy ban protections. Holds the Sport and WorkSafe/TAC portfolios alongside Equality, providing opportunities to address inclusion, anti-vilification, and mental health in sports and workplaces. Former Mayor and Councillor for the City of Monash before entering state parliament, with a focus on public infrastructure, community services, and inclusion. Breaking Announcement (Sat 29 Aug 2026): Minister Dimopoulos has just announced a fresh round of LGBTIQA+ Organisational Development Grants delivering up to $40,000 each to 13 community organisations across Victoria. The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Equality, Minister for Sport, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC; Member for Oakleigh appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

From the coastal parks of Port Melbourne to the bustling cultural precinct of Fitzroy Street, the electorate of Albert Park sits at the very heart of Melbourne's LGBTQIA+ history and community life. Joining us on Saturday Magazine today is Nina Taylor MP, State Member for Albert Park. Today, we're checking in on the local issues affecting inner-south residents—from housing and public transport to protecting our live music venues, supporting the Victorian Pride Centre, and keeping our community precincts safe and vibrant. Welcome to JOY, Nina! Nina was appointed Cabinet Secretary in Ben Carroll's reshufffle. Albert Park Electorate: Highly dense, vibrant arts and culture precinct with major infrastructure projects, nightlife safety, and coastal environmental protection. Queer & Inclusive Community Hubs: Represents the heartland of Melbourne’s Pride history (including Fitzroy Street, the Pride Centre, and the annual Midsumma Pride March route). State Policy Priorities: Equality policy, housing affordability and rental rights, public transport upgrades, local school infrastructure, and urban greenspace preservation. Queer / Community Relevance: Nina represents the electorate housing the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda. She is a regular voice on local community safety, funding for peer-led LGBTQIA+ health and support services, and government initiatives aimed at preserving live music and queer nightlife precincts in the The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Nina Taylor MP Cabinet Secretary, Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Albert Park, Australian Labor Party appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Women over 55 are currently the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia, with many finding themselves facing housing crises due to rising living costs, illness, or relationship breakdowns. Brisbane charity The Forgotten Women is working to change that—and Jade Fitzgerald has been supporting The Forgotten Women project for four years, raising funds by participating in its Live Like Her Challenge which sees participants spend a night sleeping in their cars—and throwing some fabulous drag bingo fundraisers along the way! Jade joins us today, with her brother Vern and on the other line we have Brisbane's own iconic entertainer Abril LaTrene! Welcome to Joy 94.9, Jade, and Abril! ‘ Four years ago, Jade wanted to support a charity where she could make a tangible impact. As a buyer’s agent who helps people secure property, learning that over 40,000 women over 55 in Queensland face housing insecurity hit home. She realised how quickly life can unravel through illness, relationship breakdown, family violence, or rent hikes. The Two-Pronged Solution (Micro-Grants + Brick & Mortar): Immediate Relief / Micro-Grants: Small intervention amounts can prevent homelessness entirely—such as a $50/week rental top-up to bridge housing costs or a fuel voucher so a woman can travel to work and keep her income. Long-Term Housing: Building purpose-built housing developments in Redland City, which is located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Live Like Her Challenge: Jade is in her 4th consecutive year sleeping in her car for the challenge, joined by Vern (2nd year). While a single night in a car cannot replicate chronic homelessness, it offers a sobering window into the vulnerability of having no safe door to lock. The Fundraiser (Glitter Balls & Bingo Calls): Abril LaTrene is adding drag flair and entertainment to lower entry barriers and bring the community together for fundraising. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: ‘Live Like Her Challenge;’ Jade Fitzgerald – Founder of The Ideal Buyer's Agency; Abril LaTrene– Drag Artist & Host of Glitter Balls & Bingo Calls appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Finding the right job is about much more than just a paycheck or a flashy title—it’s about whether you can turn up as your full, authentic self without fear. But when you're looking at a new employer, how do you know if their commitment to diversity is genuine, or just a rainbow logo printed on a flyer?” They say. CB Bonnar has spent much of their career navigating workplace culture and spotting green and red flags in recruitment. Today a Senior Relationship Manager at Pride in Diversity, CB will help queer jobseekers get a look at how to navigate workplace culture. CB joins us now – CB welcome to Joy 94.9! Guest Context: CB Bonnar is a strategic leader in LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion with a background in corporate engagement and community impact (previously at Officeworks). As a neurodivergent advocate, CB focuses on systemic change, policy development, organisational culture, and the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)—Australia's national benchmark for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion. About Pride in Diversity: A program of ACON, Pride in Diversity is Australia’s national employer support program specialising in LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion. They advise major employers across corporate, public, and non-profit sectors on transforming policies into lived workplace culture. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: CB Bonnar, Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

If you've ever found yourself in the local dog park using a voice three octaves higher than your normal speaking tone to ask a Golden Retriever who's a ‘good boy,’ don’t worry—science says you're completely normal. Research shows that the way we speak to our pets shares a deep evolutionary link with how we talk to human babies. But do our dogs, cats, and birds actually care, or are we just making silly noises? Joining us today to unpack the science of pet-talk, baby-talk, and why our voices go squeaky around fuzzy creatures is Antonia Goetz, Research Fellow in Infant Studies at Western Sydney University. Welcome to Joy 94.9, Antonia! The Core Science: Humans instinctively alter pitch, melody, and rhythm when speaking to subjects with limited language comprehension – whether they are pets or even human infants. High-pitched, sing-songy speech acts as a vocal “wave of the hand” to grab attention and establish psychological safety. The key difference is, when people speak to babies, they hyper-articulate their words, (exaggerating vowels like “eee” in “sheep”) to teach vocabulary. We don't do this with most pets as it’s pure emotional bonding, not language instruction. Where it does differ is Parrots – which people articulate for a little – possibly in order to teach it to speak. Puppies and adult dogs pay attention longer, move closer, and follow human gestures (like pointing to food) far more effectively when spoken to in high-pitched “pet-talk.” Humans also feel better when they hear their vets talk to their pets in a similar way. A 2024 study showed women with only a pet speak to them with the same vocal warmth as mothers speak to babies. However, parents with both a baby and a pet soften their vocal warmth toward the pet when attention is split. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: “Baby Talking to your Pets”; Antonia Goetz, Research Fellow in Infant Studies, West Syd Uni appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

When major news breaks, the headlines we read and the press conferences we watch are rarely unvarnished truth—they are carefully crafted narratives designed to manage outrage, protect commercial interests, or pass tricky legislation. This week provided a masterclass in public communications on two massive fronts. In Canberra, the Federal Government struck a dramatic ‘backroom deal’ with the Coalition to pass watered-down gambling reforms and sweeping NDIS cuts. Meanwhile in Melbourne, the Sydney Swans entered full crisis-management mode, suspending five star players for the rest of the season following a high-profile hotel incident now under police investigation. Joining us today to look beneath the spin and dissect how these stories are being sold to the Australian public is writer, creative director and co-host of 3RRR's Spin Cycle, Jess Lilley. Jess Lilley brings a sharp dual lens as a commercial creative director/copywriter (specializing in behaviour change campaigns) and co-host of 3RRR's Spin Cycle. She is an expert at dissecting how governments, corporate lobbies, and sporting institutions construct narratives to manage public perception and shift focus away from uncomfortable truths. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: Jess Lilley Writer, Broadcaster, Creative Director, Co-Host of 3RRR’s Spin Cycle appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nev and Paul are joined live on air by Daniel Casey Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at (ACU). For around an hour every sitting day, federal parliament descends into what often looks like an all-in verbal brawl. Question Time was meant to be the ultimate test of ministerial accountability, but 35 years after cameras were first allowed into the chamber, critics argue it's turned into theatrical point-scoring. A new study analysing over 21,000 parliamentary questions over four decades reveals Prime Ministers facing twice as many direct attacks as they used to, while Opposition Leaders are stepping back from the microphone. Joining us to unpack those results is study co-author Daniel Casey, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Australian Catholic University. Welcome to Joy 94.9, Daniel! https://theconversation.com/question-time-has-been-televised-for-35-years-we-tracked-how-it-has-changed-and-what-it-means-for-australian-democracy-289975 Dr Daniel Casey is a lecturer of Politics and International Relations at the Australian Catholic University. He researches the responsiveness of political elites to public opinion. His PhD research focused on letters from members of the public to Prime Minister Howard. His other research interests include government transparency and accountability; public administration; and the training and mentoring of PhD candidates. Prior to academia, he had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service, working across central and social policy agencies. He has also worked for Members of Parliament and peak NGOs. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: Daniel Casey Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at (ACU) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul are back in the hosting seats this week, as they discuss the news, views, reviews of the week that was; as they also highlight the guests for this week. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and Paul appeared first on Saturday Magazine.