Saturday Magazine

The final guest for this week was Sophie Torney, she joined Nevena and Paul live in on-air. Kew has been Sophie's home for her and her family for nearly thirty years. Sophie Torney, former Mayor of Boroondara, current Councillor is an Australian businesswoman, tech entrepreneur, and community independent politician who served as the Mayor of the City of Boroondara (2024–2025). She is prominently known as a community “teal” independent candidate contesting the inner-east Melbourne state seat of Kew, against state Liberal and Opposition leader Jess Wilson. In November 2024, she was elected by her peers to serve as the Mayor of Boroondara for the 2024–2025 term, completing her leadership role in late 2025. During her mayoral term, she focused heavily on implementing the council's Climate Action Plan, shifting facilities to all-electric power, and expanding the city’s green spaces and trail networks. The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Sophie Torney, Studley Ward Councillor, Fmr Mayor Boroondara, Independent Seat of Kew appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul are joined live the studio by filmmaker and writer, John Safran as they discuss the re-launching of the Reality TV Show, Race Around the World. John Safran is a Melbourne writer and filmmaker. His book Puff Piece, exploring Big Tobacco and vaping, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. His debut, Murder in Mississippi, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best True Crime. His latest documentary, Who The Bloody Hell Are We?, looking at the secret history of Australia, was nominated for an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts award. His first two television series John Safran's Music Jamboree and John Safran vs God won the Academy's comedy awards. Squat is his fourth book published by Penguin Random House. The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: John Safran, Reality TV Show, Race Around the World 2026. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul are joined live on air by Cameron McTernan, Lecturer & Researcher at Adelaide University; as they discuss the  implications of Gina Rinehart – Australia's richest person – buying into Southern Cross Austerio Cameron is a researcher and educator at Adelaide University specialising in social media, political communication and media industries. He is currently an: Executive Committee member for the Australian and Aotearoa-New Zealand Communication Association Researcher for The Global Media and Internet Concentration Project (Australian and Aotearoa-New Zealand teams) Areas of interest and research include Media Diversity and Pluralism in Australia, Political Communication, Social Media and Streaming Services. Teaching areas include Communication and Social Media. Current teaching profile for 2026 is: MDIA 2021    Research Methods in Media and Communication MDIA 2101    Creating Content for Media MDIA 1017    Social Media Audiences and Algorithmic Cultures Read his book: Social Media in Society (Palgrave Macmillan) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2025-1029 The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Cameron McTernan, Lecturer & Researcher at Adelaide University; Implications of Gina Rinehart – Australia's richest person – buying into Southern Cross Austerio appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Next, Nevena and Paul are joined live on air by Rohan Best, Assoc Prof – Dept of Economics, Macquarie Business School; as they discuss cost-of-living relief through energy policy and pricing. Rohan's research covers economics and finance, including energy economics and household finance. His publications have been in journals such as Energy Economics, Ecological Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, Energy Policy, Applied Energy, the Energy Journal, the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Economic Record, the Australian Journal of Public Administration, and the Journal of Cleaner Production. He is  interested in policy development to reduce inequality and improve cost-effectiveness, such as through equitable reverse auctions. The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Rohan Best, Assoc Prof – Dept of Economics, Macquarie Business School; Cost-of-living relief through energy policy and pricing appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is  Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow, US Study Centre, Latest from Washington DC; as Bruce, Nevena and Paul discuss the latest news from Washington and Trump’s upto. Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that across the United States, parties are choosing their candidates for the midterm elections in November, and there is a shift among Democrats towards more relatable, practical solutions to lure swinging voters turned off by the party's elitist image at the last general election. USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe was quoted in the article on the upcoming midterms and what it could look like for US Democrats. https://www.ussc.edu.au/the-democrats-taking-the-fight-to-the-republicans The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow, US Study Centre, Latest from Washington DC. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guests on air are friends of the show Georgie Purcell and Josh Burns. Georgie has recently been in the press for  helping the hamlet of Elphinstone end plans to start a puppy farm in the area. An application for a proposed dog breeding facility in Elphinstone in Central Victoria has been withdrawn following lobbying from residents and animal activists. The puppy farm had planned to operate 24 hours a day and house up to 150 dogs including corgis, golden retrievers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. The application for the facility, lodged with Mount Alexander Shire Council in April, stated it “mandates scheduled caesarean sections at specialised veterinary clinics”. Animal Justice MP and Member for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell said it would have been an “extraordinary” first. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-04/breeder-withdraws-plan-for-controversial-puppy-farm/106753744 Youth Housing Josh was on air today to discuss the Federal Government’s Youth Housing crisis campaign. This budget will deliver nearly $60 million over four years to directly address the youth housing penalty, providing thousands of young Australians access secure housing, helping to reduce youth homelessness. The Federal Government will invest $59.4 million over four years from 2026-27 for community housing providers (CHPs) to help house young people at risk of housing insecurity and homelessness. The new Youth Housing Supplement will provide funding to community housing providers (CHPs) that house eligible young people receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY. Funding will help offset the lower rental income associated with housing young people on lower-rate income support payments, making it easier for providers to offer homes to vulnerable young Australians. The measure is expected to support: 2,325 young people from 1 January 2027 2,500 young people in 2027-28 4,000 young people in 2028-29 4,355 young people in 2029-30 Funding profile ($m) 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 Total 6.0 12.0 19.2 22.3 59.4   Why does this matter? Young people are now among the groups most at risk of homelessness in Australia, with 19 to 24-year-olds experiencing the highest homelessness rate of any age cohort. At the same time, many young people face a structural barrier accessing community housing. Most community housing providers charge income-based rents, typically around 25 per cent of a tenant's income plus Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA. Because Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY are significantly lower than payments such as JobSeeker, the Disability Support Pension and the Age Pension, providers receive substantially less rental income from housing young people. In some cases, providers receive up to 54 per cent less rental revenue from a young tenant compared with an older tenant on the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension. Sector organisations have argued this creates a “youth housing penalty” where young people can unintentionally become harder to house within the current funding model, despite often having high levels of vulnerability and support needs. Young people are now among the groups most at risk of homelessness in Australia: Nearly 40 per cent of people presenting alone to homelessness services are under 25. Thousands of young people are turned away from homelessness services each year because support is full. Many cycle between couch surfing, crisis accommodation, unsafe housing and rough sleeping. Housing and homelessness organisations have argued for years that the current system creates a structural disincentive to house young people. The Youth Housing Supplement directly responds to this issue by helping providers absorb the revenue gap and create more pathways into stable housing. The Home Time campaign, the measure responds to extensive advocacy from the Home Time campaign, a national alliance supported by more than 170 housing, homelessness and social welfare organisations across Australia. Home Time has campaigned for reforms that recognise the unique drivers of youth homelessness and create long-term housing pathways for young people, rather than relying solely on crisis accommodation and emergency responses. The proposal also responds to recommendations from the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, which identified a youth housing supplement as a targeted way to reduce youth homelessness. Atlas spent a decade moving in and out of homelessness as a young person. During that time, he saw many other young people fall through the cracks, including peers who lost their lives while homeless. He says stable housing can fundamentally change the trajectory of a young person's life. “This Youth Housing Supplement is an incredible investment from the federal government into on the ground action that will make it easier for young people to get out of homelessness and find safety.” “I was in and out of homelessness for 10 years, and in those years, I saw too many people lose their lives. Kids who died on the streets, kids who never truly had a chance to find anything else. Investments like this one will save lives.” Atlas says the measure gives hope to young people who have become accustomed to falling through the cracks. “I can't fully articulate what this supplement means for the young people who are currently experiencing homelessness.” “This subsidy is just the first step of many in the changes we need to make to create a truly equitable system but for the first time in a long time there is hope.” “Helping more people into homes is a big focus of this Budget.” “Right now, it's too hard for too many Australians to get into their own home and get ahead and that's why we're building more homes, fast-tracking approvals, and helping thousands of young people to pay the rent.” Treasurer Jim Chalmers “When a young person has a safe place to live, everything else becomes more possible – education, health, and stable employment.” “This investment is about unlocking safe and secure housing for vulnerable young Australians so they have the solid foundation they need to build strong, secure and independent lives.” Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek “The fact that young Australians are now among the groups most at risk of homelessness should stop us in our tracks, and that's why this government is acting.” “Getting a roof over your head can change the course of a young person's life, bringing stability, safety and the chance to build a future.” =Minister for Housing Clare O'Neil The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Georgie Purcell, Animal Justice Party: Puppy Farms & Josh Burns, ALP, Macnamara; Youth Homelessness Campaign. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Elizabeth Birch is one of the most influential figures in modern LGBTQ+ rights advocacy in the United States. A lawyer and former Apple executive, she led the Human Rights Campaign from 1995 to 2004, transforming it into America's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organisation and helping bring issues of equality and inclusion into mainstream political and corporate life. Black Tie Dinner, the largest LGBTQ fund-raising dinner in the Nation, presents an annual award in Birch’s honor called the Elizabeth Birch Equality Award. The award is given annually to an individual, organization, or company that has made a significant contribution of national scope to the LGBTQ community. Elizabeth Birch was the first recipient of the award in 2004, and later returned to the dinner in 2009 to present the award to Judy Shepard.  The Black Tie Dinner is held annually in Dallas, Texas. When Birch took over, the LGBTQ+ rights movement in America was still fighting for basic workplace protections and public acceptance. She transformed the Human Rights Campaign from a relatively modest advocacy group into a major political force in Washington. During her tenure: Membership grew dramatically. The budget increased several-fold. HRC became a mainstream political lobbying organisation. She became one of the most recognisable LGBTQ+ advocates in America. She is often credited with helping shift LGBTQ+ rights from a niche activist issue into a mainstream civil rights issue discussed by major corporations and politicians. One of the most fascinating parts of her story is that she worked inside Apple before becoming a full-time activist. She helped push corporate America toward domestic-partner benefits and LGBTQ+ workplace protections, arguing that equality was good for innovation, recruitment and culture. In 2000, Birch became the first leader of a major LGBTQ+ organisation to address a US national political convention when she spoke at the Democratic National Convention. At the time, that was considered a major breakthrough for LGBTQ+ visibility in American politics. The post Sat, 6th June, 2026: Elizabeth Birch, famed, American LGBTIQA+ Activist. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by city of Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin, as they discuss the 2026, St Kilda Film Festival. The St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF) 2026 runs from Thursday 4th June to Sunday 14th June 2026 across various iconic venues in St Kilda, Melbourne. As Australia’s longest-running short film festival, this year’s event showcases a record-breaking selection of over 190 short films, including comedy, horror, documentaries, and animation. Because it is an Academy Awards-qualifying event, winning films are eligible for consideration at the Oscars The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Alex Makin, Mayor, City of Port Phillip, ‘St Kilda Film Festival 2026’. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by Anna Brown from Equality Australia, as they discuss the ‘Hands off our Protections’ petition. CEO Anna Brown's fingerprints are on nearly every major reform for LGBTIQ+ people in recent years. She played a critical role in the campaign for marriage equality co-chairing the Equality Campaign. Our communities are facing some of the most serious attacks on our rights and protections in many years. Right now, multiple Bills are being pushed that would strip protections from trans people and take a wrecking ball to Australia's anti-discrimination laws more broadly. No one should be singled out for exclusion because of who they are. Sign our petition now calling on MPs to stand up for our communities. Now is the time for our communities and allies to come together and push back. Sign the petition today. https://equalityaustralia.org.au/hands-off-our-protections/ The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Anna Brown, Equality Australia, Hands off our Protections! Community Petition! appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are joined live on air by Ohad Kozminsky, Community Engagement Dir – Jewish Council of Aust. ‘The Difference between Israeli and being Jewish’; and the Royal Commission. Ohad Kozminsky teaches students from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds at a Secondary School in Melbourne. His teaching includes Holocaust history, Jewish literature, and the philosophy of ethics and human rights. He is an elected member of the AEU Victoria Branch Council and the AEU Maribyrnong region. Ohad is of Arab-Jewish and European-Jewish heritage. He attended a Jewish school in Melbourne. The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Ohad Kozminsky, Community Engagement Dir – Jewish Council of Aust. ‘The Difference between Israeli and being Jewish’; and the Royal Commission. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Paul and Macca are joined live in the studio by Sabine Ostrowski, QUIT, as they discuss World No-Tobacco Day! (Sunday 31st May) Sabine Ostrowski is the State Manager at Quit Victoria, leading major public health initiatives, cessation platforms, and anti-vaping campaigns aimed at protecting vulnerable Australians. Ostrowski has championed ensuring smoking and vaping cessation support is accessible to specific communities, including Indigenous populations and LGBTQIA+ groups. Illicit Tobacco Action: She has advocated for stricter enforcement against illicit tobacco, highlighting how cheap black-market products undermine efforts for people trying to quit. The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Sabine Ostrowski, QUIT, World No-Tobacco Day! (Sunday 31st May) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul talk to David Gibson about a bill introduced into Parliament to address the historic treatment of LGBTI personnel in the Australian Defence Force is being welcomed as a long-overdue step toward justice. The Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation) Bill 2026, introduced by Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh, will enable eligible Defence personnel convicted solely on the basis of consensual homosexual activity to apply to have those convictions extinguished. “Chair of GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc), David Gibson, said the introduction of the legislation marks an important milestone in recognising the harm caused by past policies that targeted homosexual service members. “As a former Army officer who was discharged back in 1989 because of my sexuality, this is not just policy for me. It is personal,” Gibson said. “Careers were lost. Reputations were damaged. Many former personnel carried that trauma quietly for decades.” The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: David Gibson, Chair GRAI in Perth, Fmr Army Captain, Dismissed for his Sexuality; Senate inquiry into the Defence Force Discipline Amendment appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Rachel Payne stayed a little bit longer to continue with Paul and Macca; they are joined by Rachel Withers, co-host Spin Cycle Triple R. Rachel Withers is a freelance writer with an unfortunate penchant for Australian politics. She is the former editor of The Politics and currently co-hosts Spin Cycle on Triple R radio. The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Rachel Payne, MP Legalize Cannabis Vic & Rachel Withers, co-host Spin Cycle Triple R, Federal Politics Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by Rachel Payne, MP, Legalize Cannabis Victoria; as they discuss state politics and what’s happening with LCV heading into the election. Rachel Payne is not your standard politician. She came from humble beginnings, left home at sixteen and has direct experience using welfare, government, housing, and legal services. Rachel worked hard to earn a Master of Public Policy and has held leadership and policy roles at Centrelink, the Eros Association and the Family Court of Australia. Rachel is also a cannabis consumer. She prefers to consume cannabis over other medications, drugs and/or alcohol for relaxation and to help manage anxiety and endometriosis symptoms. Rachel joined the Legalise Cannabis Party to champion social justice, improve community wellbeing and to get rid of outdated cannabis laws. She wants Victoria to leverage the many economic, environmental, and tax opportunities cannabis presents. Rachel lives in the south-east with her partner and their two cats. She loves swimming in the sea, live music gigs and cooking up a storm for friends. The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Rachel Payne, MP Legalize Cannabis Vic, Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul Horwell are in the hosting seats this week, their first guest is Joy Media CEO Paul Scott-Williams. Paul discussed with the Sat Mag team what’s happening for Radiothon 2026, our sponsor and a very special announcement for Saturday Magazine–a live broadcast… The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: Paul Scott-Williams, CEO Joy Media: Radiothon Update. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Cruise ship quarantines, Ebola outbreaks, diphtheria deaths in Australia — it can sometimes feel like we're back in the middle of a global health scare. So how worried should we actually be? Joining us back in the studio is infectious diseases specialist Dr Fernando Gordíllo Altamirano. Fernando is a medical doctor from Ecuador with a master’s degree in infection and immunity from the University of Sydney. At the Monash University-based Barr Lab, he’s tackling the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance. Specifically, he’s looking at bacteriophage therapy as a treatment strategy against multi-drug-resistant bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii. The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Dr Fernando Gordíllo Altamirano, Hantavirus, Ebola and first recorded deaths in Australia from s in Australia from Diphtheria appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest knows the criminal underworld from the inside out. Rohan Pike spent years with the AFP investigating serious organised crime and he's here to talk about the explosive rise of Australia's illicit tobacco trade, a black market now linked to gang violence, fire-bombings and billions in lost tax revenue. Is the situation with illicit tobacco out of control and what could be done about it? https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/how-australias-worldleading-tobacco-tax-is-fuelling-a-violent-black-market/news-story/fbc4714f9263d7a7606cfa21a399440b?utm https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/australias-illicit-tobacco-trade-funding-organised-crime-and-deadly-gang-violence/news-story/58dc10f0660ff3e99f7fb239b5eacdda?utm_ https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/JulianHill/Pages/tougher-penalties-illicit-tobacco-offenders.aspx? The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Rohan Pike, ex Aust Border Force & co-founder of illicit tobacco strike force, Tobacco Wars; is the situation with illicit tobacco out of control and what could be done about it? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Up next, live in the studio is friend of the station and friend of the programme, Aiv Puglielli, Member, Victorian Legislative Council (Victorian Greens). Aiv Puglielli is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing North-East Metropolitan Region for the Victorian Greens. With a background in the arts as a composer and producer, Aiv brings a creative lens to politics and is an advocate for climate action, housing justice and community-led solutions. Aiv has worked across grassroots campaigns and in parliament since 2022, focusing on progressive policies that protect the environment while supporting workers and local communities. The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Aiv Puglielli, MP Greens, NE Metro, Latest from State Parliament appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is Andrew Wilkie is one of Canberra's most fiercely independent voices. The federal member for Clark in Tasmania is a former military intelligence officer turned whistleblower. He's spent years taking on both major parties and is one of parliament's strongest advocates for gambling reform, political integrity and accountability. Andrew Wilkie, great to have you with us. Andrew Wilkie is the independent federal member for Clark in Tasmania and has served in the House of Representatives since 2010. A former Army officer and intelligence analyst, he became nationally known after resigning in protest over the Iraq War. In parliament he has built a reputation as a fiercely independent voice on gambling reform, government accountability, whistle-blower protections and political integrity. The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Andrew Wilkie, MP; His take on the latest announcements from the Federal Government on Gambling appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest on Saturday Magazine, is  Patrick Keyser, the father of Gemma O'Toole, one of 11 Australians detained by Israeli forces after joining a humanitarian flotilla attempting to reach Gaza this week. The activists say they were trying to break what aid agencies describe as a catastrophic humanitarian blockade, with Gaza now facing mass starvation, collapsed hospitals, and a civilian death toll that has reached levels many international observers say are almost without precedent in modern conflict. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Detainees allege beatings, humiliation, stress positions, sexual abuse, Tasering and deprivation of food and water. Israel denies the allegations. Global outrage intensified after Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released video of bound detainees kneeling on the ground while he taunted them and called them terrorists. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the footage as ‘shocking and unacceptable'.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/penny-wong-condemns-israeli-minister-over-shocking-and-unacceptable-treatment-of-flotilla-activists-ntwnfb?utm_source=chatgpt.com The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Patrick Keyzer, father of one of the 11 Australians on the flotilla intercepted by Israel attempting to reach Gaza appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Bruce's piece is essentially an argument that America has become dangerously desensitised to the behaviour of President Donald Trump.  He argues that Trump's public conduct, language and social media behaviour now reveal a president in what he calls a “troubled state”, but that Republicans, the White House and much of the media have normalised it rather than confronting it. Bruce's latest article essentially argues that America has become dangerously desensitised to the behaviour of President Donald Trump. He argues that Trump's public conduct, language and social media behaviour now reveal a president in what he calls a “troubled state”, but that Republicans, the White House and much of the media have normalised it rather than confronting it. Wolpe says Trump oscillates between moments of apparent discipline — like his recent summit with Xi Jinping — and then immediately reverts to erratic, grievance-filled behaviour once out of the diplomatic spotlight. Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama's first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM's chief of staff. Bruce is author of Trump's Australia, an examination of Donald Trump's possible return to the presidency and the issues presented to Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2023), The Committee, a study of President Obama's legislative agenda in Congress (University of Michigan Press, 2018, 2d Edition September 2021) and Lobbying Congress: How The System Works (Congressional Quarterly Books, 1990, 1996). https://www.theage.com.au/national/an-oyster-farmer-a-firefighter-a-kennedy-the-democrats-taking-the-fight-to-the-republicans-20260521-p5zzm3.html https://www.axios.com/2026/05/22/trump-iran-meeting-resume-war-deal The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow, US Study Centre, Has Trump finally lost it and why is nobody calling him out ? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our first guest is one of Australia's sharpest political interviewers and commentators. She's become a defining voice in Australian political journalism: incisive, relentless and never afraid to push politicians on the tough issues. You'll know her from the ABC's Afternoon Briefing, Radio National Breakfast and previously Q+A. Patricia Karvelas joins us now on the line now. Patricia Karvelas is one of Australia's leading political journalists and broadcasters. She hosts Afternoon Briefing on ABC News and is a regular voice across the ABC's political coverage, including major federal budget and election broadcasts. Previously the host of Q+A and Radio National Breakfast, Karvelas is known for her incisive interviews, deep Canberra contacts and sharp analysis of Australian politics, media and public policy. Before joining the ABC, she worked as a senior political reporter and columnist with The Australian and other major news outlets. She is widely regarded as one of the country's most influential political interviewers. Macca and Kenny talk to PK about her insights into the latest in Australian politics The post Sat, 23rd May, 2026: Patricia Karvelas, ABC’s Afternoon Briefing, Australia’s Current Political Climate. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul talk to Gavin Macleod, Executive Creative Director, Emotive; Bold New Safe Sex Campaign from Four Seasons Naked Condoms Sydney, 12th May, 2026. STI rates are rising among young Australians, but the message about safe sex isn't getting through. Now, Four Seasons Naked Condoms is taking a radically different approach, launching a bold new campaign that turns the risks of unprotected sex into giant, cinematic monsters designed to be impossible to ignore. As a heritage brand in Australia for decades, Four Seasons Condoms is on a mission to make the conversation around protection more approachable for Gen Z. According to data from the Kirby Institute, Australia recorded more than 101,000 chlamydia cases in 2024, with around half among people aged 20–29, alongside rising rates of gonorrhoea. At the same time, research from La Trobe University shows condom use among young Australians is declining, with more than half not using one the last time they had sex. “In general practice we see young patients presenting with sexually transmitted infections every single day” said Dr Lucy Herron, GP at Coogee Beach Doctors. “Chlamydia is very common and is a particular worry as it often has no symptoms but can cause a serious infection and even infertility if not detected early. Others, like gonorrhoea and syphilis, are unfortunately much more common than they were a few years ago. Really common infections like herpes have no cure at all, and can lead to annoying symptoms like irritation and pain, which can come and go for the rest of your life.” Instead of traditional health messaging, the campaign uses humour and spectacle to bring those risks to life. The hero film begins with an intimate moment between two young adults, where a decision not to use a condom quickly spirals into chaos. A giant baby crashes through the city, followed by grotesque STI creatures representing gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis tearing through streets and buildings, turning abstract risks into something visible and confronting. “STI rates are rising, and traditional messaging isn't cutting through,” said Michael Porter, Director at Four Seasons Condoms. “We wanted to create something people would actually watch and talk about, using entertainment to make the risks feel real.” Women's health advocate Grace Toombs and founder of Hey June Health said the approach reflects how younger audiences engage with the topic. “Sexual health shouldn't feel awkward or taboo, but a lot of messaging still does. When you approach it through humour and culture, it opens the door for more honest conversations.” AI filmmaking techniques were used to create the cinematic scale and surreal characters, bringing the concept to life in a way that would traditionally require blockbuster-level production. The campaign rolls out nationally across Snapchat, supported by social and creator-led amplification and was created by independent creative agency Emotive in partnership with AI film production specialists, AiCandy Australia. The post Sat 16th, May, 2026: Gavin Macleod, Executive Creative Director, Emotive; Bold New Safe Sex Campaign from Four Seasons Naked Condoms appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul talk to Stephen Bartos, Prof of Economics, Uni. of Canberra, as they discuss whether or not the federal budget has gone far enough to correct generational inequality with changes to Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax? Stephen Bartos is a former deputy secretary of the commonwealth finance department and currently is a professor at the University of Canberra. The post Sat 16th, May, 2026: Stephen Bartos, Prof of Economics, Uni. of Canberra, Does the Federal Budget go far enough with changes to Negative Gearing and CGT? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul  talk to Kieran Rooney, from The Age, about the State Budget. Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. Image courtesy of the The Age. What we can expect at the upcoming Victorian election. And with One Nation on a roll and more micro-parties, who should we we watching? And with One Nation on a roll and more micro-parties, who should we be watching? https://www.instagram.com/p/DX3hq5_jt9O/?img_index=3 https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/labor-unveils-election-year-hip-pocket-splurge-despite-debt-soaring-to-199-billion-20260504-p5zti4.html The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Kieran Rooney – The Age, SMH, VIC State Budget Analysis, What we can expect at the upcoming Victorian election? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul are joined live in the studio by Michael Galea MP State Member for S. E. Metro Region. Galea holds key roles, including Deputy Chair of the Legal and Social Issues Committee and the Select Committee on the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector. He is also a member of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee and the Select Committee on the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid, along with being a participating member of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. Galea is an LGBTIQA+ Advocacate: Serves as Co-Chair of the Victorian Government’s LGBTIQA+ Ministerial Taskforce, focusing on equality and safety. Some of the topics discussed in the interview were: as the budget designed for the election? What do you say to small business owners being squeezed out of Melbourne by highest tax burden in Australia and soaring violent crime/fire-bombings? The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Michael Galea MP State Member for S. E. Metro Region; is the State Budget designed for the November Election? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul speak to Dr David Hayward is Emeritus Prof. Public Policy & the Social Economy at RMIT; Response to Vic State Budget Dr David Hayward is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and the Social Economy  at RMIT University. He is the Chair of the Victorian Government's Social Housing Regulation Review.  He is also Chair of Fire Rescue Victoria's Strategic Advisory Board. He is a former Dean of Business at Swinburne University (2004-2009), Dean of Social Science at RMIT University (2004-2016), and member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (he Chaired the Finance Committee) (2008-2013). He is a life member of the Victorian Council of Social Service and in 2015 was invited to become a seconded member of its governing board (resigned in June 2018). In 2013, he  was elected (twice re-elected unopposed) as Chair of  RMIT's Academic Board (the University's principal academic committee), retiring in December 2018, during which time he  also served on University Council and its Infrastructure and Information Technology sub-committee. David's research interests are the funding of social policy, with a focus on the State Governments. The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Dr David Hayward is Emeritus Prof. Public Policy & the Social Economy at RMIT; Response to Vic State Budget appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul are joined  live on air by Son Vivienne, CEO Transgender Victoria, as they discuss the priorities for the rest of the year as CEO of Victoria's leading body for transgender, gender diverse and non-binary (TGD) people. Son is the CEO at Transgender Victoria, a lead advocacy, education and peer support community led organisation and not-for-profit. Informing this role, Son has a background in academia and over 30 years experience in media-production and research across digital self-representation, online activism, queer identities, and rhetorical strategies/feminist practices for speaking and listening across difference. Their work on digital storytelling is published as ‘Digital Identity and Everyday Activism: Sharing Private Stories with Networked Publics' (Palgrave, 2016). Their latest 2023 book is called ‘Queering Safe Spaces: Being Brave Beyond Binaries' available here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781793618849/Queering-Safe-Spaces-Being-Brave-beyond-Binaries The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Son Vivienne, CEO Transgender Victoria, Priorities for the rest of the Year Facing Transgender Victoria appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Paul talk to Joe Ball – Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Update on IDAHOBIT Weekend May 17 marks the date in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the WHO Classification of Diseases. Over three decades later, LGBTQIA+ communities still face discrimination – but every one of us can make a difference. Will you stand against discrimination? A worldwide celebration of gender and sexual diversities and a call to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community to fight discrimination. The first Mardi Gras pride march was held in Sydney in 1978, which was met with violence from police. Those who marched were beaten inside police cells and had their names published by the Sydney Morning Herald. Tasmania was the last jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality in May 1997. The majority of Australians today were alive during a time when it was illegal to be gay. The Marriage Equality plebiscite was held in 2017. While marriage equality was passed, 38.4% of Australians who voted (4.8 million people) voted against it. The first IDAHOBIT was held in 2005 and is today acknowledged by millions of people globally. While IDAHOBIT has evolved over these years, the purpose remains the same – celebrate the progress we have made while also raising awareness for the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people still face today. Joe Ball was appointed as Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities on 23 September 2024 for a three-year term. Commissioner Ball (he/him) is a proud transgender man. He is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate with a 25-year career in disability, housing and homelessness, and social services. Commissioner Ball is a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the Federal Government's 10-Year LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing Plan. He has previously participated in several leading social service advisory committees and boards. This includes the Victorian Family Violence peak body Safe and Equal, the Community Advisory Committee for 1800RESPECT, the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, and the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee. Joe was previously CEO of Switchboard Victoria for eight years, where he led the establishment of Rainbow Door, the statewide LGBTIQA+ family violence and mental health helpline. Throughout his expansive career, Joe has drawn upon the strength and guidance of LGBTIQA+ history and most importantly, the work of activists who have paved the way, the courageous voices with lived experience and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders. In 2020, Joe was honoured as an award recipient in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders in Australia. The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Joe Ball – Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Update on IDAHOBIT Weekend appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

For the first time ever Nevena and Paul are co-hosting together, Macca is a way and our executive producer Kenny is down on the coast. Nevena and Paul discuss the week that was, what’s happening this week on the show everything happening at the Pride Centre and Delta’s Eurovision campaign. The post Sat, 16th May, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and Paul appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Saturday Magazine’s own Paul Horwell, now CEO of Vic. Pride Centre joined the team live on-air from The Melbourne Exhibition Centre to discuss the 125th Anniversary of Australia’s First Sitting of Parliament in Melbourne in 1901. The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Paul Horwell, CEO VPC, 125th Anniversary of Australia’s First Parliament appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona, Kenny and Macca are joined live on-air by Michael Wilson, Research Fellow at the Movember Institute of Men's Health; as they discuss Men’s Mental Health Michael Wilson is a Research Fellow focused on men's mental health and suicide prevention, based with Orygen at the University of Melbourne. Since 2018, Michael has published and presented research both nationally and internationally across a range of subjects, including healthy masculinities and mental health in young men, improving training for mental health practitioners around engaging and responding to help-seeking men, and understanding risk and protective factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours in men. His research currently focuses on men’s mental health and suicide risk in the context of intimate partner relationship breakdown. The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Michael Wilson, Research Fellow at the Movember Institute of Men's Health; Men’s Health appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona, Kenny and  Macca are joined live on air by Nicholas Huxley, International Educator and Fashion Designer; as they discuss the annual Met gala red carpet hits and misses Nicholas Huxley was born and brought up in Papua New Guinea as one of five boys. His mother worked as a correspondent for the ABC and his father was managing editor of the Times Courier newspaper. Huxley began his training in 1973 at East Sydney Technical College's Fashion Design course, now TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio, and after a few years in the industry, began teaching at the same institution until his retirement as head teacher in 2018. He has been a teacher, mentor and studio presence for notable designers including Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry, Nicky Zimmermann, Lisa Ho, Dion Lee, Romance Was Born and Academy Award nominated Costume Designer Janet Patterson. He was instrumental in developing showcase opportunities for students at Australian Fashion Week and Strand Arcade runway shows. In his youth, during their Australian tours, Nicholas befriended the likes of Bette Davis and Zsa Zsa Gabor, for whom he tailored a purple wool pencil skirt and jacket. As an active designer he has worked in film, TV, fashion magazines creating illustrations for Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire, and dressed film star Nicole Kidman. In 1989 Nicholas was nominated for an AFI award for Costumes for Sons of Steel and has won two Fashion Industry of Australia awards. He has received nine nominations for the NSW Government Fashion Laureate Award and a nomination for the Fashion Group International Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served on a number of design juries and design-based committees including the Victorian Premier's Design Awards in 2017. In 2015, Nicholas was invited by Miami Dade College to assist them in establishing the Miami Fashion Institute, which offers a degree course and he has been a supporter of the Fiji/Pacific Islands Fashion Week since its inception. He travels extensively and is an avid collector of jewellery, clothing, art and decorative objects. His first solo art exhibition was held at Maunsell Wicks in 2018. The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Nicholas Huxley, International Educator and Fashion Designer; Met Gala Red Carpet Hits and Misses appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Kenny and  Fiona are joined live in the studio by Rachel Westaway, Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hosp. State budget response, firebombing epidemic, Libs retain Nepean in the by-election, in this extended interview the Sat Mag team and Rachel discuss factionalism in politics, the rise of One Nation and what is emerging as the new political alignments in Australia, as well as the rise of Reform in the UK. The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Rachel Westaway, Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hosp. State budget response, firebombing epidemic, Libs retain Nepean in the by-election appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Kenny and Fiona are joined live on air by Ged Kearney, MP Cooper – Asst Min for Prevention of Family Violence, as they discuss the new policy initiative National Healthy Men Community Conversations. The Albanese Labor Government is has launched the national Healthy Men Community Conversations project to support the health and wellbeing of men and boys. The project will deliver a series of community conversations across the country, bringing together the public and organisations working to support men's health and wellbeing, as well as those engaged in family, domestic and sexual violence prevention. The project aims to explore and encourage help-seeking and connection for mental, physical and social wellbeing and health among men. The project will be led by the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney, and the Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi. The National Healthy Men Community Conversations will: Strengthen connections between men and local and national health and support services and encourage help-seeking Engage in conversations and evidence sharing about respectful relationships and what it means to be a happy, healthy and supported man. Conversations from the tour will inform future government policies and programs as part of the Albanese Labor Government's broader commitment to working in partnership with communities to improve outcomes for men and boys, while supporting safer, healthier relationships for all Australians. The project kicks off with a Healthy Masculinities Roundtable hosted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, with representatives from government and academia bringing expertise in family safety and services, legal affairs, gender-based violence, online safety, gender equality, social cohesion and men's physical and emotional health. The Albanese Labor Government is also extending funding for the Healthy Masculinities Trial and Evaluation Program (Healthy MaTE) through to 30 June 2027. Healthy MaTE trials and evaluates schools and community based activities to encourage healthy expressions of masculinity and promote respectful relationships among boys and young men. It is funded through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32. The 12-month extension, is supported by an additional $861,000. More information on the government's work to improve men's health outcomes is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website. More information on the government's work to end family, domestic and sexual violence is available on the Department of Social Services website. Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney is quoted as saying, “ The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working with men and boys, because when we do, we know we strengthen families and communities for generations to come. “We want men to feel confident seeking support when they need it, and to know that reaching out is an act of strength. “The data shows that when men feel supported and socially connected, they are better able to build respectful, healthy relationships. Understanding what strengthens connection and wellbeing is key to fostering strong and positive relationships”. The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Ged Kearney, MP Cooper – Asst Min for Prevention of Family Violence, National Healthy Men Community Conversations appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Kenny and  Fiona are joined up first this week by Dr. Cameron McLaren, as they discuss evidence based Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in Australia, Dr. Cameron McLaren is a Victorian-based medical oncologist and a leading advocate for, and practitioner of, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in Australia. He works at Casey Surgical Group (Berwick) and Monash Health, specialising in gastrointestinal, genitourinary, lung, and breast cancers, while supporting patients with end-of-life care options The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Dr. Cameron McLaren, Medical Oncologist, Voluntary Assisted Dying appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca is joined in the hosting seats this week by Fiona Patten and Saturday Magazine’s Produce Kenny Hill, as they discuss the week that was and what’s coming up in this week’s programme. Patten established the Australian Sex Party in 2009 to focus on personal freedoms after deep frustration with stagnation on censorship, freedom, marriage equality and drug law reform. On 22 August 2017, it was announced that the Australian Sex Party would be changing its name to the Reason Party Before entering politics, Patten was the CEO of Australia’s national adult industry association, Eros Association. She championed sexual rights and health movements for more than 20 years, particularly on HIV/AIDS, after initially starting out as a small business owner with her own fashion label. During her time as a Victorian MP, Patten has been credited for playing pivotal roles in achieving social reforms in Victoria, with examples including the passage of Victoria’s assisted dying legislation, the trial of a medically supervised drug injecting room in Richmond, relaxing laws for ride-share companies such as Uber and establishing buffer zones for abortion clinics to keep protesters away from patients and staff . The post Sat, 9th, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up With Macca, Kenny and Fiona Patten appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our last guest for this week’s programme is Clare Stephens is a podcaster, editor, and formerly was the editor-in-chief for Mamamia. This year Clare published her first novel ‘The Worst Thing I've Ever Done’ and launched her new podcast The Pile On. Former editor of Mamma Mia and the creator and host of interview podcast The Pile-On where she speaks to public figures about what happens when the internet turns on you. Her debut novel is The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done. She was on the panel at the Sorrento Writers Festival about Podcast Mania that we discussed recently with fellow-panellist Mark Kenny. The Worst Thing I've Ever Done follows the story of Ruby, the editor of a feminist website, and Felicity, an online commentator who makes it her mission to take Ruby down. The post Sat, 2nd, May 2026: Clare Stephens, Podcaster, ‘The Pile-On’, & ‘The Worst Thing I've Ever Done’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena, Macca and Misha talk to Lenore Taylor about World Press Freedom Day. Raised in Brisbane, Taylor attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School and studied journalism and politics at the University of Queensland, where she was co-editor of the student newspaper Semper Floreat. She began working as a journalist in 1987 at The Canberra Times. She was later national affairs correspondent and then chief political correspondent at The Sydney Morning Herald, before becoming Guardian Australia‘s first political editor from 2013 to 2016. She has won the “Scoop of the Year” Walkley Award twice: in 2010, for her reporting on the Rudd government‘s shelving of an emissions trading scheme, and in 2014, for a joint report on Australian spying on the Indonesian government. She also won the 2014 Paul Lyneham Award for excellence in journalism and the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Journalist of the Year in 2007 and 2014. Taylor published her first book, Shitstorm: Inside Labor’s Darkest Days (about Kevin Rudd‘s first term as Prime Minister) in 2010. In February 2026, Lenore resigned as Editor of The Guardian after more than a decade in the role. Macca, Nevena and Misha talk to Lenore about World Press Freedom Day, is now more important than ever?  – attacks on journalism by Trump – does this send a signal to other world leaders that this is acceptable? – What is the FOI situation like in Australia – should we be concerned? They also look at the fracturing of news sources and the rise of podcasters. Does it erode the public's confidence in journalism? Where will the Lenore Taylors and Cameron Stewarts of the future learn their trade? – is there a shadow side of press freedom?.  In a democracy like ours, where should we draw the line on Freedom of the press? The post Sat, 2nd May, 2026: Lenore Taylor, Australian Journalist; World Press Freedom Day. Podcasting and the Future of Journalism. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena, Misha and Macca talk to Lizzie O’Shea, Chair, Digital Rights Watch, Are Corporations Profiling You? Lizzie O'Shea sues companies and governments that do the wrong thing. Lizzie works and opens dialogues about the intersection of technology, law and human rights. Lizzie is the founder and chair of Digital Rights Watch, Australia’s leading digital rights organisation, she is an advocate for stronger laws to protect people from predatory industries and dangerous business models. Lizzie has authored two books,  and a contributing author to three more, which explore campaigns to protect human rights and the history and future of technology. https://digitalrightswatch.org.au/ ‘Corporations are deploying Artificial Intelligence into almost every aspect of our lives, shaping how we interact with our government services, businesses, healthcare systems, and employers. While carefully-considered and worker-led introduction of AI tools may provide benefits, Digital Rights Watch is concerned with the real harms these tools cause to our community’. The post Sat, 2nd May, 2026: Lizzie O’Shea, Chair, Digital Rights Watch, Are Corporations Profiling You? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Misha Ketchell discusses with Macca and Nevena Whistle-blower laws in Australia David McBride, a former Australian military lawyer, was jailed in May 2024 for leaking secret documents that exposed alleged war crimes by Australian special forces in Afghanistan. While Ben Roberts-Smith was implicated in these crimes, he has not been imprisoned, though he was arrested in April 2026 for war crimes and lost a civil defamation case where a judge found him involved in murders. Misha discusses the consequences in Australia of being a whistle-blower and how it differs so dramatically from many other Western countries. The post Sat, 2nd May, 2026: Misha Ketchell on David McBride and Ben Roberts-Smith; Whistle Blower Laws in Australia appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

On 30 April 2026, Commissioner Virginia Bell AC SC presented the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The Interim Report was tabled in the Australian Parliament on 30 April 2026. The Interim Report examines the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025 Term of Reference (c) of the Letters Patent. The complete version of the Interim Report will be provided on a confidential basis to the Australian Government and state governments (the confidential report). An edited version is publicly available. Parts of every chapter are contained only in the confidential report as they refer to information that cannot be disclosed publicly, for reasons that include national security and the need to avoid prejudice to current criminal proceedings. To access the publicly available interim report please go to here: https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/interim-report While it's great news about the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion; why isn't the government doing more about gambling addiction and the social cohesion effects on gambling in Australia? Macca, Nevena and Misha discuss this issue with Josh. https://theconversation.com/to-protect-australians-the-federal-parliament-must-push-albanese-on-gambling-reforms-281641 Australia has historically taken a lax approach to gambling reform, and it shows. A 2024 Grattan Institute report shows we have the highest gambling losses in the world per capita. Australians collectively lost more than $32 billion gambling in 2023-24, half of it on the pokies. And our losses per person have grown almost every year since reporting began in 1975. Pokies and online betting are particularly addictive, leading to serious harm for hundreds of thousands of Australians. The Murphy inquiry was focused on online gambling harm and identified gambling advertising as a major culprit. Gambling advertising exposes large numbers of Australians, including children, to a dangerous product and increases losses, with little corresponding economic or social benefit. The post Sat, 2nd May, 2026: Josh Burns, MP Mcnamara, Antisemitism & Social Cohesion Royal Commission Interim Report. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.