The Conversation Hour

The minimum wage will increase by 3.5 per cent from July 1, it's been described as a historic decision. But what is it to live on the minimum wage and how will the decision impact business? Also, in this edition we talk stigma pregnant women experience with their weight, why Lifeblood is calling for urgent O-type blood donors and why you might want to rethink drinking during air-travel. 

In this edition The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of menopause on women in the workforce, and ask whether menopause accredited workplaces would be an effective means of retaining staff or further stigmatise women experiencing menopause.Also, in this edition, the State government's decision to axe the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, has drawn criticism over the weekend with grass roots football players wearing red arm bands - we discuss the broader implications of the decision. Plus, as Vinnies launches and online boutique offering high end labels we look at how the role of op shops is changing.

Beloved comedian Magd Szubanski has shared that she has stage four cancer. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how the diagnosis of a serious illness changes your life and the process of adaption that comes with it. Also in this edition we talk livestock theft, a tech innovation that detects fatigue in high risk jobs, and who still loves a glass of milk.

in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the impact of the drought on farmers and discuss what the impact could be on future generations. We also talk how young is too young to go into politics, the reunification of the coalition and day one of the machete ban.

In the wake of the Northland Shopping centre incident, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what training and support is available to young retail workers. Plus, we speak to the Chair of Lifeline about coping strategies and we ask a criminologist if police hubs in centres would help curb crime and make the public feel safer.

The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program has been cut in the State budget, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore the impact the cuts will have on women in sport. 

With a mission statement to "redefine superhumanity through science innovation and sports" in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at controversial Enhanced Games — where athletes are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs. Plus, as video games enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which also has controversies of its own, we look at why it remains so popular and who is still playing it. And, it was a big win for the Tottenham Hotspurs — we celebrate the legacy of Ange Postecoglou.

Yesterday's State budget saw significant investment into hospitals, but as hospital parking remains an ongoing issue for patients, families and health professionals in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much it will be factored into planning. Plus a Lancet report into adolescent health as outlined the challenges young people face including poor mental health and rising obesity, we speak with one of the researchers about how to best meet these challenges. 

CFA volunteers and farmers have protested against the emergency services tax across the state today. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how far reaching the impact of this tax could be. Plus, we as homeowners wait with baited breath for the RBA interest rate decision — we look at what it will mean for the housing market. We also talk how the State Budget will shake out this afternoon. 

There has been a lot of discussion over the weekend about suicide prevention in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the role of grass roots community action. 

Cricket commentator and former international cricketer Mel Jones OAM was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award this week at the Victorian Sports Awards, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with Mel about her work in supporting women in the game. Also, in this edition, we discuss injuries caused by energy based cosmetic treatments such as laser treatments, we also delve into the delicate terrain of when friendships get romantic.

Record amounts of plastic have been discovered in the seabirds of Lord Howe Island, so much so that you can hear their bodies crunch. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what it would take to cut back plastic use. Plus, we look at the new national guidelines for the treatment of early pregnancy loss.

A new study has looked at the impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on teachers and the role it could play in driving teachers out of the profession, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the importance of formal recognition of the condition and what might help alleviate the stressors. Also in this edition we discuss whether there needs to be stronger legal protections for employees who are dismissed for having a criminal record, plus learn about some new technology to help prevent falls.

This week is palliative care week and in this edition of The Conversation hour we hear about the work of Very Special Kids and their role in providing palliative care for children with life-limiting illness. We hear the firsthand experience of a mother who was supported by the charity as well as her family support practitioner.Also, in this edition, what will Susan Ley's leadership mean for the Liberal party, do we need to create better incentives for international touring acts to choose local supports and how much training do you get as an umpire?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at where a love of reading stems from and whether it is something that in innate or can be developed. Also, as farmers in some of the lushest parts of the state run out of water, we look at the impact it is having on livestock producers and just how serious the issue is becoming. And a controversial mural in Fitzroy prompts questions about what the role of public art should be.

How concerned should we be about the risk of concussion in kids footy? In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we explore the challenging decision many parents have to make about whether the risk is just too high.Plus, the Catholic Church has a new pope, Pope Leo, so who is he and what will he stand for? Also, as Nicole Kidman sported a new hair do at the Met Gala this week, we talk the significance of hair and identity.

There has been a decline in the amount of young people driving trucks, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to happen to attract and retain young people to the industry. We also look at why there has already been a spike in flu rates this year and the importance of keeping clothes manufacturing local. loring the issues that affect all Victorians.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into why AFL recruiters are being sent to America , and what it could mean for the profile of the game internationally. We also discuss the impacts of the closure of the Bega Cheese processing site in Strathmore, talk the dangers of AI bias in surveillance and we reflect on what role the piano has in people's lives

It was a big night in Frankston last night as the Melbourne born Chicago Bulls player subbed in at a local A-grade competition in Frankston last night, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the significance of the appearance with Melbourne's basketball community. Also in this edition, how much can Victoria's new chief police commissioner Mike Bush change the culture, what are the best looks at this year's Met Gala and why are some elite athletes been warned against having one night stands.

New research reveals that children are disproportionately represented in e-scooter deaths, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the risks e-scooters pose to young people and what needs to happen to keep kids safe on the roads. We also look at just how significant influences where in determining the election result. Plus, we look at just how unusual it is to have temperatures in the mid 20s in May.

As Gen Z are said to embrace the 'joy of missing out' aka JOMO — where does that leave Melbourne's nightlife? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask just how significant the generational shift is in how young people socialise. We also look at the social impacts of Married at First Sight and celebrate the talk toilets of Victoria.

If you are breastfeeding and a sports fan — have you stopped going to live sporting events because it is just too hard? In this edition of The Conversation we look at some research from Deakin that reveals the extent of just how challenging attending sporting events can be for new families. We also talk jobs of the future and why eco-protestors are sending their clothes back to the shops they bought them from.

Faced with a parental dilemma, you may have found yourself asking what would parenting author and educator Maggie Dent do. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Maggie Dent talks parenting in the social media age and why she takes issue with the term toxic masculinity. We also look at what it would mean for participation if period products were made free at all sporting facilities and what it takes to get a tier two sport into the Olympics.

There were chaotic scenes in Melbourne over the weekend as protesters clashed on a range of issues. So, what does it mean to protest effectively and is the cause getting lost amid the chaos? Also in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at the recent success of the screen industry in Victoria and celebrate a win for Women's basketball.

A new survey of dentists has revealed that there is significant support for dental to be included in Medicare, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the report findings and look at just how much people are falling behind with their dental checks. Also, surveys by ABC NEWS and the Royal Australian College of GPs show only a small proportion of doctors believe they could bulk-bill more patients, despite government commitments incentivising it. Plus we get all the latest from Bells Beach and learn about a resource for motorcyclists to assess the safety of their gear.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the impact of role models in guiding, influencing and inspiring who we are and our social values. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into the legacy of Pope Francis and reflect on his work in changing the Catholic Church for women.Also in this edition, what impact could climate change have on blood donations and are employers changing their attitudes towards employees working from home.

As Dutton launched his election policy on reducing crime today , in this edition of the Conversation Hour, we look at how social media is changing when politicians campaign. We also look at the issue of what happens to your data when you recycle your tech plus, we look at TikTok's cookie challenge and what it tells us about our children's propensity to share.

As issues around housing and cost of living relief dominate the headlines in the lead up to the election, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how much foreign policy will influence the way people vote. Plus, we look at how video games lure young people into gambling via video games and as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival draws to a close we look at what it takes to crack it in comedy

The Coalition has labelled Labor's promise to wipe 20 per cent off HECS debt if it's re-elected elitist and unfair. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore who should be picking up the tab for tertiary study.We also talk travel discuss why some are hesitating to travel to the US and look at one of the ways some online forums might be effectively nudging individuals away form it.

Housing has been in the spotlight with Labour and the coalition launching their housing polices over the weekend to help new home buyers get into the market — but some say renters have been overlooked in all the new policy announcements — so what could and should a Federal Government be doing by way of improving the lives of renters?We also talk tax policy, the call for free school lunches and how virtual reality is being used to train first responders to birth emergencies.

Labor and the Coalition launched new housing policies over the weekend including a pledge from Anthony Albanese for $10bn to build up to 100, 000 new homes for first home buyers. But it begs the question, but some say there is a gap in both policies with neither of the parties doing enough to bolster the workforce to build the new residential properties. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss if more needs to be done to attract and retain workers in building and construction industry,Also in this edition, we talk what is the best way to engage young people in maths, how to prevent access to harmful video games plus how patients can navigate IVF extras .

A Monash IVF mix-up that saw a woman give birth to stranger's baby after the wrong embryo was used could potentially lead to a legal landmark case. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the legal and ethical complexities around the case. Also, is it ever ok to compliment someone on their appearance,  if so, what are there d's and don'ts, and is it generally better to err towards don't? Plus, we look at the importance of swimming pools to local communities.

As the Night Cat in Fitzroy faces closure if they can't afford to upgrade their sound system to avoid breaching noise level limits, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what it means to co-exist with noise and why some noises are more annoying than others. We also talk motor cycle safety, off the back of ABS stats that reveal that motorcyclists are over-represented in road deaths. We also discuss whether complementary therapies should be included in private health insurance.

Support for mental health services is in the spotlight after the Labor party's $1 billion dollar election pledge. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether tightening the regulation around ADHD diagnosis could be a step towards ensuring access to those who most need it. Plus, discuss the barriers women officials in community sport face and how to turn that around. And as Wil Pucovski announces retirement from cricket due to repeat concussions, we delve into just how far reaching sports concussion is.

Are more Youth Specialist Care Centres an effective way of bolstering the mental health of young Australians? As Albanese pledges $1 billion in mental health support if re-elected in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what measures need to be taken to improve youth mental health.Plus, we also look at what it means to create neurodiverse events.

From lighting at train stations to CCTV cameras on trams – in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how safe commuters feel on public transport. We also pay tribute to tribute to Melbourne fashion designer Perri Cutten and discuss the risks associated with young people using beauty products.  

Two men have been charged after allegedly carrying two guns into the MCG last night. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at the gun ownership in Australia and what the current rates of illegal gun ownership is. We also talk gambling sponsorship in sport and reflect on why the media likes to pit women against each other.

As Trump talks tariffs on Aussie beef The Conversation Hour explores the potential impact this will have on local producers. Plus, The Australian Electoral Commission is investigating whether podcaster Abbie Chatfield was endorsing the PM in a recent interview, so just how influential are influences on young voters. Plus, People with print disabilities are not being adequately supported by public libraries, according to new research from University of South Australia, so what needs to happen to better support the print disability community?

Yesterday on The Conversation Hour we heard a first-hand account from a former police officer about the mental and emotional toll of serving in the force — and today and today Victoria's Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has confirmed to Raf on Mornings that he will not apply for the top job reflecting on the demands of a 24/7 job. So what does it take to attract and retain new officers and how would you feel about your kids joining the force.Also in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what matters to young people in the upcoming election and ask just how effective are cat curfews.

Wayne Gatt, CEO of the Police Association told Breakfast this morning that policing has become such a violent and confrontational career path that there needs to be better supports in place to allow officers to retire healthy, wealthy and with dignity. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what needs to happen to better support police officers in their retirement. Also, from today cigarettes (not just the packages) will have health warnings on them — so far will this go in preventing people from smoking. And speaking of prevention WA has recently introduced a preventative health minister — do we need one in Victoria too?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we learn about the development of a training program that aims to train doctors on how to have conversations with their patients about death and dying.  We also talk how to combat the current rates of school violence, get a behind the scenes glimpse at what happens behind the scenes on the campaign trail and pay tribute to former Collingwood and Richmond player who died suddenly on the weekend.