The Conversation Hour

Following on from yesterday's discussion about job cuts at the CSIRO, in this edition of The Conversation Hour  the Science Minister responds to climate modelling cuts at the institution. Also in this edition, a new study on passenger safety on taxi and rideshare services, combating online misinformation for new parents, plus normalising older women on the catwalk. 

The CSIRO will press ahead with cutting up to 350 jobs, despite receiving federal government funding of  $387.4 million over the next four years. With reports today  of cuts to the team working on the national climate model,  we discuss what these potential cuts would mean for climate projections. Also in this edition we talk citizen science, preventing infection at the nail salon plus we celebrate our SES volunteers for Wear Orange Day. 

It's World Family Doctor Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the role of the AI scribe in the doctors surgery, and the patient GP relationship.Also in this edition, how is the social media ban changing how young people engage with the news, AI at the movies, plus what's instore for the new season of Restoration Australia.

Victoria police have revealed that their Transit Safety Division 'STOPIT' unit have received more than 7,000 reports of unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour over the last five years which have resulted in 77 arrests. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the significance of the numbers and how to stay safe on public transport.Also in this edition, the power of volunteering and community connection.

Delta Goodrem has made it to the Eurovision Grand Final after performing her song Eclipse. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss accents in music, what actually makes a voice sound Australian and do accents make songs more, or less marketable?Also in this edition, the health of healthcare in the federal budget, plus the significance of Trump's visit to China.

With recent calls for a universal school lunch program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with two schools who have created a lunch program for their students.Also in this edition, preventing injury in community sport, how the oceans are becoming to loud for whales, plus Homer Simpson turns 70.

The Federal Budget has been handed down and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how far it goes in reducing intergenerational inequity and how it could shift our attitudes towards home ownership.Also in this edition, Split Enz are in town, we hear your favourite songs and gigs.

Ahead of the federal budget tonight, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the issue of voter trust and does it really matter if a party breaks an election promise?  Plus, as Michael Voss quits Carlton, we look at the future of the club.

One Nation won the seat of Farrer from the Coalition, which had held the seat for 77 years. Meanwhile in the UK local elections indicate a decline for support of major parties. In this edition for The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins a fracturing political landscape.Also in this edition, the mental health of vets, the release of UFO files in the US, plus we ask you how you feel about going grey.

Sir David Attenborough has turned 100, and in this edition of The Conversation we explore how he has influenced and inspired generations to care about the natural world.Also in this edition, the latest on the war in Iran, plus what's it like to be a flight paramedic.

There has been fierce debate this morning regarding whether the screening of The World Cup should be banned at Fed Square. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what it means to balance the benefits of community connection fostered by the event against the security concerns.Also in this edition, concerning rates of asthma in the inner West, combating online radicalisation, and the impact of the hantavirus on the cruise ship industry.Plus, we reflect on cultural healing ahead of Kumanjayi Little Baby vigils this evening.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we introduce you to  Santiago Velasquez.  Santiago is blind and has created an app that enables public transport passengers to electronically hail a bus from their phone in real time. The technology is currently being trialled in the bus service here in Victoria. We are also joined by Vision Australia to discuss how best to improve public transport accessibility more broadly across that state. Also in this edition, the health of netball in Australia, HRT patches in short supply, and the latest on the war in Iran.

With yet another nightclub firebombing overnight in this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what impact this series of attacks is having on the hospitality sector more broadly.Also in this edition, the health of local media, art fakes,  plus, what's behind the Met Gala backlash?

A recent report from Go Gentle Australia has highlighted concerns about access to Voluntary Assisted Dying in aged care, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the current policy and speak with senior advocacy groups about what measures they would like to see to ensure access for those who seek it.Also in this edition, the pressure on hairdressers to be therapists, the significance of Japan's Prime Minister visit to Australia, plus we cross to the first day one of the public hearings for the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion..

With the distressing news of the stabbing of a paramedic on Thursday in Reservoir in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what protections and supports should be in place to bolster their safety and wellbeing at work.Also in this edition, tips for renovating during a fuel crisis, plus why are fast food shares down?

The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has released its interim report this morning. Established in response to the Bondi terror attack, the report has made 14 recommendations. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Allegra Spender, Independent Member for Wentworth, which includes Bondi, shares her reflections on the report.Also in this edition, why the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for the state government to help young trade apprentices with fuel costs, an Anglicare report reveals rents unaffordable for low income earners.  Plus, the meeting some say is missing from King Charles's royal tour of the United States and what impact is your activewear having on the environment?

A new report from the John Curtin Research Centre says there needs to be stronger safeguards around how AI is being used in the workplace. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the use of excessive AI surveillance in the work place and what measures need to be put into place to mitigate harmful impact on employees.Also in this edition, the implications of the UAE leaving OPEC, the health impacts of bacteria build up on mouthguards, plus, as Marios celebrates its 40th anniversary we hear your memories of Brunswick Street.

The state budget will see a $100 million injection into the Victorian bus service, with the funding to include expanded bus hours and routes into growing suburbs. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how to improve the bus service and what needs to happen to change attitudes towards catching the bus.Also in this edition, reflections on 30 years since the Port Arthur massacre, plus who is America's new ambassador to Australia?

The Victorian Government will spend over one billion dollars to repair and resurface our roads, as part of the state budget. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss whether our roads are becoming safer.Also in this episode, how to save money in health care, King Charles visits Washington, plus just how quick will marathons get.

Health Minister Mark Butler has detailed big cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk through what changes are being made and take your questions.Also on the program, remembering James Valentine, a new report into Australia's food security, plus we meet the mum of a six year old golfer off to compete in Canada.

The federal government will reverse its decision to charge at-home aged care recipients for showers, dressing and continence care. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we reflect on what standards of dignity should look like in aged care.Also in this edition, is ongoing free public transport feasible in Victoria? Plus, how to eat well and save at the check-out.

It have been described as an historic order, The Fair Work Commission has ruled that some of Australia's larger companies need to compensate truckies and transport companies. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what the decision means for truck drivers and how it will impact the consumer.Also in this edition, does the AFL tribunal need an overhaul?What languages should be taught in schools?Plus, Tim Cook is stepping down from CEO of Apple, what will new leadership of the company look like? 

More people can donate blood from today, as eligibility has expanded to include gay and bisexual men and also transgender people. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what the change means to the LGBTQIA+ community, plus what change will mean in bolstering the reserve.Also in this edition, have you found yourself walking more during the fuel crisis? We talk how to find the backpack to support spine health. As term two kicks off we learn where things are at with the teacher industrial action. Plus, just how sustainable is vegan leather?

An ABC analysis of census data recently revealed that women are more likely to exceed their husbands when it comes to education. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the provocative question what role things like educational status and earning capacity play in who we walk down the aisle with.Also in this edition, how Geelong is fairing in the wake of the oil refinery fire plus, will the Prime Minister's fertiliser deal ease concerns of farmers.

The Consumer Health Forum is calling for the Federal Government to prioritise dental affordability ahead of the budget, off the back of its survey findings that eight in ten are finically strained by dental costs. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with their CEO the sacrifices Australians are having to make to go to the dentist and what measures the CHF would like the Federal Government take to improve equitable access to dental care.Also in this edition, parking inspectors take strike action, why AI might know you better than you think plus a win for road safety.

The AFL tribunal has found Port Adelaide player Zak Butters guilty of verbally abusing umpire Nick Foot, despite a lack of evidence. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk through the principles of justice and discuss whether it should have gone to the tribunal in the first place.Also in this edition, the significance of having four Australians have drafted into the WNBA, plus how would you feel about an AI boss?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Arthur Sinodinos, chair of the United States study centre and former Australian ambassador to the US and liberal minister reflects on the intricate balance of a more self-reliant Australia while also maintaining a solid US alliance, off the back of his opinion piece for The Guardian.Also in this edition, how to better support people retiring with housing debt, concerns of wildlife poaching in the Darebin Parklands plus Harry and Meghan are in Melbourne.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new report from The Grattan Institute that explores attitudes towards democracy in Australia and how to protect it into the future.Also in this edition, we talk passenger health on ultra-long flights, a change of leadership in Hungary as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's concedes defeat. Plus we also speak with the Jesuit Social Services about a funding boost to their Stop it Now! service.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the importance of learning the art of reparation.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on how the Lebanese community is feeling amidst the Middle East conflict.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on the Iran and US conflict. We ask a Middle East analyst does this two-week ceasefire mean peace?Also, do you still use the water saving measures you implemented in the 1990s during water restrictions?And we find out how many minutes of exercise you should be doing each week. 

The Fair Work Commission will abolish junior pay rates for young adult employees aged 18 to 20 in the fast food, retail, and pharmacy sectors with a phase-in period of up to four years. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk what it means for both young workers and business.Also in this edition, why Gen Z dads feel they need to be the providers and we talk farmers mental health in the face of the fuel crisis.

In breaking news this morning police have shot dead fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman in Victoria's north-east. Freeman had been on the run for seven months, and was wanted for the fatal shootings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. Bringing back memories of the tragic day of losing the officers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the emotional impact of the shooting on the police force, and reflect on what support could and should be offered to police community in the wake of traumatic events.Also in this edition, a month of free public transport sounds like good news but what will it mean for people who live in regional Victoria and particularly those that rely on the V-Line service? Plus, Kylie Minogue is set to headline the AFL grand final entertainment, and while many are celebrating the announcement as being great for Australian music others say the gig should go to emerging artists.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact the fuel crisis could have on kids sports, particularly for those living in regional Victoria having to drive long distance, and how to best support young people playing sport in a cost of living crisis. Also in this edition, the UK has launched it's own version of Saturday Night Live, we ask will we ever see a SNL hit our shores. 

Last week we discussed what role cycling could play as an alternative to driving in the context of the fuel crisis, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into whether there could be an uptick in people turning to walking for their daily commute and how to look after your feet if it is something you are considering. Also in this edition, mitigating fuel theft, the latest from the teachers strike plus, new research into rural crime. 

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new study from Monash University that has highlighted the emotional stress experienced by school principals and we discuss why they will be joining the teachers strikes.Also in this edition, we talk the world's best airports, delve into a study that looks at Australian attitudes towards national security, plus celebrate the public toilet.

As petrol prices continue to rise, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people will turn to the trusty bicycle to save money and if we actually have the infrastructure to support an uptick in cyclists.Plus, later in the hour we talk with Dr Anne Jones, host of What the Duck about her new podcast that delves into the curious mix of true crime and natural history. 

With news today that Victoria's Conservation Regulator is investigating reports of jet ski riders harassing dolphins at Philip Island, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how much they disrupt marine life and what measures should be put in place to protect sea mammals.Also in this edition, we recently spoke on the program about whether the fuel crisis will see drivers shift to electric vehicles, so today we explore what this shift will mean for mechanics, and what will the future work of mechanics look like?Plus, how is social media changing how we buy and sell real estate?

In a time of global conflict, how should you think about your budget, your priorities, and your long term plans? 

Yesterday on program we received a few calls from trade workers who shared their concerns about how the fuel crisis will impact their business. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with industry figures about just how acutely it will be felt and also what it means for consumers.We also throw the spotlight on the vast area of Gippsland to explore the cost of rising fuel prices on the shire, plus we discuss the welfare of seafarers in times of global conflict.

As discussion rages about how the war in the Middle East will impact our fuel supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the question just how well placed is our public transport system equipped to deal with a demand surge in Victoria.Also in this edition, a new study looks at reducing the risk of birth trauma, plus we bring you all the latest from the Oscars.

Opal Healthcare is trialling a new two-tier system essentially requiring residents to pay extra for things like a hot breakfast and tv in rooms. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk how far a system like this goes in perpetuating inequity in aged care and whether we will likely see it spread further across the sector.Also in this edition, the critical role social connection plays in people living with dementia, Super netball is back, plus who will the winners be at this year's Oscars?