The Conversation Hour

New data has revealed that birthrates in Melbourne are in decline, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore whether stigma around not having kids is also in decline or if attitudes, particularly towards women, remain somewhat judgy. Also in this edition,  the implications of reduced access to rural and regional courts, the power in sartorial soft diplomacy and what AI can tell us about animal behavour. 

A police messaging service called STOPIT that was set up to report harassment on Melbourne's public transport system has led to more than 60 arrests over the last 3 years, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what role it has played in capturing and preventing instances of unwanted sexual behaviour which could otherwise go unreported.Also in this edition, outback killer, Bardley John Murdoch has died in prison, he was sentenced to life for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio , in 2005, we revisit the case that inspired Wolf Creek.Plus, what does a day off alcohol mean for your health and preserving heritage listing and green spaces while increasing housing.

A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how better to support women experiencing birth trauma.Also in this edition, we look at a new study that has revealed a third of young workers are exploited, plus after the accidental Federal Treasury document revelation, that the 1.2 million homes target would not be met, what will it mean for tackling housing affordability.

Later this year age-assurance technology will be introduced to internet search engines, to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we delve into what impact the changes may pose to privacy. Also in this edition we also explore why Melbourne rents are at record highs, and discuss what is the best ways to boost vaccination rates in Australia.Plus, some handy tips on how to reduce your wardrobe and stay stylish.

The Victorian opposition have proposed new policy that would see the Victorian police, instead of local councils in charge of protest registrations. But some argue that could be counterproductive, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what the best system is to support peaceful protests.Also in this edition, as bus drivers strike around the state we look at how to improve the bus network across Victoria, plus as the housing crisis intensifies, will we see a swing towards multi-generational living?

AHPRA is releasing new guidance for prescribing of medicinal cannabis after an investigation found unsafe practices where leading to harmful impacts on patients, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be put in place to ensure the wellbeing of health consumers.Also in this edition, a recent survey from the United Workers Union has revealed the under staffing in childcare centres, so how do we better support the industry and ensure child safety. Plus, we delve into the history of NAIDOC week.

With the recent announcement of closure of 10 Bendigo Bank branches across Australia, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what is lost when a local branch is closes and whether we need stronger policy to keep branches open.Also in this edition, what will the RBA rate decision tell us about the cost of living crises, why Australia was gripped by the mushroom murder trial, and we also discuss the importance of revitalising First Nations language.

With news of the axing of funding for council-run sleep and settling group education classes, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact it will have on young parents and discuss the importance of sleep on mental health.Also in this edition, how to combat threatening behaviour towards umpires, the importance of age inclusive language and what will the legacy of Peter Russell-Clarke be?

There have been calls the AFLW to be played at stadiums like the MCG and Marvel to rise the profile of the game, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what the measure would mean in changing attitudes to women's sport. Also in this edition, as UK rock legends Oasis commence their international tour, will we see the same rock n roll antics of previous times? Plus, the legacy of Miss Piggy and is diva a dirty word?

Changes to the way products containing B6 are accessed is one of the proposals from the Therapeutic Goods Administration under a recently released interim decision. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why there are concerns about the amount of B6 people are consuming in products such as mineral supplements, energy drinks. Also in this edition, what is the health of family business in Australia, and what makes Wimbledon so fashionable 

Police investigating a Melbourne childcare worker accused of child sex crimes has caused a great deal of distress in the community. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at how this news has impacted the wellbeing of childcare workers and what supports need to be in place ahead of a deeply troubling day.Also in this edition, what why an online retailer is banning serial returners, a new online test to assist in early detection of kidney disease plus how fresh cut flowers and brighten your day.

Legislation introduced today will require restaurants and cafes to inform their customers on the origin of the seafood they serve, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss at what it will mean for what diners order and how far it will go in gearing customers to make better informed decisions about the seafood they consume. Also in this edition, why there are calls for a national strategy into loneliness, are the recent moves to address uni “placement poverty” enough, plus we delve into what it means to make livable affordable architecture. 

Some recent research has suggested that allowing students to use their teachers first names may help foster stronger teacher-student relationships, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore why it may improve teacher-student relations.Also in this edition, what will the Brett Whitely exhibition mean for tourism to Shepparton, what will the aged care system look like for forever renters, plus a new study seeks to understand the best way to treat IBS.

Anna Wintour has stepped down as editor of US Vogue, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what role the magazine has played as a fashion archive and explore how much what we wear forms who we are. Also, in this edition we introduce you to pro-basketballer Caitlin Cunningham, Caitlin has recently gone viral on the internet for their gothic look and being a positive role model for self expression,Plus, as the founder of adult content platform OnlyFans looks to sell, we talk where porn sits in the feminist debate, is it misogyny or empowerment?

Feeling a sense of nostalgia for queuing might sound a little odd, but when it comes to seeing your favourite band there is perhaps a certain camaraderie that comes from those long waits with sleeping bags and a thermos. But as ticket sales for big touring acts move online, can it dimmish a sense of fandom? In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether online ticketing has made accessing tickets harder than lining up in a physical queue. Also in this edition, we discuss the challenges of dealing with a rare cancer, the impact of tourism on Bali and an innovation in bee conversation. 

A new report from the Productivity Commission says that Australia's national plan to improve mental health and prevent suicide is "not fit for purpose" and needs to be re-written and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be in place to improve suicide prevention in Australia.Also in this edition we talk the language plays in perpetuating medical misogyny, how to do snow adventures safely and what role airports can play in easing anxious travellers.

The esafety Commissioner is recommending the Youtube be included in the social media ban for people under the age of 16, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what makes YouTube a form of social media and whether a ban would be effective in mitigating social media to young people.Also in this edition we discuss a new approach to suicide prevention and why we need social workers in libraries.

As regional areas across Victoria face water restrictions, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what future measures can be taken to secure water across the State and whether Melbourne should also be on restrictions.Also in this edition we also discuss the rising popularity of junior golf, the challenges of building new playgrounds plus we celebrate the history of denim manufacturing in Victoria.

A music venue in Belgrave will be the first venue to put a Public Liability Levi of a $1 on every ticket to absorb insurance costs. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at just how much sky rocketing insurance costs are impacting locally run music venues.Also in this edition we look at a program that supports young people facing financial disadvantage participate in team sport and ask whether there is more pressure for men to dress their age.

In the wake of another security incident at Northland we look at what employers should be doing to better equip young workers to deal with incidents and how to best support them in the aftermath.Also in this edition, we explore what the scrapping of the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood means for the LGBTQIA community, how pet telehealth could take the pressure off vets working in rural communities and the face of modern day match making.

GPs are calling for an end to mandatory reporting so they can access mental health care without fear of discrimination. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we look at what is means to be a healthcare worker experiencing mental health challenges and what needs to happen to shift the dial on stigma. Also in this edition we discuss the ethics around IVF patients choosing the sex of their child, plus why are attitudes towards crime in rural areas different to those living in urban areas.  

A new law introduced by the State Government today will target criminals posting their crimes on social media, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact it could have in curbing youth crime. Also in this edition we look at a study on the impacts of how a dads mental health can impact their children and discuss why the French are banning ads that promote ultra fast fashion. 

A new report from The Grattan Institute has found that that Austalians are paying excessive fees for specialist care, with people paying in some instances the likes of upwards of six hundred dollars to see a psychiatrist. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the ramifications of an unaffordable mental health care system. Plus, as ‘touristification' protests take place across Europe what is the way forward for sustainable tourism?

In this episode, we explore whether libraries are an appropriate place for social workers to be stationed. 

With principals being given the power to expel students for their actions outside of school hours - in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact school expulsion has on the student. Plus, we also talk the significance of heritage listing LGBTQI venues and the incredible wardrobe owned by Sarah Jessica Parker. 

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.