The Conversation Hour

Last night saw six Australian acts join ARIA's Hall of Fame including 3-piece rockers Spiderbait. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary catches up with Janet English, the bands bassists and vocalist, to reflect on the band's legacy. Also in this edition, a new PFAS class action, plus the politics of The World Cup.

From installing solar panels to getting rid of mould, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what landlords could and should to to improve the life of renters.Also in this edition, preventing the illegal operation of solariums, plus, the story of your wool jumper.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the connection between social class and the way we vote , and whether politicians have misunderstood the so called working class.Also in this edition, new research into the mental health of renters, declining rates of young people having the HPV vaccine. Plus, a stoush in the magic community over the exclusion of a robot magician from The Magic Circle club.

Former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma researcher and pathologist , Professor Richard Scolyer, has died aged 59. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we pay tribute to him and also reflect on what it is to live with a life threatening illness.Plus, later in the program combating marine trafficking, a guide to understanding the 'beautiful game' and we catch up with botanist Tim Entwisle who has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Recent polling has indicated that Pauline Hanson is the most popular party leader among women voters, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether women voting for the far-right is part of a broader global trend.Also in this edition, staying safe in the snow, why park rangers are taking industrial action. Plus, do you keep a journal?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour independent economist Saul Eslake joins Mary Gearin to chat about how the recent drop in house prices could mark a shift towards seeing housing as a basic human right, over an investment opportunity. Also in this episode, should Victoria follow the NSW government's medicinal cannabis driving reforms? Plus, a fashion runway with a difference. 

The effectiveness of recent reforms aimed to reduce harm from alcohol delivery services has been subject to a new study from Monash University and Turning Point. The report found that four in ten Victorians surveyed had received an alcohol delivery while intoxicated, despite the reforms prohibiting delivering to consumers who are intoxicated or appear intoxicated. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore the report findings and also discuss the impact of on delivery drivers, who now face the pressures of having to assess whether the customer is intoxicated and whether they need to withhold the order.Also in this edition, philosopher Peter Singer on effective altruism. And later in the hour will cricket be privatised?

Recent data indicates that almost 20 per cent of Australian students don't finish school, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore how schools are best placed to retain students.Also in this edition, tax tips with the ATO, the return of Serena Williams, birthdays in the age of social media and could Australia's scam prevention program be improved?

New figures have indicated that Victorian students are missing more than seven million days of classes each year in part due to parents taking them on holiday. In this edition of The Conversation we look at just how prevalent this is becoming and why some parents opt to travel during the semester.Also in this edition, will we see the rise of progressive populism in Australia?Plus why Melbourne loves to wear black. 

New research from Jean Hailes and Dementia Australia has revealed that most women are unaware of the factors that my contribute to their dementia risk, as well as the mortality rates. In this edition of the Conversation we talk what can reduce your dementia risk.Also in this edition, why Gen Z loves the 90s and the rise of line dancing.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the sexual health of older Australians and how it is an often neglected area of research, particularly when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases.Also in this edition, dealing with 'scanxiety' after a blood cancer diagnosis. Plus, is 'baby brain' really a thing?

In the wake of Brad Scott's departure from Essendon, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with AFL legends Kevin Sheedy and Joel Bowden about what makes a great coach.Also, in this edition preventing child criminal exploitation, why younger generations are favouring texts over calls, plus we pay tribute to a family run business that is closing its doors after 172 years

With the sad passing of Neale Daniher in this edition of The Conversation Hour we reflect on his legacy and also speak with an MND researcher about the disease.Also in this episode, the sacking of Brad Scott from Essendon, gun control in Victoria plus what Pope Leo XIV thinks about AI.

As we head into our final week of free public transport in Victoria in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore some new research into just how much free public transport changes our travel behaviour.Also in this edition, why are the Teals talking about forming a political party, the significance of the closure of an STI clinic in the CBD, plus how much are you spending on your pets?

Recent research has revealed what makes menopause symptoms more severe and ongoing for some women, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with the author of the report and hear your experiences of menopause.Also in this edition, how to create a sense of space in smaller apartments, epic whale migration, plus the end of Stephen Colbert's Late Show.

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.