The Wire - Individual Stories

July marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention adoption, becoming a legal framework to define who a refugee is and establishing the state obligations to protect refugees. Australia was one of the countries signing the Convention in 1951, but with the actual situation across tightening borders and deterring refugees to ask asylum, how is Australia doing on the issue?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data from the Federal government shows 30 PER CENT of early career nurses abandon the sector. If the trend continues, a shortfall of 80 THOUSAND nurses is projected by 2035. Some reasons behind graduate nurses abandoning the sector are burn out and land in high-responsibility roles they’re not prepared for. The Australian College of Nurses is asking the Federal government to act on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Disability Pride Month wraps up, it’s demonstrated anyone with a disability can thrive in their lives with appropriate support and networks. One of them is British former stunt performer and gymnast David Holmes, who’s known for his work on the Harry Potter films. While performing a stunt in 2009, he was hurled to a wall and broke his neck. Now he’s a disability activist and author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has uncovered rare insights into cane toad breeding behaviour, providing hope in preventing their further expansion across Australia.Ecology researchers from James Cook University analysed over 400 thousand hours of night-time audio recordings via acoustic monitoring to identify locations of where toads like to call and breed.So how can this research help us understand the conditions influencing breeding of invasive species, such as the cane toad?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-year community-led project has seen over 100 headstones repaired at the Drayton and Toowoomba cemetery in Southern Queensland. In 2024, when almost 150 graves were left vandalised, a group of locals' banded together to create the Headstone Healing Project, thanks to grassroots fundraising. The aim was to restore final resting places and honour local legacy,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Policies to prevent racism and discrimination are a widely established practice with almost every major employer and, in institutions across Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – who regulates 900 thousand healthcare workers – has adopted a policy which implements the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. However, several healthcare workers have written to AHPRA challenging the decision. AHPRA provided the following public statement - published reviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Australian Government announced its expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment program, providing university students undergoing mandatory placements with means-tested financial support. Building on the initial rollout for teachers, nurses, midwifes, and social workers, eligible students in 10 additional frontline and allied health disciplines will receive up to $338.60 per week starting the 1st of July 2027. However, advocacy bodies are concerned about the expansions ability to provide adequate support to lower-income students amid increased cost of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal ban to prevent telehealth in Voluntary Assisted Dying is again being debated. Labor delegates at the party’s national conference have supported a conscience vote to remove restrictions, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC he personally opposes telehealth in VAD, concerned it could risk lowering medical safeguards and undermine the system. Following a six-year push to include telehealth in VAD advocates for end-of-life choices Go Gentle Australia, say the ban is outdated and should be removed to allow vulnerable people in remote areas and at end of life to access improved supports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New information from the New South Wales state government has warned about the ecological impact of land-clearing in the states, arguing it has the potential to damage fragile ecosystems and threaten a range of endangered species. Stephen Hill asked World Wildlife Fund forest policy manager Dr Stuart Blanch, whether the continuation of land clearing threatens the viability of some of our endangered wildlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are seeing a changing of the guard at the peak union body the ACTU, with its two most senior leaders Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil announcing they would step aside to make way for the next generation of union leaders. The pair would be the first all-female leadership team in ACTU history, and have over the last decade had to deal with both different Liberal and Labor leaders, a global pandemic, the changing nature of employment with the increased precarity of the gig economy and the ability to work from home. Stephen Hill asked former ACTU chief economist Tim Harcourt how the two ACTU leaders will be remembered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s education minister was forced to resign on Saturday after months of protests. Despite starting off as a satirical movement, the Cockroach Janata Party served as a catalyst for these nationwide education protests. People demanded accountability from the government after the recent NEET medical entrance exam leaks that caused millions to have to retake the grueling exam. Image Credit: Shutterstock - Sudarshan JhaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Medical Association Northern Territory has made a submission to the NTParliament's inquiry into the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. The submission supports introducing VAD but also outlines a number of recommendations toensure it is implemented safely and fairly. The Wire's Thomas Koutis asked Dr Danya Duncan Vice President of the Australian MedicalAssociation Northern Territory to give a bit of a background about the submission. Image supplied by AMA MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has entered a historic new chapter after becoming the first Australian state to formally begin a statewide Treaty process with First Peoples. A new series of short films is exploring what Treaty means and why it matters. The Sovereign Shorts program at the Melbourne International Film Festival features FOUR First Nations-led documentaries focused on the theme of Treaty. The program provides free mentoring, resources and 40 thousand dollars of budget for each film maker. One of the shorts is Dya from Wojotbaluk Ngarrinderri film maker Tracey Rigney. The Wire's contributor from NIRS Harrison Pedersen spoke with Tracey Rigney about the documentary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research conducted by the University of New South Wales found out living in neighbourhoods with more tree canopy may help reduce depression in older Australians. The study followed more than a thousand participants, showing living near green areas, water bodies, and cleaner air may improve the mental wellbeing for Australians over 70 years of age. It also shows urban planning needs to include green areas to keep the community active and social. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some disabled Australians can legally be paid as little as $3.31 an hour under Australia's Supported Wage System, despite the national minimum wage now sitting at $26.44 an hour. A new report from the Grattan Institute argues the current system is outdated and calls for fairer wages and stronger pathways into mainstream employment. The Wire's Moemina Shukur spoke with Owain Emslie, the Senior Associate at Grattan Institute about what needs to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has resigned after losing the support of her party, just months before the state election. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has now been appointed as the state's new premier, with Labor hoping a change in leadership can improve its chances at the November poll. But what led to Allan's departure, and what challenges lie ahead for Carroll? The Wire's Moemina Shukur spoke with political expert Phoebe Hayman, from La Trobe University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social spending not war spending – that was the unified message from a collective of organisations who rallied outside the ALP national conference here in Adelaide. The campaigners are concerned about the rising commitment to military spending including $33 million per day for 30 years pledged to AUKUS. Amid Australia’s rising rents, widening social disparity growing cost-of-living pressures, the group urge Labor for reform. Independent foreign policy, scraping AUKUS, climate action and ending poverty are just a few of their calls. The Wire attend was on the ground at Saturday's event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The presence of artificial intelligence continues to grow and so too does the debate around it. Meta launched its new AI image feature on Instagram, just as quickly retracting it.Meanwhile Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese is scheduled to discuss more about AI and potential protections in Australia.The Federal government is working to balance public protections in areas like biased decision-making, misinformation, unsafe AI systems and privacy breaches.While the strategy is focusing on policy expansion rather than creating a single Act like in Europe, many have raised ethical questions around its use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All recommendations from the Islamophobia Envoy's report released last year need to be adopted, the Race Discrimination Commissioner says. Two weeks ago, the Federal government finally delivered its response to the Islamophobia Envoy's report tabled last September. The report made 54 recommendations but the Federal government will only implement 35 of them. NIRS' Reporter Adam Evans spoke to Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman about the government's response.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP is known by some as the annual “climate Olympics.” It’s a major annual global conference where climate experts, activists, politicians and fossil fuel lobbyists gather to discuss the next move to tackle global warming. Heaps Good COP is the name of a group of South Australians who were preparing to be part of the COP31 in Adelaide. But, with plans shifting the next conference instead to Türkiye, the group refused to be disappointed, channelling momentum to bring the first community-led Adelaide Climate Action Week, showcasing practical green solutions. The event kicked off today and runs until this Sunday 2nd August. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governments and businesses promote simple actions like recycling to contribute to less waste and a better environment.But some communities claim this is distracting from the bigger climate action it needs to happen.A new research from the University of New South Wales and Griffith University shows there’s no evidence in the claim, saying small lifestyle changes don’t affect the support for broader climate action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next week DonateLife Weeks kicks off, raising awareness of organ donation and transplant.Around 2000 Australians are waiting to be accepted to get an organ transplanted, but only 38 per cent of Australians have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register. Proud First Nations health researcher Kelli Owen was diagnosed with kidney disease, and waited years to receive a kidney.She says her kidney transplant was a big change and asks everyone to be part of the Register.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What are your needs? What matters to you?” are questions becoming more commonly asked in the healthcare setting. It's part of a global recognition around social prescribing – a holistic approach aiming to help people experiencing loneliness, social isolation and financial stress by connecting them with non-medical services and trusted community supports. It comes as loneliness is rapidly rising, and experts now increasingly view social health as essential as physical and mental wellness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July marks Disability Pride Month, celebrating the ways people experience disability and highlight the importance of identity, community, and belonging. Organisation M-S-W-A has launched a Neurological Care Accelerator, an initiative designed to accelerate disability and neuro-health innovation. The first cohort of startups includes innovations in stroke prevention technology, robotic devices, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earth's Greatest Enemy – it’s the name of a new documentary investigating the United States' military, casting light on its impact as the world's largest institutional polluter. Over the last five years journalist, Abby Martin and her husband, US war veteran Mike Prysner, have pieced together a complex picture of US imperialism, claiming that ‘fighting the war machine and tackling climate change are inherently the same fight,’ which comes amid the devastating effects they reveal the Pentagon has on the planet. Ms Martin is in currently in Australia for the screening of her film in several parts of the country. She will also attend this weekend’s Independent Peaceful Australia Network conference in Adelaide as a keynote speaker, joining the rise of anti-AUKUS campaigners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By adopting a trauma-informed way of teaching, reading skills and ensuring students are ready for learning, an Aboriginal school in Perth has dramatically improved academic results. Students have improved over the last four years with almost all 23 students reading at a year three level, prepared for high school and considering university. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last four years protesting has remained under fire, seeing a particular crackdown across Australian university campuses. Over 40 civil society groups including The Human Rights Law Centre have joined to oppose actions by universities to restrict student and teacher protests and political speech. The collective has released a statement calling on Australian universities to protect the right to peaceful protest and dissent pointing to international law and the role of higher education as spaces for democratic participation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is set to conduct a nationwide test of the new emergency warning system, AusAlert next Monday. Created in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, warning messages will inform Australians on natural hazards, security threats, biosecurity incidents, and health emergencies. During the test, compatible phones, some tablets and smartwatches will vibrate and play a 10-second siren-like sound, bypassing ‘silent’ and ‘do not disturb’ settings at 2pm AEST. Domestic violence experts are concerned the roll out has the potential to reveal locations of hidden ‘safe’ phones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most recent data from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations shows that only 11.7% of job seekers find long-term employment through job providers. After Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth herself floating reforms to the system in May this year, a new report this week from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research has looked at the financial arrangements of large job service providers and how the system could be improved. The Wire's Aspen Beilharz asked researcher Bronwyn Lee about the report's findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night in Darwin, the Northern Territory Parliament amended their child protection laws. In the aftermath of the tragic death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the Territory government claims the overhaul will do more to keep children safe. But the reforms have attracted criticism from many Aboriginal leaders and human rights organisations, raising concerns that the bill could weaken the critical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle – the safeguards that communities fought for in the wake of the Stolen Generations in order to keep Indigenous children safely connected to their family, culture, language, community and Country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite trade tensions, tariffs, political uncertainty and concerns from international markets recent indicators show the US economy holding up well, continuing to grow and display a positive job market. The Wire’s Thomas Koutis asked United States Centre Associate Professor David Smith how political leaders explain the US economy’s continuing resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new documentary aims to return one of the leading Scandinavian filmmakers to a wider international audience. Becoming Bo Widerberg chronicles the career a director whose independent films were once feted by Cannes and the other major overseas festivals but whose work has have largely been forgotten outside of his native country. This is surprising as his films remain contemporary with their focus upon the class struggle and the pursuit of personal freedom. Stephen Hill asked the director of Becoming Bo Widerberg Matthias Nohrborg what inspired him to make this documentary?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 7th of July, a Native Title determination happened at Mount Skinner Station, near the Utopia/Urapuntja Homelands, 160km north of Alice Springs. The determination was handed down by Justice Stephen Burley of the Federal Court at a site located seven kilometres north of Atneltyey, to grant Traditional Owners of this Country their Native Title. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped up last week after drawing record crowds, producing memorable matches and ending with Spain's win over Argentina in the final. We look at the featured breakout performances from smaller nations like Cape Verde and examine Australia's Socceroos future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures show smoking rates in Australia have fallen to a record low, with just 5.6 per cent of Australians aged 14 and over now smoking daily. Health experts say decades of tough tobacco laws, along with recent vaping restrictions, are helping drive the decline. But they also warn more smokers are turning to illicit tobacco, calling for stronger enforcement to tackle the illegal market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pokémon cards are making a huge comeback, with collectors paying thousands of dollars for rare cards. Some stores across Australia are reporting thefts of the rare cards as demand continues to grow. Driven by nostalgia, the hobby has become a booming business once again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queensland government is pursuing a Designated Area Migration Agreement to address workforce shortages ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. But the Queensland Council of Unions say they need to give jobs to Queenslanders first to reduce employment and retaining labor in the long term. While QCU welcomes migration, it needs to be sustainable and where shortages are critical in the long term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for more marine sanctuaries co-managed by First Nations communities to protect critically endangered species like the Western Pacific Leather Back Turtles.Australian government’s fishing data shows A HUNDRED AND ONE turtles have been accidentally killed by long line fishermen off the East coast since 2018. The World Wide Fund for Nature Australia wants 30 per cent of the country’s oceans declared marine sanctuaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An organisation has opened an office in Darwin and expanded to Alice Springs to support Australians who need a job. Workskil Australia is implementing the ‘Ready to Work’ program, supporting employers to find staff and people with a criminal history to access mentoring and training to land a job in the Territory.So far, more than 70 participants have joined the program in Alice Springs.Image supplied by Workskil AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday the 8th of July saw the opening night of Divine Playhouse - a queer-inclusive performance pop-up housed in a former church in central Sydney. The project aimed to create a space for community to gather and celebrate - but opposition from Christian groups, cultivated on social media, quickly turned it into a culture war flashpoint and a huge headache for organisers.Image supplied by Thinking LoudSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.