Podcast appearances and mentions of mike seccombe

Labor is poised to move forward with its plan to increase the tax on superannuation balances over $3 million. Critics are calling the idea unfair and questioning why Labor’s super tax will apply to unrealised gains, rather than just money made. But with Labor’s super majority in parliament – and support from the Greens in the senate – their opponents can only complain. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on Labor’s superannuation plan, and what it tells us about the government’s economic priorities in its second term. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: AAP Image/Russell FreemanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has a new environment minister – and he has a big job ahead of him: fixing the country’s broken environment laws. Murray Watt has replaced Tanya Plibersek, whose efforts at reform were famously thwarted by the prime minister. But before Watt can begin that task, he faces another critical decision: whether to let Woodside Energy extend its North West Shelf gas project to 2070 – opening new gas fields and unleashing a “carbon bomb” worth roughly 10 times Australia’s current annual emissions. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on Murray Watt, his plans for the environment and the decision that could define his tenure. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: AAP Image / Darren EnglandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larissa Waters is the new leader of the Australian Greens. She steps in as the party reels from its election wipe-out, losing three of its four seats in the House of Representatives – including that of Adam Bandt. Senator Waters’ task is to repair the Greens’ image: Labor has painted the party as obstructive and militant, and that perception has cost the Greens votes. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on Larissa Waters – why she won, and whether she can rebuild the Greens. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP / Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just before 4.30pm last Wednesday, Antony Green called it for the ABC: Greens leader Adam Bandt had lost his seat. Fifteen years after Bandt won the inner-urban seat of Melbourne from the ALP, Labor has taken it back – along with two of the Greens’ other three seats – leaving the party with just a single MP in the House of Representatives and without a leader. The wipeout came as a shock to the Greens, who had high hopes of increasing their number of representatives in parliament. But despite the shock result, this election sits alongside 2010 and 2022 as among the party’s largest ever share of votes. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on where it all went wrong, and what now for the Greens. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image / Diego FedeleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Peter Dutton’s leadership, the Coalition has placed One Nation candidates second on scores of how-to-vote cards across the country. In return, Pauline Hanson has switched One Nation's how-to-vote cards to preference the Liberals second in seats where the Coalition is under threat. The decision goes against decades of principled condemnation of Hanson and One Nation inside the Liberal Party, and normalises what has for almost 30 years been a shunned fringe voice in Australian politics. It signals a change not just in campaign tactics, but in what the Liberals stand for. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the preference deal between One Nation and the Liberal Party and whether it could backfire. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: AAP Image / Brian CaseySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Peter Dutton’s son, Harry, fronted the media to talk about his dream of home ownership, it was an attempt by the opposition leader to seem relatable. The 20-year-old apprentice said he was “saving like mad”, but it’s unlikely he’d be able to save enough in the near future. But it seems his father may have failed to anticipate the obvious question: would he help his son with a deposit? As reporter Mike Seccombe observed, “if he said he wouldn’t help Harry, he would look mean and/or untruthful – and if he said he would help, it could be seen as an admission that despite his promises to fix the housing affordability crisis, his son, and by extension other people struggling to get into the housing market, still couldn't achieve home ownership without parental help”. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on why both major parties have policies that will see house prices rise – and what it means for the housing crisis. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, reporter Mike Seccombe looked into the divide between Australia’s richest and poorest schools to find out why this gap keeps widening. What he found was a broken system. Rich parents are able to get huge tax breaks by donating to opulent building projects at their kids’ private schools. It’s a practice that goes way back, despite many arguing the tactic has become outdated. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper and a proud state school boy, Mike Seccombe, on why we need an overhaul of the charitable giving system that delivers some kids castles. This episode was originally published in July last year. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: Taylor ConstructionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred hits as we gear up for the federal election, bringing back memories of the floods and bushfires that tore through the country last time we voted. How Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton handle this moment could be crucial, as voters refocus on the increasing impact of climate change and closely scrutinise the plans both parties have to address it. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the politics of natural disasters – and why every election is a climate change election. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warmer waters, disease and antibiotics have pushed Tasmania’s salmon farms into crisis. But it’s not just an environmental disaster – it’s also a political one. With an election looming, the Albanese government is pouring millions into salmon farming in an attempt to save jobs and votes, even as rotting fish litter the shore. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what is happening in Tasmanian waters – and how it will impact the upcoming election. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: Bob Brown FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tens of millions of dollars in “dark” donations to political parties have renewed calls for election funding reform. The Australian Electoral Commission’s annual release of political contributions data for 2023-24 revealed the major parties received over $140 million in donations, with close to half of that undisclosed. Even the disclosed donations are only now just being reported – in some cases 18 months after they were made. The Albanese government is proposing to reform the system, but independents wonder if a lack of open consultation means the government is stitching up a deal with the Coalition that would benefit the major parties at their expense. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on Australia’s biggest political donors and the roadblocks to reform. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Liberal Party says it wants the next election to be a referendum on energy. After months of waiting, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton finally released the costings for his $331 billion nuclear power plan. The modelling suggests the nuclear plan would be $264 billion cheaper than Labor's renewables rollout, and deliver lower energy prices for consumers. But Dutton's plan contradicts the CSIRO's new GenCost report, which found a nuclear power plant would likely cost twice as much as renewable energy, with the agency also warning a fully operational fleet of nuclear reactors could not be expected before 2050. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how the Coalition's modelling stacks up – and whether it matters to voters hungry for lower power bills. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

It's been a tough few weeks for Jim Beyer, the CEO of Australia's third largest goldmining company, Regis Resources. The multi-billion dollar McPhillamy goldmine in NSW had been through all the approvals processes, but at the last minute, Beyer had to tell investors that it likely won't go ahead. The announcement comes after an intervention from the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, on behalf of a group of traditional owners. The resources industry, the Coalition and conservative parts of the media are all furious, with some claiming that cultural heritage laws are being “hijacked” by green groups. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on Tanya Plibersek, the goldmine, and who should get a say when it comes to approving mining projects. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

It wasn't so long ago that renewables pundits glowingly described hydrogen as the “Swiss Army knife” of renewable technologies, able to be turned to almost any purpose. But more recently, the gas has become an expensive and painful point of political debate, with many experts tempering their praise. Now, one of hydrogen's biggest backers, mining magnate Andrew Forrest, has announced he is scaling back his green hydrogen projects. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how the green hydrogen dream evaporated. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Recently, Mike Seccombe has been looking into the divide between Australia's richest and poorest schools – to find out why this gap keeps widening. And what he found was a broken system. Rich parents are able to get huge tax breaks by donating to opulent building projects at their kids' private schools.  It's a practice that goes way back – and many argue – is outdated. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper and a proud state school boy, Mike Seccombe, on why we need an overhaul of the charitable giving system that delivers some kids castles. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

If you pick up a copy of The Age or The Sydney Morning Herald, you'll see the tagline ‘Independent. Always.' under the masthead. Now, as journalists at those papers reel from an announcement that Nine Entertainment is slashing 200 jobs across the company, some are wondering if they're being targeted for the papers' recent coverage of Nine's troubled culture.  Are the cuts payback for certain papers being too independent?  Today, National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on why Australian media is struggling and what the future of independent news looks like. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

It's been a scandal-plagued few weeks for Nine Entertainment, made only worse by its Chairman, Sir Peter Costello's altercation with a News Corp journalist at Canberra Airport, leading to his resignation. Mike Seccombe, National Correspondent for The Saturday Paper and Jacqueline Maley, Columnist and Senior Writer at The Sydney Morning Herald, join Tina Quinn to discuss the tumultuous developments at one of Australia's largest media organisations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The members of this federal Labor government have been pretty disciplined on not publicly criticising party policy. So it raised a few eyebrows when MPs from inner-city seats took aim at the government's Future Gas Strategy. The plan pumps up gas as a vital part of the energy transition through to 2050 and beyond, which is at odds with moves to get households off gas as quickly as possible. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what's behind the gas plan and why a little “sanctioned dissent” might be part of a broader electoral strategy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

One of Australia's favourite shows has a contentious sponsor this year. MasterChef, a show that delivers fairytale stories of home cooks rising to national celebrity, is being supported by the gas industry. So what does big gas want with MasterChef? And what are they paying for? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the fight over the future of our kitchens and whether the gas industry can survive their next major elimination challenge.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

There are strict rules around how drug company representatives can interact with doctors to ensure they aren't influencing how medications are prescribed. But when it comes to expensive medical devices inserted in our bodies during surgery – all sorts of screws, pacemakers and implants – those same rules don't apply. Medical device sales reps are scrubbed up and working in the operating theatre, even advising surgeons on which products to use. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on whether the pursuit of profit risks driving clinical decisions. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Australian Border Force and Western Australian police spent the weekend searching for 15 men who had arrived in the country by boat. Eventually, all 15 were arrested and put on a flight to Nauru. The arrival of this boat comes as the federal government attempts to legislate controversial new laws, deflect criticism from the opposition and keep immigration off the political agenda. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the politician in the middle of it all – Immigration Minister Andrew Giles – and his surprising 23-year journey from asylum seeker lawyer to immigration minister. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Some of Australia's most powerful religious bodies have taken aim at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and also the Greens – accusing them of threatening the future of religious freedom. But the cause of this backlash is simply the possibility that the government would work with the Greens to reform a 40-year-old loophole in our discrimination laws. So, what's really at stake? And is there about to be a showdown between religious lobbies and the prime minister? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on religion's influence in Canberra and the political strategy behind Albanese's latest move.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Yesterday, Labor's emergency legislation on immigration detention was slammed by crossbenchers and the Greens as a “race to the bottom” on the way governments treat asylum seekers. But in the lead up to that move, criticisms that Labor is trying to be tougher than the Coalition on immigration laws have been growing louder.  So, why is Labor intent on being known for its hardline border policy? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on whether Labor is attempting to one up Peter Dutton on immigration.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

The Coalition is going all in on nuclear power. The opposition's vision for Australia's future puts the technology front and centre, despite experts' concerns about its costs, risks and impracticalities. So, is there more to it than first appears? Have the Coalition found the answers to making nuclear work in Australia? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the real reason why the Coalition is going after nuclear, and the factional warfare simmering underneath. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

It's in the best interests of politicians to come up with policies that appeal to voters and secure their support at the next election. So it was particularly interesting when last week, Peter Dutton announced his first policy since becoming opposition leader. It's something experts, including former strategists for the Liberal Party, say will lose Peter Dutton votes from the exact people they should be trying to win over. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on why the road map to political success is changing. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

In Australia, where a person went to school increasingly tells a story about their privilege, class and academic opportunity.  While the majority of Australians go through the public school system, pending research reveals that the majority of our politicians did not. So, which politicians went to private schools, and is their lack of lived experience in public education holding back reforms to the sector? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on why the gap between public and private schools in Australia is widening. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

As climate change threatens to sink small and vulnerable countries, large and powerful ones are seeing an opportunity. The climate crisis is giving them the chance to increase their influence, access to valuable resources and military reach. As Australia enters a new agreement with one of our pacific neighbours facing climate disaster – are we really helping them, or are we just helping ourselves? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the agreement between Australia and Tuvalu.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

While they're far from a household name, almost all Australians have now heard the political messages they craft.  Advance, a right-wing campaigning group, has gained enormous ground in the past few years, and played a crucial role in defeating the Voice referendum. So who are they? And what are they after next?  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how a mysterious, once ridiculed group has become a powerful political force.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

The “No” campaign's victory was anything but assured 12 months ago. It's victory came from the elevation of key spokespeople and talking points, cooked up by a group most Australians have never heard of: the CIS. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the secretive groups that crafted negative messaging and elevated key leaders in the successful “No” campaign.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

A month out from the Voice referendum, according to the polls, the ‘Yes' campaign is struggling.  Across the board, they show a big lead for ‘No' advocates and already many in the media are all but calling the outcome of the vote. But beneath the headline numbers there's a glimmer of hope for ‘Yes'. The number of undecided voters, those not fully locked in to either side, is sitting in the millions - and both campaigns are doing all they can to win them over. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on what we know about the undecided bloc, and what the polls really mean. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

China's economy is in deep trouble and continues to get worse. As the world's second biggest economy and our largest trading partner, the looming crisis could have massive consequences for Australia.  So how did a country known for lifting millions of people out of poverty go so wrong? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on China's financial woes – and the impact it will have on our own economy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Australians love to heat their homes and cook their meals with gas, but its future in our households has a limit.  Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews has taken a big step in phasing out gas by banning it in new homes from January 1, 2024. But the announcement provoked anger and outrage among conservative commentators, and some members of the public, who insist gas is best. So, does Australia have any hope of reaching net zero if our kitchen stoves have become politicised?  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how gas in the home became a new front in the culture wars. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is getting a new governor: Michele Bullock. It's an historic appointment. Michele Bullock is the first ever woman to hold the position. She was, until now, second in charge. It comes after the controversial term of Philip Lowe, who provoked public anger for suggesting interest rates wouldn't rise until 2024, and then hiking them 12 times in just over a year. So will a new boss at the RBA make a difference to mortgage holders, or does the appointment of an insider mean nothing much will change? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the task ahead for Michele Bullock and what this change of governance will mean. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Once there was public outcry from some quarters that ICAC would even investigate Gladys Berejiklian – one of the most popular premiers in NSW history. Flowers were left at her electoral office after she stepped down, and talkback radio callers were furious with ICAC for precipitating her resignation. But now we know that Berejiklian was seriously corrupt when she was treasurer and later the premier. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on Gladys Berejiklian's conduct and why it points to deeper misconduct in our politics. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

A new green energy agreement with the US, signed by President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese, will allow the Pentagon to fund mining projects in Australia.  It's part of a race to control the energy sources of the future, and associated technologies – everything from computer chips to electric vehicles to advanced weaponry.  So what does this deal mean for our security, as the US tries to match China's progress using Australia's natural resources – and are we getting a good deal? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the American military's plan to secure our minerals. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Everyone knows we have a housing crisis – rents are spiralling, homelessness is growing and more and more of our income is going towards keeping a roof over our heads. But did you know that on any given night more than a million homes in Australia sit empty? That's more than 10 per cent of Australia's housing stock. The shortage is not in homes, but in affordable homes. Today, National correspondent at The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how Australia lost its way on housing – and why the current plan only addresses one part of the problem. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent at The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

It was meant to transform the way we deal with waste. Australians were told to sort through their bins, and take plastic bags and packaging to drop-offs at the country's biggest supermarkets to have them recycled. But instead of being recycled, tonnes and tonnes of this plastic was shoved into storage. Now, authorities are still trying to track it all down. So how did it all go so wrong? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the impossible promise of REDcycle and what we do now with tens of thousands of tonnes of plastic that has nowhere to go. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Cost of living pressures and interest rate rises mean that millions of Australians are struggling. But what often isn't acknowledged by the Reserve Bank, its governor, or many of our political leaders, is that some people are doing just fine in these economic conditions – in fact, they can benefit from them. Those people are the wealthiest Australians – in particular, people who have paid off their houses and are debt free. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on why financial pain isn't distributed evenly and how rate rises can make that inequality worse. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

This Saturday, the longest-reigning Coalition government in the country heads to the polls. Dominic Perrottet hasn't been premier of NSW for long, but he's hoping to extend the Coalition to a historic 16-year term in office – despite a torrent of scandals and resignations dogging his government. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on every scandal and resignation we could fit into a single episode. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Australia has seen a series of record corporate profits posted in the last few weeks. They come as millions of average Australians are being squeezed. Mortgage repayments, rent, and the cost of almost everything is going up – but wages aren't keeping up. So, how are corporations posting record profits right now? What's the impact of profits on the prices we're paying? And why is it that the only answer to inflation is interest rate hikes? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how corporate profits are driving the cost-of-living crisis. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

In recent years, Labor governments have swept into power in most states across the country… with the exceptions of NSW and Tasmania. But that might be about to change. Chris Minns, the leader of the opposition in NSW, looks likely to lead the Labor party to its first victory in the state since 2007 – but many voters still don't know much about him. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on who Chris Minns really is…and why he ditched brashness for caution. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

He was one of the most senior members of the Anglican Church, then became the governor-general of Australia. But last week, Peter Hollingworth sat in secret hearings which could decide his legacy. Those hearings are investigating his handling of child sexual abuse claims – with several complaints being heard about his decisions while he ran the Brisbane diocese. As a result, he could be stripped of his status as an Anglican minister. Plus, there are questions about his generous public pension, which over the years has added up to 12 million dollars.  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the future of Peter Hollingworth.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

The premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet wore a Nazi uniform to his 21st birthday party. Since the revelations, Jewish groups in NSW have told journalists that they have fielded calls, particularly from elderly members of the community, in tears after hearing about the incident. But why did Perrottet come out and admit the scandal? Does it have anything to do with the looming election? And who was circulating the rumours about the premier's 21st birthday? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe on what's going on behind the Perrottet scandal and what links it may have to the gambling industry. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

When our politicians are making decisions, they're often lobbied. These lobbyists arrange meetings, and make the case why the company they represent would do a good job, why a certain policy would be a good one or a bad one. In short, they represent vested interests. There are supposed to be rules to disclose this activity to the public. But what happens when the rules don't apply? What happens when the people who are talking to our politicians simply deny that they are lobbyists? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on former minister Stuart Robert and when personal relationships cross into the public interest. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

The Liberal Party is trying to resurrect its popularity after a devastating loss this year, under the leadership of Scott Morrison. But can changing the personalities at the top of the party make a difference? Or is there something deeper behind the decline in its fortunes?  A study published yesterday indicates that only one in four voters under the age of 40 voted for the Coalition – and that seems unlikely to change. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how this generation of younger voters is changing the assumptions we've had about the electorate and why all the major parties need to adapt. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

The wages and workplaces of Australians could be about to change. The government's new industrial relations packages promises to make pay more transparent and strengthen the hand of workers in negotiations. But whether this passes, comes down to the decision of one man: David Pocock. His vote has become the most valuable commodity in Canberra. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, takes us inside how David Pocock made his decision to back Industrial Relations reform. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

As the world gathers at COP27 to decide on the next steps in our response to the climate crisis, the biggest point of contention is one idea: climate justice. It's an idea that could force the richest nations – such as Australia – to pay for the damages and loss that climate catastrophe is causing in poorer countries. But could it really happen? Is it viable? And would Australia ever sign up to the idea of climate reparations? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how the countries facing devastation from our emissions are demanding justice. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

The prices of Australian houses are dropping faster than ever before – but is this a blip on the way to higher prices, or an actual value crash? And if it is a real crash… could that be a good thing?  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the rollercoaster of the Australian property market. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Some of the world's most treasured art works have been under attack in the last few weeks. Paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet have been doused in food by climate activists trying to draw attention to the urgent climate crisis. So is this plea for action working? And why are activists turning to this kind of protest?  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the divide within the environmentalist movement, and what is driving protesters towards desperate action. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.    

What happens when an organisation founded on radical activism decides to work with, instead of against, authorities?  For Captain Paul Watson that conundrum has led to an acrimonious split from the organisation that he started, Sea Shepherd. Watson has been hailed by some as a hero for his exploits against whaling ships on the high seas — but others say he's an ‘eco-terrorist' who has given environmentalism a bad name. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on whether this is the end for Paul Watson's brand of high-stakes environmentalism. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Yesterday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers offered a grim warning to Australia: we could be on the brink of a global recession. While Australians are already familiar with inflated prices and rising interest rates, the global financial outlook is getting worse. What does it mean for Australians? And if a downturn happens, who will be worst affected? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how the United States could be making a global recession more likely. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe