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Just a few days after the US presidential election, Prospect Park, located in the middle of Brooklyn, burst into flames.  For Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks, who has long called America home, an autumn bushfire in the dense urban heart of Brooklyn was a scary sign of what’s to come under Donald Trump’s second term as US president. Today, Geraldine Brooks on Trump’s America – and what it means for a burning planet.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks

Alan Jones was at his luxury Circular Quay apartment yesterday morning when Child Abuse Squad detectives arrived to arrest him. For nine months, police had been conducting a top secret investigation. Now, they’ve charged Jones with 24 offences, involving eight victims. Among the charges are 11 of aggravated indecent assault where the victim was under the authority of the offender.  His arrest is the latest chapter in the downfall of one of Australia's most controversial figures, a man described by one of his alleged victims as being “more powerful than the prime minister”.  Today, investigative reporter and author of Jones Town: The Power and Myth of Alan Jones Chris Masters on the downfall of one of Australia’s most powerful men and what it tells us about the nature of power in this country.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Investigative reporter and author of Jones Town: The Power and Myth of Alan Jones Chris Masters

In deciding not to probe robodebt, the National Anti-Corruption Commission seemingly failed its first big test. But the NACC has been given a second chance to reconsider an investigation into the unlawful scheme and six people referred for possible corruption by a royal commission. Former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson was approached to review the decision, but the offer was withdrawn over concerns it might offend a former Coalition minister who is among the people referred. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the dumping of the proposed robodebt investigation and what it means for the future of the NACC. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

Santilla Chingaipe has always been a storyteller. The Zambian-born filmmaker, historian and author spent her career exploring settler colonialism, slavery, and contemporary migration in Australia and she has just released her first book of non-fiction. On this episode of Read This, host Michael Williams is joined in the studio by Santilla to discuss Black Convicts, which offers a fresh understanding of the ways in which empire, slavery, race and memory have shaped this nation.

Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, does not appear to like Donald Trump – and the feeling is mutual. Speculation about Rudd's ability to work with the incoming Trump administration has flared, as Rudd’s historical criticisms of Donald Trump have caught the eye of some in the US president-elect’s inner-circle. This week, speculation peaked when a senior adviser to Trump reposted Rudd’s congratulatory statement to the president-elect on social media with a GIF of an hourglass. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on whether the incoming US administration will seek retribution, and if the Albanese government will stand up to them. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

When US President-elect Donald Trump claimed victory last week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to congratulate him. Trump and Netanyahu have a close relationship and Netanyahu’s far-right national security minister has said he’s sure Trump would see “eye-to-eye” with Israel. Meanwhile, president-elect Trump claims he will end the war in the Middle East, but has not revealed how he plans to do so. Until December, Dana Stroul was the most senior civilian at the Pentagon focused on the Middle East. Today, Stroul tells us what a second Trump term means for the region and whether we could see an end to the war in Gaza. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Dana Stroul, Director of Research, Washington Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East at the Pentagon.

The Albanese government has been accused of pork-barrelling after an analysis of $1.35 billion in grants found almost 90 per cent of seats that Labor held or gained at the election received a grant. Labor has defended the grants, saying they were campaign commitments that had to be met. Today, independent MP Helen Haines on pork-barrelling by the major parties and how the Albanese government rates on accountability and integrity as we head to a federal election. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Independent MP Helen Haines

The re-election of Donald Trump is likely to have alarming consequences for the climate. He was, after all, elected on a promise to “drill, baby, drill”. Trump is already preparing to pull out of the Paris Agreement, again. But this time he could also withdraw from the underlying convention, making it much harder for any successor to change course.  Climate diplomat Thom Woodroofe was there when the Paris Agreement was signed – and when Trump rescinded the first time around.  Now, as COP29 kicks off in Azerbaijan, Woodroofe says Trump’s disregard of climate responsibilities makes it even more crucial that Australia takes a leading role in international climate negotiation.  Today, senior international fellow with the Smart Energy Council Thom Woodroofe, on Donald Trump and whether global action on climate is a lost cause without the United States. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior international fellow with the Smart Energy Council Thom Woodroofe

When Donald Trump took the stage to claim victory in Palm Beach, Florida, he was joined by a football team sized contingent of family and friends, including the chief executive of the Ultimate Fight Championship, Dana White. White, who has admitted to assaulting his wife, took the mic to thank some people he regarded as crucial to delivering his friend Donald Trump the presidency. They included online streamer ​​Aidin Ross, comedian Theo Von and podcaster Joe Rogan. Trump’s appearance on podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience were crucial to mobilising the support of young men across the US who wouldn’t have otherwise voted.  It was a sophisticated plan based on a close read of voting trends – and a little help from Trump’s son, Barron.  Today national political correspondent for Time magazine Eric Cortellessa on Donald Trump and the “pod bros” that helped him win. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National political correspondent for Time magazine Eric Cortellessa

It is more or less impossible to imagine Australian literature of the past half century without Tim Winton. From his debut, An Open Swimmer to his epic Cloudstreet, the four-time Miles Franklin Award winner is beloved by generations of readers. On this special episode of Read This, host Michael Williams sits down with Tim to discuss his latest novel, Juice, a gripping tale of determination, survival, and the limits of the human spirit.

After the Country Liberal Party came into power in the Northern Territory, they scrapped a number of key portfolios. Among them was the climate change portfolio, with responsibility for the environment now sitting under lands and planning. It indicates the NT government is prioritising the economy, in particular big development projects. And now, according to a leaked consultation paper, the NT government wants to give itself new powers to fast-track major developments, sidestepping environmental checks and balances and the wishes of many impacted Territorians. Today, Environment Centre NT executive director Kirsty Howey, on the NT government’s leaked secret proposal, and whether it could open the floodgates to environmentally damaging projects like fracking. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Executive director of Environment Centre NT, Kirsty Howey

As the US election began to rapidly slip away from Kamala Harris, it became clear that the presidential candidate wasn’t going to speak at her election night rally in Washington D.C. That’s when people started slipping out of the event, including Dr Emma Shortis. Donald Trump is projected to win not just the presidency, but also the popular vote. Today, senior researcher at The Australia Institute Dr Emma Shortis on Donald Trump’s projected return to the White House, and what it means for the future of the Democratic Party. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis

On the eve of the American election, polls say Harris and Trump are neck and neck. Of course, Donald Trump says that’s not true. It’s nothing new for the former president to deny facts. What is new is the way America’s biggest cable news network is handling it: Fox News has started cutting away from rallies when Trump lies. The network’s support of the big lie – that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, led to a defamation lawsuit that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to settle. And now the Murdoch broadcaster is in a tricky spot: tell MAGA supporters what they want to hear, even if it isn’t true, or risk losing a huge audience.  So what does Fox do if Trump loses this election, and refuses to admit it? Today, author of The Successor and host of Rupert: The last mogul Paddy Manning on Fox’s role in the US election and how the Murdochs’ secret court case could shape the future of democracy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of The Successor and host of Rupert: The last mogul Paddy Manning

One of the first things David Crisafulli did when he became premier of Queensland was order the state’s Truth-telling inquiry to stop immediately. The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, which launched earlier this year, was examining the impacts of colonisation on First Nations people. Work was underway, with witnesses already having testified about racial discrimination and abuse.  The premier gave the order to stop in a press conference, without talking first to the man running the process. Today, Chairman of The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Joshua Creamer on David Crisafulli’s decision and the truth that will never be heard.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chairman of The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Joshua Creamer

The prime minister’s relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, and whether he likes a free upgrade, has been the talk of Canberra, prompted by the publication of a new book called The Chairman’s Lounge. Speculation about what the book would reveal had been swirling for months, and it was widely known in political circles that some of it would be bad for the prime minister. But when the book was finally published, Albanese and his office seemed unprepared. The saga, which played out over a week, and entangled politicians from both major parties, raises questions about how much our leaders love a freebie – and whether the prime minister in particular has lost touch with voters’ expectations. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on The Chairman’s Lounge and whether it matters if politicians get a fancy drink in a fancy chair. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

In just three books Robbie Arnott has established himself as a writer to trust. Flames (2018), The Rain Heron (2022) and Limberlost (2022) were all rapturously reviewed and garnered a hefty swag of award nominations and wins. On this episode of Read This, Michael Williams sits down with Robbie to discuss his new novel, Dusk, which explores loss, redemption, and survival in Tasmania’s high country.

On a street in downtown Beirut there’s a five-storey building – a derelict hotel. It was empty for years, until recently, when hundreds of displaced people started arriving. Their experience of fleeing southern Beirut to find safety in the city’s busy neighbourhoods is being repeated across Lebanon right now as Israel’s bombardments continue. There has been a massive effort to help shelter the one million displaced Lebanese, but in this building and in many others they aren’t always welcome, with religious divides from the civil war still palpable, decades on. Today, journalist Heidi Pett on the old wounds being re-opened in Lebanon. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist Heidi Pett

When the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme handed down its findings, the commissioner in charge went to great lengths to refer six individuals to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation. What followed outraged many, particularly the victims of the scheme: The NACC announced that it would not act on the referrals. That decision generated so many complaints that it has since been investigated by the inspector of the NACC, Gail Furness. Now, that investigation has found that not only should the decision be revisited, but the head of the NACC himself engaged in “officer misconduct”. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton, on what this means for the integrity of Australia’s corruption watchdog. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

In a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, just over a week from the election, Donald Trump took to the stage with a vision for the first day of his presidency. Trump is promising to deport more than 11 million people if he wins, making it “the largest deportation program in American history”. Immigration has been one of the most pressing and divisive issues of the presidential race, with fears of “border chaos” and misinformation about immigrants eating pets dominating headlines. But the facts about immigration tell a different story.  Today, investigative reporter for ProPublica Mica Rosenberg, on the real ways immigration is affecting America. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Investigative reporter for ProPublica Mica Rosenberg

When West Australian mining billionaire Chris Ellison was accused of a decade of tax evasion, his lawyers responded by trying to cut a deal with the Australian Taxation Office.  The terms of that deal included an 80 per cent reduction in the penalty payable and an assurance that his conduct wouldn’t be referred to police or the corporate watchdog.  The reason that Ellison, managing director of the company Mineral Resources, would push for those terms is obvious. The real question is why the tax office would agree to it.  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how the ATO protects the rich.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

When Elon Musk took the stage at a pro-Trump rally in Pennsylvania to announce he would start giving a million dollars a day to randomly chosen people who had signed an online petition, it begged the question, is this legal? To win, people had to be registered to vote in one of the seven key battleground states and have signed the petition saying they support the First and Second Amendments, which guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.  The stunt attracted huge publicity, but for Musk these million dollar cheques are just the tip of the iceberg. Investigative journalist for the Wall Street Journal Dana Mattioli has uncovered years of secret donations by Musk that upend the idea that he’s a recent entrant into Trump’s orbit. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter Dana Mattioli

Melanie Cheng began her writing career as an author of short stories. Her first collection, Australia Day, was published in 2017 to much acclaim. Her second novel, The Burrow, follows a Melbourne family forced to confront the tragedy of their shared past. On this episode of Read This, Michael sits down for a conversation with Melanie about family, connection, and the power of narrative medicine.

King Charles’ first visit to Australia as monarch laid bare a lot of unfinished business. Moments after the king sat down following an address to the Great Hall in Parliament House, independent Senator Lidia Thorpe was escorted out after shouting “you are not our king” and “this is not your land”. It didn’t just bring home the fact that, despite a failed referendum in 1999, the Australian republican movement is still alive – it also highlighted that the more recent failed referendum on a Voice to Parliament has far from settled any of the issues around Truth, Treaty and justice. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the demands from Australia and other colonies for justice and reparations. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

The fight over abortion in Queensland had seemed settled. It was decriminalised in 2018 and has since attained wide public support. But with Katter’s Australian Party promising to introduce a bill to repeal those laws in the new parliament, it’s become a surprise issue heading into this weekend’s election. The leader of the Liberal National Party David Crisafulli has insisted he has no plans to change the laws, but if enough of his MPs choose to vote with their conscience, the decision could be out of his hands. Today, reporter and director of F+K Media Kaitlyn Sawrey, on the brewing fight over abortion rights and how it might affect who governs Queensland. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Reporter and director of F+K Media, Kaitlyn Sawrey

This week, a group of Stolen Generations survivors visited a site from their childhood that holds a lot of painful memories: the notorious Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home in New South Wales. The gathering marked 100 years since Kinchela was opened – a home that institutionalised hundreds of Indigenous boys, and subjected them to torture, abuse and reprogramming, in order to assimilate them into white society. Now, the survivors and their families want to take ownership of the site, to make it a place of healing for future generations. Today, Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo on the enduring legacy of the Kinchela Boys Home.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo

When Malcolm Turnbull was prime minister, he made a call that made the then president of the United States very, very angry. Donald Trump called it the “worst call he’d had all day” – a “killer”, “crazy” and “disgusting”. But Turnbull argues that standing up to Trump, even if it means saying things he doesn’t want to hear, is the only effective way to deal with him. Now, as Australia faces the prospect of a second Trump term, Turnbull says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s willingness to face off with the president could make the difference on everything from the economy to our national security. Today, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull on how he forged a relationship with Donald Trump and what Anthony Albanese needs to know if Trump wins again. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull

The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is a pivotal moment in the war in the Middle East.  Sinwar, a mastermind of the October 7 attacks, was top of Israel’s most wanted list before he was killed by Israeli troops in Rafah last week.  His death represents a significant win for Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as a “settling of the score”.  While United States President Joe Biden said the war in Gaza could now be ended, Netanyahu has vowed to continue “full force” until the hostages taken by Hamas are returned to Israel.  Iran’s mission to the United Nations responded to news of Sinwar’s death by saying that he will become a “model for the youth and children who will carry forward his path towards the liberation of Palestine”. Today, host of the ABC podcast Take Me To Your Leader Hamish Macdonald on Yahya Sinwar’s legacy and how his death will reshape the war in the Middle East. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Host of the ABC podcast Take Me To Your Leader Hamish Macdonald

There are few people in this country as obsessed with understanding the cultural and social potential of Australian cuisine as New Zealand-born chef Ben Shewry. And there are even fewer who have managed to combine that passion with the highest echelons of success. On this episode of Read This, Michael sits down with Attica’s head chef to discuss his new memoir, Uses for Obsession. expect.

The government led by Anthony Albanese is a timid troupe of shivers looking for a spine to run up. That’s the assessment from the Labor wise men who gather for lunch in Sydney once a month – Paul Keating, Bob Carr, John Faulkner and other warriors of the past – who claim the government is too cautious and defensive. For many Labor insiders, both in Canberra and across the country, the carping from the sidelines is an annoying distraction they wish would go away. But there are some within the Albanese government who say the comments are providing the debate and contestability that the “broken” party sorely lacks. Today, special correspondent in Canberra for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on Labor’s war with its old guard. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis.

According to Bruce Lehrmann’s lawyer Zali Burrows, he is “arguably Australia’s most hated man”. Burrows also told a federal court that her client is too “scared” to attend court, and his reputation has been so tarnished that “the only shot he’d probably ever have in making money is by going on OnlyFans or something silly like that”. Lehrmann has launched an appeal after a defamation trial judge ruled in favour of Network Ten, finding on the balance of probabilities that he raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House.  His lawyer is arguing that Lehrmann shouldn’t have to pay $2 million to Network Ten until he’s had the chance to appeal the defamation case, but lawyers for Network Ten are arguing that Lehrmann should have to front up $200,000 in order to have the right to appeal at all. Today, defamation lawyer at Good Company Law Hannah Marshall, on Bruce Lehrmann’s chance of appeal and what it means for Brittany Higgins. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Defamation lawyer at Good Company Law Hannah Marshal.

Alice Springs is littered with “For Sale” signs as those who can afford it are packing up and leaving. Punitive government curfews made daily life more challenging, and families struggle to see a future for themselves if things continue the way they are. With the newly elected Country Liberal Party promising to be even tougher on crime – and lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old – more government interventions are on the way. But there’s also the story of those who stay to help set young people on a different path and reconnect with Country. In the final instalment of the three part series This is Alice Springs, Daniel James heads to a station in the MacDonnell Ranges that offers an oasis of calm amid the chaos. But even here the cycle of incarceration and violence is never far from children’s lives.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Police are everywhere in Alice Springs. You see them driving pursuit vehicles and caged vans on the streets, or stationed outside the bottle shop checking IDs. But more police doesn’t mean less crime – it just means more people are getting locked up. As Alice Springs reels from the police shooting of Warlpiri teenager Kumanjayi Walker, and in the wake of an apology from the Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy for systemic racism, Daniel James wants to find out whether it's possible to mend the broken relationship between the coppers and the Indigenous community. In the second episode of our three part series, Daniel visits the police headquarters to meet the Arrernte woman tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in Alice Springs – to fix the culture inside the police force.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

From afar, Alice Springs is a whirlpool of myth and truth. A town with competing interests and few solutions, marked by chaos and decades of government overreach.  That all came to a head earlier this year, with what’s been described as a “youth riot” in town. The violence led to the Northern Territory government imposing an emergency curfew.  This is when the headlines started: in cities and towns across Australia, we read about a “crisis” about “rampages”. One newspaper described the kids here as “tiny menaces stuck on a turnstile of trouble”. In this first episode of our three part series This is Alice Springs Daniel James visits the town at the heart of our nation, to find out how all the interventions, big and small, by governments of all persuasions have led to this chaos. What he finds is that almost all of it leads back to one thing. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Malcolm Knox began his career as a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, back in the 90s. His breakout was in 2004 when, as literary editor, he broke the story of the fake Jordanian memoirist, Norma Khouri for which he won a Walkley Award. Since then he has written more than a dozen books of nonfiction and has been publishing fiction since 2000. On this episode of Read This, Malcolm sits down with Michael to discuss his seventh and latest novel, The First Friend.

The war in the Middle East is dominating Australian politics. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton spent the week attacking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – claiming he disrespected the Jewish community when he included calls for de-escalation and a ceasefire in a condolence motion to mark the one-year anniversary of October 7. But there are signs that Dutton’s attacks aren’t landing, and that he’s become too focused on the Middle East conflict at the expense of pressing issues closer to home. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the indirect ways the Middle East conflict could shape life here in Australia – and the outcome of the election.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

A five-minute drive from the cliff where Ben Roberts-Smith allegedly murdered Afghan farmer Ali Jan, there is a small mud-brick room used for storing almonds. It was in this room, locals say, that a separate group of Australian soldiers killed two Afghan men in a shocking and brutal way. Despite the intense publicity around the killing of Ali Jan, almost nothing has been heard about what happened in the almond room, and nobody has been held accountable.  Today, anthropologist and writer Michelle Jasmin Dimasi on what the families of the Afghan men told her about the alleged crimes of Australian soldiers. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and anthropologist Dr Michelle Jasmin Dimasi.

For two-and-a-half years, Ukraine has been fighting Russia with the goal of “total victory” – to not only beat President Vladimir Putin’s forces back to the border, but to reclaim all territory annexed by Russia since 1991.  But as both President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin’s popularity and resources fade, and as another winter approaches, it’s possible that a more pragmatic end to the war could be in sight.  Today, editor-in-chief of The Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes, on what it would take for a permanent end to the fighting, and the future for Ukraine if that can’t be reached.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Editor-in-chief of The Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes

Protecting Australia’s environment is a matter of urgency – or at least that’s the message the Albanese government campaigned on two and a half years ago.  But now, with environmental legislation stalling in the Senate and a series of announcements lacking detail, there’s a sense that the government’s priorities have shifted.   Today, director of the Australia Institute’s climate and energy program Polly Hemming, on the rhetoric of “nature positivity” and the inaction it hides.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Director of the Australia Institute’s climate and energy program Polly Hemming

One year on from the October 7 attacks against Israel, the region is bracing for more war.  It seems almost certain Israel will launch a retaliatory attack against Iran, after it fired ballistic missiles at Israel last week.  Meanwhile, over the weekend, Israel continued its airstrikes on Lebanon, with multiple explosions reported in the suburbs of the capital Beirut.  Today, Israel correspondent for The Economist Anshel Pfeffer on where the Middle East is headed, and how, or if, the fighting can end.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Israel correspondent for The Economist Anshel Pfeffer

Charlotte Wood became a mainstay in Australia’s literary firmament in 2016 following the release of her award-winning novel, The Natural Way of Things. Her latest book, Stone Yard Devotional, is a meditation on grief, solitude, what it means to live a good life, and what we owe one another. It has been shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. On this episode of Read This, Michael sits down with Charlotte to discuss her new book, and she shares the psychic catastrophe that informed its final form.

There’s a greater than 50 per cent chance that there will be a terrorist attack – or a planned attack – in Australia in the next year. That’s the reality behind the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s recent decision to upgrade the nation’s terror threat level to “probable”. So the need for all states and territories to be working on a united strategy with the federal government to prevent terrorist attacks is greater than ever. But that’s not what’s happening. The states and territories have taken the unprecedented step of abandoning the Albanese government’s planned counter-terrorism strategy, in favour of figuring it out themselves. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on why the national strategy on counterterrorism has collapsed – and what it means for our safety. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

As much as they would hate to admit it, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris fit the definition of “coastal elite”. The United States presidential candidates are a wealthy New York businessman and reality TV star running against a San Francisco liberal with a career in public office. That’s why they’re both hoping their vice-presidential candidates and running mates will speak to a specific group of voters – the blue collar, working class area of the Midwest. And yesterday’s debate showed that both J.D. Vance and Tim Walz are taking that opportunity seriously. Today, ABC journalist and host of the Global Roaming podcast Geraldine Doogue, on how the two candidates are using their roots to appeal to voters in very different ways. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: ABC journalist and host of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue.

There are hundreds of angry posts on X, TikTok and Reddit from citizen journalists archiving Coles and Woolworths' published prices and noticing some strange patterns. The posters complain that the two supermarket giants have misled their customers with their “Down Down” and “Prices Dropped” promotions. Now, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched legal action, alleging the big two presented discounted promotions that were actually higher, or the same, as the price that had been charged for the same items just weeks beforehand. Today, economist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Peter Martin, on the “illusory” discounts and how a Cadbury Caramello Koala helped fuel the outrage. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Economist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Peter Martin.

When Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in Beirut over the weekend, Michelle Jasmin Dimasi felt the blast from her apartment.  Michelle’s an Australian journalist and she’s been based in the city for a few months. Now, as Israeli airstrikes continue, she is preparing to leave, likely by plane.  But for a million displaced people within Lebanon, that calculation of where to go, and how to get out, is much more complicated. Today, Michelle Jasmin Dimasi on the reality of life in Lebanon right now and why thousands of people, including Syrian refugees, are fleeing back into Syria. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist Michelle Jasmin Dimasi

The leader of Hezbollah has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Hassan Nasrallah led the group for more than 30 years, building it into a powerful political force within Lebanon and the most heavily armed non-state militia in the world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the killing from his hotel room in New York, before his speech at the United Nations general assembly. Joe Biden has called the killing a “measure of justice”. But Lebanon is entering three days of mourning, at a time when more than half a million people are displaced there and airstrikes continue. Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom on Hassan Nasrallah’s legacy and what his death means for Lebanon, and for Israel. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom

Sri Lankan-born Canadian essayist, poet, and Booker Prize-winning novelist Michael Ondaatje recently released a stunning collection of poems. Ondaatje is now 80 years old and it’s almost half a century since he published his first novel; even longer since he first published poetry. On this episode of Read This he joins Michael for a conversation about A Year of Last Things and why writing remains such a joyful act of discovery.

The Reserve Bank should lower interest rates, and if they don’t, the government should make them, according to the Greens. Their spokesperson for economic justice Nick McKim has said he won’t support the government's reforms to the RBA unless the treasurer intervenes in the bank’s decision-making processes and tells them to lower interest rates.  It’s a big demand: something that has never happened before and is unlikely to now, with Labor saying the Greens are “out of control”. And there is also unrest within the Greens about the position, with some concerned the demands go too far at a time when the party is looking to make itself a viable alternative to the two major parties at the next election. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on just how independent the Reserve Bank is and what the Greens are playing at.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

The Liberal National Party has been in the political wilderness in Queensland for most of the past three decades. But in a month’s time that’s likely to change, after an election campaign fought on youth crime. Yesterday, David Crisafulli announced courts would be able to access young people’s full criminal histories, even after they have turned 18. It’s a move legal experts say is cheap and won’t change rates of offending. All this tough talk hides a more complicated story, in which a small number of highly publicised and shocking crimes obscure the fact that, by the police’s own figures, youth offending is near record lows. Today, we hear from a survivor of Queensland’s youth justice system about the real reasons young people offend, and what helped her escape the cycle. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

In more than 30 years of lobbying for gambling reforms, Tim Costello says no government has tried to silence him through the use of a legally binding non-disclosure agreement. That’s until the Albanese government asked him to sign an NDA as part of lobbying the government on new gambling advertising laws. The chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform says he believes its purpose was to “muzzle” the group. It’s part of a growing government trend to use non-disclosure agreements as a condition of consultation on reforms, even threatening advocates and social welfare groups with imprisonment if orders are breached.  Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the impact these NDAs have on meaningful consultation and how the government justifies its turn towards secrecy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow.

If you ask a Melbourne local, almost all of them would have heard of the 1977 Easey Street murders. In one of Victoria’s most brutal unsolved killings, two women in their 20s were stabbed dozens of times in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood. Now, after 47 years and examining over 130 “persons of interest”, police have finally made an arrest. Today, journalist and author of Murder on Easey St Helen Thomas, on the killings that haunted Melbourne and the suspect – known as “the boy with the knife” – that police overlooked for decades. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and author of Murder on Easey St, Helen Thomas.

Peter Dutton is now on TikTok, and his first post was about as inspiring as you might imagine. It’s shot in an office, he’s wearing a suit, and he’s talking about housing. It’s easy to see this as a case of trying to appeal to the kids. But it’s also a sign of a broader trend among Australian politicians, with around a third of them now on TikTok and more likely to join the platform. Peter Dutton’s move to TikTok is especially curious, beyond his use of the word “demure”. It signals that he’s made a calculation that the opportunity for votes is more important than any of the security concerns flagged about the app’s parent company, ByteDance. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on whether TikTok is actually a threat – or just an opportunity for political embarrassment.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

Even if you’re not an obsessive Ancient Rome aficionado, you may have heard of Mary Beard. With more than 20 books to her name, including the wildly successful SPQR, Mary might be most famous for her work as a BBC host for shows such as Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town and Julius Caesar Revealed. On this episode of Read This, she sits down with Michael to discuss her life sentence — the half dozen words that set her on the path to becoming Britain’s best-known classicist — and why the Roman Empire is so misunderstood.

In a court case earlier this year, an art installation at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art that was designed to playfully poke at the historic and ongoing disadvantages faced by women was found to be discriminatory. MONA’s Ladies Lounge was a small, private room within the museum, bordered by silk green curtains and open only to those who identify as “ladies”. MONA is appealing the decision, arguing that men weren’t being rejected from the lounge, but rather their rejection was an experience of the artwork itself. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Gabriella Coslovich on the Ladies Lounge saga, and what happens when discrimination is the entire point. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Gabriella Coslovich.

As a child refugee in India, Harini dreamt of making it to Australia to study medicine and become a doctor. She arrived in Australia in 2013 when she was 10 years old, leaving behind her two siblings and mother. Harini did not realise her visa status made her different to her classmates until she received a university offer for a biomedical science degree that required her to pay international student fees of nearly $100,000. After attempting to self-fund her studies and falling a year behind in payments, the university disenrolled Harini in 2023 – four months before she was set to complete her degree. Today, Harini Rathnakumar on how her promise of a better life in Australia was shattered, and the many others stuck in visa limbo. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Harini Rathnakumar

When Bill Shorten finally gave up his hopes of ever becoming prime minister, one door closed and another, much more lucrative, door opened.  In his new role as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra, he could earn up to three times as much as the PM.  His appointment comes amid a fight about the exorbitant salaries Australian vice-chancellors receive and as his government's new cap on international students raises big questions about funding shortfalls in higher education.  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how much vice-chancellors earn and how they justify it.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

When Jim Chalmers said that interest rate hikes were “smashing the economy” he was either stating the obvious or starting a war, depending on who you ask. For weeks – in question time and in the news – a picture has been forming of an aggrieved treasurer, angry at the governor of the Reserve Bank. At the same time, senior unnamed Labor insiders have called Michelle Bullock a “nutter” and the RBA board “weirdos”. But behind the apparent breakdown between the government and the Reserve Bank, there’s a much more bitter feud going on: between Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor, who has recently walked away from a bipartisan plan to fix the Reserve Bank. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on how the deal unravelled and what it means for the future of the Reserve Bank. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

The militia movement in the United States has a long and bloody history.  In the aftermath of January 6, it was buoyed by Donald Trump’s praise of those who attacked the Capitol, and the numbers of people wanting to join militia groups grew. With a resurgence in numbers, militia groups are now patrolling the US-Mexico border, forming bonds with active duty police and military and trying to influence the midterm elections. With the presidential election fast approaching, investigative reporter for ProPublica Joshua Kaplan has gained rare access to the secretive world of one militia, American Patriots Three Percent, to find out how they are preparing for the election and what will happen if Donald Trump loses. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Investigative reporter for ProPublica Josh Kaplan

Star investigative journalist Louise Milligan has spent her career working on some of the most high-profile criminal cases in Australia. This incredible breadth of experience informs her first novel Pheasant’s Nest, which follows the abduction of a young journalist and provides a unique insight into the media, policing and politics that surround a crime like this. On this episode of Read This, Michael sits down with Louise to discuss the leap from reporting to fiction and why writing this book was a kind of therapy.

When former inmate Daniel Vansetten heard about the idea of a national newspaper, produced for prisoners and by prisoners, he jumped at the opportunity to be involved. He says the incarceration system in Australia can be an information black hole and About Time intends to rectify that. The free paper is available to approximately 21,000 prisoners in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT. It’s tailored to prison life, and with the ambition to shift information in and out of prisons, hopes to create a community among incarcerated peoples. Today, contributor to About Time Daniel Vansetten and the paper’s managing director Rosie Heselev on giving prisoners a voice and the empathy they hope it will inspire. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to About Time Daniel Vansetten and managing director of About Time Rosie Heselev.

The United States presidential campaign so far has largely been based on fashioning public perceptions: with the Democrats painting Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, and Republicans calling Kamala Harris a radical Marxist who will destroy America. And with the election just around the corner, their first and possibly only debate was a chance to tell Americans about their visions for the country. So with most polls showing both candidates at a dead heat, did we learn anything about what they’re actually offering voters?  Today, senior researcher at The Australia Institute Dr Emma Shortis, on who came out on top of the US presidential debate, and whether it was enough to make a difference. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis

Peter Dutton’s first major promise when he became opposition leader was to build nuclear power plants. It was a curious idea with no cost attached and and without much community support, according to polling.  Now, the Labor government has signalled it wants the next election to be fought on the viability of these plants, with the release of a new attack ad focusing on how expensive nuclear power would be. Beyond the cost, questions remain about the legality and safety of nuclear power in Australia. Today, emeritus professor and former head of the School of Science at Griffith University Ian Lowe fact checks Peter Dutton’s nuclear promise. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Emeritus professor and former head of the School of Science at Griffith University Ian Lowe

Politics was changed at the last election in a way the major parties are still grappling with. Now, the record crossbench it delivered looks set to grow even more, with a hung parliament looking ever more likely. In the lead up to the next election, Labor is courting the teals, knowing the relationship could be crucial to forming government and keeping Coalition MPs out of inner-city seats. Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow, on Labor’s plan and the fight that could derail it.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow

The Albanese government’s long-promised National Anti-Corruption Commission was met with high hopes that it would weed out corruption within our institutions and restore faith in politics. But when it came to its first big test – investigating the robodebt scandal – it took the commission a year to decide it would do nothing. Now, there are concerns that the NACC is failing to live up to its obligations and has been marred by silence and secrecy. Today, special correspondent in Canberra for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on what the National Anti-Corruption Commission has achieved one year on and whether it’s enough. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

Gerald Murnane doesn’t have readers, he has acolytes. The New Yorker described him as “the reclusive giant of Australian letters”. He’s written 10 novels, several collections of short stories and essays, and a memoir about horse racing. Together these books represent one of the most formidable and singular bodies of work in literature. On this episode of Read This, Michael drives out to the Goroke golf course to chat with Gerald on his home turf.

Bill Shorten has wanted to be the prime minister since he was a teenager.  Yesterday he finally gave up that ambition, announcing his resignation from politics.  Shorten spent almost two decades in parliament – rising to be opposition leader and contesting two elections, but never winning. As an architect of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, his legacy is significant. But his political failures have also shaped the country in enduring ways. Today, Schwartz Media’s editor-in-chief Erik Jensen on how Bill Shorten’s career has changed Australia. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Schwartz Media’s editor-in-chief, Erik Jensen

At a Senate committee last year, the NRL and Football Australia acknowledged the link between head injuries in contact sports and the neurodegenerative disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). But a core member of the NRL’s concussion research group is also one of the most outspoken critics of the link between repeated head injury and CTE, calling it an “invented disease … conjured out of thin air”. His views corroborate the Australian NRL’s multimillion-dollar research program into former elite-level rugby league players, which to date has concluded there is no link between concussion and depression or other cognitive problems. So how does the NRL justify advancing a position that most scientists don’t agree with?  Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Wendy Carlisle, on the brain epidemic killing ex-athletes and why the science is still being contested. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Wendy Carlisle.

Although Australians voted resoundingly against an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Thomas Mayo – one of the Voice’s key campaigners – has not given up hope. He says while the “Yes” campaign lost the referendum, what they gained was resilience and a new generation of Indigenous leaders ready to take up the fight. He’s also written a new book, Always Was Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues – outlining a vision for what comes next.  Today, Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander activist Thomas Mayo. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Today, Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander activist, Thomas Mayo.

The census is meant to reflect the country back to us – to give vital data on who makes up Australia.  But this week it’s become a political landmine for the federal government, who first cancelled questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, only to partially reverse that decision amid tense backlash.  But the question of data isn’t just academic. This debate is coming at a time when the Victorian coroner has specifically asked for more data on the transgender community following a number of young trans women taking their own lives. Today, writer and co-editor of Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia Sam Elkin, on the government’s decision to exclude trans people from the census and why counting them could save lives. And just a warning, today’s episode discusses suicide. Please take care while listening. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and co-editor of Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia Sam Elkin.

It’s been almost a decade since Jacqui Lambie dramatically quit the Palmer United Party.   Since then, she’s become a political force in Canberra and in her home state of Tasmania as the leader of the Jacqui Lambie Network.  At the last federal election, Lambie’s longtime staffer Tammy Tyrrell won a senate spot – and at the last Tasmanian election, just a few months ago, the party won three seats. But now, the JLN is imploding, after Tyrrell resigned and two of the three Tasmanian MPs were sacked. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the allegations Lambie spied on her colleagues and why she hasn’t been able to hold the party together. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

Writer, artist, and filmmaker Miranda July has a devoted – even rabid – following, through her writing, her work on the screen, and her collaborative art projects. On this episode of Read This, she and Michael discuss her new novel, All Fours, which explores desire, intimacy, dance, and an often overlooked part of the ageing process.

The most damaging controversy the Indigenous art sector has experienced in years started with a video. The Ngura Pulka exhibition was set to open in June last year, featuring 28 new paintings by three generations of Aṉangu artists represented by the APY Art Centre Collective in South Australia. The footage shows white studio assistants working on canvases from an APY Lands artist, which became the linchpin for a vicious media campaign and provoked a series of investigations. Today, art curator Bruce Johnson McLean and reporter and contributor to The Saturday Paper Gabriella Coslovich on the APY art scandal and the complicated question of authenticity in the Aboriginal art world. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Gabriella Coslovich.

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.

Jess Hill hasn’t been sleeping much lately. For the past three months, she’s been working on a plan to try to end violence against women and children.  Now, that plan is out. The rapid review looks beyond the education campaigns that we have come to understand as domestic violence prevention and calls for a complete overhaul to the way the government responds to men killing women.  Today, journalist and co-author of the rapid review Jess Hill on what’s in the report and whether we’re going to see any change in the national plan to end gendered violence. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of See What You Made Me Do: Power, Control and Domestic Abuse and co-author of the rapid review Jess Hill.

It was the biggest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel since October 7. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel while Israel said it hit more than 40 targets in Lebanon – and isn’t done yet. The attacks come as talks of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continue with no sign of an outcome.  Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper and editor of Australian Foreign Affairs Jonathan Pearlman on whether the Middle East is headed for all-out war.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: World editor of The Saturday Paper and editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan Pearlman

After the resounding defeat of last year’s referendum on the Voice to Parliament, the path towards Truth and Treaty has appeared to be on shaky ground. But history has been made in Victoria, with the state’s Indigenous representative body formally confirming it is ready to negotiate with the government on a state-wide treaty. The process is being led by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, an elected body representing Victoria’s traditional owners and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the state. Today, co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Ngarra Murray, on how this moment was reached, and how instructive it will be for the rest of the country as it grapples with what happens next. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Co-chair of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria, Ngarra Murray

Roxane Gay is a prominent American author, professor, and cultural critic known for her unflinching honesty, quick wit, and razor-sharp intellect. She has gained acclaim for her essays, fiction, and memoirs that explore identity, gender, race, and body image. This week on Read This, Roxane joins Michael for a conversation about what it means to be a public intellectual and how this has shifted throughout her career.

The ABC’s Managing Director David Anderson announced his shock resignation yesterday afternoon, after being reappointed for his second term in the role late last year. Anderson said stepping down was “the right time for me and the right time for the ABC”.  The decision comes just months after Kim Williams took up his new role as chair with big plans for renewal inside the ABC. Today, ABC veteran Jon Faine on what this means for the future of the national broadcaster and who might be next in the Managing Director’s seat.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: ABC veteran Jon Faine

In 2022, Elon Musk said Donald Trump was “too old” to be president, and Donald Trump called Musk a “bullshit artist”. In the relatively short time since, Elon Musk has endorsed the former president and offered him some free publicity by interviewing Trump on his website X. It’s now been revealed that Elon Musk has also been working behind the scenes to fundraise for Trump’ presidential campaign for months, raising millions of dollars while going to great lengths to keep his involvement secret. Today, Wall Street Journal reporter and author of The Everything War: Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power Dana Mattioli, on the political transformation of Elon Musk and what she uncovered about his secret plans to return Trump to the White House. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter, Dana Mattioli.

Alan Joyce was once hailed as a saviour of perhaps Australia’s most iconic business. The former CEO of QANTAS was championed by his board and well known in the Australian business community for his support of social justice causes throughout his 15 years in the job. So, it’s been a dramatic fall from grace.  Joyce has now left his successors with a reputational mess after a series of bad decisions that left customers furious. And he’s had his bonus cut by millions. Today, reporter Marc Moncrief on what Joyce did wrong and whether his punishment will do anything to rebuild Australia’s trust in QANTAS. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Business journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Marc Moncrief

The treatment or mistreatment of refugees fleeing to Australia has been the wellspring of Australian politics for almost a quarter of a century.   This time, it's Peter Dutton with his call for Palestinians fleeing Gaza to be banned from coming to Australia. The language is designed to wedge the government by making them look soft on national security.  It comes at a time when ASIO has called for politicians to dial down the heated and divisive rhetoric consuming national conversations, with fear it could spark violence within the community.  Today, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration Abul Rizvi on how we screen refugees and why Peter Dutton’s ban makes no sense. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration Abul Rizvi

The hard-right group behind the “No” campaign, Advance, is amassing a multi-million dollar war chest to take down its next opponent: the Australian Greens. Advance has called the Greens the “single biggest threat to freedom, security and prosperity in Australia” – and they have big plans to target their voters ahead of the next election. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on who is behind Advance and why they believe they can flip progressive women to the hard right. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

It was 2014 when Bruce Pascoe went from being a prolific, yet relatively unknown writer, to public enemy #1 in Australia’s culture wars. That was the year that Bruce published his now infamous book, Dark Emu, and its re-examination of accepted historical accounts of pre-invasion Australia. On this episode of Read This, he joins Michael for a discussion about his new novel Imperial Harvest and shares why he still believes we need the messiness of democracy.

“I didn’t have a boyfriend to text anymore so might as well text a therapist,” a millennial podcast host tells her audience while recommending they seek out counselling. Online therapy services like BetterHelp are some of podcasting’s biggest advertisers, promising to address the barriers that prevent people from accessing face-to-face therapy. Now, the American company is expanding its app into Australia – recruiting Australian psychologists while capitalising on the failings of a mental health system that’s difficult to navigate.  But are patients actually better off with subscription-based therapy apps? Today, clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha on the dangers of app-based mental health support and what happens when you turn psychologists into gig-economy workers. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr Ahona Guha.

Brittany Higgins has now been at the centre of three court cases. First, there was the criminal trial of Bruce Lehrmann - which was aborted with no findings made against him. Lehrmann later sued Network 10 and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, claiming that they defamed him by identifying him as a rapist. The court found that he did, to a civil standard, rape Higgins. Now, Higgins’ former boss, Senator Linda Reynolds, is suing her for a series of social media posts claiming that she was uncaring and unsupportive. So is taking a rape survivor to court the best way to restore your reputation? Today, legal affairs editor for The Saturday Paper Richard Ackland, on Senator Linda Reynolds’ defamation case and why some politicians are so quick to sue. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Legal affairs editor for The Saturday Paper, Richard Ackland.

Three years ago the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.  From his new home in Adelaide, Australia, Hazara human rights activist and photographer Muzafar Ali watched warlords returning to the places he had loved but had been forced to leave. He saw Western journalists describing a place they didn’t know and didn’t really understand.  So last month, Muzafar returned to Afghanistan at great personal cost to document what life is like there. He found a network of underground schools where girls are risking their lives to get an education.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Hazara human rights activist and photographer Muzafar Ali

Neale Radley was in his early 40s when he dived off a houseboat and hit a sandbar, becoming a high-needs quadriplegic. With no family members able to look after him, he was faced with limited options and ended up in aged-care. Now, a clause in the government’s New Aged Care Act could mean that more younger people will end up in aged-care, potentially unwinding decades of work to prevent this from happening. Today, Neale Radley on the reality of living in aged-care as a younger person and The Saturday Paper’s senior reporter Rick Morton on the plan that might make the problem worse. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Neale Radley and senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

This year’s Olympics has been phenomenal for women in sport. Paris 2024 also set a milestone as the first Olympics to achieve full gender parity on the field of play. But these achievements have been overshadowed by the abuse levelled at two female boxers who both clinched their first olympic medals over unfounded speculation about their sex. One of the boxers, Imane Khelif, has spoken out several times in the face of it all. The saga is fuelled by a current moral panic about ‘fairness’ in women’s sport – but it’s also part of a long and insidious history of scrutinising the bodies of female athletes, especially the successful ones. Today, Fox Sports News presenter and women's sports advocate Sam Squiers on why female bodies remain one of the main objects of regulation by sports committees. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Fox Sports News presenter and women's sports advocate, Sam Squiers.

In this episode of our sister podcast, Read This, host Michael Williams speaks with journalist, editor and media proprietor Eric Beecher about his new book The Men Who Killed the News. Eric has worked for some of the most well-respected newspapers in the world, including the Sydney Morning Herald and the Wall Street Journal. He’s currently the head of Private Media, which runs the website, Crikey.

It’s been called a forever war: the fight over how to teach children to read. For decades, an outdated method has lingered in Australian classrooms as states protect schools’ right to teach how they wish. Following a recent report from the Grattan Institute that found a third of Australian children couldn’t read well, state governments are finally picking a side and mandating the best way to teach reading. Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Martin McKenzie-Murray on why “vibes-based learning” stuck around for so long and how children should actually be taught literacy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Associate editor of The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray.

In the weeks since he was announced as Donald Trump’s running mate, some of JD Vance’s past remarks have resurfaced. He is now at the centre of a number of bizarre rumours and jokes.  They’ve been picked up by some Democrats, who are labelling the two men on the republican ticket as ‘weird’. Kamala Harris has chosen the man who started the ‘weird’ line of attack, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as her running mate – 17 days after Harris herself became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Walz has been described as a plain speaker with ‘dad appeal’ – a stark contrast to his opponents. So, is being ordinary enough to win over American voters? Today, senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis, on the tactics of the two VP candidates and what their nominations say about their respective parties. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior researcher at The Australia Institute, Dr Emma Shortis.

Hardly any foreign journalists have been into Gaza since Israel’s bombings began. The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes is one of the few who has. On a recent trip, Zanny visited the streets of Jerusalem, the Knesset, Gaza and the West Bank, and spoke to dozens of people about what will happen to Gaza when, or if, the fighting stops. Now, an end to conflict in the Middle East seems further away than ever. Iran’s supreme leader has vowed to retaliate against Israel after the head of Hamas’ political bureau was assassinated in Tehran last week. While tensions continue to escalate, the question remains: who will control Gaza once the dust settles? Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Editor-in-chief for The Economist, Zanny Minton Beddoes.

They’re hard to miss: the number of gambling ads flooding our screens and devices everyday. They’ve become such an inescapable part of sport that a parliamentary inquiry was formed, which looked at the impacts the ads have on the community.  In the final months of her life, Labor MP Peta Murphy was the chair of that inquiry – and after hearing from the gambling industry, dependent sporting codes and families impacted by gambling addiction – her position was unequivocal: all ads for online gambling should be banned. It’s been more than 14 months since the government received her recommendations and yet the proliferation of gambling ads has continued unabated. Now, the government could be set to water down a ban, in favour of caps on the number of ads per hour. Today, Independent Senator David Pocock on the stranglehold the gambling industry has on Australian sport and politics and what it would take to change that. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Independent Senator David Pocock

It was supposed to be a routine call out when four police officers attended a property in regional Queensland just before Christmas in 2022. The young officers approached the house, looking to do a routine welfare check, when they were fired on. After a siege that lasted hours, six people were killed, including two constables. In the weeks that followed, media reporting focused on the strangeness of the town, and the strangeness of the Train family: two brothers and the woman that had been both of their wives. Today, journalist and author of The Believer Sarah Krasnostein on the inquest into the Train family murders and the bigger questions that need to be answered if we’re to prevent similar attacks. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and author of The Believer, Sarah Krasnostein

In this episode of our sister podcast, Read This, host Michael Williams speaks with the winner of the 2024 Miles Franklin Award, Alexis Wright. Her epic novel Praiseworthy, also won the Stella Prize and has been described as “an astonishing feat of storytelling and sovereign imagination.

At Sydney Airport on a muggy night in November 2022, a group of volunteers from Sydney’s northern beaches crowd inside arrivals waiting to greet a family they had never met. Known as the ‘Manlygees’, they’re there to welcome a Kurdish family originally from Syria who had spent the past decade in a refugee camp in Iraq. They’re part of an ambitious pilot program introduced in 2022, called the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, or CRISP, in which a sponsoring community acts as the safety net for refugees rather than government-funded settlement services. But two years on, the program’s successes are hitting constraints, with experts questioning whether CRISP can become a genuine pathway to settlement, or whether it’s a shortcut to positive government PR. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Cheyne Anderson on whether the experiment is working. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Cheyne Anderson.

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.

When Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to twenty years jail for sex trafficking crimes, journalist and writer Lucia Osborne-Crowley was there in the courtroom.  She watched on as Ghislaine Maxwell – a British socialite, and close associate of Jeffrey Epstein – waited to hear her fate. And she listened as her victims testified to the harm inflicted by Maxwell’s predatory actions.  But the more Osborne-Crowley learned, the more she came to understand the trial as a sham. Many other unnamed, powerful accused perpetrators associated with Epstein and Maxwell are, to this day, still protected.  Today, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, author of The Lasting Harm, on the survivors of the crimes of Ghislaine Maxwell, and those who got away with it.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author of The Lasting Harm Lucia Osborne-Crowley

It was one of the biggest corporate scandals the country has ever seen when it was revealed that PwC had used confidential government information to enrich itself and its corporate clients.  Since then there have been two parliamentary inquiries, an AFP investigation, nine investigations by the tax practitioners board, one internal review and an investigation by the international arm of the company.  Yet important questions remain unanswered.   Today, special correspondent Jason Koutsoukis on the key questions at the centre of the tax leaks scandal — and when we can expect answers to them.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

The historic teal wave at the last election delivered the two major parties their worst electoral results ever. So, perhaps it’s no surprise that the government looks set to introduce new laws that could make it harder for newcomers to compete. The minister responsible says he wants to address the “growing threat of big money in politics.” The rules could include a requirement that all donations over $1000 be disclosed and made public in real time, with caps on the amount that can be donated.  A cap on spending is also on the table – somewhere around a million dollars per candidate, per seat, which is significantly less than many of the teals spent to win. Today, independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel on how much it costs to beat an incumbent and the double standards of the major parties. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Independent member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel