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Big money and politics seem to go hand in hand, but the government wants to pass new electoral reform laws that they say will keep cashed-up donors out of federal politics. But the detail has independents and minor parties crying foul.Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Paul Karp speaks to Reged Ahmed about why Labor and the Coalition have been accused of cooking up a ‘secret deal’ on new electoral rules

In the lead-up to his return to the White House, president-elect Donald Trump has quickly assembled a new team of loyalists including Elon Musk, a Fox News host and a vaccine sceptic. While his cabinet nominees will still need approval from Congress, the controversial list is already raising alarm bells. Washington DC bureau chief David Smith speaks to Nour Haydar about what these latest announcements tell us about Trump’s plans for his second term

At a moment when the world feels like a particularly unsettling place, Guardian podcast Science Weekly is asking what it is that makes humans happy – and how can we bring more happiness into our lives? In episode one of this two-part series, Ian Sample asks what makes a country happy. Johannes Eichstaedt, assistant professor of psychology and human-centred AI at Stanford University, explains why the Nordic countries often rank highly in the annual World Happiness Report and what we can learn if we look beyond them

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks to the federal housing and homelessness minister, Clare O’Neil.They discuss the housing crisis, whether a double dissolution is on the horizon, and the role housing will play in the upcoming federal election

The Guardian is no longer posting on Elon Musk’s X. The move comes after Musk’s hands-off approach has allowed lies and hate speech to spread on the platform formerly known as Twitter. The world’s richest man has also become increasingly aligned with the US president-elect, Donald Trump, often using the now toxic social media site to shape political discourse.Bridie Jabour talks to Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief, Lenore Taylor, and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about the future of news online, and why the Guardian has quit X

As a privately owned company, Aldi rarely gets the sort of scrutiny faced by its listed competitors Coles and Woolworths, which are required to provide regular public disclosures including profit updates. But this week the public got a rare glimpse into the supermarket chain’s profits and strategy as its executives underwent questioning by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett tells Nour Haydar how the German company makes $12bn in annual revenue and why it rejects online shopping. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Dental care in Australia is largely privatised and nearly always expensive. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost one in five adults delay or don’t see a dentist due to cost. For those who can access the public system, staff are often overstretched and the long wait times mean crucial appointments come far too late. Guardian Australia health reporter Natasha May speaks to Reged Ahmed about how the perfect smile is a privilege increasingly available only to the wealthy. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Will richer nations find the climate finance desperately needed by developing countries? Damian Carrington reports

Last week the prime minister delivered a pitch to young Australians: Labor will slash their student debt by 20% next financial year if the Albanese government is re-elected. The surprise announcement is part of a major federal government overhaul designed to boost access to education and address ‘intergenerational unfairness’. But while the move has been welcomed by many, it has also been widely criticised for not doing enough to help students as well as unfairly penalising all taxpayers. Chief economist at the Australia Institute and Guardian columnist Greg Jericho gives his take on why Labor’s plan isn’t perfect but why the feigned outrage over ‘fairness’ is wrong You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Arthur Sinodinos AO, former ambassador to the US, chair of the Australia Practice at the Asia Group, as well as a former Liberal senator and adviser to John Howard. They talk about why Americans voted as they did, what the outcome means for Australia’s upcoming election, and how big a threat Donald Trump’s plans are to the Australian economy and security in the region

Countries around the world are coming to terms with what a second Donald Trump presidency will mean for their climate policies, trade and economies. In Australia political leaders will be drawing their own conclusions about what the American result means for their own election campaigns.Bridie Jabour talks to the editor-in-chief, Lenore Taylor, the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, and the national news editor, Josephine Tovey, about how Trump won and how the media will cover his presidency

Americans have made their decision and they have sent Donald Trump back to the White House. Guardian reporters tell the story of the night from around the United States

At the time of recording, late on Wednesday afternoon Australian time, Donald Trump has won the swing states of Georgia and North Carolina, the only two of the seven swing states called in the race so far. It is not known who has won, but the former president is doing better than many expected. Guardian Australia’s UK/US site editor, Jonathan Yerushalmy, tells Reged Ahmad whether Kamala Harris can find a path to victory and when we can expect a result

In just a few hours, polls will close in what is being called the most consequential election in US history. With pre-polling showing the race is too close to call, it is not known whether the result will immediately be known, with some analysts saying it could take days for a winner to be declared. Reporter and live blogger Helen Sullivan tells Nour Haydar how she plans to navigate the results – and what to look out for as the count begins You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Americans are on the eve of election day. The race remains too tight to call and all eyes are on the seven swing states that will determine the outcome. Washington DC bureau chief David Smith tells Reged Ahmad about how the US is poised to choose between two realities You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Harris campaign is making a special effort to reach out to young voters. So how important will they be? The Guardian democracy reporter Alice Herman travels to rallies, campuses and college bars in Wisconsin to get a sense of whether young voters can swing the US election

Ahead of the 2024 US election, Madeleine Finlay speaks to climate activist and author Bill McKibben to find out what a win for Donald Trump could mean for the environment and the world’s climate goals Polls tracker: Trump v Harris latest national averages

Just two weeks ago, the prime minister was engulfed in a crisis of optics when he bought a $4.3m property in middle of a housing crisis. Now he is under pressure once more for allegedly seeking free Qantas flight upgrades directly from then CEO Alan Joyce while serving as transport minister and opposition leader – allegations he has denied. Reged Ahmad speaks to political editor Karen Middleton about the politics of perks and why the PM is facing a possible perception problem

What happens when the human body is treated like a machine – pushed to its limit – for the sake of a company’s efficiency standards? Former and current staff at Woolworths allege that the supermarket has been cracking down in a way they describe as ‘bullying’ and unsafe, something the company’s supply chain arm denies.Reged Ahmad asks investigations reporter Ariel Bogle if Woolworths’ warehouse tactics are putting their workers’ health and safety at risk

PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals”, are a group of chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1950s. They’re found in everything from waterproof clothing to electrical devices, and they take decades to degrade. There are thousands of different types, and now research has shown that some of them may cause cancer, prompting the government to recommend that the amount of certain chemicals allowed in our drinking water should be reduced. Matilda Boseley asks science reporter Donna Lu whether these chemicals are as scary as their name suggests and how much of a risk they pose to human health

Independent senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe’s protest before King Charles in the great hall of Parliament House last week caught news attention around the globe. While it prompted a few reactions, it also started a conversation about the British monarchy’s role in the lasting legacy of colonisation for First Nations people. Reged Ahmad speaks to political editor Karen Middleton about why Australians can’t stop talking about the royal protest and what it means for Thorpe’s role as a senator You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Harry Shukman of the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate went undercover to expose how some of the wealthiest and most powerful people see race. He tells Michael Safi what he found

Why is the tech billionaire owner of X spending millions on helping the Republican campaign? What does he get out of it? What’s at stake for him if Kamala Harris wins the US election on 5 November? Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian US democracy reporter focused on misinformation, Rachel Leingang

Oritsé Williams of JLS and the Guardian’s head rock and pop critic Alexis Petridis reflect on the singer’s extraordinary success and his struggles with the fame that came with it

In Queensland, the state election has been dominated by one word: abortion. It follows an anti-abortion bill in South Australia that would force women seeking an abortion after 27 weeks and six days – an extremely rare occurrence – to be induced to deliver the child alive, and either to keep it or put it up for adoption. The bill was narrowly defeated by just one vote. As this conversation infiltrates state politics, conservatives have already begun putting it on the national agenda.Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor and national news editor Josephine Tovey about what the consequences will be when we turn abortion into a culture war

In just under two weeks, Americans will choose their next president. Will it be Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor and the current vice-president, who would become the first woman and woman of colour to be president? Or will it be Donald Trump, a convicted felon and a legally defined sexual predator? Reged Ahmad speaks to Washington DC bureau chief David Smith about the stark choice facing voters and why no one can predict what will happen on 5 November

The Shincheonji church is an international Christian sect which started in South Korea. But the group is being accused of bizarre recruitment strategies at a number of Australian universities and former members have made allegations of ‘coercive control’ tactics that include love bombing and sleep deprivation. Medical editor Melissa Davey speaks to Reged Ahmad about the experiences of families of current members, as well as former members, about life on the inside of this alleged ‘doomsday cult’

A spate of more than a dozen separate attacks on gay men across Australia since July has sparked concern among the LGBTQ+ community. In some cases – but not all – police have alleged homophobic comments were made and several of the assaults were filmed. Reporter Josh Taylor speaks to Tamsin Rose about concerns some people online are promoting ‘methods of attack’ and how men are being targeted after agreeing to meetings via apps such as Grindr

Blue whales are the largest animals to have ever lived but they were once hunted to the brink of extinction. The international community only agreed to stop hunting them in 1965 when they numbered fewer than 200. Now scientists are using new methods to learn whether the number of blue whales in the wild is increasing – and they are seeing and hearing promising signs. Reporter Luca Ittimani speaks to marine mammal acoustician Brian Miller about the whale’s Antarctic resurgence You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Harris campaign, which has been praised for how it has managed to reach out to women, is now having to balance their attention and pitch some policies that would appeal to men. But is it too little too late? Jonathan Freedland speaks to Richard Reeves, the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, and Gloria Oladipo, a breaking news reporter for Guardian US, about why men could decide this year’s election and why both campaigns might be taking them for granted You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Since the beginning of its war in Gaza, Israel has been hunting one man in particular – Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. For a year, Israeli soldiers have used drones, radar and ground troops to try to find him, while in Gaza the death toll among Palestinians grew unimaginably in the conflict Sinwar helped to ignite. Then came the news he had been killed. How could his death change the conflict in the Middle East? Julian Borger reports.

This week, news broke that Anthony Albanese bought a slice of paradise set on the clifftops of the NSW Central Coast. Forking out $4.3m on a property created some bruising headlines for the prime minister, but did he actually do anything wrong?Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor, deputy editor Patrick Keanelly and national news editor Jo Tovey about what the anger around the PM’s beach house says about the state of the housing crisis

On Friday, King Charles will touch down in Australia. The six-day tour will take in Sydney and Canberra and is the first visit by a sitting monarch in 13 years. But not everyone is excited. Reporter Kate Lyons tells Matilda Boseley on how the king’s visit has reignited the republic debate – even if the government seems to have given up on the idea

One of the Albanese government’s most senior female advisers claims she has been barred from her office and effectively sacked. Richard Marles’ chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, alleges that in a 45-minute phone call on 30 April – after she raised a complaint about other staff behaviour – her employer told her to find another job – and further alleges that was not fair. Political editor Karen Middleton speaks to Reged Ahmad about why Tarnawsky decided to share her story and what this all means for parliament’s already maligned workplace culture You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

As early voting kicks off in the sunshine state, Labor is hoping progressive cost-of-living policies such as 50c public transport fares will help them cling on to another term. But every poll is showing the Liberal National opposition is on track to win the state election on 26 October. Queensland correspondent Ben Smee speaks with Tamsin Rose about how voters are being pulled to the right and the left by both major parties You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

A year ago on 14 October, as the results of Australia’s 2023 Indigenous voice to parliament referendum rolled in, many people were left devastated. After years of painstaking work and consultation, Australians had resoundingly voted no to enshrining a First Nations permanent advisory body in our constitution. But the campaign is far from over. One year on, Uluru youth dialogue co-chairs Allira Davis and Bridget Cama tell Reged Ahmad why they haven’t given up on constitutional recognition for First Nations Australians

Whoever gets into the White House – Donald Trump or Kamala Harris – they will need the two chambers of Congress to align with their values to get a lot of what they want to achieve done. And the race for the Senate is really hotting up. This week Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jessica Taylor, Senate and governors editor for the Cook Political Report, about whether Senate Democrats can defend their narrow control over the upper chamber, and what happens if the person who wins the White House doesn’t see eye-to-eye with those in power in Congress

This week the Albanese government hosted what has been billed as a “global nature-positive summit” in Sydney. When announced nearly two years ago by the environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, it was hoped the event would highlight Labor’s leadership in developing new nature laws. But the criticisms have been rolling in, with environment advocates saying the summit is all talk and no action. Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, tells Reged Ahmad about the protests, policies and promises made at the government’s environment summit this week

When ChatGPT entered the world nearly two years ago, universities wondered whether they would survive the threat. But now they have found that artificial intelligence may actually help improve higher education for both students and staff. Higher education reporter Caitlin Cassidy explains to Matilda Boseley how universities are embracing AI and integrating this rapidly evolving technology into modern university life • You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

This week marks the anniversary of the 7 October attacks by Hamas in Israel and the start of Israel’s war in Gaza. One year on, and the conflict is deeply and personally felt here in Australia, by so many who grieve for the lives lost. And it has also redrawn domestic political faultlines. Political editor Karen Middleton tells Reged Ahmad how differing views of the Israel-Gaza war have percolated up into our political debate

With 10 waste-to-energy power plants under development across the country, conservationists say the ‘incineration industry’ is trying to gain a foothold in Australia. Climate and environment reporter Petra Stock tells Reged Ahmad about whether the trend will help or harm the environment You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

When racist chants rang out and homes, businesses and hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked, for a week in July and August English towns and cities seemed on the brink of chaos. This outbreak followed the deaths of three young children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Josh Halliday reports on what we know so far about the people at the centre of the violence

Joan E Greve and Leah Wright Rigueur discuss JD Vance and Tim Walz’s clash on the debate stage in New York City on Tuesday night. Although Walz gave a solid performance, it was described as underwhelming, while Vance attempted to reset his image and get on the front foot. Will this debate have moved the needle at all? And as the situation in the Middle East escalates, where do Trump and Harris stand on foreign policy?

After protests against strikes on Lebanon at the weekend included some people holding the Hezbollah flag, Peter Dutton suggested parliament should be recalled to enact new anti-terrorism laws that would cover such actions if it was not already illegal. Anthony Albanese and the Labor government accused the opposition leader of seeking to ‘raise the temperature’ of public debate over conflict in the Middle East. Then the debate turned to protests planned for 6 and 7 October after police in NSW tried to block the pro-Palestinian rallies from taking place.Nour Haydar speaks to deputy editor Patrick Keneally and deputy editor Gabrielle Jackson about how the opposition leader is dictating the terms of the political debate and the role of protests in our democracy

On Friday 27 September, an Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Lebanon announced three days of mourning. Now Israel has launched a ground attack on southern Lebanon, after trading almost daily fire with Hezbollah for 11 months. The Israeli military claims its ground invasion is a ‘limited, localised and targeted’ operation against Hezbollah infrastructure, but at least 1 million civilians have been forced to leave their homes, and more than 1,000 Lebanese people have been killed. Reporter Chérine Yazbeck tells Nour Haydar how Nasrallah’s support base has responded to his assassination, and why she won’t leave Lebanon despite living in fear for her life

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is suing Coles and Woolworths over allegations they misled shoppers by offering ‘illusory’ discounts on hundreds of products. It’s a practice that helps them make huge profits in an already overheated economy. Guardian columnist Greg Jericho tells Matilda Boseley why he thinks corporations, not consumers, should be made to pay for the cost-of-living crisis. • You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

For more than a decade Gisèle Pelicot’s husband drugged her and recruited other men to allegedly rape her. When she found out, she made an extraordinary decision. Angelique Chrisafis reports

The commonwealth’s offer of a 2.5% funding boost to each state would increase how much it gives to public schools by $16bn over the decade. And, while Tasmania and Western Australia have signed up, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland are holding out for more. But time is ticking for state and federal education ministers to reach a deal, with the deadline fast approaching. Nour Haydar speaks to education reporter Caitlin Cassidy about why everyone agrees public education is underfunded but can’t agree on who should fork out the funds

Polling out this week suggests Kamala Harris could be outperforming Donald Trump in the crucial Sun-belt states of Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina. So what happens if these polls are right? Can Donald Trump win the presidency without them? This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to George Chidi, politics and democracy reporter for Guardian US, about how these states could be be make or break for either candidate.

Negative gearing, the tax incentive that benefits investors, has become one of the most controversial policies in Australian politics and is widely viewed to have lost Labor the 2019 election. But this week it seemed the prime minister was open to considering change, if only for the briefest of moments.Bridie Jabour speaks to chief political correspondent Paul Karp about why Australia could be gearing up for another election battle over housing

Last week we brought you an episode on how the Labor party achieved gender parity through 30 years of affirmative action. But while important gains have been made by women, Australia still lags behind other multicultural countries when it comes to representing its population. In this episode, Nour Haydar speaks to writer and commentator Sisonke Msimang about why parliament is more diverse than ever but still doesn’t reflect Australian society

When Anthony Albanese’s government came to power in 2022 it declared that, after decades of disaster and neglect, the environment was going to be a top priority. But more than two years later and with a federal election looming, has anything changed? Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, speaks with Matilda Boseley about whether Labor has walked their talk on the environment

Behind closed doors in a courtroom in Reno, Nevada, a high-stakes family business dispute has been unfolding. Rupert Murdoch is trying to change the terms of a longstanding family trust to give his favoured eldest son, Lachlan, full control of his media empire after his death. Associate professor Andrew Dodd tells Nour Haydar how the outcome of the case could determine the future direction of News Corp and Fox News

The British newsreader has been sentenced for accessing indecent images of children. How did the BBC handle the scandal? Dan Boffey reports

With six weeks to go before the election, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the author Sasha Abramsky about the prospect of a second January 6 attack should the former president refuse to accept the outcome of the vote You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Dozens of people were killed on Tuesday when electronic pagers blew up. The next day walkie-talkies exploded. What was the goal of the attacks? William Christou reports

This week arguments about what direction housing reform should take dominated the Senate. The result is that Labor’s help to buy legislation has been delayed by the Greens and the Coalition. Anthony Albanese says he will reintroduce the bill later in the year – and won’t rule out a double dissolution election if it is blocked again. Chief political correspondent Paul Karp speaks to Nour Haydar about the reforms voters want the government to prioritise and how a double dissolution election would change parliament

Australians are paying the most expensive advertising fees in the world to sell their homes online as a result of the market dominance of realestate.com.au and Domain. Senior correspondent Sarah Martin tells Reged Ahmad what’s behind the astronomical rise in profits for the real estate websites and if the government can do anything about it You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Amber Haigh was 19 years old when she disappeared in 2002, leaving behind an infant son. For months Robert and Anne Geeves sat in court accused of her murder but this week the verdict came down from the judge: not guilty. They are now free. Ben Doherty tells Bridie Jabour about the two ‘indispensable facts’ the judge says the prosecution failed to prove

How did a dark and stormy night galvanise South Australia’s renewable energy ambitions? Reged Ahmad speaks to environment reporter Petra Stock about how SA pulled off a renewable energy world record – and how it plans to power the entire state with weather-dependent electricity in just a few years

In 1994 the Australian Labor party made the controversial decision to introduce quotas for women. Thirty years later, the rule has transformed the party, increasing the number of female MPs to 52.4% of the ALP caucus. Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton speaks to Nour Haydar about that landmark decision and why former prime minister Julia Gillard wants to see the rule adopted across parliament

Australia’s prime minister has said the government will impose a ban before the next election on younger teenagers and children accessing social media. But questions remain about whether such a ban is possible. Chief political correspondent Paul Karp speaks to Reged Ahmad about why the government has set its sights on our online world, and whether it can legislate young people off the apps You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

By now you would have seen the countless stories about supermodel Elle Macpherson and her breast cancer treatment choices. Most of the headlines and articles amplified her decision to forgo some standard medical treatments in favour of alternative therapies. But what crucial information was missing? Guardian Australia’s medical editor, Melissa Davey, speaks to Nour Haydar about the controversy and how to make sense of the claims and products pushed by the wellness industry. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris met face to face for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia. So who won the showdown? What did we learn about what they would do in the Oval Office? And will it really change anything come election day in November?Jonathan Freedland and Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone discuss it all

As Australia prepares to head into another federal election, independent ACT senator David Pocock wanted to make a statement when he commissioned deepfake AI generated videos of the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and the opposition leader, Peter Dutton. He wants to stop political parties and big donors from using generative technologies to their advantage. Pocock speaks to Reged Ahmad about why he thinks time is running out to address the threat of election AI deepfakes. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Kathryn Joy was three months old when their father killed their mother in the family’s home. More than 30 years later, Kathryn has shared their story and trauma in a new documentary, KillJoy. Nour Haydar speaks with Kathryn Joy about the silence, stigma and grief of losing one parent at the hands of another and how children bereaved by domestic violence should be better supported

While recent global attention has been focused on wars in Gaza and Ukraine, a brutal war in Sudan has continued for more than 500 days with no ceasefire in sight. The conflict between the military and paramilitary has led to millions being displaced, a declaration of famine in some regions and a further 25 million facing acute hunger. Nour Haydar speaks to Unicef spokesperson James Elder about what he has seen on the ground in Sudan and Melbourne-based student Mohamed Hadi about local initiatives to support civilians and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of this war You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet face to face on the debate stage on Tuesday. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Paul Begala – who helped Al Gore in the lead-up to his 2000 debate against George W Bush – about what the 2024 candidates will be doing to make sure they’re ready. What can they do to increase their chances of coming out on top, and will this debate be as election-defining as the last? You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

This week the federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton, staged an intervention of the NSW Liberals. The bold move follows weeks of chaos in the state branch after an unprecedented administrative bungle saw 140 candidates excluded from the upcoming council elections. Reged Ahmad speaks to our NSW state correspondent, Tamsin Rose, and chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, about what this week’s extraordinary federal intervention of the state branch means for the party

Australia had its hottest August on record and now a barely-there winter has crashed into a too-warm spring. And while Tasmania is experiencing floods, and Victoria severe winds, the abnormal heat in many parts of the country has prompted authorities to urge people to get ready for the pending bushfire season. Climate and environment reporter Graham Readfearn tells Reged Ahmad about the forces behind the unseasonable weather and the outlook for bushfires You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

At the Pacific Islands forum in Tonga, Australia’s prime minister was ‘caught on camera’ joking with a senior US official about the cost of a newly announced Pacific policing plan. At the same forum, there were diplomatic fireworks from China, which was upset about references to Taiwan in the communique, while the UN chief issued an ‘SOS’ on rising sea levels. Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Daniel Hurst speaks to Reged Ahmad about the drama of the Pacific Islands Forum

LGBTQ+ advocates were hopeful the 2026 census would include new questions on gender identity after the Labor party committed to do so. But last week news broke that the government ditched that plan. Then it backtracked days later to include one question after all. But many say the move doesn’t go far enough. Political reporter Amy Remeikis tells Nour Haydar why Labor is jumping at culture war shadows You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Whether it be our morning coffee or dining table or car loan, Australians are all making changes to their daily routine in response to rising expenses. Businesses such as coffee machine retailer Breville and the big two supermarkets are, consequently, doing very well. Premium furniture company Nick Scali, however, is reporting falling profits and car repossessions are slowly rising. So are these changes in spending a warning sign of an imminent recession? Tamsin Rose and senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett track a day in the life of a cost-of-living crisis

At the end of July, the TV news anchor turned rightwing politician Kari Lake won the Republican Senate primary in Arizona. She will face Democrat Ruben Gallego in November. So how will the Trump-inspired election denier do? Where does Kari Lake fit in with today’s Republican party? And will her presence help or hinder Trump in that all-important border swing state? Jonathan Freedland speaks to Elaine Godfrey of the Atlantic to find out more about the Senate hopeful. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Albanese government has seemingly walked back a promise to include questions on sexuality and gender diversity in the next census. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, justified Labor’s decision by saying they wanted to prevent a divisive debate in the community, but the decision was met with criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups. So why is Labor shying away from this conversation?Bridie Jabour speaks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor, national news editor Josephine Tovey and head of news Mike Ticher about whether Labor risks losing voters if they don’t deliver on their promises

Australia’s birthrate is now below the level we need to replace the existing population. And across the developed world, governments have tried unsuccessfully to encourage people to have more children. Senior reporter Tory Shepherd talks to Nour Haydar about why the concern about a falling birthrate means we should rethink the pursuit of continued growth, and reduce the barriers to choices for women You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Northern Territory election delivered an unmitigated disaster for Labor over the weekend, with the Country Liberal party sweeping to power on a promise to be tough on crime. Tamsin Rose speaks to Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton and Queensland state correspondent Ben Smee on how politicians from all sides are reading the results

Labor is resisting calls from a Senate inquiry and health experts for a total ban on gambling advertisements. Tamsin Rose speaks to Sydney mother Bronwyn, whose son started problem gambling at 17, and Guardian Australia’s medical editor Melissa Davey about why there is an urgent need for reform You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

A heated sitting fortnight has prompted fresh debate about the tone of parliamentary conduct, and why independents and women seem to cop it the worst. Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Dr Sophie Scamps call time on poor question time behaviour

In a ceremony filled with celebrities, fiery speeches and hope, Kamala Harris has formally accepted the nomination to be her party’s presidential candidate. The southern bureau chief for Guardian US, Olly Laughland, hears from senior political reporter Lauren Gambino about what she saw in the Democratic National Convention this week, and whether or not the Harris campaign can maintain this momentum until November

This week Peter Dutton used the war in Gaza to make a political point, accusing the government of bringing people in from the Gaza ‘war zone’ and ‘not conducting checks and searches on these people’ – claims not wholly true. But what is really driving this divisive debate?Bridie Jabour talks to Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about why Dutton is dominating political discourse with distractions

When the NSW Farmers Association voted to campaign for shortening the duration of daylight saving, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, very quickly shut down the idea. So why does daylight saving continue to be a divisive issue that brings out impassioned views? Tamsin Rose speaks to rural and regional editor Calla Wahlquist and columnist Gabrielle Chan about both sides of the debate You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Just three days after Asio chief Mike Burgess asked politicians to watch their words about the Middle East, Peter Dutton escalated his rhetoric against Palestinians fleeing Gaza. Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton and community affairs reporter Mostafa Rachwani tell Tamsin Rose about the political calculations behind the opposition leader’s latest line of attack

A Queensland coroner is investigating the motivations of Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, who killed constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow and a neighbour, Alan Dare, at their remote property in Wieambilla. So far, the testimonies have included a forensic psychiatrist and an extremism academic. Queensland state reporter Andrew Messenger speaks to Tamsin Rose about the recommendations that have been made by police and experts to prevent a repeat of this tragedy You can support the Guardian and the Full Story podcast here

All the evidence in the trial of Robert and Anne Geeves for the murder of Amber Haigh has now been heard. Reporter Ben Doherty tells Bridie Jabour about the final week in the NSW supreme court, each side’s closing submissions and what happens next

Not so long ago, Donald Trump was riding high in the polls; the mood music was positive for his presidential campaign. Then Joe Biden dropped out of the election race. After months of campaigning against his old foe, Trump now seems to be missing him and struggling to come up with a fresh attack against his new opponent Kamala Harris. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Susan Glasser of the New Yorker about Trump’s challenges as he tries to turn things around after a less than stellar month on the campaign

Sheikh Hasina was a historic figure in her country. But now she has fled after protests turned violent. How did it all go wrong? David Bergman reports

This week the Labor government is facing criticism for its proposal to put a cap on gambling advertising despite most people supporting an outright ban. But why water down legislation that holds such high community support? According to Bill Shorten, because the future of free-to-air TV depends on it.Gabrielle Jackson speaks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about the crisis in the media, and why we should be looking for answers outside the gambling industry

The report from parliament’s inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and children is due to be released today – for one Bourke family, it’s another step on a long road for police accountability. Indigenous affairs editor Lorena Allam speaks to Nour Haydar about the families who won’t stop fighting for justice and why it’s time for reform

Federal parliament is back after the long winter break and already the debate is running hot on key issues including housing, gambling and the cost of living. And with less than a year to go before the election, pressure is mounting on the government to gain ground and appeal to voters. Guardian Australia’s chief political correspondent, Paul Karp, and political reporter Amy Remikis discuss what Labor wants to finish before we head to the polls You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Senator Linda Reynolds is suing Brittany Higgins in the supreme court of Western Australia over social media posts. The former minister’s legal team claims that after Higgins alleged she was raped in Parliament House, she and her now husband, David Sharaz, cast Reynolds as the ‘villain’ and damaged her reputation on social media. But Higgins’ legal team says this case is about the power discrepancy between a then 24-year-old with limited job security and the minister for defence. Reporter Sarah Basford Canales discusses the trial with Hannah Parkes

Last week the supreme court of NSW heard the voices of both accused of murdering Amber Haigh. This week you get to hear them too. Robert and Anne Geeves have both pleaded not guilty and have not testified in court but reporter Ben Doherty was there to hear their original police interviews. He tells Bridie Jabour about the interviews from June 2002. Listen to all episodes of Who Cared? The disappearance of Amber Haigh here: theguardian.com/amberhaigh

The Democratic nominee for the US presidency has picked her running mate, and it is Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz. He’s called Donald Trump and JD Vance ‘weird’, but will he be able to pull in enough support for Harris? Jonathan Freedland is joined by political commentator Molly Jong-Fast to discuss whether Harris made the right pick and if Republicans should be worried

The Australian government has raised the terrorism threat level from possible to probable. No single issue or ideology led to this rise, but as extremism spreads online – and in our communities – how concerned should we be? Bridie Jabour speaks to Guardian Australia’s head of news, Mike Ticher, and deputy editor Gabrielle Jackson about why the threat of terrorism is rising around the world and what we can do to stop it

Lebanon is now teetering on the edge of a full-scale war and many countries – including Australia - are urging their citizens to leave.But, for some, leaving this land of both beauty and pain is not a thought they will entertain.Nour Haydar speaks to two reporters in Beirut – Ali Hashem, a correspondent and columnist, and Cherine Yazbeck, a journalist and photographer – about what it’s like living with uncertainty as tensions escalate.

Courts and justice reporter Nino Bucci describes how police used flawed identification evidence against a 15-year-old boy after the 2019 stabbing of a Melbourne teenager

When Rex grounded its capital city services and entered into voluntary administration last week, it joined a long queue of airlines that have unsuccessfully challenged Qantas and Virgin’s duopoly. The former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Rod Sims argues this was caused by ‘public policy failure’ over the allocation of slots at Sydney airport. Guardian Australia’s transport and urban affairs reporter Elias Visontay speaks to Tamsin Rose about how a lack of competition means that consumers are going to continue paying more for less

In court so far we have heard much detail about the two accused of Amber Haighs murder. People have spoken about them and for them but we haven’t heard them speak for themselves, until now. This week reporter Ben Doherty tells Bridie Jabour about the recordings of Robert and Anne Geeves played to the court Listen to all episodes of Who Cared? The disappearance of Amber Haigh here: theguardian.com/amberhaigh

This week, Paul Dans, the leader of the controversial Project 2025, resigned and signalled in a company email that work on it was ‘winding down’. The project had become a manifesto of rightwing policies that would serve as a guide for the next Republican president. However, there is a significant stumbling block: Donald Trump claiming he wants nothing to do with it