The Morning Edition

Earlier this week, the woman at the centre of the mushroom deaths case that captured the attention of the country, attended court for the second time.

Erin Patterson was arrested and charged in November last year with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in the small-town Victorian case tracked around the world.

Legal teams are now focusing their efforts on the timing and location for a committal hearing, which could be impacted by a request from Patterson’s legal team to have the case tested in front of her peers in a local court.

Patterson has already spent five months in custody, and may spend many more waiting for a hearing that could be pushed out to 2025.

Today, crime and justice reporter Erin Pearson on everything we know so far, and what we can expect next.

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After seven months of war in the Middle East, the world again held its breath when news emerged that Israel had struck inside Iran.

This followed an unprecedented attack by Iran on April 14, when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli military targets.

What appeared on Friday to be a major response from Israel, and a signal of potentially a significant escalation in the region, then gave way to conflicting reports and confusion.

So what actually occurred, and what might happen from here?

Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the history of tension between Iran and Israel, a proxy war, and what both sides seek to gain from conflict.

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Last week, Donald Trump became the first current or former US president to face a criminal trial, charged with falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Allegations he has denied.

The first hurdle of the trial was jury selection, but finally, a 12-person panel was sworn in.

But it took laborious vetting by the legal teams to get there. Prospective jurors took themselves out of selection because they professed they couldn’t be impartial, while a rigorous survey of candidates included questions such as: Have you ever read the ‘Art of the Deal’ or attended a Proud Boys rally?

Today, US correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the highlights from week one, and what to expect from the next six to eight weeks.

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The past week has seen two shocking stabbing attacks by lone actors in Sydney - one in the city’s east, and one in its west. 

Both incidents have horrified the community, but the attack against a Bishop at an Assyrian Christian church on Monday evening has prompted a particularly strong political response. 

These two destabilising events represent a test of Australia’s social cohesion, and a test of our political leaders’ capacity to nurture tolerance within the community at a time of great international tensions. 

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is political correspondent Paul Sakkal, national security correspondent Matthew Knott, and chief political correspondent David Crowe.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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It was scarcely more than 48 hours after the tragic attack in Bondi Junction when across town in Sydney, another confronting incident was unfolding.

During a service that was livestreamed at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley, a teenager allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.

The attack, which has now been declared an act of terror, sparked chaotic and violent scenes outside the church, where hundreds of people rioted and clashed with a heavy police presence.

Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on what we know about the attack and the trauma and fear felt across Sydney.

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When Iran launched a direct missile and drone attack on Israel, over the weekend, it was the realisation of one of Israel’s worst fears. This was a historic first. And has always loomed as an existential threat.

For decades, Israeli leaders have feared a direct attack from its sworn enemy, which has been experimenting with its nuclear capabilities for around 70 years.

And now, much of the world is holding its breath, as it waits to see how Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a man not known for his military restraint - will respond. 

Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on whether this latest escalation could see the war in Gaza evolve into a much wider sphere of devastation.

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After five years, one aborted criminal trial and millions of dollars in legal fees, Justice Michael Lee handed down his judgment in the defamation case that Bruce Lehrmann brought against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson.

Justice Lee found that Bruce Lehrmann had raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House, and dismissed Lehrmann’s defamation claim.

The judgment, which was delayed at the 11th hour, was delivered in great, and at times colourful, detail.

The decision does not amount to a finding of criminal guilt. Lehrmann’s criminal trial was aborted in October 2022 due to juror misconduct and the charges were later dropped altogether owing to concerns about Higgins’ mental health.

Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn on the extraordinary findings from an at-times squalid and politically and socially charged case, and what it means for everyone involved.

And, a warning for listeners, this episode contains repeated descriptions of sexual assault.

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When news broke last week that one of the most powerful people at Seven Network allegedly tried to cover up an internal fraud investigation, the network suffered reputational fallout.

It’s just the latest scandal that has exposed the misogynistic, bullying and get-a-story-at-any-cost culture that has seemingly been thriving in pockets of the media company. Because, later today, a judgment is expected to be handed down in the multi-million dollar Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, which has also embroiled Seven in scandal.

But to see the issue as a problem suffered by one media organisation is to miss the point, according to investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, who broke this latest story.

Today, McKenzie, talks about what happens when journalists - the very people who are tasked with holding the powerful to account - allegedly engage in unethical behaviour.

And just a heads-up, this episode mentions sexual assault, self-harm and suicide.

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Australians across the country were shocked on Saturday, when a man brandishing a long knife stalked through a shopping centre in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

What resulted was horrific. At the time of recording, six people have been killed, including two mothers. A dozen other victims have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The attacker was shot dead by police.

Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on a mass murder that took place in a location that many people - especially mothers of small children - often use as a refuge, from boredom, and the heat. And the shock and sadness that the whole country is feeling.

And just a reminder, this episode contains confronting descriptions of violence.

If you find anything in this episode distressing, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. 

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Six months after the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas began, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has signalled a shift in Australia’s position on the question of Palestinian statehood.

Wong said that recognising Palestinian statehood, without waiting for years of peace talks with Israel, could improve the chances for peace and build momentum towards a two-state agreement.

The Federal Government’s position has been met with fierce backlash from pro-Israel groups and the Opposition, who say that would reward Hamas for its October 7 terror attacks.

Plus the Government's plan to strengthen merger laws and help more businesses make products in Australia as it gears up for its May 14 budget.

Today, foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott, chief political correspondent David Crowe and economics correspondent Shane Wright join Jacqueline Maley to discuss.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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For more than 75 years, Japan has had, at the centre of its constitution, a very particular promise.

The country renounces war as a sovereign right. Forever. This means the country is forbidden from maintaining an army, navy or air force - and from using force as a means of settling international disputes.

This so-called “peace constitution” was an instrumental part of Japan rising from the ashes of World War II, and the destruction that it both suffered, and meted out.

But now, Japan is dramatically beefing up its military.

Today, International and political editor Peter Hartcher on why Japan is arguably breaching its own constitution. And what it might mean for the global order.

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For at least a year, we’ve been hearing allegations that our biggest supermarkets have been rorting us - paying the farmers who provide them with produce too little. And charging consumers way too much. As the stores themselves rake in tens of billions dollars each year, amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.

The end result has been enraged consumers. And fiery political outbursts that have spilled over in senate inquiries in which politicians have grilled supermarket CEOs. 

And now, a new review by the government has recommended that supermarkets be fined, potentially billions of dollars, if they breach a renewed code of conduct that has been proposed. 

Today, national affairs editor James Massola on the political fight that’s led to this review. And whether it might finally result in lower prices at the checkout.

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For decades, these chemicals were miracle ingredients for 3M, a company that has made billions from the products that used them such as Scotchguard and Teflon pans.

Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, they repel everything from grease, to water and stains - and are found in everyday items like frying pans, household cleaning products, and even school uniforms.

Now 3M is at risk of bankruptcy, with allegations that the company deliberately deceived the public from being aware of the serious risks posed by forever chemicals, with a growing body of science linking these chemicals to adverse health outcomes, including cancer.

Today, investigative reporter Carrie Fellner on the factory that contaminated the whole world - including many Australian communities.

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When Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election against Hilary Clinton it wasn’t just his grabbing the top spot in the White House that shocked Americans.

So, too, did allegations by intelligence agencies that Russian President Vladimir Putin directly ordered a campaign to interfere with the election. 

This would play out on social media via troll factories, with fake profiles befriending real people to spread Kremlin propaganda. 

And now, only seven months out from the next American election with Donald Trump ramping-up his campaign against Joe Biden, interference like this is happening again.

Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the new tactics being used by Russian operatives, to disrupt democracy.

Zappone's podcast, Dark Shining Moment, can be found here.

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This week, national affairs editor James Massola and political correspondent Paul Sakkal join Jacqueline Maley to look at how the Albanese government is going ahead of the next election, likely to take place next year, after an interesting few months of political ups and downs.

They also to examine the ups and downs of political behaviour, after leaked documents revealed potential punishments for MPs and senators who are found to breach parliamentary standards.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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Later today, we were meant to be hearing Justice Michael Lee’s judgment, in the multi-million dollar defamation case that Bruce Lehrmann has brought against Network 10.

But then, in a surprise turn of events on Tuesday evening, lawyers for Network 10 made an eleventh-hour bid for Justice Lee to re-open its defence, and admit new evidence.

This is just the latest twist in a case that has its origins more than five years ago, when former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleges that Lehrmann raped her in an office in parliament house. Bruce Lehrmann has always strenuously denied the allegations.

Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn on the explosive new evidence, and why it might be key to Justice Lee’s decision.

And just a heads-up, this episode contains references to allegations of sexual assault.

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One-time Sydney real estate agent Sarah Dougan always dreamed of making a life for herself in the United States. At one time, her goal was to make it as an actress in New York City.

That never happened. Instead, she’s become a successful CEO in the US, and the owner of a multi-million dollar mansion. 

There’s just one problem. Australian authorities have been combing through her Australian business records since 2011. And the results have been damning.

Not only did she leave Australia, in 2012, owing half a million dollars. But from the next year on, she was a wanted fugitive, with a warrant out for her arrest.

Today, crime reporter Perry Duffin on what constitutes fairness in our legal system, and whether Sarah Dougan is obliged to return to Australia to face court. Or whether - as she argues - it would mean sacrificing her right to equality, and lead to her losing everything she has in the United States.

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When Independent MP Andrew Wilkie made claims of secret illicit drug testing within the AFL, the sporting community went into damage control.

At the centre of his parliamentary speech was a whistleblower - a former doctor for Melbourne Football Club who alleged that players in some instances underwent off-the-book drug testing ahead of a game.

If they tested positive, he claimed, the player might fake illness or injury in order to avoid match-day testing conducted by the independent sporting integrity body.

So what’s behind these allegations? And why does it matter what players do in their own time?

Today, chief reporter Chip Le Grand on the latest AFL drugs scandal.

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More than two years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have become accustomed to seeing vision on the news of drone attacks and bombed out buildings.

But what of the psychological, emotional and physical toll on the country’s children? 

Do they sleep safe at night? Do they go to school? Do they play? 

Their experience has been lost in the fog of war, say teachers on the ground, who are struggling to give these children, and their mothers, a sense of normalcy.

Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, who has just travelled to Ukraine, on how this war is affecting the country’s most vulnerable people. And what the impact on them might be for years to come.

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In the final days of Parliament before a long break, the federal government tried to rush through drastic new deportation laws that would give it the power to threaten people with jail if they are not deemed refugees and refuse to leave the country.

Labor says the laws close a loophole that prevents the country from deporting people who have exhausted all legal avenues to stay in Australia and are refusing to leave.

But the move was met with strong opposition, and in a bruising loss for the government, all opposition and crossbench senators teamed up to send the laws to a committee for further scrutiny in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the federal government is also hoping to get its long-awaited fuel efficiency standards through the parliament soon, after making changes to get more car manufacturers on board.

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief political correspondent David Crowe, federal migration reporter Angus Thompson, and climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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For decades, a downturn in the Chinese economy has meant a boon for investors in the West. But then came an unwelcome announcement, earlier this month, from the Chinese government. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on why this announcement isn’t just bad for our economy, but is a reminder of China’s dramatically revamped - and dangerous  - geopolitical goals.

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It’s a church that preaches a hatred of people outside of its own flock. Women are treated as second-class citizens. And homosexuality is not tolerated. 

So why does the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have such extraordinary access to political power brokers? And does it actually perform the acts of charity that it says it does? For which it receives multi-millions of dollars in government funding and tax exemptions?

Until last week, many remained questions without answers. That is, until the Australian Tax Office performed an astonishing raid on businesses owned by the church.

Today, investigative reporter Michael Bachelard on the Plymouth Brethren Church, which has long flown under the radar, but is now being exposed to the light.

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Once one of our most popular prime ministers, before experiencing stunning and repeated political rejection, Kevin Rudd has been out of the spotlight for years. But that was before Donald Trump let rip with a string of invectives against Rudd, in an interview last week. 

It was a conversation that unleashed a barrage of think pieces. Why did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appoint Rudd as the ambassador to the United States in the first place? And how can he possibly advance our interests in the White House now? 

Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on Kevin Rudd, the one-time power player who was cast-out to the political wilderness and is now back in the spotlight.

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In the struggle for power and influence in the Pacific, there is one man Australian security agencies have their eye on.

He’s allegedly a member of a powerful organised crime network spanning the Pacific. And, according to secret intelligence documents out of Canberra, he’s a potential threat to our national interest.

Why? Because he’s also a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party. And his alleged activities are taking place amid China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

All this comes at a time when a security agreement between Beijing and the Pacific Island nation of Fiji, once put on ice, now seems to be back on the table.

Today, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie on his story with The Age, The Sydney Morning Heraldand60 Minuteson Zhao Fugang, and why his influence in Fiji matters to Australia.

Watch full story on Nine's 60 Minutes here.

And just a note, there is no suggestion by our mastheads that Zhao Fugang is a convicted criminal or is guilty of the allegations, only that he is of such serious concern to Australia’s security agencies he has designated as a high priority target.

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It is an issue that has come up for the last couple of governments, and one that none of them have yet been able to resolve. 

Religious discrimination laws have been a contentious topic in our politics for the better part of a decade now, with the rights of gay and gender-diverse students and teachers set against the rights of religious schools to teach and hire according to the values of their faith. 

During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would settle this conflict if Labor won government. But this week the PM effectively abandoned the issue, as Scott Morrison did before him. 

Also, the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister and Donald Trump’s rather hurtful comments about our Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss, is chief political correspondent David Crowe and political reporter Natassia Chrysanthos.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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The world’s biggest information and communications companies dominate our lives, in many ways. Google, Apple, Microsoft, among many others - we use their products to write up work reports, store our photos, and send messages to our loved ones. Sometimes hourly.

And yet, these same companies, according to recent research, are arguably enabling paedophiles to commit the most heinous of crimes against children. On a scale never before seen in human history.

These companies are also producing the technology needed to crack down on these crimes, so why aren’t they using it?

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the shocking social crisis that’s been hiding in the shadows. And the two government commissioners who are fighting to protect the most vulnerable people in our society.

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Many know it as the platform of choice for people who love to share videos of themselves dancing, or, say, combing the fur of their toy poodles. But, to hear politicians and late night talk show hosts discuss TikTok, lately, you’d think the app was a one-way ticket to political and social chaos.

It all kicked off, last week, when the American House of Representatives passed a bill that - should it become law - would require the Chinese company that owns TikTok to sell it to an American interest. Otherwise, the app would face being banned in the United States.

Today, Bruce Wolpe, a former American congressional staffer, and now a senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre, on what lit the fuse on this geopolitical explosion. And whether Australia is likely to follow suit, with its own TikTok ban

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It was just 45 minutes. But what happened in that short space of time has set-off a frenzy of news stories, an aborted criminal trial, and a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

In that time, a young Liberal Party staffer says she was raped by her colleague. He says he is innocent.

A court decision on whose truth, is the truth, is expected to be handed down soon. 

But amid the layer upon layer of conjecture, is a trail of evidence. 

Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn what happened between Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. The full interactive piece on the 45 minutes at the centre of the defamation trial can beread here.

And just a heads-up for our listeners, this episode contains references to allegations of sexual assault. 

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A new poll suggests that Australians no longer fear nuclear power the way they once did.

Is this actually the case, and if so, how come?

And are more young people open to nuclear power as a clean energy solution because they didn’t live through disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima?

Today, environment reporter Caitlin Fitzsimmons on why we’re talking nuclear and just how realistic it is that nuclear power will be a part of our transition to a cleaner, greener Australia.

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Wealthy Australians should pay more for aged care, and use their superannuation to do so. That’s one of 23 findings from a government-appointed taskforce that has examined how the country covers its rapidly growing aged care costs.

Meanwhile, the Albanese government is also mulling an overhaul of a different kind. It’s planning to restrict the amount that can be donated to political parties and candidates, in a bid to limit big-money donations and restrict the influence of billionaires.

The changes would be the biggest shake-up to Australian election rules in a generation.

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief political correspondent David Crowe, federal health reporter Natassia Chrysanthos and political correspondent Paul Sakkal.

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Now that Donald Trump has secured his position as the Republican candidate for the American presidency, leaders around the globe have begun to worry. Can they Trump-proof their countries? In Australia, concerned government officials are turning to one man for advice.

Mike Green is an expert on American policy in Asia, who worked in the George W Bush administration. So, what challenges could Trump pose for us? And how could we best combat them?

Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what Mike Green says we should, and shouldn’t, be worried about. And what the silver lining of a Donald Trump presidency might be.

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It is the oldest fraternal organisation in the world; and began with a group of builders who first gathered in the Middle Ages in Europe to build cathedrals and, later, some of the world’s great architectural structures.

But at the heart of the Freemasons, is secrecy, too. It’s against the rules to speak, publicly, about what happens in this order, which has chapters around the world.

Today, investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve, about the 31 current and former freemasons who spoke to her to expose what they say is a crisis of bullying, nepotism and financial mismanagement, within the Victorian Freemasons chapter. And why some allege that the organisation’s focus has shifted from charity, to property development.

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In the early hours of Sunday, February 4, Samantha Murphy left her home in Ballarat for her usual morning run. It’s what so many of us do, every day.

But when Samantha failed to show up later, as planned, for brunch, her family raised the alarm.

Police soon appealed to the public for help with finding the mother of three, and began searching hundreds of hectares near where Samantha regularly ran.

Volunteers later joined in the effort, gathering from around the country to comb the dense bushland near Samantha’s home.

Today, law and justice editor Chris Vedelago on the woman who vanished without a trace. And the man who’s been charged with her murder.

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She is probably the most famous female athlete in Australia. A beloved - and extremely bankable - role model, who helped unite Australia last year, when she led the Matildas into the World Cup semi-finals.

So when news surfaced, last week, that Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr had been charged with using a racist slur in England, the fallout was swift. There were questions about her future in the sport and her leadership of the Australian team.

But people also questioned the likelihood of Kerr, who is not only of Indian heritage, but is also gay, harassing someone. Let alone a white police officer.

Today, Europe Correspondent, Rob Harris, on how this story broke, and University of Sydney professor of social work and policy studies, Jioji Ravulo, on whether it’s possible to racially abuse someone for being white.

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Last weekend the people of Dunkley, in south-east Melbourne, voted in a byelection, and delivered a respectable victory to the Labor candidate Jody Beylea. 

Before the vote, Liberal Senator Jane Hume said that “what we’re hearing from voters on the ground is there is this white-hot anger, there is this fury”.

But that turned out to be a massive overreach. There was only an average swing against Labor.

Today on Inside Politics, chief political correspondent David Crowe and political correspondent Paul Sakkal join Jacqueline Maley to discuss what the Dunkley by-election tells us about the fate of the Opposition.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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For years now, global leaders have become somewhat accustomed to Russian president Vladimir Putin threatening nuclear attack on his enemies. He’s only pickedup on those threats, since launching his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just over two years ago. 

To many, these were simply sabre rattling; a show of strength. And a bluff.

But then came the leak, about a week ago, of Russian military documents that give new insights into Putin’s nuclear strategies. 

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on just how low Putin’s threshold might be, for launching nuclear weapons. And what global leaders may be thinking now.

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You know it; I know it, and the politicians sure know it. We’re still in the grip of a cost of living crisis. 

But while our two main political parties take pot-shots at each other, and try to score points over who’s doing a better job at providing relief, one main part of the discussion has been lost.

What are we spending our money on now? And why?

Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on the biggest shift in our spending habits that he’s seen, in his nearly 40 years long career. And what it says about us.

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The alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in a terrace house in the inner city of Sydney, on February 19, stunned the nation.

The case began after police found a bag with bloodied contents on February 21, in a skip near a police station in the south Sydney suburb of Cronulla. This led to a manhunt, across Sydney and beyond, after which time Beau Lamarre-Condon, an active police officer, handed himself in at a police station. Exactly a week ago today, Lamarre-Condon led police to the bodies of the slain couple.

But many crucial questions have remained unanswered. Until now.

Today, crime reporter Perry Duffin on the leaked police document, and conversations with former friends and colleagues of Jesse Baird, that tell us the inside story behind this tragic case. 

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Tomorrow marks one of the most important dates on the American political calendar. It’s Super Tuesday, when 15 states hold mini-elections to help determine who will win their party’s presidential nomination, and then go on to vie for the top spot in the White House, in November. 

So, which states are voting? And how might they tap into the personal and political vulnerabilities of the three main challengers: Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Nikki Haley?

Today, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the rage, disillusionment and hope she’s been seeing as she travels from state to state. And who might come out a winner tomorrow.

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David McBride is awaiting sentencing for the leak of classified military documents from his time as an army lawyer in Afghanistan.

In a candid conversation with senior Good Weekend writer Jane Cadzow, he speaks about what led him to do it, the personal fallout and his complex relationship with his father William, who blew the whistle on problems with thalidomide in the 1960s before his own fall from grace.

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Well, it seems that spies walk among us. 

This week ASIO boss Mike Burgess made an extraordinary revelation. 

He said his agency uncovered a sophisticated foreign interference operation, which involved a former Australian politician betraying Australia, and trying to involve a relative of a Prime Minister in the web. 

So just how bad is the threat? 

And why won’t they tell us who this former politician is? 

Plus, we already knew the average working woman is paid less than the average man. But this week, for the first time, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency revealed the median pay gaps at nearly 5000 of the country’s largest companies.     

Businesses from major banks to women’s activewear brands have large pay gaps favouring men, while elite private schools have pay gaps favouring women.

So what, if anything, can be done about it? 

Today, economics reporter Rachel Clun and chief political correspondent David Crowe discuss the week in politics. 

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She’s been ridiculed, and threatened. And though she continues to spend millions on her campaign, she has yet to win a single primary in the race to become the Republican presidential nominee. To top it off, there’s virtually no chance she can beat Donald Trump; her only other Republican opponent.

So why does Nikki Haley stubbornly continue to fight in this race?

Today, International and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on what Nikki Haley can still achieve, even when she’s destined to lose this nomination. And what Donald Trump still stands to lose, while she stays in the race.

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For months now, officials in Israel and Gaza have been trying to negotiate another ceasefire. And now, according to experts, the enemies are within days of reaching one. But what might a ceasefire look like?

Hamas has demanded a complete cessation of hostilities and an end, long-term, to the war. While Israel has insisted that nothing will stop an imminent ground invasion into the south of Gaza. Meanwhile, more and more Gazans risk starvation, while the world looks on in horror.

Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent, Matthew Knott, on what might lead Israel and Hamas to move beyond their current impasse. And the possible impact, on negotiations, of irritations that are growing, behind the scenes, between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden.

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A young couple in the prime of their lives missing from their Sydney flat, presumed dead, and a serving NSW police officer stands accused of their murders.

A little over a week ago, flight attendant Luke Davies and AFL umpire Jesse Baird went missing. Their Paddington flat became a crime scene, and bloodied clothes were found in a rubbish bin just metres from a police station.

Then the manhunt began for senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, Baird’s ex-boyfriend, who was later charged with two counts of murder after he finally handed himself in.

Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on the new details that have emerged in this shocking case as investigators continue their grim search for the bodies. And the broader issues at play, including the domestic violence allegedly committed by police.

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When Brad Banducci, the long-time CEO of Woolworths, gave an interview last week that made headlines, for all the wrong reasons, the fallout was swift. The company’s share price fell. The prime minister piled on, scrutinising the supermarket for a potential “abuse of power”. 

The issue of price gouging and lack of supermarket competition has been in the spotlight for months now. But, to what end? 

Today, business columnist Elizabeth Knight on whether we’re likely to see any reform from six upcoming government inquiries into this matter.

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Last week, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce made headlines after he was filmed lying on a Canberra footpath, intoxicated, swearing into his phone. The video went viral - and questions began swirling about the culture of drinking in parliament. But that wasn’t the end of the saga. 

This week, Nationals deputy leader Perin Davey has come under scrutiny for slurring her words at a recent parliamentary hearing. She admitted to having a couple of drinks beforehand, but has blamed her style of speech on a medical condition. 

Regardless, the question remains - how big a problem is alcohol in parliament? Should booze bans be considered?     

And if most of us can’t drink on the job - why can our politicians? 

Plus, we talk about the political storm surrounding the asylum seekers who recently arrived on our shores - and whether turning back the boats still wins votes. 

Today, federal political correspondent Paul Sakkal and chief political correspondent David Crowe discuss the week in politics.

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When Alexei Navalny died last week in a remote Arctic penal colony, many felt that it signified the death of hope for a future, democratic Russia.

Because for nearly two decades, Navalny fought for fair elections, human rights, and freedom of speech; eventually rising to become Vladimir Putin’s most feared opponent.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, who has vowed to take over her late husband's work. And whether she will be able to unite the fractious democratic movement within Russia.

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Can Taylor Swift really be everything, to everybody?Way before the pop star took Melbourne by storm with three sparkle and tear-filled concerts, earlier this week, she captured the hearts of everyone from toddlers, to our prime minister, Anthony Albanese.

Reserve Bank governor Michelle Bullock recently cited the scrambling for Swift tickets as a lesson in fiscal responsibility. And educators and leaders now use Swift to teach us everything from urban planning to legal principles.

But, on the eve of Swift’s Sydney shows, which begin Friday, we have to ask: is there something about Taylor that’s led to her all-encompassing cultural relevance? Today, culture and lifestyle reporter Nell Geraets tells me about this. Or whether there’s a perfect storm, of sorts, at work here.

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It’s been almost 14 years since Julian Assange started leaking the largest tranche of American military and government secrets to the world.

For most of that time, the Wikileaks founder has been fighting extradition to the United States, where he faces a possible sentence of 175 years in jail, for crimes under the espionage act.

But that struggle has reached a critical juncture. Because the High Court in London will decide, in a hearing being held today and tomorrow, whether Assange will be sent to the United States to face trial.

Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe, on the “diplomatic cliff” that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is having to navigate, in order to bring an Australian citizen home.

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Has North Korea declared war on South Korea? This is the question many have been left wondering, ever since North Korea’s  leader, Kim Jong Un declared last month that South Korea is its “principal enemy”.

Kim may be an erratic and paranoid leader, who has pushed much of his country to starvation with his isolationist policies.

But this change was historic, marking the abandonment of a policy, held for more than 50 years, that the countries were aiming for peaceful reunification.

Today, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw and explainer reporter Jackson Graham on what has prompted this stark change of events. And whether a Donald Trump presidency could prompt Kim to escalate things even further.

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How would you feel if details of your private chats, including your name, were released publicly, making you a target for attacks? 

That is precisely what happened to a group of Jewish creatives whose Whatsapp chats were leaked last week. 

In response the Albanese government has vowed to legislate against the practice of “doxxing” as it is called. 

But is it even possible to make laws against this? 

Plus, we talk about the PM’s engagement to his partner Jodie Haydon, Barnaby Joyce’s little lie down on a Canberra street, and the final episode of Nemesis.

Today, we are joined by Dr Simon Copland from Australia National University, and as always, our chief political correspondent David Crowe, to discuss the week in politics.

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By the time you listen to this, Indonesia likely has a new president after the country held its much anticipated election on Wednesday.

And who takes over Indonesia - the world’s third-largest democracy - after 10 years of relative democratic harmony under the hugely popular president Joko Widodo, gives Australians cause to pause.

Today, International and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on whether the new leader might return Indonesia to the bad old days, when it was run by a fierce dictator. And what this could mean for Australia if they did.

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When photographs and a video of politician Barnaby Joyce lying on a footpath late at night, seemingly incapacitated, went viral last week, it triggered a series of political explosions.

Almost immediately, politicians started lobbing accusations. That the shadow minister for Veterans’ Affairs was undermining his party. And embarrassing the nation; even bringing the culture of parliament into disrepute.

Today, national affairs editors James Massola on the political manoeuvring currently going on behind the scenes in Canberra, which could determine whether this incident spells the end of Barnaby Joyce’s long career. And the history of questionable behaviour, by our politicians.

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When we think of where our tax dollars go, we aren't likely to imagine they’re being sent to companies that have been linked to suspected arms and drug smuggling, corruption or bribery.

But this is what a new inquiry has found. Specifically, that multi-million dollar government contracts, for the offshore processing of asylum seekers, have been granted to companies that have been suspected of links to serious crimes.

How could this happen? In the very government department - Home Affairs - that was created only seven years ago to unify our intelligence agencies, so they could function better? 

Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie on the systemic failures that led to this situation. And what it will take - after two similar inquiries in the last year alone - to make sure it never happens again.

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When Australian citizen Yang Hengjun was given a suspended death sentence, last week, by a Beijing court, the Australian government recoiled, as though slapped.

The details of the espionage that Yang has been accused of committing remain secret. But the ripple effect that this harrowing conviction is having on the relationship between Australia and China, is beginning to emerge.

Today, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw on the tightrope that the Albanese government now has to walk, in order to fight China’s efforts at coercion, while struggling to free one of its own citizens.

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This coming Monday, we will officially be relaunching our daily news podcast. It’s going to be called The Morning Edition, hosted by the dynamic Samantha Selinger-Morris. The podcast will drop in your feed at 5am each day. And we have two regular episodes: Peter Hartcher every Thursday, dissecting the biggest issues at home and abroad, while on Friday Jacqueline Maley and David Crowe take you behind the biggest stories in Canberra. Until then, have a listen to this short trailer, which gives you a sense of what The Morning Edition is all about.

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After weeks of lamenting the Prime Minister’s broken promise, the Coalition has decided it will vote for Labor’s changes to the Stage Three tax cuts. 

The Coalition says it will match Labor on tax and more. 

Will this tax-war turn into a proper go at tax reform? 

Plus, we talk about Nemesis, the three-part ABC documentary on the leadership ructions of the former Coalition government.

Did we learn anything new from the documentary? And how did the major players come emerge from the revelations made in it? 

Spoiler alert: not very well. 

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The Biden administration is, many Australians believe, a leader that is supportive of Australia. We share similar values. Not to mention deep defensive and security co-operation, and extensive trade and investment.

But, over the last few months, the American political system has become so dysfunctional that it’s in danger of acting against its own interests. Which could, in turn, threaten us, too.

Today, our international and political editor Peter Hartcher on why the usual chaos in American congress that we have often witnessed from afar, might come to impact us for a long time to come.

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Ross Gittins, the longest continuously serving columnist in The Sydney Morning Herald’s 193-year history, is celebrating his 50th anniversary of writing for our mastheads, today.

Over the last 50 years, he’s covered 50 federal budgets, 19 federal elections, 11 prime ministers, and 16 treasurers.

He’s seen promises made and broken - and the economic reality of Australians change immeasurably.

Ross was, after all, around to write about the time when the price of eggs, bread and petrol were all set by the state government.

Today, he joins me to discuss how life has improved - and worsened - over the last 50 years, as a result of our economic policies. 

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The Albanese government has finally released its plans to curb motor vehicle pollution. This is crucial for the government, as Labor won the 2022 election on a promise of climate policy reforms.

But the proposal also puts a spotlight on just how behind Australia is in reducing carbon emissions. We are reportedly the last developed country, other than Russia, to impose pollution caps on motor vehicles.

So, why are we so behind? And what will it take for the Labor government to successfully legislate its policy? 

Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on what this new plan will mean for drivers. And how much opposition Labor is facing on a policy that is arguably central to its hold on power.

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It was the late 1970s, and members of the NSW police force were tapping phones, illegally, in the hopes of cracking down on organised crime. The sorts of people they had in their sights were well-known underworld figures, like Abe Saffron, known as “Mr Sin”, and drug boss Robert Trimbole.

But what they stumbled upon instead, shocked them.

Conversations between a high court justice and his well-placed friends that would implicate the judge, Lionel Murphy, for years, in corruption allegations. 

Today, Lindsay Murdoch, one of the two journalists who broke this story for The Age, on the secret tapes that unleashed one of the most controversial political sagas of the 1980s.

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When the Albanese government announced its controversial changes to the stage 3 tax cuts last week, the Opposition denounced the Prime Minister for breaking a promise. But legislation will be introduced next week to implement the changes, and the Opposition will have to decide whether or not it will support them or not. 

The tricky part is that Labor’s tax changes will deliver a larger tax cut to more voters, which is a hard proposition to argue against. 

Plus, federal political staffers and their importance to the messaging of the government. 

Joining Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics is chief political correspondent David Crowe and federal political correspondent Paul Sakkal.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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It was exactly three years ago today that Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup d’etat, toppling the democratic government. Since then, the junta has killed and imprisoned its opponents, and attacked innocent civilians - all in the name of consolidating power.

It’s a devastating state of affairs that has led Myanmar to become an international business pariah. Many Western democracies have placed sanctions on the country, barring companies from investing there.

But Australia’s efforts at imposing sanctions against Myanmar’s military have paled in comparison.

Today, business reporter Sumeyya Ilanbey on why Australian companies, while not breaching Australian sanctions, have been accused of propping up Myanmar’s brutal military dictatorship. 

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When a militia, believed to be backed by Iran - killed three American soldiers, in Jordan, over the weekend, it marked a dangerous new development in the war in the Middle East. 

It was the first time, in the more than three months since Hamas launched its attack on Israel, that any American troops had died from hostile fire in the conflict. 

So, could this tip the United States into a full-blown war with Iran?

It’s a situation that American president Joe Biden has been actively avoiding since October 7. 

Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on the factors that could push Biden to take this step. And the global mayhem that could result, if he does.

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It’s been nearly six weeks since journalist Antoinette Lattouf was sacked from the ABC.

How did a short contract, that was only ever meant to last for five days, turn into a full-blown cultural reckoning?

Because it’s not just the national broadcaster that has been plunged into turmoil.

Today, media reporter Calum Jaspan on how this scandal saga has exposed questions about free speech and workers’ rights. And whether journalists have any business performing the role of activists.

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The United States is in the grip of a migration crisis unlike it’s ever seen before. The seemingly never-ending flow of migrants into New York, Chicago and Denver has - according to those cities’ mayors - pushed their areas to breaking point. 

The migrants themselves, bussed in from the border with Mexico, often end up in foreign cities without any assistance; injured, unwell and ill-prepared for freezing winter temperatures.

And for president Joe Biden, these historic migration levels during an election year are a political nightmare.

Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on what impact this crisis could have on Biden’s election bid. And why it’s hampering his attempts to give aid to Ukraine.

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When it comes to the stage 3 tax cuts, voters will judge for themselves. 

We learned this week that the Albanese government will break its oft-repeated promise not to change the stage 3 cuts - which gives tax back to high income earners. 

Instead, it will redirect some of those cuts to middle-income earners - those earning up to $150,000. The overall impact on the federal budget will be broadly the same, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers. 

So will voters let Labor off a broken promise if it means more money in their pocket? Or will they take the money but still mark Albanese down for going back on his word? 

Plus, who is Kim Williams, the new ABC Chair announced this week by the Prime Minister? 

And, we look briefly back on the controversial legacy of the former prime minister Scott Morrison, who announced his retirement from politics this week. 

Joining Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics is chief political correspondent David Crowe, and newly appointed national affairs editor Andrew Probyn.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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Yesterday, Donald Trump won the Republican primary election in New Hampshire. He beat his only remaining rival, Nikki Haley, and with this victory, Trump declared that he is now his party’s presidential nominee.

This status won’t actually be made official until the Republican National Convention in July. But one thing is for sure, Trump is now one giant step closer to returning to the White House.

Today, Bruce Wolpe, senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre, on whether Nikki Haley could still be a threat to Trump. And whether the multiple charges Trump faces will stop his presidential bid.

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When Roger Rogerson died over the weekend, many people celebrated the end of an era. Gone are the days, they said, when the NSW police force was so corrupt, it offered priority parking at police headquarters to the select gangsters with whom it was in cahoots.

Because Rogerson, once a celebrated police detective, was arguably the most corrupt of them all. He gave the green light to criminals to commit crimes, in return for wads of cash. By palling around with notorious hit men, and in one case, murdering a drug dealer who stood in his way, Rogerson has become as intrinsic a part of Australian crime folklore as Ned Kelly and Mark ‘Chopper’ Read. 

Today, chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont on why it took decades to jail Rogerson. And whether our police system will ever likely breed another cop as corrupt as him.

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For years now, we’ve been hearing about the so-called Stage 3 Tax Cuts. And not just hearing about them, but being warned about them. They’re going to increase the gap between the rich and the poor. Even take us back, economically speaking, to the 1950s.

At other times, we’re told they’regreat. After all, they’ll help workers earning as little as $45,000 a year to keep more of their pay packet. 

So, which is it? 

Today, economics correspondent Rachel Clun takes us through what this all means, and how it will hit us, once we open our wallets.

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When Pope Francis remarked in a speech earlier this month that surrogate motherhood was a “despicable practice” that should be universally banned, for some, it signalled a backwards step for the Catholic Church.

Only weeks earlier, the global religious leader had allowed same-sex couples to finally receive the blessings of a priest.

But before we write off the pope’s most recent comments, we have to ask ourselves: does he have a point?

Today, surrogate and surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford on the ethical minefields, and joys, of surrogacy.

And former religion editor and centre for public christianity’s Barney Zwartz on what we should know of the pope’s statement.

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The Albanese government has announced a review into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says all options are on the table to force supermarkets to ease cost of living pressures on consumers. Even the option of significant government intervention. 

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong copped criticism for her itinerary on her visit to Israel, representing Australia. 

And the Chinese Ambassador gave an interesting press conference in Canberra which took an interesting turn…

Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe, economics correspondent Rachel Clun and foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott join Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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If you’re getting the feeling that more and more Australians have fallen prey to cyber attackers recently, there’s a reason for that.

The number of hacks has recently grown by 300 per cent in the period of just 12 months.

And the devastation to Australians is multifold. Some have lost tens of thousands of dollars. Others have had deeply private information - including intimate health details, and court testimony they thought was given anonymously - exposed to the world.

Today, technology editor David Swan on who is committing these attacks, and why. And what Australians need to know, to avoid falling victim to one.

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Over the weekend, Taiwan elected a new president. This was a race that was watched incredibly closely by leaders in Washington and Canberra, for the ripple effect that it will have on so much of the world.

Because the president-elect, Lai Ching-te, is precisely the person China didn’t want to win. His campaign was centered on attacks against Beijing, and its plans to unify with the island. 

So, will Taiwan’s new president bring his nation closer to “war and decline”, as China has claimed? 

Today, North Asia correspondent Eryk Bagshaw, on why what happens on a small island half the size of Scotland has the power to affect not only the global economy, but the safety of millions.

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We are now more than 100 days into the war between Israel and Gaza. And as the suffering in Gaza continues to grow - with reports of famine and disease - so too, does the fear that the conflict has gained a new and worrying momentum.

Do the attacks by the United States and the United Kingdom last week on Houthi rebels in Yemen mean we've passed a point of no return with regards to where this conflict could spread?

Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent, Matthew Knott, on how far this escalation could go. And Israel’s latest challenge - defending itself against allegations of genocide in The Hague.

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The federal government is reviewing the supermarket code of conduct over concerns about the gap between food prices charged by big supermarkets and those paid to farmers. 

While a separate senate inquiry will examine alleged price gouging by Coles and Woolworths in coming months.

Supermarkets have denied accusations of profiteering and say they’re experiencing economy-wide inflationary pressures. 

Today, business columnist Elizabeth Knight what an inquiry may be able to tell us.

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The Victorian government is stuck in limbo after its proposal for a wind turbine production terminal was rejected by federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek who argued the development would harm globally significant wetlands.

The dispute is the latest from a growing list of community and environmental group opposition to offshore wind farms along Australia’s east coast. 

Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley, on how we reconcile both the development of a renewable energy grid, and the preservation of Australia’s critical wildlife and habitat.

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A plane door ripping open mid-flight, leaving a gaping hole thousands of metres above sea level is usually the stuff of nightmares or blockbuster Hollywood movies. But for those on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 last week, that became a reality.

The flight made an emergency return to Portland, where 171 passengers and six crew landed safely. But the incident caused air safety investigations all over the world to probe whether there may be issues with other Boeing aircraft in operation. 

Today, aviation reporter Amelia McGuire on what caused the hole in the Alaska Airlines flight and whether Australians have anything to worry about. 

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We’re days away from the first Republican primary, where in Iowa, Republican party members will nominate their chosen presidential candidate for 2024.

Polls place Donald Trump as the overwhelming front-runner to become the Republican presidential nominee, but Maine and Colorado have found Trump ineligible to run, with challenges pending across the country.

Today, North American correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the Supreme Court ruling on a civil war era provision that could bar Trump from running for presidential nominee.

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When Australia’s lead batsman and first Muslim player Usman Khawaja sought to express his politics on the field, his team and even the prime minister rallied behind him, but he was ultimately reprimanded for it. 

Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth in a personal gesture of mourning for children killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. That was after being rejected for wearing shoes with the words ‘All lives are equal’ and ‘Freedom is a human right’ in the colours of the Palestinian flag.

Today, chief cricket writer Daniel Brettig on whether sport and politics can ever be separate. 

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Demand for medicinal cannabis in Australia has sky-rocketed since its legalisation in 2016.  

Same-day telehealth consultations are a quick google search away. Cannabis dispensaries are popping up in major cities across the country. 

And while medical cannabis is helping people with conditions ranging from chronic pain and anxiety, to cancer and migraines, concerns are being raised about how the industry is operating. 

Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on whether doctors have their patients best interests at heart.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

Who robbed the British Museum? And how did they get away with it for so long? The news that the world’s largest, and arguably most prestigious, history museum was robbed made global headlines.

It’s no wonder. It’s home to, among other precious artefacts, the Rosetta Stone. As in, the stone that was originally discovered by Napoleon’s soldiers, and later taught the world, for the first time, how to read Egyptian hieroglyphs. 

So, just what was stolen? And how? On this episode, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, on the curious tale of the British Museum’s disappearing collection.

This episode first aired on August 28, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

In November 2020, a damning report about Australia’s Defence Force was published. Known as the Brereton report - it found credible evidence that our Defence Force had committed war crimes.

This investigation shocked the nation, and led to a reckoning within our Defence Force - and the public’s perception of it.

And there was one woman - Samantha Crompvoets - whose research kicked off the whole thing. But in doing so, she has had to pay a hefty price. 

On this episode, Samantha tells us about that story, and why telling the truth came at such a cost. 

This episode contains mentions of suicide.

This episode first aired on July 6, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

Over the last couple of months, Sydney’s streets have been plagued by murder after murder.

They’re a byproduct of turf warfare, linked to the lucrative cocaine trade. We’ve seen this carnage before, in various parts of NSW. But we’re now in the midst of an unprecedented cocaine boom. And experts have warned that the violence it attracts is likely to grow rather than recede.

On this episode, chief reporter Jordan Baker on what’s behind these latest killings. And why Sydney, more than anywhere else in the world, loves cocaine.

This episode first aired on August 7, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

For nearly 50 years, women in the United States were protected, by federal law, from having to carry an unwanted pregnancy. They gained this right, in 1973, thanks to the historic Supreme Court judgement in the Roe v Wade case. 

This held until nearly a year ago, when the current Supreme Court overturned that judgement. This weekend marks the one year anniversary of that groundbreaking decision. 

So, what has life in the United States been like for women since then? 

On this episode, North American correspondent Farrah Tomazin on how this decision has caused a seismic shift in American culture and its political landscape.

This episode first aired on June 22, 2023.

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Most Australians know the name Lindy Chamberlain. She’s famously the victim of what’s been called “the most notorious miscarriage of justice” in Australian legal history. She was wrongfully convicted of murdering her nine-week old daughter, Azaria, during a camping trip at Uluru, and sentenced to life in prison.

But how many people know about the murder conviction inquiry that’s going on right now that could, as one expert put it recently, make the Chamberlain case pale into insignificance?

On this episode, legal affairs reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, Michaela Whitbourn, on the inquiry that could change the way our legal system handles evidence in murder trials. And why the diaries of Newcastle mother Kathleen Folbigg, which were once used to help convict her of murder, might now be the very thing to set her free.

This episode first aired on March 30, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

In May 2023, Stan Grant announced that he would be leaving the ABC and standing down as the host of its Q+A program. His decision, and the torrent of abuse that prompted it, has led to a reckoning about how responsible the media is for the racism that pervades our culture.

On this episode, culture news editor Osman Faruqijoins Samantha Selinger-Morris to discuss Stan Grant, the ABC and Australia's racism problem.

This episode first aired on May 24, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

A jury has found Malka Leifer guilty of rape and indecent assault, drawing a close to a trial that had been a decade in the making.

The former principal of the ultra-orthodox Jewish school had been accused of sexually abusing former students in Melbourne in the early to mid-2000s.

After a lengthy battle to extradite Leifer from Israel in 2021, her trial began this year.

She has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges, including rape.

On this episode, court reporter at The Age, David Estcourt on the trial of Malka Leifer.

This episode first aired on April 6, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

Australia's Home Affairs Department used vast sums of taxpayer money to fund suspect payments to powerful Pacific Island politicians, specifically to run offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island.

A major investigation by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald has found a secret money trail beginning in Home Affairs coffers and ending with payments to bank accounts controlled by powerful Pacific Island politicians.

The payments were made by companies engaged by the government to run the facilities: in Nauru, two companies called Broadspectrum and Canstruct, and on Manus Island, a company called Paladin and were for services to help run the facility.  

The Pacific payments scandal forms a part of a much larger problem within the Home Affairs department. Because while focusing on housing boat arrivals offshore, Home Affairs has taken attention away from its core business of helping legitimate migrants arrive and expelling the rest.

We are not suggesting that any payments were in fact bribes, which is ultimately something that can only be proven by a court. But the deals raise integrity concerns that warrant significant scrutiny by the Department.

On this episode, investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Michael Bachelard on how our Home Affairs Department is failing.

Read more on our Home Truths series here. 

This episode first aired on July 25, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

They stand largely empty, hiding in plain sight, their little-used classrooms scattered through office buildings in cities across the country. In the exploding foreign education industry, they call them ‘ghost colleges’.

These colleges are supposed to be providing tens of thousands of international students with an education. But in reality, many of them are near deserted.

On this episode, investigative reporter Clay Lucas joins Samantha Selinger-Morris to talk about his months-long investigation into the rise of Australia’s ghost colleges, and what they tell us about our immigration system.

This episode first aired on August 22, 2023.

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Today, we're bringing you an episode from our archive.

It’s been 17 years since Julian Assange created Wikileaks, the online publisher of classified documents that has changed politics forever. For eleven of those years, Assange has either been in hiding, or in prison.

But why is Assangestill in prison? When American whistleblower, Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years for leaking secret government files to Wikileaks, has already been set free?

On this episode, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott on the unusual group of Australian politicians who visited Washington, in a bid to finally free Assange. And whether his fate will ultimately be determined by whoever holds the American presidency.

This episode first aired on September 18, 2023.

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It has been a busy year in Australian politics. 

We voted no to the Voice to Parliament. Three state premiers resigned. The government legislated industrial relations changes and housing affordability measures. 

But the throughline of the year, and the main concern of ordinary voters, was the state of the economy, and the government’s handling of it. 

We had the scourge of stubborn inflation and the RBA’s ratcheting up of interest rates. And we had a housing affordability problem that politicians have finally acknowledged is actually a crisis.

Today on Inside Politics, economics reporters Shane Wright and Rachel Clun join Jacqueline Maleyto talk about the economy, and what we might expect of it in 2024.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

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We have been bystanders to the saga of the Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins case for nearly three years now.

If one thing has defined the devastating set of lawsuits, it’s been a lack of definitive answers about allegations that a rape occurred in the office of then-defence industry minister, Linda Reynolds. And whether the government at the time orchestrated a cover-up.

Lehrmann has always strenuously denied raping Higgins, insisting that the pair had no sexual contact at all.

Today, associate editor and special writer Deborah Snow on what this case has exposed about the political cultures and institutions that it has also put on trial.

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Back in April, the Democrats officially chose Joe Biden to run for the American presidency next year, because he could beat Donald Trump. But that was then.

Since then, Biden’s approval has begun to tank. And voters of all stripes have reportedly been clutching their foreheads in despair. These are the candidates? An 81-year-old, and a would-be criminal with a fondness for quoting Hitler?

Bruce Wolpe, who served on the Democratic staff in the US Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, has been analysing American presidential elections for decades.

Today, Bruce, who’s also a senior fellow at The United States Studies Centre, joins me to discuss what history can tell us about who might win. 

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When an Australian company called Phoslock first hit the market, its sell was hard to resist.

Phoslock had created an innovative clay product that had the power to get rid of pollution in waterways around the world. 

But a new investigation reveals a host of worrying allegations against the company including suspected bribery, money paid to dump polluted water and an alleged cover-up of a wrongful death.

Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie on the suspect behaviours that led to Phoslock’s alleged wrongdoings and how they remained a secret for so long.

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It’s a real-life Succession saga. And it’s taking place right on our doorstep. We’re talking, of course, about the civil lawsuit that Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, is embroiled in, with two other families. Not to mention two of her own children.

They are all battling over more than a billion dollars in royalties from iron ore mines that her father discovered back in the 1950s. Is the fight worth it? The cost for Rinehart, even if she wins, could still be high. 

Because for years, the mining magnate has been fighting another, competing, battle: to keep her tricky and sometimes fractious relationships with her own family members out of the public eye. 

Today, WA Today journalist Jesinta Burton on what this marathon court case has revealed about one of Australia’s most secretive families.

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At the United Nations headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, Australia voted in favour of a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 

The UN vote coincided with a separate development in Australia’s position on Gaza. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to issue a statement supporting a pause in the fighting in Gaza and efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. 

Both these moves - the statement and the ceasefire motion - were a break from the position of our powerful allies, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe and foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott join Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. 

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For months, Melbourne’s underworld has been plagued by escalating violence. Bashings, a public execution, even the desecration of the grave of one crime boss’ sister.

Firebombings have also become increasingly common, whereby shops are set alight and gutted by flames. One of the main targets: tobacco stores. So many have been hit, that a new era of gangland warfare in Melbourne has gained its own moniker: the “tobacco wars”.

For more than eight years, my colleague, law and justice editor Chris Vedelago has been following one of the men who is understood to be at the centre of these wars. Because of suppression orders put in place by a court, his identity and actions could never be released. Until now.

Today, Chris Vedelago joins Sam to discuss the rise of Kazem Hamad - and the illegal tobacco trade fuelling Melbourne’s underworld violence.

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Is our foreign minister about to jump ship? So went the rumours, recently, around the press gallery, in Canberra.

Elsewhere, too, people have tried todiminish Penny Wong. The fact that she hasn’t  visited the Middle East, since she landed the job of foreign minister, 18 months ago? It’s just not good enough, according to the opposition. And why isn't she doing more to broker peace in the Middle East?

But for a staggering amount of ordinary Australians, Penny Wong is something of a unicorn. Not only one of the most highly regarded politicians in the country. But someone whom they would happily have mind their children.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what accounts for the great divide between public and political judgement, when it comes to Penny Wong. And what drives the second most powerful person in our country.

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