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One Nation was the first Australian political party with a website, and its online game today is recognised as some of the most effective in the business. The party specialises in shareable anti-immigration messaging – and in bypassing traditional media to reach voters directly. ‘She tells it like it is,’ Pauline Hanson’s supporters say. But her tactics come straight from the populist right playbook: harvesting fear and grievance for political power. In the final episode of The Populist, Sarah Martin traces Hanson’s journey from her beginnings as Australia’s first ‘cyber politician’ to her leading role in the rightwing nativist movement that is sweeping the globe

More than a billion people are suddenly talking to AI chatbots designed to connect with us. We are sharing with them our deepest secrets, trusting them with our wellbeing and acting on their advice. Across two powerful stories – a woman who was struggling to leave a relationship and a man who was desperate to quit drinking – the Guardian journalist Michael Safi explores what this new way of living looks like

Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) discuss the Greens leadership change this week. Senator David Shoebridge defeated two women to take out the top job in a rare contested ballot. So what direction will he take the progressive party and can they ‘replace’ Labor as he claims? Also in this episode: what did the prime minister say at George Megalogenis’ Melbourne book launch that surprised both of these former political advisers? And as we draw ever nearer to the Victorian election, what do the polls reveal about how it could all play out?

With a sharp, aggressive strategy, the Australian Greens’ newly elected leader vows to take on corporate power and bring a ‘red-hot fight’ to coal and gas approvals. But following a turbulent week and internal party room fractures, can Senator David Shoebridge and his polarising approach rally progressive voters without deepening splits? Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks with the new Greens party leader about taking on One Nation, pushing back on Aukus, and his vision for the party’s future.

A commercial flight travelling from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency landing after an apparent brawl between its pilots. The flight was in Jordanian airspace when it diverted to Saudi Arabia, after the plane fell 16,000ft in two minutes during the incident. Authorities are investigating a number of lines of inquiry including a hijacking attempt or a mental health incident. Lucy Hough speaks to Middle East correspondent Will Christou

Georgie Dent’s National Press Club address recently went viral after laying bare the compounding pressures on modern families. Between soaring costs of living, rigid workplace expectations and an eye-watering gap between school days and work hours, is the current system setting parents up to fail? Reged Ahmad speaks with CEO of advocacy group The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, to unpack why raising children has become an impossible mathematical equation and how policy reform can fix it

More than two years after Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were killed in a Sydney home, former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has gone on trial in the supreme court. Lamarre-Condon, who stands accused of the double murder, has pleaded not guilty. In the opening weeks the court has heard allegations, viewed security footage and witnessed emotional testimonies from friends of the young couple. Matilda Boseley speaks to Guardian reporter Kat Wong to unpack the evidence before the jury

With inflation proving stubborn and global economic pressures mounting, Australians are bracing for another potential interest rate rise. Could pushing the cash rate to its highest level since 2011 send struggling households over the edge? Guardian Australia economics editor Patrick Commins joins Reged Ahmad to unpack what’s driving the decision and what it means for the broader economic outlook

One Nation receives millions in public funding, but former members have accused the party of leaving candidates out of pocket, ‘funny money deals’ and letting donations get ‘lost in the system’. When senior correspondent Sarah Martin followed the money, she discovered even those on the inside are asking questions about accountability, and why some are saying the man brought in to improve the system might be making it worse

Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry) look at the prime minister’s week in the US against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s ban of three news organisations from the White House. Would the Australian media ever join together like their American counterparts and boycott a political party or politician? The two former press advisers also examine press conference ethics and why Australian politicians should be wary of using AI to write their speeches

A government database has been hacked for the first time by a rogue OpenAI agent, which infiltrated part of the Australian healthcare scheme in June. OpenAI became aware of the hack in August, but only informed the government in September. Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed his ‘extreme concern’ about the hack, which raises serious AI security concerns for governments around the world. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s UK technology editor Robert Booth

As the criminal trial of Alan Jones continues, prosecutors unexpectedly drop a charge against the former broadcaster while witnesses take the stand to address allegations surrounding complainant M and complainant H. Now, with a sudden shift in the trial timeline, how much closer are we to the conclusion of proceedings? Series producer Taylah Strano joins host Nour Haydar to unpack the latest developments from the courtroom

AI, Iran and Taiwan – there will be no shortage of topics when the two most powerful men in the world meet in Washington. But what do they both want? Jonathan Czin explains

Anthony Albanese is in New York campaigning for Australia to snag a seat on the UN security council for 2029. So how much power would a two-year seat actually give Australia to make change? Why does Albanese feel that now is the time? And given the hefty price tag attached to a security council campaign, how will his efforts be received back home? Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Matilda Boseley about the prime minister’s UN ambitions and what Australia has to gain if his bid for a seat on the security council succeeds

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy dive into what’s driving Donald Trump’s ban on journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico - and the significance of the response from major TV networks. They also cover the US president at the UNGA and why Trump’s decision making on international conflicts could be explained by the price of diesel. Plus - could daylight savings become permanent in the US.

On Monday, Jim Chalmers released Treasury’s economic forecast for the next 40 years in the Albanese government’s second intergenerational report. The outlook predicts major challenges on geopolitics, the AI transformation, and for the first time, deaths will overtake births in Australia within a few decades. The treasurer speaks with Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, and economics editor, Patrick Commins, about why he’s optimistic Labor’s policy agenda is preparing the country for an unpredictable future

The Houthis now control the Bab al-Mandab strait. But where is it and why does it matter? Patrick Wintour explains

The Albanese government is considering giving AI companies unrestricted access to Australian content. The sweeping copyright reforms could give AI companies – such as Anthropic and Open AI – permission to train on the open internet here in Australia. Host Reged Ahmad speaks to musician and communications strategist Holly Rankin on what an AI deal could mean for creators, artists and everyday Australians Holly Rankin is an artist professionally known as Jack River and the executive director of Sentiment Group, a government affairs and strategic communications firm

Most Australians know the story of Pauline Hanson: the fish and chip shop, the maiden speech, the “please explain”. But Hanson’s top adviser, James Ashby, wields as much – if not more – power over One Nation as Hanson herself. When the party bars media from press conferences, it’s Ashby who makes the call. To understand how One Nation operates, it’s important to understand Ashby’s story, from his beginnings as a PR flack, through a massive parliamentary scandal, to his ascent to political power as One Nation’s popularity soars

Why are AI chatbots pulling so many people down a rabbit hole? Our answer starts with the world’s first-ever chatbot, the strange effect it had on people and the ‘time bomb’ that exploded when ChatGPT was released four years ago. The result is a strange experiment we are all living through – whether we know it or not. You can find episodes one and two further back in the Full Story feed.

Barrie Cassidy and Jessie McCrone, a former adviser to the former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and now managing partner for FMRS Advisory, examine the migration reforms as announced by the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, this week. Is One Nation controlling the narrative on this issue, and how will the Coalition respond? They also look at the Guardian’s new investigative podcast series The Populist; plus, with just two months to go until the Victorian election, what does Jessie think about the state of play and Labor’s chances at the ballot box? Jessie is filling in for Tony Barry this week Amid claims of ‘mass migration’, Labor hopes a measured approach will take the hot air out of the debate

Home affairs minister Tony Burke delivered a speech at the National Press Club on Thursday, announcing immigration reforms to achieve Labor’s forecasts for net overseas migration. After being postponed at short notice six weeks ago, Burke’s speech comes in the same week that One Nation announced its policy to significantly cut the number of temporary migrants in Australia. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Burke about why the government is making the changes, the limitations that come from not successfully securing Coalition support, and why new migrants aren’t to blame for the housing crisis

For the first time, seven weeks into the criminal trial of Alan Jones, a complainant came face-to-face with his alleged offender in the courtroom. The former athlete, known as complainant M, was the third of six complainants and chose to give evidence in the same room as Jones. The courtroom – and the journalists squeezed into a separate room in the court – heard allegations against Jones that he twice kissed the prominent athlete without consent

All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore. The American rapper was removed from Sheeran’s tour after comments made onstage in support of Palestine. Sheeran responded that venue owners – including Robert Kraft who owns the New England Patriots and its home stadium – had objected to Macklemore’s appearance on the tour. But after he had tried to negotiate with the venue owners ‘at length to build bridges’, ultimately the promoters made the decision to pull the plug. Artists who have pulled out include Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Beoga. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian assistant opinion editor Jason Okundaye Read more: All supporting acts withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore

Indonesia is in the middle of a climate emergency, experiencing what Nasa calls the ‘apex predator’ of wildfires. It’s burning an area three times the size of Singapore and choking millions across south-east Asia with toxic haze. But while Europe’s catastrophic summer made headlines in Australia, the climate emergency happening to one of our closest neighbours is less well known. Kate Lamb joins Matilda Boseley to talk about just how consequential these fires could become

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad look at whether there is any appetite across the political spectrum to put guardrails on artificial intelligence as around the world existential fears mount that the technology is developing too quickly. They also explain what the latest supreme court ruling on the Trump administration’s mail-in ballot restrictions means for the midterms. And they look at what happened when the US president waded into the Irish reunification debate

As One Nation squeezes the Liberal vote, Andrew Hastie’s clash with Pauline Hanson over a video calling him a traitor has exposed deep faultlines across Australia’s political right. So is the MP becoming the face of the Liberal party fightback against One Nation? And what does this battle mean for the former SAS captain’s political ambitions? Reged Ahmad and Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy discuss whether Hastie is building a platform to challenge Angus Taylor for the Liberal leadership

A series of figures in the tech world have been warning about – and even resigning over – the existential threat posed by artificial intelligence. How worried should we be? Today in Focus host Annie Kelly speaks with technology editor Robert Booth

This Independent Commission Against Corruption has spent eight weeks investigating allegations of Liberal party branch stacking and illegal donations in New South Wales, with hearings revealing an ideological political war rarely seen outside meeting rooms or private conversations. Guardian Australia’s Anne Davies has been following the inquiry, joining a packed public gallery to watch a ‘parade’ of conservative young Liberal party figures who find themselves under the ‘scalpel-like’ questioning of Icac barrister Peggy Dwyer. With the investigation set to finish this week, Reged Ahmad speaks to Davies about what she describes as ‘the best show in town’

‘If you’re trying to say I’m being funded by Gina Rinehart, the answer is no.’ That’s what the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, told the Guardian’s senior correspondent Sarah Martin in February. We now know that’s not true. Over months, Martin has pieced together flight-tracking data and expense records to uncover the true extent of financial support flowing from Australia’s richest person to the country’s fastest growing political force. Episode one of The Populist tells the inside story, from the Farrer byelection to the National Press Club, including exclusive new reporting

Around the globe, rightwing politicians pushing nationalist and anti-immigration policies are on the rise. The Populist explores the growing appeal of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation – a party that has imported the modus operandi of the populist right, including Trump-style attacks on the media. Investigations correspondent Sarah Martin speaks to Reged Ahmad about the new four-part podcast series launching tomorrow

Virginia man Jon Ganz was rebuilding his life after spending more than two decades in prison for a horrific crime. Last year, he got a prompt on his phone that his wife, Rachel, believes changed their lives forever. It was from Google, inviting him to try the company’s AI chatbot, Gemini

Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly (filling in for Tony Barry this week) go straight to Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie’s stoush with Pauline Hanson over an animated cartoon. Is Hastie one of the few politicians willing to take on the One Nation leader? And could this be the beginning of the Liberal party fighting back? Staying with One Nation: what does the coverage of Warren Pickering’s press conference this week say about how the media – and the public – treats political leaders differently? And the prime minister continues to come under scrutiny over grants awarded to a golf club in his electorate Hastie accepts apology from Joyce over ‘traitor’ cartoon as Hanson doubles down and tells critics to ‘chill’

After a slow start to the week, the criminal trial of Alan Jones accelerated with a swift succession of witnesses taking the stand. Through a former politician, close friends and loyal associates, the court heard details of alleged indecent touching, scornful text messages and declarations of an ‘unbreakable bond’ with Jones.Nour Haydar speaks to media correspondent Amanda Meade to unpack the cross-examinations, key testimonies and courtroom revelations

One Nation’s proposal to allow people to access 3% of their super contributions for three years is touted as a lifeline for lower-income earners who are struggling to get by. But with no modelling by the party to show the long-term effects, are we better off with our money in super or in our pockets? Economist and Guardian columnist Greg Jericho speaks to Matilda Boseley about One Nation’s ‘sugar hit’ policy – and the superannuation reform that could actually ease the cost-of-living crisis

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy look across the water to Germany, where the rightwing political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has had a landslide state election win. As some commentators draw parallels to the Maga movement, they examine how Donald Trump is influencing global leaders and movements. Also in this episode: why are White House staffers being subjected to polygraph tests? And George Clooney criticises the US administration in Venice

Rates of smoking in Australia are the lowest they’ve ever been, but at the same time, the illicit trade has never been bigger. It’s estimated 80% of the tobacco trade is now illicit and the same taxes that helped curb smoking are now fuelling organised crime. One Nation and the Coalition both believe cutting the tobacco excise is the only way to stop crime. But with the potential for reform on the table, Matilda Boseley speaks to senior reporter Henry Belot about why the tobacco lobby are keen to influence debate

As the federal government prepares to introduce digital duty of care laws, social media users could soon be given the option to turn off their recommendation algorithms entirely. But with the Coalition warning of internet censorship and big tech relying on these feeds for revenue, would an opt-out switch actually make platforms safer? Technology reporter Josh Taylor joins Reged Ahmad to unpack Labor’s proposed crackdown on social media algorithms

Dotted like an outline around parts of Australia’s coast are military bases – the majority of which the US has control of or access to. Now a special Guardian investigation reveals the breadth of Donald Trump’s US military presence in the country, to a scale that the Australian public might not be aware of. Some analysts are warning it represents a ‘saturation’ or ‘colonisation’ of the Australian continent. Senior reporter Ben Doherty speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether America’s strong military presence in Australia could drag us unwillingly into war

Across the world, hundreds of people have come to believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Others say their AI has ‘awakened’, or is leading them to a higher spiritual realm. Guardian journalist Michael Safi begins investigating a phenomenon labelled ‘AI psychosis’, travelling to the US to meet two people who have been on weird journeys with their chatbots

Barrie Cassidy and George Megalogenis (filling in for Tony this week) examine George’s new book, Three Shocks: Who We are Becoming in the 21st Century, and how these forces are reshaping our national identity and Australian politics. They also look at the politics of the housing market and Barrie responds to a listener who questions his analysis of One Nation’s inability to get over the “wall” around the cities Best Australian books out in September House prices could fall 10%, analysts predict, as fourth interest rate hike looms

As talkback titan Ray Hadley took the witness box in Alan Jones’s indecent assault and sexual touching trial, the court heard accounts of a tearful disclosure, a secret contract and decades of professional animosity. Under cross-examination, explosive text messages laid bare the full extent of the station’s high-stakes internal power struggle. Host Nour Haydar and Guardian media correspondent Amanda Meade are back to take you through week five of the trial of Alan Jones

The death of a 16-year-old in Sydney’s northern beaches from a suspected act of sexual strangulation has put a spotlight on the dangerous trend – a trend that more than half of people under 40 say they’ve tried. The case raises difficult questions about young people and risky sex, consent, and the responsibility of the porn industry. Today, Matilda Boseley speaks to global editor Lucy Clark and lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman about why so many people wrongly believe sexual choking is ‘safe’, and the education and regulation that can combat it

Thirty years after Tupac Shakur’s death, a man has been found guilty of killing the hip-hop legend. Helen Pidd talks to William Shaw and Jessica Hill about the conclusion to Tupac’s murder trial, and the star’s life, legacy and untimely death

Nearly a week after a catastrophic glacier collapse struck the Nepal-China border, the death toll continues to rise as emergency teams search through heavy mud and submerged hydro tunnels. With thousands still unaccounted for, including dozens of Australian travellers, international rescue operations are racing against time. Guardian reporter Cait Kelly speaks to Rafqa Touma from Kathmandu about the devastation on the ground, the search for survivors and what happens next

One Nation has claimed victory in the Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour, delivering a massive blow to a safe Labor stronghold. With voter frustration over cost-of-living issues boiling over, what does this mean for the major parties heading into the next elections? Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, joins Reged Ahmad to unpack One Nation’s rise and how Labor is struggling to respond

When Jackson Pollock painted Blue Poles, his masterpiece of American abstract expressionism, little did he know it would become one of Australia’s most fascinating political controversies. The piece ensnared everyone from Gough Whitlam to the shah of Iran, only to end up in Canberra’s National Gallery as a symbol of our nation’s burgeoning modernity. With the news that Blue Poles is relocating from Canberra to Perth, Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to Rafqa Touma about the colliding worlds of art and politics featured in his book, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed a nation

Tony Barry and Sean Kelly, sitting in for Barrie Cassidy, examine the politics of immigration and asylum after contradictory policy statements this week from Labor and One Nation. They discuss how much Labor is being led by One Nation and whether the government is doing enough to make the case for migration. They also talk about the concessions made by the Albanese government to the states on GST and renewable energy for datacentres, as well as the bumpy economic road ahead for Labor, with new inflation numbers suggesting possible interest rates hikes in the future Albanese vows refugee intake won’t be slashed, shutting down plans of Coalition-level cut Analysis: One Nation’s immigration policy is clear as mud – but that ambiguity could be a secret weapon for Pauline Hanson

Hundreds of people are missing or have been killed after a catastrophic flash flood hit Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday. Entire villages have been destroyed, many of which were popular pilgrimage and trekking destinations for tourists. Lucy Hough talks to global editor Devika Bhat about how the devastating event unfolded

Week four of the Alan Jones trial zeroed in on a single afternoon 20 years ago, to a luncheon hosted by the veteran broadcaster. A man referred to in court as Complainant C alleges he was indecently assaulted in the presence of other guests, an allegation Jones denies. So what have witnesses recalled from that afternoon two decades ago and why has one high profile lunch guest been accused of ‘tailoring’ his evidence? Nour Haydar speaks to Guardian Australia’s media correspondent, Amanda Meade, to unpack a week of courtroom exchanges, revealing text messages, and an unusual turn by the prosecution.

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s US politics podcast Decoding America, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad explore why datacentres in the US have provoked such anger – and whether that could harm Republicans in the midterms given Donald Trump is such a supporter of the growing industry. They also look at why the US and Canada are fighting over tariffs. The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, is pushing back and both countries could be on the cusp of a full-blown trade war. Finally: why does the Trump administration’s secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, have his very own YouTube show – and is he the only one?

Following a sexual assault allegation linked to the Sydney Swans, the AFL community’s response quickly shifted to premiership points and player suspensions. But for many fans, the real issue isn’t on-field fallout, it’s how the football industry responds when allegations of violence against women emerge. Host Matilda Bosley is joined by sports writer and editor Martin Pegan to unpack why, and how, the conversation needs to change.

More than two years ago, Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom was killed by the Israel Defense Forces while travelling in a convoy with humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen. Israel’s decision on Wednesday to clear its soldiers of criminal liability has sparked widespread condemnation, from Frankcom’s family to the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who called the move an “outrage”. Now, as calls grow for accountability, an apology and potential reparations, political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about a new low in Australia and Israel’s relations You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Natalie Harp is Donald Trump’s most devoted aide: she travels the world with him, types his Truth Social posts, and even pens the US president ‘adoring’ letters. But reports that Harp had no official security clearance for a year has raised questions about the people Trump allows into his inner circle. So just who is Natalie Harp? The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief David Smith speaks to Reged Ahmad about Harp’s journey from cancer survivor to Trump supporter – and how one Democrat senator put her in the global spotlight

This week, the Albanese government passed major reforms to online gambling advertising and deep cuts to rein in NDIS spending – all with the Coalition’s support. David Pocock has long been a vocal critic of the government’s approach to both of these issues, saying Labor and the opposition have failed to stand up to vested interests on gambling reforms. And while he agrees NDIS cuts are needed, he says major parties have ignored expert evidence on the value of community participation and are handing over important decisions to algorithms with little scrutiny. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to the independent senator about what he thinks this notable week of deal-making means for the nation’s political future – while both major parties continue to be spooked by One Nation’s rise

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the two deals made this week between the Coalition and Labor on gambling advertising and the NDIS. They also look ahead to the upcoming byelection in the Western Australian electorate of Secret Harbour, which sits within Andrew Hastie’s electorate. Could One Nation again emerge victorious? If so, what threat would that pose to the federal Liberal MP’s political fortunes? And after the break the Barries take a question from Neil in Bendigo, a super fan of the show, about when Albanese is likely to go and who could take the leadership

In the third week of the trial of former talkback radio star Alan Jones, a complainant took to the witness box to recount his time working at 2GB. Complainant C detailed allegations of indecent assault, a power dynamic, and why he felt he had to ‘cop it’. The defence has argued Jones never indecently assaulted the complainant. Nour Haydar is joined by media correspondent Amanda Meade to unpack the evidence and intense cross-examination

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s US politics podcast, co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy look at what the reported food shortages and mental health crisis on the USS Lincoln say about whether the US military is stretched too thin as the war on Iran drags on. They also look at Donald Trump’s vaccine executive order and why experts are fearful it could spread vaccine hesitancy to Australia. Finally, what’s the update on Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s long-running bromance?

New South Wales will become the first state to undertake Australia’s biggest gun buyback in 30 years in a jointly funded scheme in response to the Bondi beach terror attack. The move has been welcomed by many, but has also been met with opposition from the Coalition and One Nation who say it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. Rafqa Touma speaks to reporter Penry Buckley about whether the buyback will work and why the scheme has angered so many

Christopher Berry-Dee has been a pioneer of the true crime genre for years. The UK’s all-time bestselling true crime author is a self-proclaimed expert in serial killers, persuading them to give interviews and laying out their crimes in extensive detail. ‘Persuasive,’ says Sirin Kale after speaking to many who know him, ‘that’s a word that comes up a lot.’ However, after an investigation with fellow investigations correspondent Lucy Osborne, Sirin tells Annie Kelly about a much darker side to Berry-Dee, who has been accused by multiple women of violence, rape and sexual assault. Berry-Dee denies the allegations

With just months to go before New Zealand voters head to the polls, the prime minister, Christopher Luxon, has survived his second leadership spill in just four months. As flagging poll numbers, a sluggish economy and high-profile gaffes build pressure on Luxon, can the embattled leader retain his grip on power through November? The Guardian’s New Zealand correspondent Eva Corlett joins Reged Ahmad to look inside NZ politics and whether the PM can make it to election day

From immigration to inflation, housing sits at the heart of most political debates. But political parties are struggling to come up with a coherent message – and no one has a clear plan to fix the crisis. The Liberal senator and shadow housing minister, Andrew Bragg, last week said his plan to cut immigration is the solution – but so far he’s fuzzy on the details. And the government wants house prices to fall but doesn’t seem to want to take credit for it when they do. Reged Ahmad speaks to economist Saul Eslake on what really works and why politicians can’t seem to fix one of the biggest problems facing us all

Federal parliament has returned from winter break with a frenetic start to the second half of the political year. There were days of commentary and squirming over ‘melon-gate’ and, with Labor planning to make a deal with the Coalition to pass gambling reforms, there are still doubts about the government’s ambition in its second term. In an ‘ask me anything’ edition of the Australian Politics podcast, Tom McIlroy, Krishani Dhanji, Josh Butler and Sarah Basford Canales from Guardian Australia’s Canberra bureau answer questions from listeners and readers

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry look at Liberal senator Andrew Bragg’s speech this week in which he outlined his plan to solve the housing crisis – a plan that doesn’t have the support of his own party. The Barries also discuss the ‘melon-gate’ controversy, with Tony asking if a conservative politician would be subjected to more or less outrage if they had done the same thing. Also in this episode, the deal on gambling between Labor and the Coalition

As week two of the criminal trial against Alan Jones draws to a close, intense cross-examination of the first complainant, known as J, comes to an end. After testimony from J’s witnesses, inconsistencies in timelines about the alleged offending 20 years ago threatened to delay proceedings. Guardian Australia media correspondent Amanda Meade joins Nour Haydar to unpack the latest evidence and courtroom roadblocks

After allegations that some betting companies provided gamblers with drugs and sex workers as enticements to keep wagering, pressure to act on gambling reform has mounted from all sides. And this week it seems Anthony Albanese is edging closer to a deal with the Coalition to pass new restrictions on advertising and inducements. But with backbenchers and advocates calling for stronger measures than those now on the table, will the prime minister go harder? Rafqa Touma speaks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, about the negotiations between Albanese and Angus Taylor on the issue and whether the deal they reach will do what is needed to help those struggling with gambling addiction

When the University of Cambridge appoints a new professor, it doesn’t usually make global headlines. But Jason Arday was different. He was just 37 in 2023 when he became Cambridge’s youngest black professor, specialising in the sociology of race and education. The achievement seemed all the more remarkable because of his incredible backstory. Yet almost as soon as he began his professorship at Cambridge’s Jesus College, the whispers began. Initially, the focus was on his academic scholarship. But, the Guardian’s arts and culture correspondent Lanre Bakare tells Helen Pidd, the allegations snowballed, and soon every aspect of his life story was put under the microscope. Last week, he resigned. But how did this happen? And what does this tell us about how black scholars are treated by academia and the media?

For the past three years, we’ve known him only as a ‘high-profile businessman’, accused and then convicted of raping a woman in his home. Until last week, when the court order suppressing his name was lifted and he was revealed to be Ralph Carr, one of Australian music’s heavyweights, a man who helped bring us the biggest pop stars of the 90s. Names like Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi and Tina Arena – his ex-wife. Guardian Australia can reveal that dozens of other women who worked for Ralph Carr Management accused him of verbally abusive and intimidating behaviour dating back to the 1990s. Some accuse him of sexual harassment. He denies the claims and maintains his innocence regarding his rape conviction. Reged Ahmad speaks to culture editor Steph Harmon about her exclusive report

Just a few weeks ago, the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, was riding high after a successful World Cup. Now, he’s on the brink of losing his job. Infantino has apologised for his controversial plan to sell off the World Cup, but it’s done nothing to dampen the calls for his resignation. So why was the plan so despised, and is it one controversy too far for the man who once awarded Donald Trump a peace prize? Host Reged Ahmad speaks to sport reporter Jack Snape on whether this is the final whistle for Infantino

It’s been a long time since a woman led the Labor party. This term, Tanya Plibersek will become the longest serving woman of the House of Representatives in Australia. Plibersek has held senior cabinet and shadow cabinet roles since 2004, was deputy leader to Bill Shorten between 2013 and 2019, and is one of the most recognisable politicians in the country. But in the conversation of who is in line to be Labor’s next leader after Albanese, Plibersek barely registers, nor do any other women. And this is despite the party achieving gender parity in its caucus. Political reporter Krishani Dhanji speaks to Rafqa Touma on why it’s been a long time since a woman led the Labor party

Barrie Cassidy is back, and kicks off the episode by analysing the conflict in the Labor party over migration that led to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, pulling out of his scheduled press club speech this week. Tony Barry delves into new Redbridge polling suggesting small gains for One Nation and the Coalition at a federal level. And as the conversation turns to Victorian politics, he surprises everyone – including himself – by defending a trade union leader. They also answer some listener questions, and Tony has his say on Jetstar’s new cabin luggage charges.

The criminal trial of veteran broadcaster Alan Jones has begun almost two years after he was arrested over multiple counts of indecent assault and sexual touching – charges he strongly denies. What did week one reveal about the prosecution’s case, and the way Jones treated his alleged teenage victim? Nour Haydar speaks to Guardian Australia’s media correspondent, Amanda Meade, to unpack opening statements and key evidence from the first week of the trial

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad take a look at how the Michigan Senate primaries could decide the future of the Democrats. This is a race that has revealed the civil war raging inside the party, as some seek to take it further to the left, with candidates such as Abdul El-Sayed. But will this schism be the Democrats’ Maga moment, or will it leave the party open to a Republican communist ‘red scare’ campaign that could cost them the midterms? They also look at why the Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring its opposition to any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the next chapter in the reflecting pool saga and why Donald Trump said US attorney and Maga faithful Jeanine Pirro had ‘folded like an umbrella’

Despite most Australians supporting clean technology, the campaign against wind and solar infrastructure has proven to be effective, striking a chord with many of those living in remote and rural areas. So how do we bring everyone along on the transition to a renewable energy-focused future? And who’s putting up roadblocks? The Guardian’s environment and climate correspondent Graham Readfearn joins Reged Ahmad to unpack Australia’s relationship with renewables

The One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has repeatedly declared that he doesn’t ‘believe in multiculturalism’. But the reality on the ground in his New South Wales electorate of New England suggests otherwise. Joyce supported a campaign for the town of Armidale to become a refugee resettlement centre but, as a member of One Nation, his party advocates for a ‘monocultural’ Australia and for restricting migration to those who can speak English. Nour Haydar speaks to the Guardian’s community affairs reporter, Adeshola Ore, about what she learned on the ground from Armidale’s growing refugee community – and from an interview with Joyce himself

Alan Jones will today front court on 22 indecent assault and sexual touching charges, spanning a nearly two-decade period. He denies all charges. But how did we get here? Once a media giant who enjoyed the height of influence and power, he is now the centre of one of Australia’s highest-profile criminal cases. The Guardian’s media correspondent, Amanda Meade, joins Nour Haydar to get us up to speed on the trial

Two years into her role representing King Charles, Australia’s head of state, the governor general, Sam Mostyn, says she has observed a “woeful lack of understanding” among the adult population about the civic underpinnings of Australia’s democracy – beginning with the constitution. Mostyn speaks to Guardian Australia political editor, Tom McIlroy, at Admiralty House in Sydney about her decision to focus on a wide-ranging civics education for modern Australia, to address the “growing catastrophe” that undermines democratic participation

Tony Barry and Jon Faine (sitting in for Barrie Cassidy this week) examine the ousting of Jacinta Allan and the anointing of Ben Carroll as the new premier of Victoria. They discuss what it could all mean for the upcoming election and while they say anything can happen, Tony’s tummy compass points to a win for Jess Wilson. And, weeks into the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion, Faine gives his take on the hearings so far

It has been a messy week in Australian politics. In NSW, the Liberal party faced the corruption watchdog over allegations of branch stacking and illegal donations. In Victoria, the noise around the so-called Big Build brought down a premier and threatens to further alienate already aggrieved voters. Josephine Tovey is joined by Mike Ticher, Patrick Keneally and Anne Davies to talk about a bad week for trust in politics

Twenty-five years ago, on a desolate stretch of Australian highway, Bradley John Murdoch flagged down British backpackers Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio. Falconio was never seen again. Now, as police continue to try to bring closure for his family, one former British government expert says he knows the ‘most likely’ place where Falconio’s body was hidden Queensland correspondent Ben Smee joins Reged Ahmad as police try to finally close the case on the murder of Peter Falconio

In this episode of Guardian Australia’s weekly US politics podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Yerushalmy and Reged Ahmad discuss Donald Trump’s closed-door meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. They also examine the president’s escalating attacks on the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as well as his performance at the White House correspondent’s dinner

Victoria has a new premier after the education minister, Ben Carroll, was voted in by the Labor party during a chaotic caucus meeting on Tuesday morning. His predecessor, Jacinta Allan, stood down after a tumultuous few months at the helm of a government diving in the polls and struggling to fend off a rising One Nation ahead of November’s state election. Victorian state correspondent Benita Kolovos tells Reged Ahmad how the day unfolded and whether a change in leadership can improve Labor’s chances at the ballot box later this year

Taking place once every three years, the Labor party conference can be a chance to have open debates on vexed policy issues – but this one was different. Reged Ahmad speaks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, about whether the prime minister is insisting on too much control and what his tight hold means for his party’s chances of taking on One Nation

This year the FBI issued urgent warnings to parents about 764, a global online community where children are manipulated into acts of violence. With hundreds of investigations under way worldwide, including in Australia, 764 and groups like it are accused of using coercion to turn vulnerable minors into victims and, in some cases, predators. Nour Haydar speaks to investigations reporter Ariel Bogle about the dangers to children these networks pose

Speaking with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy at the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, Peter Malinauskas talks about his own state contest with One Nation and why progressives should not speak down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters. And despite the US admitting this week that the production rate of Virginia-class submarines has not increased, the SA premier argues that abandoning Aukus would pose an even greater risk than the controversial agreement’s potential problems

Tony Barry and George Megalogenis (filling in for Barrie Cassidy) give their view on One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce’s viral moment this week and why they think it played well to his party’s base. George takes us back to past elections that produced favourable results for One Nation to remind us that we have been here before and that political predictions often don’t come true. And they sign off with a listener email asking if the rise in polling is damaging democracy

Political and media attention this week has once again been squarely focused on One Nation’s antics. But while Pauline Hanson had her Euro summer, many of that continent’s biggest cities were enduring their worst heat stress in recorded history. In Australia, an El Niño summer is not far away and we may be headed for our hottest winter on record. Jo Tovey speaks with Mike Ticher and assistant climate editor Donna Lu about whether Australia is being too complacent about the changing climate

Tens of thousands of young protesters poured on to the streets of India’s capital, New Delhi, this week amid an explosion of anger over the country’s education system and youth unemployment. The protesters are supporters of the Cockroach Janta party, which started as an online joke but has quickly become an unexpected challenge to the powerful rightwing government of Narendra Modi. Nour Haydar speaks to the Guardian’s south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, about what’s behind India’s growing protests

Co-hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy look at why Donald Trump chose to make a prime-time address about the US electoral system: was he trying to destabilise and undermine confidence before the midterms, and will it work? Also: why is the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, ordering annual testosterone deficiency screening for soldiers in the military aged 30 and older?

There has been no end to the negative headlines generated in response to comments made by Pauline Hanson on her trip overseas – and it has forced members of One Nation, including Barnaby Joyce, to defend and explain her actions back home. Guardian Australia political reporter Josh Butler speaks to Reged Ahmad about how the trip’s many controversies could play with One Nation supporters in Australia

Senior political correspondent Peter Walker and former No 10 press secretary Paul Harrison analyse Andy Burnham’s first day as PM

We know that the online world is awash with angry commentary, but why are we so compelled to keep scrolling, despite our best intentions? And how is it shaping our politics? Ed Coper is political adviser and communications consultant who works to harness that social media outrage machine, which he calls ‘angertainment’. And while there is no doubt it is shaping political strategy now, especially on the right side of politics, Coper says there is an antidote to all that outrage – one that could bring us back to the days of constructive conversation. He speaks to Reged Ahmad about his new book, Angertainment: How Social Media Outrage Ruined Everything

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has opened in Australia to much hype and intense interest. The first film ever to be shot entirely on Imax film has prompted fans to go on their own epic journey – crossing oceans to see it at one of just 41 cinemas around the world equipped to screen it in its original 70mm format. But as Homer’s Odyssey plays out onscreen, a struggle is happening offscreen too, with some saying this film could help the prospects of an ailing cinema industry trying to stay alive in an age of streaming. Reged Ahmad speaks to the deputy culture editor, Sian Cain, on whether The Odyssey has the capacity to entice people away from their devices and back to the big screen.

Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy talks to Paul Kelly about his new book on the turbulent era of the Liberal party under prime ministers Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. In The Twilight of Exceptionalism, Kelly writes about how the Liberal leadership changed hands from a conservative to a progressive and then a transactional centrist. The Australian newpaper’s editor-at-large argues that this period demonstrated the party was fractured over its values and confused about its identity in a changing world

This week Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry examine the One Nation leader’s podcast interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson and ask: will this interview cause fractures within the party and weaken her leadership? They also look at the rightwing party’s position on international affairs and new polling in the lead-up to the Victorian election

After a record-breaking 102 matches, the 2026 World Cup is drawing to a close. As Spain prepares to face Argentina in the final on Monday morning AEST, we unpack the tournament’s defining moments, from presidential interference to controversial video assistant referee (VAR) interventions. Nour Haydar speaks to football writer Sam Lewis about her final predictions and how this World Cup has changed the tournament for ever

When senator Lindsey Graham unexpectedly died this week, he left behind a new uncertainty in US politics. Known as a critical deal-maker in Congress, Republicans have lost a key bridge between the Democrats – and Donald Trump. Graham was also one of the few remaining Reagan-style Republicans and his death leaves questions around the future of US foreign policy, particularly on Ukraine and Israel. Reged Ahmad speaks to the Guardian’s Washington bureau chief, David Smith, back from being on the ground in South Carolina, about whether Graham’s death marks a new moment in the future of the Republican party

Australia’s aged care regulator is investigating dozens of complaints that aged care providers are charging fees for services that older Australians can’t use or even understand. Meanwhile, a class action against one of Australia’s largest for-profit providers has also alleged it charged residents additional fees for basic services it is legally obliged to provide. Nour Haydar speaks to Guardian Australia medical editor, Melissa Davey, on the alleged illegal fees being charged to vulnerable Australians

The AI revolution is here, and with it a fear that soon it will replace many of us in the workplace. The Australian government is grappling with how to deal with the multi-layered disruption but so far reform has been slow as it weighs up regulation against the claims of investment opportunities an AI boom presents. Could that change on Wednesday when the prime minister delivers a landmark speech addressing the government’s approach to the technology? The chief political correspondent, Dan Jervis-Bardy, speaks to Reged Ahmad about the tightrope the PM needs to walk between embracing new technology and protecting workers