ABC News Daily

A fragile two week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel has raised hopes ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be on the move.  Disruptions to the oil and gas supply have raised fears of a global economic slowdown as surging fuel prices punish households and businesses.  Today, Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, on whether a ceasefire changes expectations about the economic fallout and whether petrol and diesel prices are set to fall. Featured:  Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University

Donald Trump was threatening to wipe out ‘a whole civilisation’, then about an hour before his deadline the US president announced a ceasefire deal had been struck with Iran.  Iran and the United States will now spend two weeks negotiating a peace plan, but it seems there’s little they can agree on. Today, Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center on why Trump ‘blinked’ and what comes next. Featured:  Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University

As a Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith is one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers. Now, he’s been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder.  It comes after he lost a landmark defamation trial in which a judge found that on the balance of probabilities, allegations the former special forces soldier was responsible for, or complicit in the deaths of four detainees in Afghanistan were substantially true.  Today, international law expert Don Rothwell on the charges, which if proven, could see Ben Roberts-Smith jailed for life. Featured:  Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the Australian National University’s College of Law

We know that US President Donald Trump is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to the war in Iran, but who’s in his ear? From Pete Hegseth to Marco Rubio and JD Vance, they’re each playing a role in executing or trying to explain the rationale for the controversial action in Iran.  If the war can’t be sold as a success in the end, who in Trump’s cabinet will end up paying the price? Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on Trump’s team and whether any of them know what they’re doing.  Featured:  David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

Oil and financial markets have been swinging wildly with every social media post from Donald Trump.  But a pattern of large, well-timed trades placed on commodity and prediction markets just minutes before major Iran war announcements has emerged.  It’s raising concerns that some investors could be acting on inside information.  Today, Andrew Verstein an expert on insider trading and law professor at UCLA on the money changing hands. Featured:  Andrew Verstein, Professor of Law, and Faculty Co-Director of the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy at UCLA.

He's sending more troops to the Middle East, while insisting the war in Iran is nearly over.  So is Donald Trump preparing to pull out or digging in?  If the US steps back, it's signalled other countries could be left to secure the Strait of Hormuz-- a vital global oil route-- on their own. Today, defence strategist Kelly A. Grieco on why whatever comes next, the chaos is far from over. Featured: Kelly A. Grieco, Senior Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center

With the Easter break approaching, many motorists are wondering if they’ll be able to fill up their tanks and whether it’s worth travelling far from home.  The fuel crunch has been triggered by the ongoing war in Iran which is disrupting global oil supply, making availability in Australia increasingly uncertain.  Today, energy expert Saul Kavonic on what to expect and why government fuel incentives could make the situation worse. Featured:  Saul Kavonic, energy analyst, MST Financial

Could the Iran war lead our economy into a recession? Past oil shocks have sparked economic downturns and as petrol and diesel prices climb now, it could happen again.  Today, the ABCs finance expert Alan Kohler on why he thinks this could be one of the great disasters of our lifetime.  Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of the “That's Business with Alan Kohler” podcast

With the Iran war sending the price of fuel skyrocketing, the trucking industry is amongst the hardest hit and the costs will be passed on to consumers. So, are the latest electric trucks up to the job of moving goods around such a large country and can the challenges around cost, infrastructure and range be overcome? Today, Scott Dwyer from the Institute of Sustainable Futures at UTS on the advances in technology that could help us avoid the worst impacts of the next fuel crisis. Featured:  Scott Dwyer, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney

Donald Trump is in the midst of a messy war with Iran, but at the same time his sights are set on Cuba.  The US leader says he’ll be having the “honour of taking Cuba”, which has been crippled by an oil embargo president Trump imposed earlier this year.  Today, Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban history at the University of Florida on Trump’s next move.  Featured:  Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida

Donald Trump says Iran is negotiating with the US to end the war, but Iran says that’s ‘fake news’. So, are there efforts underway to bring the conflict to a close or not? And who’s winning the war? Today, Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council’s Middle East program on Iran’s stronghold on the Strait of Hormuz and why it will only stop the fighting on its terms.  Featured:  Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council

When South Australians went to the polls on the weekend one in five voters put One Nation first.  That’s the party’s best showing in that state ever and federal party leader Pauline Hanson says a movement is under way.  Referring to the party’s colour branding, One Nation’s SA leader Cory Bernardi insists an ‘orange wave’ is here to stay.  Today, the ABC’s Melissa Clarke on how the party is translating strong polling into votes and what that means for federal politics.  Featured:  Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent and host of ‘AM’

For years, Australians heading to Europe have relied on flights that have stopovers in the Gulf. But as war in the Middle East disrupts travel plans for thousands, should we reconsider the region as a transit hub?  And if you’ve already booked flights via the Gulf, what should you do now? Featured:  Ian Douglas, aviation management lecturer at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Are the petrol stations price gouging and cashing in on the Iran war?  If they are, is there anything that can stop them?  Today, David Byrne, professor of economics at the University of Melbourne on how fuel companies justify the rapid price rises and what motorists can do to fight back. Featured:  David Byrne, professor of economics at the University of Melbourne

Donald Trump’s top counterterrorism official has quit over the war in Iran.  He says pressure from Israel, not an imminent threat from Iran, led the US president to start the conflict. Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on Benjamin Netanyahu’s goals in Iran and how long he wants the fight to last.   He explains why, if regime change isn’t possible, Israel might keep going until the Iranian state fails.   Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

The RBA has lifted interest rates for a second consecutive month. Are we now in a long rate hiking cycle, accelerated by the war in Iran, or could this be the rise that finally brings inflation under control?  Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the uncertainty for the economy and the outlook for rates.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

As the Iran war enters its third week, the ripple effect is growing around the world as the global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.  In Australia, petrol and diesel prices are soaring and in some regional areas the bowsers have run dry. Today, David Leaney, an international supply chain expert from the ANU on how panic buying is driving prices higher and why the government should start restricting sales.   Featured:  David Leaney, international supply chain management consultant and Lecturer at Australian National University

It was one of the worst environmental disasters to strike Australia’s oceans.  When a massive algal bloom arrived in South Australia, devastating the coastline and killing marine life, the public was initially told it wasn’t toxic, when it later became apparent it was. Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on his investigation into what the South Australian government knew and whether it acted fast enough. Featured:  Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

Almost two weeks into the war in Iran, Donald Trump's endgame remains elusive. He insists the US has won already, even as the bombs fall and Iran's drones cause havoc in the region. Did the US president misjudge how a war with Iran would play out and how significant the ripple effects would be across the world? Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine Tom Nichols on why the Trump administration is 'strategically incompetent' and why he thinks the president is suffering from 'victory disease'. Featured: Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

Artificial intelligence is playing a key role in the war in Iran, with AI tools suspected of being used to gather intelligence, pick targets and plan bombings. At the same time, a battle has broken out between the Trump administration and one of the leading AI firms, Anthropic, over what limits should be placed on the use of AI by the military.  Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales on why guardrails are crucial to avoid a nightmare future of AI fuelled warfare.  Featured:  Toby Walsh, UNSW AI Institute chief scientist

They stood on a field in the Gold Coast and bravely refused to sing their national anthem and they were condemned as traitors on Iranian state TV.  A week later, members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who competed in the Women’s Asian Cup have been offered asylum in Australia. Today, lawyer and sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on how it all unfolded.  Featured:  Catherine Ordway, sport integrity expert and a visiting scholar at the University of NSW School of Business based in Canberra

Donald Trump wanted regime change in Iran and to personally choose who the next leader would be.  Instead, Iran’s top clerics chose Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after he was killed in US-Israeli strikes. Today, Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre on what this appointment means for the war. Featured:  Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington D.C.

Can you believe the construction of a high speed rail network could start in just two years?  Scepticism is not unwarranted because we’ve been talking about fast train travel for decades, but it’s never happened because it basically costs too much.   Today, Joe Langley, an urban planner who worked on the Gillard government’s study of high speed rail and who is a member of the advocacy body the Australian High Speed Rail Association.  Featured:  Joe Langley, urban planner and member of the Australian High Speed Rail Association

One of Donald Trump’s stated reasons for going to war with Iran is to destroy the nuclear threat he says it poses.   But by starting the conflict has he made the world less safe?  There are concerns around what happens to Iran’s enriched nuclear material and the lessons other countries will take from Iran’s being hit while remaining at the threshold short of getting a bomb. Today, Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association on why it could all lead to more nuclear weapons around the world. Featured:  Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association

It’s been less than a week since the war in Iran began but it’s already having an economic impact here. Oil and gas prices are rising and that has the Reserve Bank worried about inflation and analysts warn that could mean more interest rate hikes.  Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on why we’re so economically vulnerable to a conflict so far away and what we can expect in the weeks ahead.   Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

The Iran war is expanding and already having ripple effects across the globe. How long will it last? US President Donald Trump says a month or longer, “whatever it takes”. Today, we speak to Rana Dadpour who fled the brutal Iranian regime in 2012 and founded the group Australian United Solidarity for Iran. We also speak with international relations expert Rajan Menon about why this could be a long war.  Featured:  Rana Dadpour, founder of Australian United Solidarity for Iran Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York and a senior research fellow at the Saltzman Institute at Columbia University

Donald Trump says the war with Iran will continue until all his goals are achieved and he’s warned more US troops are likely to die. But if one of the aims is regime change in Iran, can the US president achieve that without troops on the ground?  The war is escalating in the region with Israel beginning strikes on the Iran-linked militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon’s capital Beirut, after it launched missiles towards Israel.  Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on why the war is unlikely to go as Trump planned and the nightmare scenarios.  Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

For weeks Donald Trump threatened Iran with military strikes and on Saturday morning in Iran the bombing by US and Israeli forces began. He says Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed. In a social media video, the US president urged the Iranian people to rise up and topple the regime. Iran has responded by targeting Israel and US military bases across the region with drones and missiles, hitting targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar.  Today, Nate Swanson, Iran expert at the Atlantic Council on what could come next.  Featured:  Nate Swanson, senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council

They tried to stop it happening, but Bill and Hillary Clinton had no choice in the end but to testify or face jail time.   The political power couple is being hauled before a US congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University on what we can expect from their depositions.    Featured:  David Smith, associate professor at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

US President Donald Trump spent almost two hours outlining what he believes to be a myriad of achievements on the economy and immigration.  It’s the longest State of the Union address ever recorded.   But has the US president convinced voters that his first year in office has been a raging success and can he turn his tanking popularity around before the mid-term elections in November.   Today, Emma Shortis, a US politics expert at the progressive think tank, the Australia Institute, on Trump’s State of the Union address.   Featured:  Emma Shortis, Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program

The possible return home of a group of so-called ‘ISIS brides’ from Syria has caused a political storm. But why? Given similar groups of women and children have been returned in the past by both the Albanese and Morrison governments?  Today, Adam Harvey, reporter for the ABC’s 7.30 program, joins us to discuss his 2019 reporting as a foreign correspondent on the ground in the Syrian camp where the Australians were living.  He spoke with some of the Australian women at the time.  Adam also looks at the current debate and what happens if the group is successful in getting home.  Featured:  Adam Harvey, 7.30 reporter

The US Supreme Court has ruled that most of Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal.  So, will President Trump give back to Australian companies the millions of dollars they’ve already lost? What does the new 15 percent global tariff mean for the global economy?  Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the latest tariff chaos. Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

They used to be known as personal assistants, now you can just get an AI agent to plan your day, answer your emails and organise your life.  But what are the risks around handing over control of your data, messages and payment methods to the latest wave of artificial intelligence tools? Today, computer security expert at Melbourne University Shaanan Cohney on how AI agents work and how close we are to AI taking our jobs.  Featured:  Dr Shaanan Cohney, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security and Deputy Head for the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has spent about 10 hours of his 66th birthday in police custody as they investigate whether the former prince shared government secrets with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  King Charles has tried to distance himself from the man who remains eighth in line to the throne. But can the royal family survive this scandal? Today, the ABC’s Annabel Crabb on what happens when the justice system comes for the King’s brother. Featured:  Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

It’s a case that’s captivated America and grabbed headlines around the world. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Australian-born US Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The 84-year-old has been missing for more than three weeks and the mystery only deepened with the release of eerie doorbell footage showing a masked person at her door. Today, we speak to former FBI profiler, Mary Ellen O’Toole, who spent her career studying the criminal mind.   She tells us why it’s not likely a burglary gone wrong and what she sees in the demeanour of the masked figure.  Featured:  Mary Ellen O’Toole, former FBI profiler and currently director of the forensic science program at George Mason University

When Coles told you that prices were “Down Down”, were they really?  That’s a matter now before the Federal Court with the competition watchdog, the ACCC, arguing consumers have been misled and it needs to end.  Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on what we’ve heard in the case so far and how Coles defends its practices.  Featured:  Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter

Could we solve the housing crisis in Australia by increasing taxes on the extremely rich and targeting mining giants’ profits?  Today, British economist, former trader and YouTube star Gary Stevenson on why a wealth tax could work to end growing inequality and fix our housing problem.  He explains why rising inequality could lead to deteriorating living standards and leave Australians living in slums.  Featured:  Gary Stevenson, economist and host of Gary’s Economics

Donald Trump says it’s a scam to say that climate change is a threat to public health. So, the US president has killed off a scientific finding that says it is. The so-called endangerment finding was the basis for nearly all climate laws in the US. Now it’s gone, the White House hopes dirty industries can flourish again, including America’s petrol car manufacturers.  Today, ANU climate expert, Christian Downie on what happens when one of the world’s largest polluters gives up on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Featured:  Christian Downie, professor in the school of regulation and global governance at the Australian National University

We know Donald Trump doesn’t like losing elections and the US president is still claiming that the 2020 poll was rigged and stolen.  Now with the midterm elections just eight months away there’s concern he’s trying to fiddle with the voting system. Today, Professor Rick Hasen from UCLA on Trump’s tactics and whether he can get away with meddling with US democracy.  Featured:  Rick Hasen, Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project

Sussan Ley has lost the Liberal leadership. The partyroom voted to dump its first female leader after she’s been in the role for just nine months. Angus Taylor now has the mammoth task of turning around some of the worst polling in the Liberal Party’s history and stopping One Nation from stealing more of its voters.  Today, Niki Savva, political commentator and author and former advisor to Prime Minister John Howard, on the leadership spill and whether the Coalition has any chance of returning to government.  Featured:  Niki Savva, political commentator and author of Earthquake: The Election that Shook Australia

Donald Trump was Jeffrey Epstein’s one time friend and his name appears countless times in the Epstein files.  But it’s not the US president who’s currently fighting for his political survival. Instead, it’s the British leader Keir Starmer who’s on very shaky ground, even though he’s not in the documents.    Today, professor of politics at Deakin University, Simon Tormey, on how he became so deeply embroiled in the controversy.  Featured:  Simon Tormey, Executive Dean of Arts and Education and Professor of Politics at Deakin University

Six years ago, ASIO had the Bondi shooter Naveed Akram under investigation.  So why did the spy agency determine in 2020 that the alleged terrorist didn’t pose a serious threat and was that an intelligence failure?  The spy boss Mike Burgess stands by his agency’s assessment. But a former spy has told the ABC he met the father and son years ago and had concerns they were radicalised. Today, Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on his Four Corners investigation into what was known about Naveed Akram and his father Sajid before they killed 15 people at Bondi beach.  Featured:  Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporter

The protesters came in force, but what began peacefully descended into chaos.  Around 6,000 people had gathered to condemn the visit to Sydney by the Israeli president but there were violent clashes with police after they were ordered to disperse. Today, law professor Luke McNamara from the University of New South Wales on the new protest laws brought in after the Bondi attack and why he thinks the Labor government has gone too far.  Featured:  Luke McNamara, Professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice and the University of New South Wales

After the horrific Bondi terrorist attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the Israeli president to come to Australia. It’s a visit welcomed by prominent Jewish groups, but President Isaac Herzog is a controversial figure.  Opponents, including some pro-Palestinian and human rights activists take issue with his past comments about Gaza and his role in representing the state of Israel.  New South Wales authorities are trying to block any marches through Sydney, but protesters are vowing to press ahead. Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on the controversy surrounding the visit.   Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Demand for home batteries in Australia has taken off, with a generous government subsidy prompting more people to add power storage to their solar panel set up.  More people installed a battery in the second half of last year than during the previous five years.  Renewable power generation also made up half of the nation’s power supply last quarter. Today, Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute on what the surge in home batteries and renewables in the grid means for everyone’s power bills now and into the future. Featured:  Tony Wood, Energy and Climate Change Senior Fellow at Grattan Institute

The Canadian prime minister wants us to give up on the international rules based order, which he bluntly says is fiction and he’s urged middle power countries to unite.  As Donald Trump continues to up-end US foreign policy, what does Mark Carney mean and where does Australia fit in?  Today, Samir Puri, the author of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing, on the significance of Carney’s words and why, even when Trump is gone, the world will have changed forever.  Featured:  Samir Puri, author of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing and former director of Chatham House’s Centre for Global Governance and Security

Ever since Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs were announced in April last year, the price of gold has been rising. Its price is about 80 percent higher than it was a year ago and it’s still near its all time record after a recent sell off. So, what’s been moving the price of gold and what does it say about investor’s faith in the US and global economy?  Today, business correspondent David Taylor on why Australians have been queuing to buy the shiny metal and where the price could go next.  Featured:  David Taylor, ABC business correspondent

The Reserve Bank cut the cash rate target three times last year, but already there’s a U-turn.  The RBA board is so concerned about inflation sticking around that it has increased interest rates for the first time since 2023. Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on the RBAs failure to bring inflation down to its target and the mistakes it made in 2025.  Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

There are three million files and thousands of mentions of Donald Trump.   But the US president says the latest batch of the Epstein files clears him, while the US Department of Justice says there’s no need for any further investigation.  But is that really the end of it?  Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University on what the latest files mean for Trump and others and why millions of documents are still hidden.  Featured:  David Smith, associate professor at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

There’s turmoil at the top of the Chinese military with President Xi Jinping removing some of his most experienced generals.  He sacked two key figures, accusing them of corruption, raising questions about the timeline for his ambition to take over Taiwan.  Today, China expert Neil Thomas from the Asia Society Policy Institute on what Xi Jinping is up to.  Featured:  Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese Politics at the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington DC

We know he loves McDonald’s but why is Donald Trump so passionate about full cream milk? Whole milk has become an obsession for the US president and his health secretary RFK Jr who thinks everyone should be drinking it.  Today, Yasmin Tayag from The Atlantic on milk and why the Trump administration has turned the food pyramid on its head.  Featured:  Yasmin Tayag, staff writer at The Atlantic

One Nation’s support is surging. That’s according to successive opinion polls this year which have Pauline Hanson’s party with a primary vote higher than it’s ever been.  Today, Tony Barry, director at the Redbridge Group and former Liberal Party strategist on the voters expressing support for One Nation, whether it will translate into actual votes and why the major parties need to take notice.  Featured:  Tony Barry, director at RedBridge Group

Donald Trump is finally trying to temper the ICE crackdown in Minneapolis which has seen the shooting deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents. But why did he let it go so far in the first place?  Today, Claire Finkelstein, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania on what Trump’s really trying to achieve and why the events mirror the lead up to a civil war.  Featured:  Claire Finkelstein, professor of law and professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania

Donald Trump says he needs Greenland.  He’s suggested he could buy it and he threatened tariffs on nations that didn’t support his quest to take it.  Now he’s dropped the tariff threat after negotiations and he’s ruled out using military force.  The US president’s approach to Greenland might be erratic but it’s all in line with his foreign policy aim to reorder the world.  Today, Monica Duffy Toft from the Fletcher School at Tufts University on Trump’s bid to control the Western Hemisphere. Featured:  Monica Duffy Toft, Professor of International Politics and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University in Boston

Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok, has caused global outrage after it made it really easy to virtually undress people via AI image editing.  Musk’s competitor to ChatGPT is integrated into the social media platform X and earlier this month users started asking it to do some pretty gross things.  X was flooded with images of semi-naked women, with users able to reply to anyone’s perfectly innocent picture and ask it to put them in a bikini, for example.  While Musk initially downplayed the scandal and was slow to act, he’s now put limits on the tool. But is that the end of the story and should X be banned? Today, Sam Cole, a tech journalist and co-founder of 404 Media on the Grok scandal and how it enabled the exploitation and abuse of women.  Featured:  Sam Cole, co-founder of 404 Media

For a second time since the election the Coalition has split.  The Nationals walked out after a number of its senators crossed the floor to vote against hate speech laws this week.   The Liberals and opposition leader Sussan Ley sided with the government to pass the legislation, but key Nationals raises concerns about the rushed process and the impact on free speech.  So, is this a moment of real change in conservative politics and could One Nation pick up a few more members?  Today, David Speers, the ABC’s national political lead and host of Insiders, on how the marriage fell apart once again.  Featured:  David Speers, ABC national political lead

Jessica Chapnik Kahn was there at Bondi on December 14th, shielding her daughter as shots were fired into a Jewish festival, killing 15 people. More than a month later, she’s trying to find a way to live with what she went through and she says it's her heart that’s guiding her. Today, on this National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, we hear Jessica’s story and speak with Michael Visontay, a Sydney resident and commissioning editor of the Jewish Independent, about how the community is dealing with the aftermath of tragedy and the fractious political debate.   Featured: Jessica Chapnik Kahn, Bondi survivor Michael Visontay, The Jewish Independent commissioning editor

It’s a busy time of the year at Australian beaches, but a stretch of the NSW coast has been shut down after a surge in shark attacks.  A cluster of shark bites in Sydney has been linked to a surge in bacteria and faecal matter washed into the harbour and the ocean by recent rain.  Today, Chris Pepin-Neff, an expert in shark policy from Sydney University on what led to the uptick in shark activity and what we can do to improve safety for swimmers and surfers.  Featured:  Chris Pepin-Neff, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Sydney and a shark policy expert

Greenland is one of Donald Trump’s biggest obsessions right now. If you don’t like his dream of the US taking over the self-governed island, which is part of Denmark, then you’ll be punished.  The president is now slapping tariffs on European nations pushing back against the idea.    Today, the ABC’s global affairs editor Laura Tingle on how the UK and Europe will respond and what it means for the future of NATO.   Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC global affairs editor

Federal parliament returns early today and the prime minister has removed a racial vilification offence from Labor’s proposed hate speech laws and will now deal with restrictions on guns in a separate bill. Anthony Albanese had to change course after the bill came under huge criticism from the Greens and the federal opposition, with leader Sussan Ley describing it as half-baked and unsalvageable.  The bill came after the Bondi attack in a bid to stamp out antisemtism. So, what was in the doomed bill? And was it really that bad?  Today, Professor Kath Gelber, an expert in regulating hate speech from the University of Queensland, on the problems she saw in the government’s bill.  Editor’s note: Organisers of August’s pro-Palestinian protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge estimated 300,000 were there. The police estimate on the day was 90,000 people and the NSW Premier has said more than 100,000 attended.  Featured:  Professor Kath Gelber, Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland

He’s known for relentlessly and ruthlessly pursuing Donald Trump’s agenda and for playing a big part in shaping it.  Now, with the extraordinary start to 2026, which has included the capture of the Venezuelan president and a threat to take over Greenland, there’s a renewed focus on the US president’s key advisor Stephen Miller.  Today, Ashley Parker, staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, on her investigation into Trump’s deputy chief of staff, his power and growing influence. Featured:  Ashley Parker, The Atlantic staff writer

Donald Trump says “help is on its way” for the Iranians who have taken to the streets in the biggest uprising against the regime since the 1979 Islamic revolution.  But what does he mean by help? Is Trump ready to order US military strikes as the death toll climbs into the thousands?  Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what to expect in the days ahead and the signals that a new Iranian revolution is underway.  Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington DC

This year’s Adelaide Writers’ Week has been cancelled following a debacle that involved a boycott by more than 180 participants, board members quitting and the event’s director stepping down.  There was outrage about the board’s decision to remove Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the rundown citing cultural sensitivities in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.  Today, Denis Muller from the Centre for Advancing Journalism at Melbourne Uni on the damage done and what it means for free speech.     Featured:  Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne and co-host of the Truth, Lies and Media podcast

The former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will finish up his posting as Australia's ambassador to the United States a year earlier than expected. He’s received thanks and praise from the Prime Minister for his work, but it’s raised questions about whether Mr Rudd's past critical comments about the US President have hastened his departure from the role.  Today, former Australian ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos on the challenges of the posting, and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute, Mark Kenny on whether Mr Rudd’s position was still tenable.  Featured: Mark Kenny, Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute  Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian ambassador to the United States

Violent anti-government protests in Iran have entered a third week, with fears more than 500 people have been killed and thousands more arrested as the regime cracks down on the unrest. Donald Trump is now weighing-up military options and Tehran has warned of retaliation.  Today, how seriously Iran's leaders are taking US threats, and why so many Iranians are now calling for the regime to end. Featured:  Negin Shiraghaei, British-Iranian activist and founder of the Azadi network Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist

More than three weeks since the Bondi terror attack, the federal government has announced a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Since the massacre, Anthony Albanese has resisted calls to establish an inquiry.  But after widespread pressure continued to mount, the PM has reversed course, now defending his decision to not call an inquiry sooner. Today, ABC political editor Jacob Greber on how the government was forced to act, and the CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, Michelle Goldman on the reaction from the Jewish community. Featured: Michele Goldman, CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies Jacob Greber, ABC political editor

As the Trump administration focuses on its actions abroad, political tension is escalating at home. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot dead a US citizen in the city of Minneapolis.  The shooting has intensified bitter political debate over Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy which has seen ICE raids in cities across America. Today, advocacy and outreach director for The Advocates for Human Rights, Madeline Lohman on the reaction from residents after thousands of people took to the streets of Minneapolis. Featured: Madeline Lohman, Advocacy and Outreach Director at The Advocates for Human Rights

Greenland’s sovereignty could be under threat, after the White House declared using the US military to take control of the island is ‘always an option.’ It comes after President Donald Trump revived his long-running push to seize the Arctic island. European leaders have hit back issuing a rare joint statement rejecting any threat to Greenland’s sovereignty. Today, an expert on Arctic politics on what’s really behind Donald Trump’s long-term desire to annex Greenland and what it could mean for the future of NATO. Featured: Stephen Lamy, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the University of Southern California

The deposed Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, has appeared in a New York court, facing charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine. Both he and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to all charges.  Meanwhile, the US has been blasted for the attack on Venezuela by both allies and adversaries at a meeting of the UN Security Council, as well as over President Donald Trump’s threats to expand military action in Latin America and beyond.  Today, the ABC’s Americas Editor John Lyons on what message the US President is sending the rest of the world with his Venezuelan attack.  We also hear from the former Chief of Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration on the United State’s long-held goal to arrest Nicolas Maduro for alleged drug crimes. Featured:  John Lyons, ABC’s Americas Editor Ray Donovan, former Chief of Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration

After a dramatic US military operation capping off months of escalating tensions, the former president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro is now in a New York prison. With Maduro gone, the Venezuelan military has endorsed the interim presidency of his former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez but Donald Trump has warned she could suffer a fate worse than Maduro if she doesn’t comply with American demands. He’s also signalled other Latin American nations could be next. Today, a local journalist on how Venezuelans are reacting to Maduro's arrest, and a legal expert on what this brazen US military action could mean for international law. Featured: Professor Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney  Tony Frangie Mawad, Venezuelan journalist and political scientist Subscribe to ABC News Daily on the ABC listen app.

BMI, or body mass index, has long been used as a simple calculation to determine if someone is underweight, a ‘healthy’ weight or obese. But when it was devised by a Belgian mathematician almost 200 years ago, it was never supposed to be a tool to measure health. Now, researchers are challenging the way obesity is defined and diagnosed. Today, a look at the new approach and why there’s a global push away from BMI. First published 10 February, 2025 Featured:  Willow Moscarda, Perth student Dr Louise Bauer, Professor of child and adolescent health, University of Sydney

Could artificial intelligence be key to improving Australia’s living standards? A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade.  But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs?  Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step in.  First published 1 September, 2025 Featured:  Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney

In the month of April, China installed more solar power than Australia ever has.  China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars. Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly? Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’.  First published 18 August, 2025 Featured:  Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter

Why have so many hand car wash services replaced automatic machines? It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world.  Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem? Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at the economic round table in Canberra - population and property.  First published 21 August, 2025 Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

It was a decision driven by spite for Sydney man Peter Anderson.  He was determined to buy a solar battery for his home so he could take money away from the big power companies, while never receiving a hefty power bill again.  But his plan came unstuck after agreeing to participate in a so-called virtual power plant.  Today, energy reporter David Mercer on Peter’s dilemma, how giving back to the grid really works and whether it’s worth it.  First published 26 May, 2025 Featured:  Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Sarah Ferguson's interviews illuminate the biggest issues of our times and reveal insights from the most interesting people in public life. How did she stop US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee from "flooding the zone" when grilling him on US support for Israel's war in Gaza? What did she learn about compassion in politics when speaking with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern?  This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Today, Sarah Ferguson, host of ABC's 7.30 program, shares her insights from her big name interviews.

Some stories are best told first-hand by those at the centre of the action.  It's how the ABC's Australian Story has brought us so many compelling personal narratives and it's a format that's captivated the program's host Leigh Sales. So which episodes stick in her mind? There's a dramatic rescue on the Franklin River, the widows who found love again, Jelena Dokic's family anguish and the adventures of missing sausage dog, Valerie.  This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Today, Leigh Sales on the tales she can't forget. Editor’s note: A previous version of this conversation included a reference to a past episode of Australian Story about football coach Wayne Bennett and his son’s disability. In the 2018 Australian Story episode Trish Bennett says her son Justin suffered brain damage after a triple-antigen vaccine caused seizures.

The US President Donald Trump has surrounded himself with colourful and controversial characters.  From Steve Witkoff, who once bought Trump a sandwich and is now taking the lead on peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, to Howard Lutnick, the tariff tsar. How did they secure their key roles and what effect are they having on the policies of the most powerful nation on Earth? This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Today, Matt Bevan, host of the ABC's If You’re Listening podcast, on the cast of characters in Donald Trump’s orbit.

ABC foreign correspondent Stephanie March has explored the tensions between elephant tourism in Botswana and the destruction the creatures bring to local communities.  She's brought us a glimpse of Gaza, where children live in tents and she's walked the streets of Georgia, as fears grow about the influence of Russia and a slide towards autocracy.  This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025. Today, Stephanie March from the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program on her heart warming and heart breaking global stories.

The continuing rise of artificial intelligence was one of the big stories of 2025. But how long until humanoid robots, with an AI brain, step into the limelight and take our jobs? This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from the past year.  Today, ABC finance presenter and commentator, Alan Kohler, looks at Elon Musk's robot ambitions, how robots could be the new slaves, and what it could mean for all of us. Do we need a Universal Basic Income, can we tax robot and AI companies to pay for it and why professional sports player may be one job that's safe for a while yet.

What actually works to prevent terrorist attacks and is Australia up to challenge in a complex threat environment? The Prime Minister says new laws to tackle antisemitism will include powers to deport so-called hate preachers and a new criminal charge for those advocating "racial supremacy". He’s also been pressured into adopting in-full the recommendations from the Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism. Today, the Lowy Institute's Lydia Khalil on how to stop the next terror attack. Featured:  Lydia Khalil, extremism and counter terrorism expert and the director of the transnational challenges program at the Lowy Institute

Catastrophe has a way of shaping leaders. Winston Churchill during World War Two, George Bush during 9/11 and Scott Morrison during the Black Summer bushfires. It may define Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership too, as he comes under pressure to respond to the antisemitism crisis and the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed. Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on whether Anthony Albanese can rise to the challenge. Featured:  Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

Who could do such a thing? It’s the question Australians are asking after Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach. How did they radicalise? Who did they associate with? And what drove them to plan and execute the worst terror attack in Australia’s history? Today, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on what we know about the shooters and the unresolved questions for our security services. Featured:  Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporter

Sydney’s Jewish community is in shock after Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach. It was an act of terrorism that Jewish leaders long feared. So, in the depths of their sorrow, how are they coping and what are they asking for? Today, Rabbi Mendel Kastel from support group Jewish House, whose brother in law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was killed in the attack. Also, Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish himself, on where Australians outraged at this attack should direct their anger. Featured:  Rabbi Mendel Kastel Julian Leeser, Liberal MP

The terrorist attack targeting Jewish people at Bondi is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre. Sixteen are dead and many more injured at a place special in Australia's heart, at an event special to the Jewish community, Hanukkah.  Today, extremism expert Dr Josh Roose on whether authorities failed to heed the warnings.  Also, Bondi local and Sydney cardiologist Dr James Otton who rushed to assist the wounded. Featured:  Dr James Otton, cardiologist Josh Roose, associate professor of politics at Deakin University

Streaming giant Netflix is battling Paramount for control of the historic Warner Bros studio, which includes HBO and a treasure trove of film and TV content. Warner Bros has backed the $72 billion US Netflix bid, despite Paramount offering billions more in a deal that would include the television assets, including news network CNN and the Discovery channel.  Today, Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief of entertainment news website JoBlo.com on what it means for how we watch shows and movies and whether this moment marks the end of cinema as we know it.  Featured:  Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief JoBlo.com

Imagine being able to claim thousands and thousands of dollars in expenses so your family can join you on work trips, or to fly business class to New York, or for private drivers to take you to the biggest sporting events.  Well, Minister Anika Wells is under intense pressure to justify her use of taxpayer funds, even if it’s all within the rules. Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on why the perks for politicians are a honey pot and a trap.  Featured:  Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

In the first week of summer, dozens of homes have been destroyed in bushfires; at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania, on the New South Wales Central Coast, and at Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle where a firefighter also died.   A local builder at Koolewong in New South Wales noted that a recently constructed home, built to modern fire safety standards, was left standing while others around it burned to the ground.  Today, the ABC’s Central Coast reporter Sarah Forster on the homes that were lost in Saturday’s fire and an expert on building houses in high bushfire risk areas. Featured:  Sarah Forster, ABC Central Coast reporter  Colin Wood, member of the Standards Australia committee for the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas

They’re a cheaper and convenient alternative to driving a car, but some e-bike riders are causing massive headaches for other road users and police.  A string of serious injuries and deaths in e-bike crashes, particularly involving children, is fuelling calls for a crackdown.  Today, Geoff Rose from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies on the influx of illegal e-bikes on the roads. Featured:  Geoff Rose, Adjunct Professor in Transport Engineering at Monash University

Parents and teens are preparing for life cut off from social media when Australia’s world first ban for under-16s officially starts on Wednesday.  The government has admitted it will take time to remove everyone aged under 16 from the platforms and it’s becoming clear older users could get caught in the net.  So, how can you prove that you’re old enough to use the 10 platforms being targeted and how will teens get around the restrictions?  Today, Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, a tech reporter at the Australian Associated Press on what you need to know as the ban kicks in and why it could get messy. Featured:  Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, AAP technology reporter Correction: The social media ban officially starts on Wednesday 10th December, not Thursday.

The United States has deployed 15,000 troops and sent warships to the Caribbean in the biggest military build-up there since the Cuban Missile Crisis. It follows months of deadly US strikes on boats from Venezuela it says are smuggling drugs. Today, Latin America expert Orlando Pérez from the University of North Texas on why Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and why toppling him won’t be easy. Featured:  Orlando J. Pérez, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas in Dallas

Australia’s renewable energy transition is well underway with new poles, wires and transmission towers planned across the country. But some farmers say they’re being pressured and harassed to hand over land for the infrastructure to get electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s used.  Today, reporter Alysia Thomas-Sam from ABC’s 7.30 program on the farmers pushing back at the farm gate and climate reporter Jess Davis on why transmission towers need to run through farmland. Featured:  Alysia Thomas-Sam, 7.30 reporter Jess Davis, ABC climate reporter

Australian property is now more expensive than ever and soaring mortgage debt has the financial regulator hitting the brakes on risky lending. But could stopping banks for offering some loans do anything to stop rapid price growth for homes and units?  Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on what’s worrying APRA and the outlook for the housing market.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

In a flurry of peace talks over the last week, Ukrainian officials have been desperately trying to avoid an unjust deal with Russia being imposed on it.  They’ve been pushing back against a controversial 28-point proposal that would have required Ukraine to surrender significant territory, restrict the size of its defence force and give up on ambitions of joining NATO.  The US is leading the talks with both sides, but will Trump ultimately side with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin? Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether this latest round of diplomacy offers any real hope and what Kyiv may still have to give up. Featured:  Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

Every day millions of Australians take vitamin supplements, hoping for a health boost.  But there’s been a sharp rise in people suffering numbness, nerve damage, even paralysis, after accidentally overdosing on vitamin B6.  Many don’t even realise B6 is in so many products at high concentrations and that the vitamin can build up in the body.  Today, reporter for the ABC’s 7.30 program Tom Hartley unpacks his year-long investigation into the surge in cases and the regulator’s long-overdue crackdown.  Featured:  Tom Hartley, 7.30 reporter

Donald Trump has called a female journalist piggy, labelled another insubordinate and demanded Democratic politicians be arrested, even suggesting they could be executed for seditious behaviour. The US president is no stranger to unconventional acts and confronting statements, but does his recent behaviour go beyond even his usual standards?  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, Tom Nichols, on his analysis that the president’s latest outbursts are a sign he’s losing control of himself.  Featured:  Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

For many years the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was a pariah on the world stage, but the US president is bringing him back into the fold.  We know Donald Trump wants the US to do business with the wealthy Gulf Arab state, but what else does he like about the country? Today, The New York Times contributor Noah Shachtman on how Trump wants America to be a lot more like Saudi Arabia and how he’s trying to achieve it.  Featured:  Noah Shachtman, national security reporter and The New York Times contributor

Australians are all pretty invested in the weather and the Bureau of Meteorology is our go-to source of forecasts and information.  So, people noticed when the BOM changed its website and many, including farmers, complained that data sources they relied on were either missing or hard to find.  A change in the rain radar has already been rolled back and now the bureau has revealed it cost close to a hundred million dollars to build the website and all the infrastructure behind it.  Today, the ABC’s lead rural reporter in Victoria, Justine Longmore, on the BOM website debacle. Featured:  Justine Longmore, ABC lead rural reporter, Victoria

The devastating Optus outage that was linked to three deaths revealed we can’t always trust we can get through when we call Triple Zero. More than two months later, surely the system has been fixed. Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why some people still can’t get help when they need it most. Featured:  Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter Editor’s note: On Monday, WA Police said the death of a Perth man initially linked to the Optus Triple Zero outage was not connected to the failure. As of Tuesday 25th November two deaths are believed to be related to the outage.