7am

As data centres appear in suburbs across Australia, tech companies and governments have been touting the economic benefits of the boom.  But for those who live near new and planned centres, the sell hasn’t worked. And now, the community backlash is starting to have big results.  Today, ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer on the fragility of the AI data centre boom.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer Photo: AAP Image/Christopher HopkinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This wasn’t the story global political analysts had been expecting to tell this week: In Brazil and Serbia, the youth are celebrating. Their hope for a democratic future has been restored after two shock election wins for the left that young voters helped deliver. But as the polling booths close today in what’s been described as one of Israel’s most consequential elections, it’s likely to be a very different story. Today, co-host of The News Agents Emily Maitlis on a blockbuster week of elections, the Trump-effect hanging over all three countries, and how the results could shape global politics.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: The News Agents co-host Emily Maitlis Photo: EPA/Isaac FontanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was the first person ever to become an astronaut wearing the Australian flag – and now Australian of the year Katherine Bennell-Pegg could finally be taking that flag into space. The federal government has sent an offer to the European Space Agency to send Bennell-Pegg on a 2028 space mission. If accepted, it will be the first time an astronaut has travelled to space under the Australian flag. But there’s a $100 million dollar catch. Today, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University, Dr Rebecca Allen on whether the hefty price tag is worth it – and why she thinks Australia needs to become a player in the space game.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Co-Director of the Space Technology Institute at Swinburne Uni, Dr Rebecca Allen Photo: AAP Image/Darren EnglandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When John Howard introduced the GST in the year 2000, Australians were largely unimpressed. More than 25 years later, some experts – including a former treasurer – say it’s time for an update. A new report from the independent think tank the Grattan Institute proposes broadening the Goods and Services Tax and raising its rate to 15 per cent – to avoid what it says is a looming budget disaster. Today Grattan Institute CEO Dr Aruna Sathanapally on why she argues we should raise the GST – even during a cost-of-living crisis – and how to package the changes so poorer Australians could actually end up better off.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Grattan Institute CEO Dr Aruna Sathanapally Photo: AAP Image/Dan PeledSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once upon a time, Australians were told Pine Gap was a space research facility. Today, we know it's one of America's most important overseas intelligence bases – although much of what happens there remains secret. Now, Pine Gap is facing renewed scrutiny as defence experts say intelligence gathered at the base is likely being used to support US strikes on Iran, and an Alice Springs court recently received evidence alleging it assisted Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Greens and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie are demanding answers, but the Albanese government has refused to say how intel from Pine Gap is being used. In 2024, investigative journalist Peter Cronau uncovered a major expansion at the base, including three enormous new satellite dishes believed to be part of an American missile-detection system. Today, editor of Declassified Australia Peter Cronau on what Pine Gap actually does, why its capabilities are expanding, and whether its role in American wars could put Australia in danger. This episode first aired in June 2024.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Editor of Declassified Australia, Peter Cronau Photo: Google EarthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.