7am

It’s been a heavy year in many ways. And when you work in news, there’s no shying away from that. But music can be a respite – something to help process the heaviness, and something that brings escape and joy. When we asked Head of Music at SXSW, Claire Collins, to pick her favourite albums of the year, both the heaviness and the joy were reflected back at us. She’s picked five albums for you to blast this summer, as you prepare for the year ahead.   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: Claire Collins, head of music at SXSW Photo: Ian West/PA WireSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marieke Hardy is a writer, broadcaster and former panelist on the ABC’s First Tuesday Book Club. Marieke’s passion and enthusiasm for the books she loves is contagious. But she’s also direct and unapologetic when a book isn’t for her, so you always know that when she recommends something, it’s going to be worth your time. Her list of favourite books starts with a sprawling novel about friendship and love – and winds its way through so many other huge themes: grief, violence, war, and how the internet has ruined us. Today, Marieke Hardy with her five favourite books of 2025.   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: Writer and literary critic Marieke HardySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Krasnostein has had a huge year. She’s teamed up with Helen Garner and Chloe Hooper to write The Mushroom Tapes – a true-crime book about Erin Patterson’s triple murder trial that asks what our fascination with the case says about us. She’s also continued her work as a television critic, watching a hell of a lot of TV. In her list of the best TV of 2025, Sarah Krasnostein is drawn to shows that feel uncomfortably close to real life – from teenage boys pulled into the manosphere to post-apocalyptic worlds shaped by AI. And for her, even the bleakest series this year are ultimately hopeful: they’re less about what’s been destroyed than about what could be rebuilt, and the chances that still exist to step in before things go wrong. Today, she’s picked her top 5 shows for you to binge over the summer.   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: Author and critic, Sarah Krasnostein Photo: AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, the country is grieving. It's a moment that calls for unity and for leadership. But what we’ve seen is something else. Within days, political lines hardened. A former prime minister stepped in. The opposition shifted its message. And international leaders joined the chorus. With political venom so close to the surface, the moment has revealed something deeper about how crisis is now handled in Australian politics. Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno, on the gap between who we want to be – and who we are. 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: Press gallery veteran Paul BongiornoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two months ago, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza. But since the truce began on October 10, Gaza authorities say Israel has carried out nearly 800 attacks, killing almost 400 people – including in a recent strike targeting a senior Hamas commander. Israel, meanwhile, says militants have repeatedly violated the ceasefire, killing at least three Israeli soldiers. And as Hamas refuses to disarm, Washington seems to have gone silent. Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom, on why plans for peace have stalled – and who may end up running Gaza. 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: Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg CarlstromSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the country tries to understand how a Hanukkah gathering in Bondi ended with 15 people dead, more details about the alleged shooters have come to light. Authorities say the attack was inspired by Islamic State. The two gunmen had recently travelled to the Philippines for military-style training. The surviving gunman, now in custody, had been known to ASIO since 2019. And yet the attack still went ahead, raising fresh questions about the limits of Australia’s counter-terrorism systems – and how hard it is to detect and stop lone-actor violence before it happens. Today, Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, Professor Greg Barton, on how a mass attack like this can still happen in Australia, even when intelligence agencies are on high alert.   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: Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, Professor Greg Barton Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has promised to deport a million people in his first year back in office. As a result, immigration officers are conducting widespread raids across the country – often targeting and locking up American citizens. The Trump administration says nearly 70 percent of the people Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested are criminals. But ICE’s own data shows the overwhelming majority have no criminal conviction at all. Today, reporter at ProPublica Nicole Foy, on how Trump’s immigration crackdown is changing America – and how ordinary civilians are fighting back.   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:  Reporter at ProPublica Nicole Foy Photo: AP Photo/Evan VucciSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday night in Bondi two gunmen opened fire on Jewish families.  Sixteen people, including one of the gunmen, are confirmed dead, making the tragedy Australia’s first mass shooting in nearly 30 years.  A further 42 people were taken to hospital, as well as the second gunman, who is under police guard.  ASIO has confirmed one of the gunmen was known to them, and there are reports the men are linked to Islamic State.  As authorities grapple with the terror event, The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will put tougher gun laws to national cabinet. Today federal member for Wentworth Allegra Spender on how the Bondi community is responding to this tragedy, and what needs to change to keep Jewish Australians safe.   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: Federal member for Wentworth Allegra Spender  Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Liddle is the CEO of SNAICC, the national body that represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Every year, Catherine and her team document how First Nations children are faring, and how they’re treated. And yet again, the picture is devastating. Catherine’s report shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to be reported to authorities, they’re more likely to be taken away from their families and they spend more time institutionalised. For every dollar the government spends on this, only 16 cents goes to helping families – the rest is on taking children away, causing enormous harm. Today, SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle on the damage the child protection system is doing to First Nations children – and what needs to be done to break the cycle.   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: SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, devastating figures were released that show the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care. It’s damning evidence that not enough has changed since the Stolen Generations.  Last year, we published a story about the long shadow cast by a policy of child removal, centred on the notorious Kinchela Boys Home in NSW. It’s a place that holds painful memories for the many survivors of the Stolen Generations who went through its doors. Hundreds of of Indigenous boys were sent there, and subjected to torture, abuse and reprogramming, in order to assimilate them into white society. Now, the survivors and their families want to take ownership of the site, to make it a place of healing for future generations. Today, Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo, on the enduring legacy of the Kinchela Boys Home.  This episode was originally published in October 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 Twitter and Instagram Guest: Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo Photo: Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal CorporationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Labor rolled out its flagship social media ban for under-16s. The reform was expected to be one last win for the government after a year of political victories. But while the spotlight was on the minister leading the charge, it was for all the wrong reasons. Instead of having runway to promote the ban, Anika Wells spent the week defending her use of taxpayer-funded expense entitlements. Today, former political advisor to two prime ministers, Sean Kelly, on how even a tightly planned policy launch can be knocked off course, and the unquenchable thirst to apply the pub test to some and not others.    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: Former political advisor to two prime ministers Sean Kelly Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Condoms and other contraceptives are set to become more expensive in China, as the Communist Party tries to boost population growth.  With the economy slowing, birth rates declining and the population ageing, the government is now trying all kinds of ways to make women have more babies – from taxing contraception, to new laws on marriages, to cash bonuses and propaganda campaigns. Reproduction is now seen as a national security issue, and the success or failure of the new policies will have far-reaching consequences – for China’s economic and military strength, and for countries like Australia, who rely on China continuing to grow. Today, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, Daria Impiombato – on the threat to women’s autonomy in China’s new phase of population control.   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: Senior analyst at The Mercator Institute for China Studies, Daria Impiombato Photo: CFOTO/Sipa USASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past week, Labor Minister Anika Wells has become the face of a new debate over politicians' perks. Revelations about a near-$100,000 trip to New York to talk up Australia’s teen social media ban at the UN, followed by reports of taxpayer-funded family travel to grand finals, ski fields and overseas sporting events, have seen her refer three-and-a-half years of expenses to the parliamentary watchdog. The prime minister insists her claims are “within the rules”, but the backlash – and even more questions over the spending of MPs from all parties – has opened up a bigger argument about whether the rules are fair, and whether they match public expectations in a cost-of-living crisis. Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on parliamentary entitlements – and whether this scandal will force change.   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: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AUKUS is moving full steam ahead. That was the promise made in Washington, as Richard Marles and Penny Wong stood beside their US counterparts, stating the alliance is stronger than ever. But behind those assurances is a Pentagon review of AUKUS that the public isn't allowed to read – and in Canberra, a hand-picked AUKUS committee that will mostly meet in secret, raising questions about what our government is trading away to stay friends with our most powerful ally. Today, former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army and adjunct professor at UNSW, Dr Albert Palazzo, on the US military’s plans for expansion on Australian soil – and what the secrecy around AUKUS is really hiding.   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:  Former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army and adjunct professor at UNSW, Dr Albert Palazzo Photo: EPA/LUKE JOHNSONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s neo-Nazis are forming secret mothers’ groups – and have plans for a network of homeschools for their children. And when a government minister expressed concern, she was threatened – the latest in a string of threats against female politicians by neo-Nazis. Now, the federal police have raised the alarm, raising questions about the risk of further political violence – and why neo-Nazis have been allowed to build their movement. Today, crime reporter at The Age, Sherryn Groch, on the National Socialist Network’s threats and whether authorities are doing enough to stop them.   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: Crime reporter at The Age, Sherryn Groch Photo: AAP Image/Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the waters off the Caribbean, the United States military has been blowing small boats out of the water – boats they say are carrying drugs. Now, the Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, is facing questions about whether his strike orders are illegal, and US President Donald Trump is doubling down, threatening strikes on Venezuelan soil. It’s the latest escalation in Donald Trump’s self-declared war on fentanyl – a campaign that casts foreign traffickers as the villains behind America’s overdose crisis. But the origin of America’s fentanyl problem lies much closer to home, inside the country’s own pharmaceutical industry.  Today, drug historian at The University of Buffalo, Professor David Herzberg, on how the fentanyl crisis really started and why the war to stop it could make everything worse.    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: Drug historian at The University of Buffalo, Professor David Herzberg Photo: picture alliance / Consolidated News Photos/Sipa USASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adele Ferguson is an investigative journalist at the ABC. She’s spent more than a year reporting on the crisis unfolding in Australia’s childcare system.  Last week, alongside her colleague Chris Gillett, she won the top honour in journalism –  the Gold Walkley. Her work has inspired us at 7am and so today, we’re bringing you an episode we made back in July, where we spoke to Adele about the dangers in an industry driven by profit.   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: Investigative journalist at Four Corners Adele Ferguson and National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds. Photo: AAP Image/Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Labor came to power, it promised to clean up politics – to end the “jobs for mates” culture once and for all. But this week, the government quietly released the report it’s been sitting on for more than two years – and it’s not a great look.  The ‘No Favourites’ review found an appointments system riddled with nepotism, where friends are given jobs as rewards for loyalty. And when it finally saw the light of day, it landed with all the energy of a Yes Minister  episode — open government, in name only.  Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on the government’s integrity problem, and why transparency always seems to be the last priority.    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: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Energy Market Operator says the electricity grid is unprepared to manage the planned closure of the Eraring power station in New South Wales – and eastern parts of Australia could be set for widespread blackouts. The Coalition and parts of the media have seized on the report saying it’s proof that the government has an “obsession” with renewables, over reliability and cost. So what needs to change to keep the lights on?  Today, energy and climate change program director at The Grattan Institute, Alison Reeve, on what will happen as coal comes offline – and why our power bills are really going up.   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: Energy and climate change program director at The Grattan Institute, Alison ReeveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, Australian leaders have repeatedly stated that Australia “stands with Ukraine”. But as the invasion has intensified – with nightly missile and drone attacks, rolling blackouts and water cuts across Ukrainian cities – Australia's support has slowed. The federal government hasn’t announced a fresh package of aid since December last year, making us one of the least generous donors to Kyiv. At the same time, Australia has become one of the biggest buyers of fuel made from Russian oil, refined in third countries and imported through loopholes in sanctions. Ukrainian community groups call it “blood oil”, warning that billions of Australian dollars are flowing back to the Kremlin - more than Australia has given Ukraine in aid. Today, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou, on how Australia's 'blood oil' imports are helping to prolong the war.   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: Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou Photo: Stefan Sauer/dpaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.