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© 2026 Tim Lester & Josh Martin
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The Issue is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of politics and global affairs. Hosted by seasoned political reporters Tim Lester and Josh Martin, the show offers insightful analysis, sharp commentary, and thoughtful discussion on the biggest stories shaping our world today. From the halls of Parliament to international summits, The Issue covers a wide range of topics - national policy debates, geopolitical tensions, election cycles, social movements, and more. Each episode breaks down the news of the week, helping listeners make sense of complex developments and what they mean for the future. Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to stay informed, The Issue is your go-to source for clear, intelligent, and engaging political conversation.
30 Episodes
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Dozens of phone models including Samsung and iPhone need software updates to connect to 000 in Australia. Some handsets can't be updated and need to be thrown in the bin. In this episode, the Issue investigates whether users should be entitled to a discount or refund. Last year's Optus triple-zero outage is blamed for the deaths of two Australians, but it has exposed a crisis that telcos, phone makers and the government are now scrambling to deal with. Luke Coleman is the CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, which is the peak body for telcos like Telstra, Optus and TPG. He has advice on what to do if you're concerned your device isn't up to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queensland Senator and One Nation founder Pauline Hanson sits down with Tim Lester for a wide-ranging interview covering the surge in One Nation's polling, her views on Trump's America, immigration policy, the prospect of Barnaby Joyce joining the party, and candid reflections on her age and political future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the world enters a period of sharper geopolitical contest, how much secrecy is too much?In this episode of The Issue, Defence Minister Richard Marles speaks with Tim Lester about transparency, capability challenges, and the future of Australia’s security partnerships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May's federal budget could pit property investors and first home buyers against each other. The Albanese Government isn't ruling out major changes to the capital gains tax discount. Greens Senators would have the deciding vote and tell 7News podcast The Issue they're willing to negotiate. New modelling from the Parliamentary Budget Office shows the tax concession will cost taxpayers $247 billion over the next decade. Tasmania Senator Nick McKim sits down for this week's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott sits down with National Security correspondent Tim Lester for an in-depth interview covering Australia's most pressing political issues. They discuss the current state of the Liberal Party, the coalition split, whether he supports Sussan Ley's leadership, and Abbott's views on the Trump administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australian Coalition faces its most serious crisis in decades. In this exclusive episode of The Issue, host Tim Lester sits down with two Coalition veterans - former Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck - as they reveal what's really happening behind the scenes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Coalition has broken apart just days after One Nation eclipsed it in the first Newspoll of 2026. The Issue sits down with One Nation convert Barnaby Joyce to discuss the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 election. Political Reporter Josh Martin grills the former National Party MP on hate laws, immigration, energy, his relationship with Pauline Hanson, and complimentary flights from billionaire Gina Rinehart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trevor Baucom, a U.S. Black Hawk pilot who flew alongside Australian special forces, recounts the brutal battles and life‑or‑death moments he faced in Afghanistan. From landing commandos under heavy fire to surviving a crash that left him initially reported as killed in action, Trevor shares a rare perspective from inside the cockpit. Years later, still living with the consequences, he works to honour the men who didn’t make it home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
High visa fees and a political push - behind the downturn. Politicians like Pauline Hanson and Andrew Hastie want further cuts and will campaign hard. But Phil Honeywood from the international education sector argues foreign students are good for the economy, workforce, tourism and international relations. The CEO of the International Education Association of Australia is this week's guest on The Issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From defence reform and military procurement to AUKUS, drones and the future of warfare; Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains how Australia is preparing for a more uncertain world. He also reflects on Labor’s political position, the risks of complacency, and why voter trust can never be taken for granted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prefabricated homes can be built in a matter of days for as little as $100,000. However, finance issues and regulation are holding the sector back in Australia. Damien Crough the Executive Chairman of lobby group prefabAUS says the government needs to tackle the tradie shortage, banks need to make lending easier, and admits the sector has an image problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Outgoing RSL President Greg Melick says he's 'concerned we have become a very selfish nation'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After three interest rate cuts in 2025 many thought the cost-of-living crisis was over. But headline inflation has shot up to 3.2% and unemployment is now at 4.5% in Australia. The Issue speaks to Shadow Treasurer, Ted O’Brien, about how to solve this problem. The Deputy Liberal Leader reveals some of the key changes coming from the Coalition's policy reviews on nuclear energy, the economy and the public service. And responds to the chaos gripping the Coalition and Sussan Ley's leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world is more divided online. The public’s trust in governments and security agencies is weakened. Activists like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have divided opinion with their actions – exposing government and military secrets to the world. Retired four-star admiral Mike Rogers says misinformation is a defining challenge of these times. The former Director of the United States National Security Agency sits down with The Issue to unpack these problems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Albo meets Trump. A former Ambassador to the United States takes 'The Issue' through what confronts Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister prepares for his highest stakes leaders meeting yet. Dennis Richardson also shares insights on the Oval Office meetings he helped organise, the Prime Ministers he worked for and the recent fuss around Australia's current Ambassador in Washington, Kevin Rudd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liberal politicians - Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Price - are leading the charge to lower Australia’s immigration rate. But new analysis from the Australian National University says Coalition governments have largely been responsible for increased migration, this century. Creating the 457 temporary work visas, tying universities to international student fees, and signing 70% of Australia’s working holiday agreements. Professor Alan Gamlen breaks down the debate with the Issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A former Labor insider believes Anthony Albanese will increase the number of politicians in federal parliament, and break a key promise on property taxes. While it sounds like a major political misstep, top pollster Kos Samaras tells 7NEWS it's all part of the prime minster's secret plan to wipe the Coalition off the electoral map.Younger, city based voters are changing the game for Labor. Podcast produced before Andrew Hastie quit the shadow ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shifting position on Palestine. The Albanese government makes the symbolic move in New York with like-minded governments, but does it help efforts to end the Gaza War. A former Australian Ambassador to Israel makes his case. 00:00 - Introduction 02:36 - Growing up 03:30 - Political philosophy 05:44 - Australia's relation with Israel 10:40 - Recognising the state of Palestine 17:00 - A two state solution 18.33 - Australia's relationship with the US 20:21 - Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 25:50 - Andrew Hastie's comments 30:40 - Dave Sharma turning 50 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia’s economy is vulnerable to a shutdown by criminals, terrorists and rogue nationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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