When Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan introduced the state's treaty bill into parliament, she said it would pave the way for a formal apology, the introduction of Aboriginal truth-telling into the school curriculum, and a better future for Indigenous Australians in the state. The treaty is the culmination of almost a decade of work that established the First Peoples’ Assembly – which led the negotiations – and delivers on ‘Voice, Treaty and Truth’, making Victoria the first state in the country to do so. Today, the co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg, on what they hope Victoria’s treaty will deliver – and how its success will be measured. This is part one of a two-part episode. 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-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg. Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Justin McManusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Indigenous leaders across the country have welcomed Victoria’s treaty. The legislation will enshrine a democratically elected body for First Peoples, called Gellung Warl, that will be consulted on laws and policies affecting Indigenous communities. Now there are calls for other states and territories to use the Victorian example as a model to establish their own treaties. But there’s also pushback – with critics calling it costly and divisive in claims that echo The Voice debate – and with state and territory leaders across the country abandoning previous promises and commitments. Today, writer and 7am co-host Daniel James on whether Victoria’s treaty marks a turning point or an anomaly. This is part two of a two-part episode. 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 7am co-host, Daniel James Photo: AAP Image/Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Images of child sexual abuse generated by artificial intelligence are on the rise. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says 100,000 Australians a month have accessed an app that allows users to upload images of other people – including minors – to receive a depiction of what they would look like naked. Predators are known to share know-how to produce and spread these images – and in Australia, the AI tools used to create this material are not illegal. All the while, Julie Inman Grant says not a single major tech company has expressed shame or regret for its role in enabling it. Today, advocate for survivors of child sexual assault and director of The Grace Tame Foundation, Grace Tame, on how governments and law enforcement should be thinking about AI and child abuse – and whether tech companies will cooperate. 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: Advocate for survivors of child sexual assault and director of The Grace Tame Foundation, Grace TameSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump was once skeptical of digital assets, saying Bitcoin “seems like a scam” and that crypto’s value was “based on thin air.” Now, cryptocurrency is at the centre of both his economic agenda, and his personal wealth. Since returning to office in January, Trump has put out executive orders supporting the industry, expanding the government’s use of digital assets, and paving the way for retirement funds to invest in cryptocurrencies – all while his administration dismantles the regulations that keep the industry in check. Today, tech and power reporter for The Guardian Nick Robins-Early, on how Trump is using the presidency to push crypto – all while building a sprawling crypto empire. This is part one of a two-part interview. 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: Tech and power reporter for The Guardian, Nick Robins-Early Photo: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, FileSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After saying that the value of cryptocurrencies were ‘based on thin air’, US President Donald Trump changed his tune – pledging to be a ‘pro-Bitcoin president’ and earning the backing and campaign donations of the industry. Since taking office, Trump’s family has launched numerous crypto ventures that have potentially earned in the billions. Today, tech and power reporter for The Guardian Nick Robins-Early, on the conflicts of interest of the ‘Bitcoin president’ being a crypto-billionaire. This is part two of a two-part interview. 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: Tech and power reporter for The Guardian, Nick Robins-Early Photo: EPA/PABLO GIANINAZZISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time ever, the Supreme Court of Victoria allowed a television camera to broadcast a sentencing – the hearing for convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson. Justice Christopher Beale imposed life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years, for murdering three in-laws – and attempting to murder a fourth – by lacing their beef Wellingtons with poisonous death cap mushrooms in 2023. In handing down the sentence, Justice Beale said Patterson’s crimes fell into “the worst category of offending” and “inflicted untold suffering” on her victims. Today, investigative journalist and author Lucie Morris-Marr on the impact of Erin Patterson’s crimes, and whether her victims will finally have closure. 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 and author, Lucie Morris-Marr Photo: AAP Image/Anita LesterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the government’s deal with Nauru was “hardly secret.” But the agreement to deport hundreds of non-citizens to live in the tiny Pacific nation was signed on Friday August 29 and only acknowledged publicly the following weekend, with key details – including a potential $2.5 billion price tag – emerging in the days afterwards. At the same time, parliament has passed laws to speed up the process, stripping natural justice from deportation decisions. Today, journalist Denham Sadler on the former immigration detainees the government is desperate to deport – and whether sending them to Nauru breaches Australia’s legal obligations. 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: Journalist, Denham Sadler Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Insiders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the agency is in chaos. Last week, the White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after less than a month in the role. Insiders say the agency is no longer able to provide reliable health guidance to Americans as it faces resignations, funding cuts, and a replacement of vaccine advisers with skeptics who have expressed anti-vaccine views. Today, staff writer at The Atlantic on what Monarez’s firing signals about the Trump administration’s health agenda – and what it means for vaccine policy and trust in public health. 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: Staff writer at The Atlantic, Tom Bartlett. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Sipa USASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia acted against Iran after ASIO found Tehran orchestrated two antisemitic arson attacks on Australian soil – expelling Iran’s ambassador and moving to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. For Kylie Moore-Gilbert, it’s a long time coming. She spent 804 days imprisoned under IRGC control after being arrested in Tehran on espionage charges. Today, she explains who the IRGC is, why it would attack Australia, and what this listing would actually 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: Scholar of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the lead-up to the so-called ‘March for Australia’, many people downplayed the involvement of neo-Nazis in organising and promoting the rallies that took place in several cities. But in Melbourne, neo-Nazis were not just central to the march – they led it all the way to the steps of Parliament House, where a prominent neo-Nazi’s speech to the crowd ended in applause. Just hours later, that same figure was part of a group that stormed Camp Sovereignty – an Aboriginal-led site of protest and mourning – tearing down flags and tents, stomping out the campfire and assaulting people with pipes and poles. Today, writer and 7am co-host Daniel James on why neo-Nazis targeted Camp Sovereignty, and how “ordinary” grievances provided cover for the attack. 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 7am co-host, Daniel James Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged. One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support… often with devastating consequences. Now, 1 in 5 pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs… and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half. Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra on the unconscionable reality of conscientious objection. You can read Hannah Bambra's reporting in the latest edition of The Monthly: https://www.themonthly.com.au/ 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 reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra Photo: AAP Image/Abe MaddisonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Murray Watt has a big job: as federal environment minister, he’s been hand-picked by Albanese to fix Australia’s old and broken environment laws. It was a brief his predecessor Tanya Plibersek failed to achieve – with mining interests in Western Australia claiming success when a deal with the Greens was dashed by the prime minister at the last minute. So what will be different this time? And how does the minister square greenlighting new fossil fuel projects with his government being elected to combat climate change? Today, Environment Minister Murray Watt – on Australia’s broken laws, and why he said ‘yes’ to Woodside. 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 Environment Minister Murray Watt Photo: AAP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fronted the media this week alongside ASIO chief Mike Burgess, it was with extraordinary news. Albanese revealed that ASIO now has evidence the Iranian government was behind at least two anti-semitic attacks on Australian soil – the firebombing of a Jewish kitchen in Bondi, and an arson attack on the Adass synagogue in Melbourne. He said Iran directed the attacks – and then tried to cover up its role. Albanese also announced that he had expelled the Iranian ambassador – a move not taken since World War Two. It was interesting timing, as Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, made an impromptu visit to the United States – taking secret meetings with unpublished agendas. Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on the high-stakes diplomacy behind closed doors and the shifting lines of trust between the US, Israel and Australia. 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 MiddletonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The man alleged to have killed two police officers in the Victorian town of Porepunkah this week self-identified as a sovereign citizen. Dezi Freeman’s hatred of police and rejection of government and the law are well-documented in social media posts and court documents. Like many in the movement, Freeman’s views reportedly became more radical during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, he built a public profile, sharing his views on vaccinations, lockdowns and face masks. Investigative reporter Mahmood Fazal has documented the rise of the sovereign citizen movement for the ABC’s Four Corners program and says the beliefs held by this community pose a significant threat to Australia. 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: Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal Photo: AAP Image/Supplied by Youtube, Prime 7 newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The federal government says too many children are on the NDIS, and many of them are ‘over-serviced’. Health Minister Mark Butler has unveiled a new plan, ‘Thriving Kids’, pitched as a way to save the NDIS by moving children with ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ autism and developmental delay off the scheme and back onto mainstream supports – which, over time, were defunded. But the plan raises questions as to who gets to decide what’s ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ – and whether shifting kids off the NDIS will simply shift costs elsewhere. 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 reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When a group of Neo-Nazis recently took to the streets of Melbourne, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that Nazi’s “don't belong” in Australia. But while that might be a good sentiment, is it actually true? Today, Arrernte writer and Crikey contributor Celeste Liddle, on Australia’s white nationalist past – and how in failing to reckon with it we’ve set the stage for the movement to grow. 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: Arrernte writer and Crikey contributor Celeste Liddle Photo: AAP Image/James RossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Israel's assault on Gaza city continues, Israeli aircraft and tanks have pounded the eastern and northern outskirts of the city, destroying buildings and homes. It comes as a record number of Australians turned out this weekend in protest against the war – and as the relationship between the Australian and Israeli government worsens. But while Australia moves to recognise a Palestinian state, it continues its military and trade relations with Israel, supplying parts that allow planes to drop bombs on Gaza. Today, co-founder of Declassified Australia and author of The Palestine Laboratory Antony Loewenstein on Australia, Israel and the difference between what we say – and what we do. 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-founder of Declassified Australia and author of The Palestine Laboratory Antony LoewensteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I’m REAL and I’m sitting here blushing because of YOU!” That’s the message 76-year-old Thongbue “Bue” Wongbandue received from a flirty Facebook Messenger chatbot before it proposed he travel to New York for a meet-up. Bue – who was cognitively impaired after suffering a stroke – packed a suitcase to catch a train, believing the woman was real. He never made it home alive. Jeff Horwitz is an investigative tech reporter based in Silicon Valley. He has written a book about Facebook’s scandals and cover-ups, so when he received an email claiming ‘Meta AI killed my relative’, he wasn’t surprised, but he was intrigued. Today, he reveals Meta’s internal guidelines that permitted this behaviour, including examples allowing romantic or ‘sensual’ chats with minors. 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 technology reporter for Reuters, Jeff HorwitzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week in Canberra, the press, unions, business leaders and politicians have all been talking about one thing: the economic roundtable. It’s been spruiked by the government as a way to address a core problem with the economy – sluggish productivity. But what is actually on offer – and will it make a difference to the rising structural inequalities we face? Today Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Richard Denniss, on what’s happening behind closed doors in Canberra, and the challenge and opportunity Labor now faces. 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: Executive Director of The Australia Institute Richard DennissSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Qantas has been told it’s the “wrong kind of sorry”. Five years after illegally outsourcing 1,800 ground staff, the airline has been hit with a record $90 million penalty on top of compensation for workers. Qantas is promising cultural change, but the court's judgment questions whether the airline’s remorse is real or just for show, given the move saved the company hundreds of millions of dollars in the long run. Today, Rampart founder and author of The Chairman's Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, Joe Aston, on what this ruling means for the airline – and whether anything has changed since Alan Joyce's departure. 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: Rampart founder and author of The Chairman's Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, Joe AstonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alex K.
David has very little to be proud of.
william tayor
I'm homless and currently on the wait list for housing. I was offered a bed sit that was little more than abedroom with a tiny bathroom and kitchenet. it was a death sentence for me, so I knocked it back. the housing I was offered was not a home but rather a prison. What the Victorian government is doing is privatising public housing and emptying the inner city of its marginalised communities. pure neo liberal pollicy its disgusting and smacks of a system that's dehumanised and profit driven.
Maz
🥱
Alex K.
Given that you have run stories about the housing crisis, is it ethical for you to accept advertisements from Airbnb on this podcast? A supposedly divorced woman, who is probably just a voice actress, tells what is probably a fictionalised story of Airbnb hosting keeping her afloat. No mentions of the corporatised airbnbs. it is very easy to find one landlord running multiple being airbnbs in any given City. this is partially responsible for the housing crisis.
Alex K.
Ruby, I don't think any of the named Labor elders are in their 60s! All are surely at least 75. Barry Jones is 91, Keating 80, Carr 77.