The Morning Edition

A player suspended, a Pride match bumped: Is the AFL doing more harm than good? 02.06.2026 18min

This weekend, there was supposed to be a special game played between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda. It was the teams' annual Pride match, in which the players would wear rainbow jerseys and celebrate diversity, the aim being to boost inclusivity for LGBTQ fans. But for the first time in a decade, because of a far-reaching scandal involving Saints player Lance Collard, the Pride match was scrapped. Sydney opted to play the game against a different side, at a different time. Today special correspondent Stephen Brook discusses the role that homophobic slurs play in footy and why the code’s attempts at cracking down on hate may be backfiring.And just a heads-up, this episode contains offensive language.Background reading The question that exposed a massive flaw in the AFL’s fight against homophobia. Not much pride in the AFL’s LGBTQI+ efforts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Abbott is back, but what does it mean for the Liberal Party? 01.06.2026 19min

Tony Abbott is one of our most divisive former prime ministers. Lauded in conservative political circles, and mocked outside of them.And now, after he was knifed by his own party as a first-term prime minister, and then lost his political seat, Abbott is back.Today chief political commentator James Massola discusses Abbott's selection as the new president of the Liberal Party and the risk, and reward, he poses to Opposition leader Angus Taylor.Background listening: Tony Abbott's interview on Inside Politics – On running for Senate, AUKUS and cultural ‘self-loathing’. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ‘mega ship’ will deliver 30,000 EVs from China. Just how safe is your data? 31.05.2026 17min

Roughly 5,000 new electric vehicles are due to land this week from China. This is just the first part of a shipment expected from the Chinese car manufacturing behemoth, BYD. The company is due to ship another 25,000 EVs here this year. Australians are embracing electric vehicles more than ever before, thanks to skyrocketing fuel prices. But it also comes with unanswered questions and potential complications. Today, North Asia correspondent Lisa Visentin discusses China's dizzying technological advances in EVs, and whether Australians buying these cars risk being spied on.Background reading ‘Made in China’ EVs are taking over the streets, but just how safe is your data? Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CGT shemozzle, risk thrown around like 'fairy dust' and...a Teal party? 28.05.2026 20min

We are officially in week two of budget backlash, and both sides seem pretty dug in. Today we’re talking about the disagreements about the capital gains tax - the most controversial part of the budget - and if, as some critics said, it will kill business aspirations. The other news that sparked our interest was the tantalising prospect of the Teal independents forming a party to consolidate their power in the face of a rising One Nation. Today’s episode is hosted by Jacqueline Maley, with chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Gen Z in India turned an insult into a political uprising 27.05.2026 22min

Gen Z in India are rebelling. Millions of young Indians have signed up to a movement that’s pushing against the unfair advantages that their elders have and they don’t. And though the political movement they've joined is satirical, the Cockroach Janta Party has the Indian government worried. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses how serious a threat this movement is to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the other recent youth-led movements that have toppled governments. Background reading Peter Hartcher: 'Young people are revolting. India’s ‘cockroach’ campaign is just the latest example.'  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most powerful man in sport is about to get more powerful 26.05.2026 16min

State of Origin is rugby league’s night of nights, with Queensland and New South Wales battling it out for supremacy. But as the teams take to the field tonight, there’s a battle of a different kind taking place in the NRL as power swaps between the biggest names in sports administration - Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo. Today, national head of sport Neil Breen on the politics of the NRL, and whether too much power may land in the hands of one man. For more: 'Peter V’landys says the NRL needs ‘Superman and Jesus’ as CEO. That person will be Peter V’landys.' Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why the era of sniffer dogs at music festivals could be over 25.05.2026 21min

Drugs and music festivals have gone hand-in-hand for decades. In recent years – especially since a string of overdoses – authorities have employed various strategies to try to curb drug use and avoid tragedies from occurring at festivals around the country.Depending on where festivals are held, music lovers have been subjected to various degrees of intervention – from having to run the gauntlet of sniffer dogs to intrusive strip searches. That is now changing.Today, culture reporter Kayla Olaya discusses the 3000 people who sued NSW Police last year over the legality of strip searches, plus we look at recent changes to the policing of drug use at large, live music events. Background reading Days of ‘going through a gauntlet of police lined with drug dogs’ are over, says a top cop. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A secret, a revelation and a life forever changed for cop turned alleged victim 24.05.2026 27min

As a police officer who investigated sex crimes, Graeme Simpfendorfer was accustomed to helping victims on what might be the worst day of their life. He found meaning in tracking down the criminals who’d hurt them.But then came the day when he realised that he, too, was an alleged victim.The former detective sergeant – who appeared on the reality television show Hunted – talks about what happened when he decided to report his alleged abuse to police. And what it was like to experience the justice system from the other side.Today’s episode is hosted by Samantha Selinger-Morris.And a warning, this episode contains descriptions of alleged sexual abuse. Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 and Lifeline 13 11 14.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people don’t have trusts, or multiple houses: Bill Shorten on the budget’s tax changes 21.05.2026 32min

We’re officially in our budget backlash era, with claims of death taxes, of aspirations killed, and the outraged cries of crypto bros across the nation. Not to mention, of course, the genuine anxiety from regular small business owners and shareholders who are unsure of how all of these changes will affect them. Our guest this week is former Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten, who is now the vice chancellor of the University of Canberra. Shorten knows a thing or two about such backlash, having taken changes to negative gearing and the  capital gains tax to not one, but two elections — 2016 and 2019. Hosting today’s conversation is Jacqueline Maley, alongside chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, it’s Putin’s turn. Will Xi Jinping encourage Russia to end the Ukraine war? 20.05.2026 23min

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in China to meet Xi Jinping, days after the Chinese leader hosted US President Donald Trump. Will Putin gush over Xi, as Trump was accused of doing? Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses the historic concessions Trump has made to China, and what Putin is hoping to achieve from his meeting.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 20 years of NAPLAN data has revealed something shocking 19.05.2026 15min

It’s like clockwork. Every March, countless parents, children and teachers across Australia grip their foreheads, wondering about how their NAPLAN scores measure up. But now, a new study of our country’s national standardised scholastic test has revealed an unsettling trend. Today, education reporter Nicole Precel on the educational segregation that is thriving in Australia – and what it will take to fix it.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Angus Taylor's immigration plan would really mean 18.05.2026 19min

With the Liberal Party in a political death spiral, it was perhaps inevitable that when Opposition Leader Angus Taylor gave his budget reply speech last week, he’d swing for the fences.But could his much-awaited immigration policy help fix Australia's housing crisis?Today, chief political commentator James Massola on what Angus Taylor means when he says his policy proposal “puts Australians first”.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Melbourne's nightclubs have been targeted by a 'Fagin-like' mystery figure 17.05.2026 16min

Melbourne’s nightlife industry has been beset by violent crimes for much of this year.Under the cover of night, well-known venues - including an iconic French restaurant - have been targeted.What makes this series of connected crimes interesting is the motive remains a mystery.Some club owners have received an ominous message before an attack, but with no demand attached.Also notable is the sheer number of teenagers, some as young as 13 years old, recruited over an encrypted messaging app to carry out the crimes.Our episode today, with crime journalists Chris Vedelago and Carla Jaegar, is guest-hosted by Benjamin Preiss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does a broken promise matter in a broken system, and Angus Taylor’s migrant plan 14.05.2026 27min

The federal budget was pitched as a big moment for a progressive government that wants to equalise wealth and home ownership. And one of the main attacks from the opposition is that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has had to break a promise in order to get there. So will the broken promise line resonate if the changes are broadly supported by the public? Also today, Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal talk about Coalition leader Angus Taylor’s plan to centre immigration in his budget reply speech, including that non-citizens should be blocked from welfare payments. We also check in on One Nation’s Farrer by-election win and how significant a threat the party now poses to Labor.   Background reading: Budget fallout: Next tax war will be over rival income tax cuts Confused by the federal budget? We answer your questions Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan, trade and the balance of power: What’s at stake when Trump meets Xi Jinping 13.05.2026 24min

When US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping this week, it will be a geopolitical heavyweight match-up with enormous stakes, according to Joe Biden’s former deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell. On the table is everything from global trade to security. And, at a time when Trump is arguably at his weakest, and Xi at his most paranoid. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher on whether Trump may inadvertently lead the United States into unilateral concessions and unintentional appeasement, and what this might mean for the rest of us.    Background reading: Peter Hartcher - The empire of pain and paranoia that awaits Trump inside Xi’s China Michael Koziol - The ‘big danger’ for Australia as Trump meets Xi  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoomers, boomers and a federal budget that could fix housing 12.05.2026 26min

The federal government has delivered one of the most anticipated budgets in recent history, with the focus on shifting wealth from Boomers and opening more of the housing market to younger wage earners. In order to get there, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have enacted an overhaul of negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts. Today, we bring you an early episode of The Morning Edition from Parliament House in Canberra, with senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.   Peter Hartcher – ‘This budget will be attacked as a nightmare. That’s exactly what the PM wants.’ Paul Sakkal – ‘Albanese gambles on support from younger Australians as he dramatically shifts wealth.’ Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will One Nation push Labor to reshape our society? 11.05.2026 20min

We’re only hours away from the federal treasurer handing down the government’s much-anticipated budget. All eyes have been on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s anticipated - and controversial - changes to taxes that benefit the wealthier members of our society.But there’s an entirely different factor that is likely to sway the government’s thinking.Today, political columnist Sean Kelly on what One Nation’s historic win on Saturday could mean for the changes to our society that the government implements, or not.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Popcorn out’ for Farrer by-election, plus the RBA’s pointed comments on government spending 07.05.2026 27min

The electorate of Farrer is holding a by-election this weekend and we’re expecting the contest will be a good one. The NSW seat, which hugs the border with Victoria, belonged to former opposition leader Sussan Ley for 25 years. Now, it’s a microcosm of the pressures the Coalition is under from independent candidates and One Nation. And as Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley puts it, Labor has grabbed the popcorn and is sitting this one out. Also this week, RBA boss Michele Bullock made some unusually pointed remarks about inflation and government spending when she raised the cash rate again. Plus, we’ve been reporting on tax relief that’s expected to be announced in next week’s budget. Joining Maley today is chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal. Background reading: '‘F’ the lot of youse: Inside the deep political bitterness of the Farrer byelection.' ‘That’s assault’: One Nation volunteer grabs Liberal senator’s phone in clash outside polling booth Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once dominant fascist powers, Japan and Germany are now saving democracy 06.05.2026 19min

US President Donald Trump never fails to miss an opportunity to punish his allies. This week, it was Germany after Trump announced he’d be pulling 5000 troops from the country after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the US had been humiliated by Iran. But away from the front-page news, Germany and Japan – another former enemy of the US – have been on the rise. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the stunning turnabout from the two countries that have threatened world peace the most in the past – and how all this will affect us.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Attenborough is 100. His legacy may be very different than you think 05.05.2026 26min

For millions of people, David Attenborough was the man who introduced us to the wonders of the natural world.But, with Attenborough turning 100 years old on Friday, some are rethinking his legacy, and realising that his biggest achievement might have been missed entirely. Today environment editor Nick O’Malley and former BBC arts director Jonty Claypole talk about how the world’s most famous naturalist changed our culture.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.