The Conversation Hour

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  Ban on life insureres using adverse genetic tests comes into effect 09.10.2026 50分

  Legislation to stop life insurers from using adverse genetic tests came into place this week. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what this landmark law reform will mean for early detection of disease.  Also in this edition, the Beach Boys hit Good Vibrations turns 60 today, we hear about the extraordinary production process that went into making the hit. Plus, the common words that have a mysterious origin.
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  Have you already decided who you will vote for? 08.10.2026 49分

  Recent polling indicates that 60 per-cent of Victorians have not yet committed to who they will vote for in the Victoria election. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk why this election is particularly volatile and what sorts of things might influence how people vote next month. Also in this edition, the push to ban wood fire heaters, a pre-COP debrief. Plus, it's World Octopus Day!
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  What would the Coalition's migration plan mean for you? 07.10.2026 50分

  As Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor promises to make the biggest cuts to migration in Australian history, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the potential impacts on aged care, business as well as what it means for refugees. Also in this edition, what came out of the parliamentary inquiry into AI and creatives. Plus, we celebrate 30 years of The Corner Hotel.
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  How are you feeling about AI? 06.10.2026 48分

  As Open AI's Chief Strategy officer Jason Kwon is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry after the Medicare AI breach, in this edition of The Conversation Hour ask you if you are getting more or less worried about Ai over time. Also in this edition, should friendships have a legal status. Plus, how can we better support seafarers.
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  What is the best thing a newly elected Victorian Government can do for renters? 05.10.2026 49分

  It's International Tenants Day and in this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with Tenants Victoria about what protections they would like to see put in place ahead of a forum they are holding this afternoon. Also in this edition, what's the purpose of the pre-COP meeting in Fiji? A debrief on the NRL grandfinal. Plus, are glow worms the best inspects?
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  What will the weekend weather mean for farmers? 02.10.2026 43分

  As Victoria prepares for heavy rainfall over the weekend, in this edition of The Conversation Hour Kirsten catches up with a few farmers across the state on how the rain will likely impact their produce. Also in this edition, the rise of the para-social relationship, the words that feel impossible to spell, plus a preview of the NRL Grandfinal.
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  Where are we at with electric trucks in Australia? 01.10.2026 49分

  As uptake for electric vehicles increase in popularity with car drivers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the rise of electric vehicles means for the trucking industry, and the opportunities and challenges involved with adopting an electric fleet. Also in this edition, why Victorian public hospital doctors are striking. Plus, a new snake map tracks where Melbourne's most venomous snakes live.
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  How will the interest rate hike impact older Victorians? 30.09.2026 50分

  In the wake of the interest rate rise of yesterday in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether it will have a disproportionate affect on those heading towards retirement, either through renting or paying off their mortgage. Also in this edition, bridging the political generation divide in families, the return of the corset in pop culture. Plus, celebrating the pub gig.
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  How will expected interest rate hikes impact small business 29.09.2026 50分

  With the RBA expected to raise interest rates today, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what impact the rate rise will have on small business and more specifically the Aussie pub. Also in this edition, the impact of deepfakes on the Victorian elections. Plus, the joy of the Melbourne Royal Show.
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  What is best practice when it comes to emergency mental health call outs? 28.09.2026 51分

  The Victorian Government has announced updated protocols for mental health call outs prioritising a health led, rather than a law and order response. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what best practice is and what further improvements could be made. Also in this edition, the impact of Wharfie Time in in the GF, who are the NRL fans in Vic. Plus we introduce you to the PALM scheme workers who formed a choir.  
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  What does the AFL grand final mean for the local economy? 24.09.2026 51分

  The year the AFL grand final will feature two interstate teams in the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions. So as fans from WA and Queensland come to Melbourne, we talk what sort of boost it will mean for local businesses. Also in this edition, we talk AI guard rails, the history of the photo booth and get a preview of the AFL Masters which kick off on Sunday.
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  Debate about using super for home ownership intensifies 23.09.2026 51分

  As political debate over whether super could or should be accessed for housing deposits rages, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how we balance home security with retirement savings. Also in this edition, the power of the footy for social connection. Plus, celebrating pet adoption as the Lort Smith turns 90.
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  Is it time to get serious about lifting Australia's birth rate? 22.09.2026 51分

  With predictions that there will be more deaths than people being born in 2060 in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what economic consequences could be and what could be done to support new parents. Also in this edition, how to protect yourself against the flu, strengthening mental health protocols in sport. Plus, celebrating Victoria's best trees.
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  Identifying the early signs of dementia 21.09.2026 50分

  New research from The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has highlighted the difficulty of getting a dementia diagnosis, with less than half receiving a diagnosis in the first year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how the role of the GP could simplify the process. Also in this episode, the role of the AFL mascot in lifting the mood of a game, our fraught relationship with fast fashion. Plus, could you identify a quoll?
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  How will the immigration changes impact farmers? 18.09.2026 47分

  With food producers already struggling to find workers for the upcoming harvest season, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what the backpacker changes announced by the Federal Government will mean for farmers, food production and the cost of living more broadly. Also in this edition, getting young people into reading, a big weekend for country footy. Plus, does a new video game about Gallipoli trivialise war?
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  Celebrating Australian books 17.09.2026 51分

  In this very special edition of The Conversation Hour, hosted by Hilary Harper,  we collaborate with Radio National's Top 100 Australian books to celebrate the Australian books that you love. Authors Louise Milligan, Robert Gott, Tony Birch and program director of the Queenscliff Literary festival Elizabeth McCarthy reflect on the writing that matters to them.  
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  Community opposition to data centres grows 16.09.2026 52分

  Community opposition to data centres grows. We speak to president of Citizens for Totnam Jacqui Glover, about the data centre being built metres from her home. New research shows structural barriers, not masculinity, are keeping men out of care work and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation commemorates 30years of important work.
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  Zali Steggal on sexualising women in sport 15.09.2026 53分

  Former Olympian and MP Zali Steggal weighs in on the negative impacts of a new betting commercial that sexualises and belittles women in sport. We explore the feasibility of upgrading the Upfield line with campaigner Andrea Bunting and Johnathon Spear of infrastructure Victoria. A new guide reveals wearing a poorly fitted bra, or not having access to sports bras, severely impacts sport participation for women and girls. 
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  The NFL is go 11.09.2026 49分

  Well, it's finally game day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we cross to the MCG to get all the colour and movement from the NFL. Speaking of sport, we also cross to the States to get the latest on the US Open. Also in this edition, the cost of rising sea levels. Plus, as the UN votes to adapt a new more accurate map, we ask you about the maps you have held onto.
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  The NFL has come to town 10.09.2026 49分

  As the state gears up for the NFL tomorrow morning, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what this Melborrne match means for the game globally. Also in this edition, men's relationship with their faces, what role you GP can play in your mental health plan. Plus, what does it mean to be an art theft investigator?