7am

The next pandemic: Why the world’s more at risk than ever 01.06.2026 16мин

Five years on from COVID, a new report has found the world is even more vulnerable to new pandemics than it was before.  The report, by a body linked to the World Health Organisation, has been released as the world grapples with Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks, as well as one of Australia's worst diphtheria outbreaks on record. The report found that, despite advances in vaccines and diagnostics, climate change, armed conflict and misinformation are undermining global preparedness. Today, Professor Sharon Lewin from the Doherty Institute, on the risk of a large-scale disease outbreak and what we should be doing to prepare for it.    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: Doherty Institute Director, Professor Sharon Lewin Photo: EPA/MARIE JEANNE MUNYERENKANASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Sarah Wilson says civilisation is collapsing 31.05.2026 13мин

The world is facing a series of large-scale crises – war, declining democracy, climate catastrophe.  So, is it all a sign that our civilisation is reaching its limits – and that our economic and political systems are nearing collapse? That’s the question Australian author Sarah Wilson has been interrogating for the last three years for her new book, ‘I Eat The Stars’. Today, writer Sarah Wilson on what happens when the systems that hold us together begin to fray all at once – and what the future looks like after civilisational collapse.    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 Sarah Wilson Photo: sarahwilson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘We do not feel safe’: Kumanjayi White’s grandfather on the danger of the NT police 30.05.2026 15мин

One year ago this week, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man, Kumanjayi White, died after being restrained by police inside a supermarket in Alice Springs. This week, his family was told the officers involved will not face charges. The coronial investigation is still underway, with another directions hearing expected next month. Kumanjayi White’s grandfather – Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves – had already spent years calling for accountability after the death of another young Warlpiri man, Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot and killed by NT police officer Zachary Rolfe in 2019. For Jampijinpa Hargraves, the deaths of Kumanjayi Walker and Kumanjayi White are part of the same crisis: Aboriginal people living under a system that does not make them safe. Today, Jampijinpa Hargraves, on life under the watch of police, the pressure of systems that were never made to protect his people – and what real safety would look like. This episode originally aired in May, 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: Warlpiri elder Jampijinpa ‘Ned’ Hargraves. Photo: AAP Image/James RossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teal party power and Albo’s political booby trap: the week in politics 29.05.2026 15мин

Well, the budget blowback is showing no signs of easing but this week the government doubled down, introducing the legislation for its tax changes to parliament. Albeit with the detail around CGT still TBC and with an inbuilt political booby trap for the Coalition. At the same time, Pauline Hanson is floating her own negative gearing model - as One Nation surges in the polls. And while Labor and the Coalition wrestle with how to fend off Hanson’s rise - the Teals are mulling a plan of their own - a teal party combining the power of Independents like David Pocock, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender. But are they really better together?  Today, political editor at news.com.au Sam Maiden on Albo’s budget resolve, Pauline’s proposal, and teal party power.   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: Political editor at news.com.au Sam Maiden Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘A serious mess’: The crisis inside the corruption watchdog 28.05.2026 17мин

Paul Brereton – the outgoing head of Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission – was grilled at Senate estimates this week. Brereton’s time leading the body charged with investigating serious corruption in the Commonwealth public sector has ended in a crisis of confidence – over Robodebt, his ongoing Defence links, and whether the watchdog properly managed conflicts of interest. Brereton says he has become a distraction from the commission’s work. But his resignation raises the question: do the NACC’s problems end with him? Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on how Australia’s anti-corruption watchdog ended up in crisis – and whether it can recover.   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: Independent journalist Nick Feik Photo: AAP Image/Dominic GianniniSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fantasy of Trump’s Iran deal 27.05.2026 17мин

Guest host Waleed Aly joins the 7am team as the US launches fresh strikes inside Iran, in the middle of a ceasefire. Days earlier, Donald Trump had said an agreement to end the war was close. Now Iran is threatening to retaliate, amid fears the conflict could escalate again. And while Trump insists peace talks are still “proceeding nicely”, he has raised the stakes for negotiators – trying to turn a narrow deal over Iran, Hormuz and sanctions into something much bigger: an expansion of the Abraham Accords, normalising relations between Israel and more countries in the region. Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom, on the fragile ceasefire, Trump’s bigger gamble, and who will blink first in the standoff between America and Iran.   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 Carlstrom Photo: Aaron Schwartz/Pool/Sipa USASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids forced to represent themselves in court: The NT’s legal aid crisis 26.05.2026 16мин

For most of us, facing court with no lawyer and no legal advice in a case that could change the course of your life would be unthinkable. But that’s the situation currently facing dozens of defendants in the Northern Territory – many of them disadvantaged or with English as their second or third language, some just children – all being forced to go it alone in a legal system most adults would struggle to navigate. Lawyer Clancy Dane says a shortage of legal aid, exacerbated by the state government’s tough-on-crime agenda, is leaving vulnerable people without the right to a fair trial. Now, he’s fighting to change that. Today, Territory Criminal Lawyers principal Clancy Dane, on what he says is the worst legal aid crisis the country has ever seen.   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: Territory Criminal Lawyers principal, Clancy Dane Photo: AAP Image/Esther LinderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1: On board the flotilla captured by Israel 25.05.2026 16мин

This week, seven Australians returned home after being detained by Israel. They had been part of the Global Sumud Flotilla – more than 400 activists from 56 countries trying to reach Gaza by sea, carrying food and medicine. Four days after they set sail from Turkiye, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters and took the passengers to Israel. Then Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, released footage of detainees bound on the ground, as he stood over them and taunted them. Israel says the operation was lawful and that no one was harmed. But the Australians who have now returned say they were beaten, humiliated, denied food and water, and held for almost 80 hours. Today, in part one of a two-part episode, filmmaker and flotilla participant Juliet Lamont on what she says happened from the moment Israeli forces reached her boat. 7am has contacted the Israeli embassy for comment. And a warning, this episode contains reference to sexual assault.   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: Flotilla activist, Juliet Lamont Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De MarchiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2: The legal fight to hold Israel to account 25.05.2026 17мин

Lawyers for the Australians detained after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla are now building a record of what happened.  They’re reviewing footage, collecting medical evidence, and taking witness statements alleging beatings, humiliation, denial of food and water, and detention in harsh conditions.  The legal team says the evidence points to serious abuse of Australian citizens – and amounts to crimes. So now the Australians are home, the question is what happens next: whether Australia will do more than condemn, and whether Israel will face any consequence. Today, human rights lawyer Bernadette Zaydan, who represents the 11 Australians on the Global Sumud Flotilla, on what accountability looks like. This is part two of a two part episode. If you haven’t already, go back and listen to our conversation with flotilla participant, Juliet Lamont.   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: Lawyer representing the Australian flotilla activists, Bernadette Zaydan Photo: @itamarbengvir via XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanya Plibersek on the PM’s viral DV comments and calls for a royal commission 24.05.2026 18мин

Australia is again being forced to reckon with the violence being inflicted on women and children.  The PM is adamant a royal commission isn’t the answer, dismissing the idea in an interview that’s gone viral. But his sudden disdain for royal commissions is out of step with what thousands of Australians want to see in response to the scourge of domestic violence.  After another devastating week, thousands of people from all walks of life have backed calls for a royal commission into the killing of women and children at the hands of an intimate partner or someone they know. Today, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, on the pressure for a national reckoning, the limits of government response, and the growing concern about how violence is shaping the lives of young people.    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: Social Services Minister, Tanya Plibersek Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who took the fight to Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest 23.05.2026 16мин

The Federal Court has ordered Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue to pay the Yindjibarndi people $150.1 million. It is the biggest native title compensation payout in Australian history. But for Yindjibarndi leaders, the judgment is complicated. The payout is historic, but it is far below the $1.8 billion they were seeking. The case goes back more than two decades – to Fortescue’s Solomon Hub mines in the Pilbara, which were built on Yindjibarndi land without the agreement of the traditional owners. And the payout includes only about $100,000 for economic loss, despite Fortescue making billions from the mines. Journalist Ben Abbatangelo tells the story of Michael Woodley – the Yindjibarndi lawman who took on Andrew Forrest – and asks: what is the true cost of mining someone else’s Country? This episode was originally published in May 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 Instagram Guest: Ben Abbatangelo Photo: AAP Image/Richard WainwrightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the budget backlash hurting Labor? 22.05.2026 13мин

The federal budget has been hit by a fierce campaign from large sections of the media and a handful of high-profile millennial entrepreneurs. But so far, Labor’s polling has remained relatively unscathed. But that doesn’t mean voters are happy. People might not be shifting their votes over this budget, but many still feel there’s nothing in it for them right now.  For the Coalition, that should be an opening. Instead, it's One Nation turning that frustration into real momentum. Today, Director of Strategy and Analytics at RedBridge Group, Kos Samaras, on Labor’s budget woes, the Coalition’s failure to capitalise, and the populist right’s growing hold on Australian politics.    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: RedBridge Group Director, Kos Samaras Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nightclub firebombings and ‘The Ghost’: Melbourne’s latest crime war 21.05.2026 15мин

It started with a single nightclub attack and escalated into what’s been dubbed Melbourne’s hospitality crime war. More than 30 clubs, pubs and restaurants have now been targeted in drive-by shootings, break-ins and firebombings. And while dozens of arrests have now been made, the people behind the attacks remain a mystery. One theory? That an international crime syndicate led by a man called “the Ghost” is ordering the hits from a bunker in Iraq.  Today, senior reporter at the Herald Sun, Seb Costello, on the escalating attacks threatening the lives and livelihoods of Melbourne venue owners. 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 at the Herald Sun, Seb Costello Photo: AAP Image/Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Chalmers defends his budget 20.05.2026 16мин

For two decades, we’ve had a tax policy that pushed up house prices, gave landlords huge advantages, and ultimately created an intergenerational wealth divide.  A week ago, the government said it wanted to do something about that and announced changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax.  But the budget hasn’t gone down well – for some, it doesn’t go far enough to make a real difference to the housing market. For others, particularly in business, changes to capital gains go too far.  Today, Treasurer Jim Chalmers defends his budget.    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: Treasurer Jim Chalmers Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keli Holiday and the new risk of touring Trump's America 19.05.2026 15мин

You may know him as Keli Holiday, one-half of Peking Duck, or even as Abbie Chatfield’s boyfriend… Now, Australian musician Adam Hyde has become the latest high-profile victim of Trump’s tough border rules – after he was denied re-entry to the States in the middle of his North American tour. The explanation? National security concerns. That’s it – nothing more. And it’s not an isolated incident. In Trump’s America, Australian artists are increasingly finding themselves blocked from entry, threatening their careers and livelihoods in a market that’s crucial for their success. Today, co-founder of Lamestream, Osman Faruqi, on border control, censorship and why the Australian government should be pushing 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: Co-founder of Lamestream, Osman Faruqi Photo: AAP Image/Sitthixay DitthavongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doped-up athletes and million dollar prizes: The Enhanced Games is here 18.05.2026 16мин

This weekend in Vegas, athletes including Australian swimmer James Magnussen will take part in the Enhanced Games – a competition that freely allows doping.  It's the creation of controversial Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, and it's bankrolled by Peter Thiel and one of Donald Trump’s sons.  The competition has enticed athletes with huge cash prizes – and is, in turn, selling the performance-enhancing drugs those athletes will experiment with.  Today, Chief Sports Writer at The Sydney Morning Herald Tom Decent – on the spectacle, and the seediness of the Enhanced Games. 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: Chief sports writers at the SMH, Tom Decent Photo: Instagram: james.magnussenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eurovision, Israel and the politics of pop music 17.05.2026 16мин

Over the weekend, Eurovision got a feel-good ending. Bulgaria won the contest for the very first time with their infectious song Bangaranga. And Australia came close - with Delta Goodrem placing 4th. But the controversy over Israel didn’t go away. Israeli singer Noam Bettan finished second, after getting a huge huge public vote – despite protests outside the contest, boycotts from five countries, and warnings over the Israeli broadcaster KAN running a campaign telling people to vote ten times. Eurovision insists it’s a non-political contest... but over the past three years, Israel’s place in it  has exposed how political that stage can be – and how useful it can be for a government trying to shape how the world sees it. Today, author of Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through the World’s Greatest Song Contest, Chris West, on the boycott, the vote, and how Israel turned the world’s biggest song contest into a soft-power campaign.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   And Eurovision audio is courtesy of SBS.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Author of Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest, Chris West. Photo: EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AUKUS: This could only end in a very bad place 16.05.2026 14мин

This week’s budget shows AUKUS is getting bigger. The government is putting more money into the agencies, workforce and infrastructure needed for nuclear-powered submarines. But the deal still relies on the US agreeing to sell them to Australia, and on a Trump administration that has already reviewed AUKUS through an “America First” lens. And as the program grows, the public still knows very little about what Australia is trading away to keep it alive. Today, former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army, Dr Albert Palazzo, on the secrecy around AUKUS – and the US military expansion on Australian soil. This episode was originally published in December 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: Former Director of War Studies for the Australian Army and adjunct professor at UNSW, Dr Albert Palazzo Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Colin MurtySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Labor's 'breadcrumb' budget feels like a meal 15.05.2026 16мин

After Labor handed down its fifth budget, Anthony Albanese spent the week answering one question: had he broken his promise? The government wanted the budget framed as a fairness agenda built around changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts, and a pitch to younger Australians locked out of housing. Instead, the immediate political fight became whether voters could trust the prime minister. But the noise around broken-promises obscures deeper conversations about what the housing tax changes will actually deliver, the omission of a gas export levy, and the tens of billions of dollars being cut from the NDIS. Meanwhile, Angus Taylor’s budget reply showed where the Coalition wants the argument to go next: migration, welfare and net zero – as One Nation surges in the polls. Today, Cheek Media CEO and host of Big Small Talk, Hannah Ferguson, on the ambition, compromises and contradictions in Labor’s budget – and what young voters are being asked to accept.   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: Cheek Media CEO and host of the Big Small Talk podcast, Hannah Ferguson. Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Pocock on the “cowardly” announcement hidden on budget day 14.05.2026 17мин

Senator David Pocock has been one of the fiercest advocates for the You win some, you lose more report, known as the Murphy Review, and its recommendations to reduce the harms of online gambling. It took the Albanese government 1,049 days to formally respond to the landmark inquiry that called for urgent action to reduce gambling harm, including a phased ban on gambling advertising. When the government did finally release its response this week, it was hidden on budget day and stopped well short of that central recommendation, prompting anger from advocates and crossbenchers who say the government has failed to meet the scale of the problem. Today, Senator David Pocock on the government’s handling of the Murphy Review, the power of the gambling lobby and why he says the response shows a failure of political leadership.   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: Independent senator David Pocock Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.