Yesterday, Labor’s emergency legislation on immigration detention was slammed by crossbenchers and the Greens as a “race to the bottom” on the way governments treat asylum seekers.
But in the lead up to that move, criticisms that Labor is trying to be tougher than the Coalition on immigration laws have been growing louder. 
So, why is Labor intent on being known for its hardline border policy?
Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on whether Labor is attempting to one up Peter Dutton on immigration. 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Labor’s ‘shameful’ last-minute immigration bill

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

News

Daily News

On Monday, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan announced he would apply for arrest warrants for senior Hamas leaders as well as Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant.
So, how did the ICC’s prosecutor come to the point of applying for arrest warrants? What happens next? And can international law survive the scrutiny it’s now under?
Today, expert in international law and professor at the University of California Davis Chimene Keitner on the warrants now drawing attention from around the world.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: Professor at the University of California Davis, Chimene Keitner

Arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Netanyahu: What happens next?

The members of this federal Labor government have been pretty disciplined on not publicly criticising party policy.
So it raised a few eyebrows when MPs from inner-city seats took aim at the government’s Future Gas Strategy.
The plan pumps up gas as a vital part of the energy transition through to 2050 and beyond, which is at odds with moves to get households off gas as quickly as possible.
Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what’s behind the gas plan and why a little “sanctioned dissent” might be part of a broader electoral strategy.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Gas beyond 2050: A Labor revolt or sanctioned dissent?

Julian Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, describes the long, meandering court process Assange has faced as “punishment by process”.
Just this week, in a decision that may have saved Assange from being immediately extradited to the United States, the British High Court ruled it will hear one more appeal against his extradition – but not until later this year.
The only other literal get-out-of-jail card for Assange is if the US drops the charges against him.
Today, Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson, on why she’s back in Australia lobbying the government and whether they can secure a deal before the US election in November. 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: Lawyer for Julian Assange, Jennifer Robinson.

Jennifer Robinson on UK courts giving Assange one last appeal

When observing the Al Roj refugee camp in Northern Syria on Google Maps, you can see it’s only a few hundred metres away from an airport tarmac.
But for the 40 Australian citizens stranded at the camp – with no water, electricity or any real plan for the future – getting on a plane home could still be years away.
Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on why the government seems to have abandoned its plans to bring them home.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

Albanese abandons plans to bring home 'ISIS brides'

If you’ve bought salmon at the supermarket, there’s a strong chance it came from Tasmania.
The island state is home to a billion-dollar salmon farming industry and much of it is located at Macquarie Harbour. That harbour is where Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan grew up.
But it’s also home to a 60-million-year-old creature whose fate appears to be the first Australian species to be wiped off the face of the earth during this federal government.
Today, writer and contributor to The Monthly Richard Flanagan on how corporate greed, political inaction and our demand for supermarket salmon are all choking the Maugean Skate. 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Guest: Booker Prize-winning author and contributor to The Monthly Richard Flanagan

Labor’s ‘shameful’ last-minute immigration bill

Download our free app to listen on your phone