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A month out from the Voice referendum, according to the polls, the ‘Yes’ campaign is struggling. 

Across the board, they show a big lead for ‘No’ advocates and already many in the media are all but calling the outcome of the vote.

But beneath the headline numbers there’s a glimmer of hope for ‘Yes’.

The number of undecided voters, those not fully locked in to either side, is sitting in the millions - and both campaigns are doing all they can to win them over.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on what we know about the undecided bloc, and what the polls really mean.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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When companies take advantage of consumers by misleading them, selling faulty products, or breaking promises, there’s a body that steps in – the ACCC.

Its chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, has launched cases against some of Australia’s biggest corporations. The latest, targeting Qantas, is seeking a record-breaking penalty from the airline.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the woman now known as the “Alan Joyce slayer”, and how she aims to stop Australian consumers from being duped. 

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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It felt like only a matter of time before we’d begin to hear allegations of dirty tricks in the lead up to the referendum.

This week, leaked documents and warped headlines have exposed the tactics that are being used to push the “No” vote.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on how the strategies to reject the Voice are reverberating through the halls of power.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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A secretive journey aboard an armoured luxury train has transported North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un into Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin.

It’s a trip with a high-stakes agenda, as North Korea has something that Russia wants: weapons and ammunition to help in its fight against Ukraine. 

So, what could this deal lead to in Ukraine, and could it threaten security in Australia’s region?

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on Putin’s desperate wartime quest and the danger of what North Korea might receive in return.

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Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman

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As the founder of one of the world’s biggest mining companies, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest has done more to advance global heating than some small countries.

But Twiggy has more recently become an advocate for climate action, and is betting the future of his empire on a green transition.

His approach has rattled investors and his own executives, with a string of resignations and turmoil in the company’s ranks.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper, Marc Moncrief, on the chaos at Fortescue, and whether Twiggy really is a climate messiah.

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Guest: Business journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Marc Moncrief

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The government says its key policy on affordable and social housing will pass the senate this week – after securing the support of the Greens yesterday.

The Greens had hoped to force the government to impose a cap on rents, but after months of tense debate, the bill will pass without a rent freeze.

So how did rent caps become such a sticking point? Are they even possible in Australia? And do they actually work?

Today, honorary research fellow in urban geography and planning, and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Dr Kate Shaw, on why rent controls are so controversial. 

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Guest: Honorary Research Fellow in Urban Geography and Planning Dr Kate Shaw

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Speaking up when you see something wrong is too hard in Australia.

People who’ve spoken up about corporate fraud and dodgy government deals, and even those who’ve exposed war crimes, have faced life-altering consequences.

Now, for the first time, there’s a service dedicated to whistleblowers, to offer them support as they bring the truth to light for the rest of us.

Today, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre of Australia and contributor to The Saturday Paper Kieran Pender on how we can help the people who expose wrongdoing.

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Guest: Senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, Kieran Pender.

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Today on the show, Mark Mordue reads his piece from The Saturday Paper.

MRI scans are infamously claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing procedures. During his own MRI, the author was surprised to find solace and inspiration in the barrage of sounds he was subjected to lying within the machine. The cacophony of the equipment presented an opportunity to expound on the musical genres that are its antecedents, and those that are, perhaps, its legacy.

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Guest: Writer, poet and journalist, Mark Mordue

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The first week of the referendum campaign started with an unmistakable voice: John Farnham.

His iconic hit is now the anthem for “Yes” voters, who say their vote is about being on the right side of history. 

For “No” voters, the ad is superficial – pandering to emotions rather than giving concrete reasons to support the Voice.

Meanwhile, tactics from the opposition have included pitching a second referendum and undermining the “Yes” campaign’s ad by pointing to a key lyric.

Today, contributor to The Monthly and The Saturday Paper, Yorta Yorta man Daniel James on the early day strategies of both camps and the potential for things to become more toxic as the campaign proceeds. 

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Daniel James.

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The royal commission into veteran suicides is probing the ugliest parts of the Australian defence force.

Putting the spotlight on accountability and leadership, the commission has cast doubt on defence’s ability to protect the wellbeing and safety of its people.

One former military chaplain shared the story of the abuse she experienced, and says when she sought help, she was told to deal with it herself.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on lies, cowardice and poor leadership in the ADF.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.

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