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It’s the dawn of a new era in federal politics, with a brand new anti-corruption watchdog now operating and promising to help combat corruption in Canberra.

In its first 48 hours since opening on Saturday, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) had already received 44 referrals for investigation.

But there are concerns the way the NACC has been designed could mean it will struggle to meet the public’s expectations for exposing corruption.

Today, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Kieran Pender on why the NACC isn’t designed to protect whistleblowers.

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

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The ‘Yes’ campaign has intensified its efforts this week, with thousands of people turning out for rallies nationwide on Sunday to back the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

It’s the kind of visible community campaigning that ‘Yes’ organisers have long been promising would ramp up as the referendum approaches.

But it came at the end of a difficult week for the campaign, with some major opinion polls showing support is declining – and may have fallen behind the ‘No’ vote.

Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Marty McKenzie-Murray, on what’s going on inside the ‘Yes’ campaign as it struggles to secure the necessary majorities.

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Guest: Associate editor of The Saturday Paper Marty McKenzie-Murray

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Once there was public outcry from some quarters that ICAC would even investigate Gladys Berejiklian – one of the most popular premiers in NSW history.

Flowers were left at her electoral office after she stepped down, and talkback radio callers were furious with ICAC for precipitating her resignation.

But now we know that Berejiklian was seriously corrupt when she was treasurer and later the premier.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on Gladys Berejiklian’s conduct and why it points to deeper misconduct in our politics.

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

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Today on the show, author Carrie Tiffany, with her piece from the Monthly. 

After the death of her mother, Carrie reflects on the hold of sugar upon her family’s health and history.

Carrie will read her piece, ‘Sweet Regret’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. 

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Guest: Author, Carrie Tiffany

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Stuart Robert may have resigned from parliament – but this parliament might not be done with him yet.

New allegations, which he strongly denies, paint a picture of a lobbying firm setting up arrangements to profit Robert if he helped them win government work.

And we’ll soon see how voters react, with a by-election in Roberts’ seat looming.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the latest Stuart Robert revelations and why opinion polls are putting chills through Canberra.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Since the Voice to Parliament referendum was announced, it has enjoyed majority support, according to the biggest opinion polls – that is, until this week.

As legislation for the referendum made its way through parliament, the debate on the chamber floor and in the media only became more acrimonious. Now, the polls seem to suggest the resounding majority hoped for by advocates of the Voice might be harder to come by.

Today, the author The Voice to Parliament Handbook with Kerry O’Brien and board member of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Thomas Mayo, on whether the ‘Yes’ campaign message is cutting through and if it needs to be clearer.

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Guest: Author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook, Thomas Mayo

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Parliament is struggling with how to handle the case of Senator David Van, who continues to strenuously deny allegations of sexual harassment and assault levelled by Senator Lidia Thorpe and others.

The case shows how, more than a year after the Jenkins review into the culture at parliament house, it remains uniquely incapable of handling complaints, finding the truth and providing a safe workplace for all.

Today, chief political correspondent Karen Middleton, on why people can stay in parliament long after they’ve been accused of sexual assault. 

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Guest: Chief political correspondent Karen Middleton

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Russian president Vladimir Putin may have averted an armed mutiny, but the wounds could prove fatal for his leadership.

Wagner group, a private military force that has flourished with Putin’s blessing, and just halted its march from the Ukrainian front towards Moscow, has exposed cracks in the Russian government.

Russia’s ruling elites will now exchange deep recriminations over how the attempted insurrection was able to get so far.

Today, fellow at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Matthew Sussex, on why Wagner’s rebellion makes Putin’s rule uncertain.

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Guest: Fellow at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Matthew Sussex

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A string of recent incidents involving the use of force has raised questions about the way in which Australian police wield power, and how these incidents are investigated.

The officer who allegedly Tasered a 95-year old woman, Clare Nowland, is in court next month and is expected to fight the charges.

Meanwhile, a Queensland police officer was caught on video punching and Tasering a man who’d been in a car crash, and will be investigated by an internal police standards body.

Today, contributor to The Monthly and criminal defence lawyer Russell Marks, on the use of force and the relationship between the police and the public.

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Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Russell Marks.

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We learned this week that United States president Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, will accept a plea deal on federal tax crimes.

With the 2024 presidential race already underway, Republicans are calling the deal evidence of nepotism and corruption – none more loudly than Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

Trump, of course, is facing a much more lengthy federal indictment, with 37 charges against him. That could mean a prison sentence running several decades if he’s found guilty at his upcoming trial.

Today, the editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan Pearlman, on how the contest for the US presidency is suddenly about who has committed what crimes.

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Guest: Editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, Jonathan Pearlman

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