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An investigation into factional misconduct in Victoria has created debate about how the Labor Party is structured and how it can be reformed.

The stakes are incredibly high for the party: not only is some of the conduct illegal and undemocratic, but it also risks losses in seats where independents are likely to run on integrity.

Today, Labor speechwriter and contributor to The Saturday Paper Dennis Glover on the party within a party. 

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Guest: Labor speechwriter and contributor to The Saturday Paper Dennis Glover.

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As Australia faces a new wave of Covid-19 variants, experts say the country has a chance to plot a different course with the virus.

That involves acknowledging that it is not going away - that it will be here for a long time, and that masks and ventilation will be needed to manage it.

Today, lead researcher at the Kirby Institute Raina MacIntyre on hope, denial and Covid-19.

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Guest: Lead researcher at the Kirby Institute Raina MacIntyre.

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After five years of inaction, the Albanese government has made implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart a key item of business. Anthony Albanese has described it as a hand held out to the country.

But there are still questions over whether a referendum will succeed. Senator Patrick Dodson is telling colleagues they should put it up regardless - if the vote is lost, the country will have to live with it.

Today, columnist from The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the first week of a new parliament. 

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Labor is working through the specifics of the nuclear submarine deal Scott Morrison set up before he lost office. Some in the party believe AUKUS was established in part to wedge Labor on the issue of non-proliferation.

So what is next for the plan to buy nuclear submarines? And what can Labor do to ensure their purchase doesn’t undermine a commitment to ending nuclear wars?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the one of the biggest projects Australia is undertaking.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton

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As Covid-19 hospitalisations break records in almost all states, there is a curious absence of political leadership.

Frontline workers wonder why there is no greater attempt at community mitigation. What has shifted? Why are politicians no longer following the health advice, at least on masks?

Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Martin McKenzie-Murray on Covid-19 and the politics of fatigue.

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

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New figures show that the Morrison government stacked government boards and tribunals at a level unprecedented in Australian politics.

These appointees were sometimes unqualified and incompetent. They particularly affected the Administrative Appeals Tribunal - where members can be paid up to $500,000 a year.

Now it is clear that they have badly altered decision making processes.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how key bodies have been politicised beyond recognition and what to do next. 

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. 

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Last week, opposition leader Peter Dutton called for policy reform to regulate social media due to its impact on civil discourse. He said debate in this country was absurd, dangerous, reckless and reprehensible. But who gets to define what is and isn’t “civil” in the public sphere? And what does that say about power? Today, lawyer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Nyadol Nyuon on Peter Dutton, social media and how impoliteness can be a radical agent of change.

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Guest: Director of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre Nyadol Nyuon.

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When parliament returns next week, Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party will sit on the government benches for the first time.

It’s a significant test for what has changed since the election. Albanese has already made clear that the agenda will be focused on legislating his climate targets. If he fails, it will be a blow to his credibility.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the state of the environment.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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The Albanese government is partway through a successful reset of its relationship with China. The incredible thing is, they haven’t changed any policies.

But will a change in language be enough to fix a diplomatic rift? And what’s next for Australia’s relationship with the Pacific, where it is trying to balance China’s influence?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the turnaround in how Beijing views Canberra. 

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

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Many were surprised when the new employment minister, Tony Burke, announced it was “too late” to end mutual obligations. The decision was made to preserve billions of dollars in contracts already signed with companies that profit from the system. But there is no evidence it helps people find work.

Today, senior correspondent for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the industry selling poor people.

Guest: Senior correspondent for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading: Albanese offers no relief for jobseekers

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