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Four years ago Prime Minister Scott Morrison wielded a lump of coal in the Australian Parliament, demonstrating his commitment to fossil fuels.

Now he’s trying to pivot, shifting his government towards a position of supporting net-zero emissions by 2050.

But Morrison is facing stiff opposition from his Coalition partners in the National party, who have historically been opposed to taking more serious climate action.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Scott Morrison’s newfound enthusiasm for net zero, and whether his own ministers will back him.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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This week, after more than 100 days in lockdown, NSW residents were officially allowed back into restaurants, bars, shops and gyms. 

But for many, the end of lockdown wasn’t about being able to drink beer in a pub again but the chance to see family after months of isolation.

Today, 7am producer Kara Jensen-Mackinnon speaks to two sisters finally reunited after lockdown about what opening up means to them.  

Guest: Producer at 7am, Kara Jensen-Mackinnon

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Since coming to power the federal Coalition has chipped away at the public service, increasingly outsourcing key functions of government to private companies.

In the past 18 months everything from the vaccine rollout strategy, to advice on manufacturing the vaccine has been contracted out to management consultants.

The trend has raised important questions about transparency, and the long-term sustainability of government services.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how private management consultants took over the public service.

Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

Background reading: How private management consultants took over the public service in The Saturday Paper

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The resignation of NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, following the announcement of an investigation by the state’s ICAC, has renewed calls for a federal anti-corruption watchdog.

In the lead up to the last federal election Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised to implement such a body, but the model he’s put forward has been criticised for being too weak.

Today, contributing editor to The Monthly Rachel Withers on the calls for a national anti-corruption commission, and why it’s taking so long to set one up.

Guest: Contributing editor for The Monthly, Rachel Withers

Background reading: Who’s afraid of a federal ICAC? in The Saturday Paper

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Since the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare workers have faced wave after wave of outbreaks, working around the clock in tough conditions.

Eighteen months in, Australia has more case numbers than ever, and our doctors, nurses and other health professionals are reporting alarmingly high rates of exhaustion, burnout and mental health issues.

Today, Doctor Natasha Smallwood on the stress that healthcare workers on the frontline are facing and what that means for the health system after the pandemic.

Guest: Natasha Smallwood, Associate professor and respiratory physician at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University.

Background reading: Healthcare workers suffering exhaustion and burnout in The Saturday Paper

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Can you believe it’s been almost three years since Lil Nas X dropped ‘Old Town Road’?

With that one track, produced for less than $100, the rapper made history. ‘Old Town Road’ became the longest running single to sit at number one on the charts, and kicked off a debate about the definition of country music.

Lil Nas X himself became the first openly queer Black artist to win a Country Music Association Award. He’s won two Grammys, 5 MTV Video Music Awards, and continues to break chart records. He was also named one of the 25 most influential people on the internet by Time.

His first full-length album ‘Montero’ is here, and it’s both a commercial and critical success - cementing X’s status as one of the biggest pop stars of his generation.

So why does everyone love rooting for him? And does the ‘Montero’ live up to the hype? To unpack it all, presenter Osman Faruqi is joined by music critic for The Saturday Paper, Shaad D’Souza.

Guest: Music critic for The Saturday Paper, Shaad D’Souza

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This year Rupert Murdoch turned 90, and that milestone has focused discussion on who will take over the world’s largest media empire.

Now, Murdoch’s son Lachlan is making major strategic moves in his role as News Corp’s co-chair.

He’s also changing the way the company is structured - signalling that power is finally shifting in the media dynasty. 

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Paddy Manning on Rupert Murdoch’s succession plan, and what the media empire will look like under Lachlan’s control.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paddy Manning.

Background reading: Lachlanland: the power shifts in the Murdoch dynasty in The Saturday Paper

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The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has so far refused growing international pressure to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

Now he’s facing a concerted push from MPs in his own party to embrace the policy. But on the other side of the Coalition, right-wing Nationals are refusing to budge - including senior figures in the government.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how climate politics has wedged Scott Morrison, and why he’s running out of time.

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

Background reading: Biden adviser: ‘I don’t know whether Angus Taylor is an ideologue or an idiot’ in The Saturday Paper.

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On Tuesday, Dominic Perrottet won the support of his Liberal Party colleagues to become the party’s leader, and the 46th Premier of NSW. 

He’s taking over the Premiership at a crucial time for the state, as it prepares to end a long lockdown and enter a new phase of living with Covid-19.

But he’s already facing criticism for his socially conservative views on issues ranging from abortion to voluntary euthanasia.

Today, journalist with the Australian Associated Press Hannah Ryan on Dominic Perrottet’s life and career so far, and what it tells us about the kind of leader he will be. 

Guest: Journalist for the Australian Associated Press, Hannah Ryan.

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Australia’s two largest states are getting ready to end their long lockdowns and reopen when 80 percent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.  

But what does reopening with that target mean for the 20 percent who are yet to receive their vaccines? 

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how some of our most at risk communities fell through the cracks of the national vaccine rollout.

Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

Background reading: Exclusive: Australia’s most vulnerable ignored in plan to open up in The Saturday Paper

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