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While most of the attention has been focused on Victoria’s handling of the latest coronavirus outbreak, behind the scenes the federal government has been sending mixed-messages on economic policy and state border closures. Today, Paul Bongiorno on whether Scott Morrison is accurately reading the mood of the electorate during this phase of the crisis.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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There are new signs that Covid-19 can cause a range of serious, long-term health problems. Today, we look at the evidence that the virus can cause neurological damage, and the scientific race to understand how it operates. 

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

Background reading:

Lost function: Long-term consequences of surviving coronavirus in The Saturday Paper

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As the Treasurer Josh Frydenburg praises Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan’s economic policies, a controversial recovery plan is gaining traction. In today’s episode, Mike Seccombe discusses the Treasurer’s economic inspirations, and whether Australia can spend its way out of the crisis.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

Background reading:

Could Frydenberg ease this crisis by printing money? in The Saturday Paper

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Aged care has been one of the hardest hit sectors during this phase of the Covid pandemic, with residents and their carers making up a large proportion of those catching the virus. The sector is also being examined by a Royal Commission, following widespread allegations of mismanagement and poor care. Today, Rick Morton on the crisis in our aged care facilities, and why we should have seen it coming.

Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

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Scott Morrison’s Prime Ministership has been dominated by a series of rolling crises, but what can we learn about the ideology that drives him from the way he’s governing at this moment? Today, Richard Cooke on how Scott Morrison is using the pandemic to fulfil his political objectives.

Guest: Writer for The Monthly Richard Cooke.

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Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney from Get Krack!n solve The Saturday Paper’s quiz. Who would invite Hitler to open the Olympics? Does the existence of a Henry VIII suggest a Henry VII? What do you learn at private school?

In the paper: ABC TV’s ‘Get Krack!n’ in The Saturday Paper

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Throughout the Covid pandemic traditional political hostilities have been dialled back, with governments of all political persuasions trying to project a sense of national unity. But this week that unity started to fray. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the growing political stoush over the crisis in Victoria’s aged care system. 

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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With two-thirds of volunteers staying at home due to Covid and donations drying up, there are serious concerns about the viability of Australia’s charity sector. Experts are worried about the impact the funding drought will have on the provision of key services. Today, Mike Seccombe on the challenges charities are facing, and what we might lose if they collapse.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

Background reading:

The end of charity: Sector at risk of collapse in The Saturday Paper

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On Monday the Prime Minister announced a revamp of the National Covid Coordination Commission, the body he tasked with leading Australia’s pandemic recovery. But what do we really know about Neville Power, the man in charge of the Commission? Today, Margaret Simons on Power’s background, and what the Commission is actually doing.

Guest: Business writer for The Saturday Paper Margaret Simons.

Background reading:

Mysterious Mr Power, architect of our recovery in The Saturday Paper

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Penny Wong warns that coronavirus could unravel the rules-based system on which the modern world is founded. The shadow foreign minister says we must guard against trends towards nationalism and xenophobia – and prepare for the next pandemic, which is climate change.

Guest: Shadow foreign minister Penny Wong.

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