A decision to hand planning about sea-level rise to local council has opened up a war around science, property values and influence. Bronwyn Adcock on how the future of the Australian coastline will be shaped by disagreement over climate change. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Guest: Writer for The Monthly and The Saturday Paper Bronwyn Adcock.

Background reading:

Rising tide in The Monthly

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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As the Liberal Party celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Nationals are brawling with each other about drought. At the same time, concern grows over press freedom. Paul Bongiorno on the party to which you were never invited.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading: 

The shadowy corridors of power in The Saturday Paper.

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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Australia is almost alone in the world in its willingness to lock up primary-school-age children for criminal offences. But the “tough on crime” rhetoric that pervades politics means there is little will to change this. Mike Seccombe on the push to lift the age of criminal responsibility.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

Background reading:

Children in the criminal justice system in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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As Labor waits for a review of its election loss, and another into the operations of its NSW branch, Anthony Albanese is wrestling with divisions inside the party. Karen Middleton on the crisis they face out of office.

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

Background reading:

Albanese juggles Labor frictions in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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An error at the Department of Human Services caused the original robo-debt algorithm to restart, issuing thousands of unchecked debt notices. Royce Kurmelovs on how the program operates and why the government persists with it - in spite of its flaws. 

Guest: Freelance journalist and author Royce Kurmelovs.

Background reading:

Robo-debt restart affects thousands in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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The boom in international education has seen students become commodities. It has also changed the way universities operate - chasing rankings and casualising teaching staffs. Margaret Simons on what would happen if the bubble burst.

Guest: Journalist and academic Margaret Simons.

Background reading:

China dependence by Australian Foreign Affairs

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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As Scott Morrison attempts to control the message on how his government is handling the drought, there is bad news for his claims to strong economic management. Paul Bongiorno on slow growth and big dries.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading: 

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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New legislation will restrict the way Australians use cash. But there are concerns the laws could jail people for using legal tender. Karen Middleton on the future of money.

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

Background reading: 

Crackdown on large cash transactions in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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From anti-protest legislation to funding cuts, this government has waged war on dissent. In recent weeks, its rhetoric has intensified. Mike Seccombe on the erosion of democratic freedoms under the Coalition.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

Background reading:

The decline of political freedoms in Australia in The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

The Saturday Paper

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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The NDIS was meant to provide better care to people living with disabilities. But a stalemate over funding responsibilities has forced 500 families to forfeit their children into state care. Rick Morton on the unintended consequences of a flawed system.

Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.

Background reading:

Exclusive: 500 children forfeited to state in NDIS standoff in The Saturday Paper.

The Monthly

The Saturday Paper

For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.