7am

As the Andrews government attempts to negotiate treaty with First Nations people in Victoria, it is proceeding with a plan to bulldoze hundreds of sacred Djab Wurrung trees. At the same time, Crown land that might have been part of treaty has been sold off. Lidia Thorpe on the campaign to protect her people’s heritage.

Guest: Djab Wurrung traditional owner and former Victorian state MP Lidia Thorpe. 

Background reading:

Protecting the Djab Wurrung trees 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 Xi Jinping increases his power and ambition, there is tension over the influence China has in Australia. Progressive critics finds themselves aligned with right-wing voices. Mike Seccombe on how we assess the threat posed to our democracy by the Chinese Communist Party.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

Background reading: 

How the China question split Australian politics in The Saturday Paper

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Adam Goodes is one of the great AFL players of his generation. His career was played, especially in its final seasons, at the intersection of race and politics. Stan Grant on the weight of that story and what it means now.

Guest: Writer and broadcaster Stan Grant. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

Background reading:

Adam Goodes and writing a new Australia in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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As the Morrison government begins its inquiry into press freedom, there is concern about the bipartisanship of the committee hearing it. At the centre is Andrew Hastie, facing his own issues over comments on China. Paul Bongiorno on the politics behind both.

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

Background reading: 

Press freedom and Hastie words on China in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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

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A strict legal framework means there is a shortage of sperm donors across Australia. But online there is a huge and unregulated market of people willing to donate. Marina Kamenev on sperm donation in the time of Facebook.

Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Monthly Marina Kamenev.

Background reading: 

The sperm drought in The Monthly 

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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

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In the past decade, reports of teachers and principals being abused by parents have increased. Accounts range from intimidation to stalking. Jane Caro on the possible explanations and the impact on the schools sector.

Guest: Writer and broadcaster Jane Caro.

Background reading:

The bullying of school leadership by parents 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 refusal of the major parties to hold a parliamentary inquiry into Crown Casino speaks to a larger and more pervasive relationship between politics and gambling. The Labor Party, for instance, draws millions in profits from its own poker machines. Mike Seccombe on the links between political parties and the gaming lobby.

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe. 

Background reading:

Political parties cash in on gambling largesse in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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

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For the first time ever, individual articles in the media can be linked to far-right recruitment drives. High on the list is reporting from The Australian, in stories about Safe Schools as well as about race. Rick Morton on responsibility and self-reflection in an industry historically bad at both.

Guest: Writer and author Rick Morton.

Background reading:

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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

Correction: This episode has been edited to remove a reference to penis tucking as a "key line" of *The Australian*'s reporting of Safe Schools. Further, the reporting of Safe Schools by *The Australian* included comment and editorials and *7am* did not intend to imply that it was the work of a single reporter.

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A visit from key US ministers gives a clearer picture of what America wants from Australia. But as Trump’s trade war with China escalates, it also sets the stakes for Scott Morrison’s visit to Washington. Paul Bongiorno on the weekend talks and the vice we’re in.

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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The royal commission into aged care has heard evidence of extreme deprivation and mistreatment. It has also inquired into the toll taken on people caring for the elderly. Kate O’Halloran on looking after her grandmother, and what happened when she complained about her treatment.

Guest: Journalist and research fellow at Victoria University Kate O’Halloran.

Background reading:

Carers’ evidence on aged care in The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper

The Monthly

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

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