Last night, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton went head-to-head in the second leaders’ debate of the campaign.

The difference between the two leaders’ visions for the country was stark. Albanese talked about his “optimism” for the future, while Dutton asked voters to reflect on whether they are better off now than they were three years ago, suggesting that most people are not.

But Albanese and Dutton were united on one thing: neither leader really landed a blow – and neither leader won the night.

Today, 7am co-host Daniel James on the biggest moments from the debate – from energy, to housing, to diplomacy and defence – and why Dutton has had to admit another mistake.

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Guest: Writer and co-host of 7am, Daniel James

Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts, Mick Tsikas

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Donald Trump’s presence looms large on the campaign trail, as both leaders face questions about how they would handle his trade war.

The market chaos and escalating tensions between China and the US may have once seemed like the last thing Labor needed during an election campaign.

But insiders now believe they’ve been granted a rare opportunity: to hold firm in the face of uncertainty and prove that changing government in this global political climate is too great a risk. 

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on Anthony Albanese’s Trump strategy – and how Peter Dutton is fighting back.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

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In January, Jonathan Holmes met with the ABC’s then managing director, David Anderson. 

Jonathan and his colleagues at ABC Alumni wanted to know if Anderson was concerned about funding cuts under a Dutton-led government. 

Successive Coalition governments have made cuts to the national broadcaster over decades. Now, as Peter Dutton signals he’s looking to cut anything he deems to be “waste” at the ABC, alarm bells are once again ringing.

Today, chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes, on the Coalition’s plans for the ABC, and whether it’s possible to truly shield the national broadcaster from outside interference.

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Guest: Chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes.

Photo: AAP Image/Danny Casey

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As a scientist, Tim Flannery says he’s seen climate change kicked around parliament for decades.

Australians are now paying for the years of denial, distraction and delay from our politicians, with a decade’s worth of warming just in the past couple of years.

While the last election sent the major parties a clear message that Australia should act on climate change, he says this election is all about how. And he says he’s optimistic that this could actually be the last climate election.

Today, chief councillor of the Climate Council Tim Flannery on the choice Australians are facing – between expanding renewables, or repeating the mistakes of the past.

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Guest: Chief councillor of the Climate Council Tim Flannery 

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Turkish-born, Paris-based writer Ayşegül Savaş’s third novel opens with a young, ex-pat couple who are apartment hunting. Both foreigners in the city they live in and unburdened from the usual familial obligations, their days are marked by small pleasures: shopping at a local flea market, drinking coffee together before work, and taking long walks in the park. Like so much of Ayşegül’s writing, The Anthropologists is interested not just in foreignness, but what it means to establish traditions and rituals when you are starting anew. On this episode of Read This, Michael chats with Ayşegül about this latest novel and why she is trying to make foreignness the status quo.

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Peter Dutton says he’ll cut migrant numbers by 100,000 people a year as soon as he gets into office. He says it’s part of his plan to free up housing for Australians, but it could also impact the workforce needed to build new homes. 

Dutton is putting a number to his plans just days after immigration dominated the first leaders’ debate.

Abul Rizvi was a senior official in the Department of Immigration from the early 90s to 2007, until he left while serving as deputy secretary. He says our current discourse ignores the need for a long-term population plan, addressing how big our country should be – and why.

Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth and the real impact of immigration on the housing crisis.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Former deputy secretary of the department of immigration, Abul Rizvi.

Background Reading: If I was immigration minister, I would develop a population plan

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Elon Musk is pressing NASA to abandon its planned journeys to the moon – projects that have been decades in the making, with billions already spent and contracts already signed.

Despite backlash from NASA insiders and politicians on both sides of Congress – who view his plans as costly, disruptive and politically toxic – Musk remains resolute.

Today, Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer, on whether the SpaceX CEO can really upend NASA’s return to the moon.

This is part two of a two-part series.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer.

Background Reading: Elon Musk’s Mission to Take Over NASA—and Mars

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Donald Trump wants to write the next chapter in US spaceflight history.

With billionaire tech CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk by his side, he’s outlined an ambitious agenda: to land the first humans on Mars before he leaves office.

Whether or not that goal is achievable, the plan would massively reshape America’s space program to the benefit of Musk’s company.

NASA has already suffered from Musk’s efforts to gut the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency – and key SpaceX officials have been gaining power at the space agency.

Today, Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer, on Elon Musk’s plan to take over NASA.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer.

Photo: Sipa USA / Scott Schilke

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Anthony Albanese won the first leaders debate of the election campaign last night.

But it was a tight contest, with both leaders well prepared and polished, as they faced undecided voters in Western Sydney.

Anthony Albanese spoke of a country rallying in spite of difficult global conditions.

For Peter Dutton, it was about painting a dire picture of economic pain – and blaming Albanese for it. 

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on the biggest moments of the first debate – and what it tells us about the next stage of the campaign.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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“We made a mistake” are tough words for any politician, but in the heat of an election campaign, they can really hurt.

In a spectacular reversal, Peter Dutton has walked back his policy to sack 41,000 

public servants, saying he’ll now wait for people to quit and will no longer force those who remain back into the office.

Dutton’s backtracking doesn’t just raise questions about sincerity – it also leaves the opposition with a giant black hole when it comes to funding their other election promises.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on the panic inside the coalition – and what it means for Peter Dutton’s leadership.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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