7am

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, Australian leaders have repeatedly stated that Australia “stands with Ukraine”.

But as the invasion has intensified – with nightly missile and drone attacks, rolling blackouts and water cuts across Ukrainian cities – Australia's support has slowed. The federal government hasn’t announced a fresh package of aid since December last year, making us one of the least generous donors to Kyiv.

At the same time, Australia has become one of the biggest buyers of fuel made from Russian oil, refined in third countries and imported through loopholes in sanctions. Ukrainian community groups call it “blood oil”, warning that billions of Australian dollars are flowing back to the Kremlin - more than Australia has given Ukraine in aid.

Today, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou, on how Australia's 'blood oil' imports are helping to prolong the war.

 

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Guest: Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou

Photo: Stefan Sauer/dpa

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Right now, Tiktok is awash with videos of how to get around the social media ban for under 16s, which is due to come into effect in a week.

At the same time, fringe apps like Yope are rocketing up the Apple charts, as teenagers plan where they’ll go when the major platforms boot them off. 

There’s also a court case underway, challenging the government on whether the ban is even legal.

Today, associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson, on who is behind the lawsuit, whether they’ll win, and how this ban could change the country.

 

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: Associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Limb lengthening surgery – where bones in your leg are broken, a rod inserted and extended – can be high risk, and is especially controversial when it's done for cosmetic reasons. 

The procedure is a speciality of the Florida based Paley Institute, which now plans on opening an Australian arm. 

The centre is no stranger to controversy – and neither is the man they’re partnering up with – the once celebrated surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis, who recently lost a defamation case against the Nine newspapers.

Today, investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve, on how she exposed Dr Munjed Al Muderis – and what she’s learned about his plans for the Paley Institute.

 

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: Investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

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At its height, in 2014, there were over a thousand people being held on Nauru, as part of Australia’s offshore detention system.

But in the decade since, that figure has shrunk to less than 100.

Yet the Department of Home Affairs continues to pay outsized and exorbitant fees on contracts no longer fit for purpose – all in the name of keeping Manus Island and Nauru off the front page and out of the minds of most Australians.

Now, one of the men responsible for administering these deals, worth billions, has spoken out about the alleged corruption at the heart of our system – and the bipartisan silence that allows it to continue.

Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on the whistleblower and the waste in the Department of Home Affairs.

 

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Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik

Photo: Aziz Abdul via AP

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Australia’s plan to ban teenagers from social media has been called “world‑leading”.

The law, which comes into effect December 10, threatens platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with fines of up to $50 million if they let under-16s open or keep accounts.

But as implementation draws closer, questions remain about how the ban will be enforced, what it means for online privacy, and whether it will reshape the way everyone uses the internet.

Today, digital‑rights advocate Samantha Floreani on the risks of the ban amid a global regulatory arms race.

This episode was originally published in July.

 

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: Digital‑rights advocate, Samantha Floreani.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental law reform has been sitting in the too-hard basket for years — under successive governments, the system stayed broken.

Now, just days before the end of the parliamentary year, Labor has passed the first major changes in a generation.

The government chose to work with the Greens, agreeing to scrap logging exemptions, close coal and gas loopholes, and hand real enforcement powers to a new EPA.

Meanwhile, the Coalition fractured over the details — dealing themselves out of negotiations and out of relevance.

Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno, on how Labor landed a landmark deal, and what it means for the future of environmental policy.

 

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: Press gallery journalist, Paul Bongiorno

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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When we heard news that Barnaby Joyce was quitting The Nationals – we knew we’d cover it with our friend in Canberra, Amy Remeikis – but the more we talked about it, there was someone else we needed to hear from too. 

 

Barnaby’s old sparring partner and the former member for New England, Tony Windsor, was loading cattle when we called. And he said the expected move to One Nation makes perfect sense.

 

Joyce’s decision to quit The Nationals comes after months of speculation – and very public declarations of admiration from Pauline Hanson in the media – all culminating in a wagyu steak dinner cooked on a sandwich press in Hanson’s parliament house office earlier this week.

 

So, is Joyce trading another shot at power for a dose of publicity? Or, if he joins One Nation, will he be part of a new conservative force that will reshape the country?

Today, contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis on the ramifications of Barnaby bailing on The Nationals.

 

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: Contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis and Former member for New England Tony Windsor 

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Companies are betting big on AI – and burning through cash to do it.

They’re pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into building data centres and developing new models – such as ChatGPT. And so far, these projects are yet to see a financial return.

There is one clear winner: Nvidia – the company that makes the chips that power this tech.

But how long can its customers keep spending before they have to either turn a profit or scale back?

Today, Reuters journalist Stephen Nellis on how long this AI boom can last – and what a crash might look like.

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: Reuters journalist Stephen Nellis

Photo: AP Photo/Eric Risberg

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The year is 1934, and the setting is Scotland. Startling photos have emerged, appearing to capture the Loch Ness monster.

Fast-forward 90 years to 2024, to an election campaign in Australia, and a video is released of a prime minister promising to ban gambling ads.

Both are fake – designed specifically to deceive. And while humans have always had a tendency to mislead each other, what’s new is the technology.

It’s now easier than ever to create highly realistic fake content. And we’re only just starting to see how wide-ranging and insidious the impact will be.

Today, independent senator David Pocock – on his new bill to crack down on deepfakes – and why he thinks the government has dropped the ball on regulating AI.

 

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: Independent senator David Pocock

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Negotiators at this year’s global climate summit in Brazil almost didn’t reach a deal – but when they did, the watered down pledge left many countries reeling.

While the agreement boosts finance for poorer nations experiencing the worst of global warming – it fails to even mention the fossil fuels driving it.

Outside the official COP process, dozens of countries signed a pledge to phase out fossil fuels. But while Australia signed - Anthony Albanese says his government will keep approving new coal and gas projects.

Today, Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter, on what really happened in Brazil – and whether COP is now just a cop out.

 

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: Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter

Photo: AP Photo/Andre Penner

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.