7am

In Russia, the rules of power are being rewritten.

For decades, Vladimir Putin governed through a network of loyal elites — oligarchs, bureaucrats, security chiefs — each rewarded for their obedience and connections.

But since the invasion of Ukraine, that system has begun to fracture. The old elite are being sidelined, and a new cast is emerging: relatives, ideologues, and battlefield loyalists who tie their futures to the war.

Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury has covered Putin’s Russia for Reuters – and more recently as the bureau chief for Associated Press.

Today, she tells us how the war is reshaping the Russian ruling class, and what it reveals about where Putin’s Russia is headed. 

 

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Guest: Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury 

Photo: Russian Presidential Press Service via AP

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A sleek Chinese-made ute is suddenly one of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. It’s cheap, fast and packed with tech. But behind its rise are questions security agencies are struggling to grapple with.

Because the cars we drive today are no longer just cars; they’re also data collection tools. And in a tense geopolitical climate – the lines between convenience and surveillance are blurring.

Today, senior fellow at the Lowy Institute and contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Richard McGregor on the BYD Shark, China’s quietly tightening technological grip on Australian infrastructure and what it means for national security.

 

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Guest: Guest: Senior fellow at the Lowy Institute and contributor to Australian Foreign Affairs, Richard McGregor

Photo: AAP Image/Steve Markham

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This week, we had Sussan Ley on 7am. But we weren’t alone. Sussan Ley was everywhere, speaking with everyone – about scrapping net zero, and inevitably, about her leadership.

So, did the media blitz work?

And what has chaos in the Coalition meant for the government while the press gallery has been looking the other way?

Today, Network Ten’s political editor Ashleigh Raper on the week in Canberra: Australia’s failed bid to host COP, the last ditch effort to pass new environment laws – and what 2026 would look like if Sussan Ley loses her job.

 

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Guest: Network Ten’s political editor Ashleigh Raper

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This week, we saw something almost unprecedented in American politics: a unified Congress, as all but one person voted to have the Epstein files released. 

These documents have plagued Donald Trump since he campaigned to release them while running for his second term as president, then backtracked once he won – sparking a mass revolt from his otherwise loyal MAGA base.

After months of trying to block their publication, and after increasing pressure from within his own party, Trump changed course, encouraging Republicans to vote for their release and signing the bill, in what has been the most spectacular reversal of his presidency.

Today, US Political correspondent for Reuters Bo Erickson, on the Republican revolt – and just how damaging the files could be for President Trump.

 

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Guest: US Political correspondent for Reuters Bo Erickson 

Photo: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY/Sipa USA

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Sussan Ley describes herself as a moderate – a Liberal leader who wants to keep her party in the centre.

But last week, after months of internal pressure, she led the Liberal Party to formally abandon its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a target first adopted under Scott Morrison, arguing that dropping it is the only way to deliver cheaper power bills.

The decision has pleased conservatives inside her party – but it’s also raised questions about what Ley herself really believes on climate, and the future direction of the Liberal Party.

Today, Sussan Ley on why the Coalition walked away from net zero – and whether she can hold her party together.

 

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Guest: Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley

Photo: Supplied

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For the first time in history, almost one in five Australians support One Nation.

Their surge in popularity comes as the Liberal Party bleeds support from both ends of its base, as it tears itself apart over climate and immigration.

So, is this just a protest – or the start of a permanent shift on the right of Australian politics?

Today, Director of Strategy and Analytics at Redbridge, Kos Samaras, on why One Nation is soaring – and what it means for the country.

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Guest: Director of Strategy and Analytics at Redbridge, Kos Samaras

Photo: AAP Image/Brian Cassey

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Last week, the Victorian government stunned even its own MPs – announcing laws that will allow children as young as 14 to be tried in adult courts and face life sentences.

The proposal was rushed into Cabinet with no warning – ministers were given just minutes to read it before the meeting began.

Only a year ago, Labor promised to raise the age of criminal responsibility. Now, in response to tabloid outcry, it’s taken a sharp turn – following Queensland and adopting ‘adult time for adult crime’. 

Today, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight, on how the Premier’s new laws could devastate vulnerable kids – and what it says about the kind of state Victoria is becoming in a time of Treaty.

Daniel James has worked with the First People's Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian government on Treaty-related matters.

 
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Guest: CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight

Photo: AAP Image/James Ross

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Anthony Albanese leads a party that no longer argues in public. Labor presents as unified, consistent, and on message.

But behind that unity is another story. One where a party once defined by its dissent and debate has become scared of conflict, to the point where its identity is formed not by beliefs, but by a commitment to staying in power no matter what.

Sean Kelly has worked up close with Anthony Albanese, and with Labor prime ministers before him. He’s been interrogating what this government stands for – and what its legacy will be.

Today, author of the new Quarterly Essay, The Good Fight - What Does Labor Stand For? Sean Kelly, on what happens when political identity is built on belonging, not belief.

 

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Guest:  Sean Kelly, author of the new Quarterly Essay The Good Fight - What Does Labor Stand For?

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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Last weekend, neo-Nazis gathered outside NSW parliament. Organisers had registered the protest with police – and nothing was done to stop it going ahead.

When two female politicians spoke out against the fascists who gathered, they were targeted with threats of violence and death.

The premier has said there will be an investigation into how this was allowed to happen. But this protest is not isolated. Neo-Nazis have been gathering in cities and towns in recent months, marching through the streets and terrorising communities.

Back in September, they marched from an anti-immigration rally and descended on Camp Sovereignty – a sacred place for First Nations people in the heart of Melbourne. They attacked and hospitalised people who were gathered there. 

Today, writer and 7am host Daniel James – on what happened at Camp Sovereignty and the continued enabling of neo-nazi-violence.

It’s Sunday, November 16. This episode was originally published in September. 

 

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

Photo: Supplied

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This week, the Liberal party officially scrapped net zero –  a move widely expected, but out of line with public opinion and science.

It also raised questions about Sussan Ley’s handling of the policy debate, and ultimately about her leadership.

As the right faction of the Liberal party celebrates its victory, speculation continues about when Sussan Ley will keep her job. There’s also the question of how the Liberal party can ever hope to win an election when key electorates and voting blocs have made it clear they want action on climate change.

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on the Liberal party, the climate – and the killing season to come.

 

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 Karen Middleton

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.