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.

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Network Ten’s political editor Ashleigh Raper

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: US Political correspondent for Reuters Bo Erickson 

Photo: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY/Sipa USA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley

Photo: Supplied

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

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

Photo: AAP Image/Brian Cassey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

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

Photo: AAP Image/James Ross

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

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

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

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

Photo: Supplied

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year ago, the High Court handed down a decision that was a blow to survivors of child sexual abuse everywhere.

In a case brought by a man who was abused as a little boy, the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Ballarat argued that they couldn’t be sued for the actions of one of their priests, because priests are employed by God – not by the Church.

The ruling in the Church’s favour left thousands of survivors devastated – but the Court said it was now up to parliaments to act.

Recently, the ACT government went first, legislating to overrule the High Court decision, in a major win for victim-survivors.

Today, lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin on when the other states will follow – and how the Catholic Church will fight back.

 

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

 

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin

Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reopened the fight over gambling reform. 

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie is calling for a free vote in parliament on a ban on gambling advertising, saying it has significant support across the chamber.

Inside Labor, many MPs say they want change – but are too afraid to speak publicly. 

It follows a Four Corners investigation that showed how online betting is harming Australians – and how the systems meant to protect them are failing.

The government says it is acting, but two-and-a-half years on from a cross-party inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy, it has yet to implement any of its recommendations.

Today, ABC investigative reporter Steve Cannane on what his Four Corners reporting uncovered, and how Labor MPs are being kept quiet. 

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

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: ABC Investigative reporter, Steve Cannane

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.