7am

In Andrea Goldsmith’s ninth and latest novel, The Buried Life, she unpicks the relationships between people and the undercurrents of doubt and faith that define a life. But more than anything else this is a book that is first and foremost concerned with death. It’s a subject that has long fascinated Andrea, something she discusses deeply with host Michael Williams on this episode of Read This.

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Cyclone Alfred hits as we gear up for the federal election, bringing back memories of the floods and bushfires that tore through the country last time we voted.

How Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton handle this moment could be crucial, as voters refocus on the increasing impact of climate change and closely scrutinise the plans both parties have to address it. 

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the politics of natural disasters – and why every election is a climate change election.

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Guest: National correspondent Mike Seccombe

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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Australia is heading into a federal election at a time when trust in politics and our institutions is eroding.

Over the past two decades, satisfaction with the political system has collapsed, driven by economic inequality, housing stress and the rapid spread of disinformation across social media.

Political parties are already preparing for a campaign that will lean heavily on negative messaging – an approach that has proven effective but intensifies division.

With trust in both politicians and the media in decline, the upcoming election will test the resilience of Australia’s democracy.

Today, journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas, on the forces undermining democratic trust and what it will take to rebuild it.

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Guest: Journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas.

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One evening, two weeks ago, Natan Mwanza was stabbed and killed at a bus stop in Melbourne’s south-west.

He was 24 years old.

Natan’s family had migrated to Australia from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008, and his death sparked an outpouring of grief from African diasporic communities in Australia.

Historian and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe also felt the impact of Natan’s death and sought to understand what had happened.

But it soon became a story about how we write and report on crime – and how Black lives are treated in the media.

Today, Santilla Chingaipe on the life of Natan Mwanza and how Black grief is rendered invisible.

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Guest: Historian and filmmaker, Santilla Chingaipe

Image credit: Instagram

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When Arthur Sinodinos arrived in Washington as Australia’s ambassador to the United States in 2020, he was told the best way to get things done with Donald Trump was to go straight to the person in the White House handling the issue.

In many cases, that wasn’t a typical official – it was a business figure, a loyalist, or even a family member.

As Trump 2.0 takes shape, his administration is doubling down on an “America First” agenda, with key roles for long-time allies, Republican operatives and influential business figures. According to Sinodinos, Trump sees himself as having “unfettered power” to enact it.

Today, Arthur Sinodinos on negotiating with a Trump administration and Australia’s place in an “America First” world.

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Guest: Former ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos.

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When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, they were there to sign a deal that would give the US access to a significant share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.

Instead, Trump and Vance berated and taunted Zelensky, before asking him to leave.

The deal remained unsigned, and relations between the two countries are now in tatters, with military and aid support for Ukraine from the Trump administration in doubt.

Meanwhile, Russian officials are working on their own set of deals with Trump. 

Today, associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David Szakonyi, on what Vladimir Putin is offering Trump, and the figures behind the Russian deal.

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Guest: Associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David Szakonyi

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Warmer waters, disease and antibiotics have pushed Tasmania’s salmon farms into crisis.

But it’s not just an environmental disaster – it’s also a political one.

With an election looming, the Albanese government is pouring millions into salmon farming in an attempt to save jobs and votes, even as rotting fish litter the shore. 

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what is happening in Tasmanian waters – and how it will impact the upcoming election.

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: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Photo: Bob Brown Foundation

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In Melbourne-based author Sean Wilson’s new book, You Must Remember This, he tackles the complicated, tragic, and often fraught subject of dementia. On this episode of Read This Sean joins host Michael Williams for a conversation about loss, family, and how to hang on to one’s humanity as illness strips it away.

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It was just before Christmas when Geraldine Brooks sat down for the first in a series of conversations with Anthony Albanese – and his popularity was plummeting.

The prime minister's net approval rating had dropped to minus 17, while Peter Dutton’s had ticked up to zero. Since then, the polls haven’t improved for Albanese.

His critics have painted him as weak and ineffective – a narrative reinforced by the failure of the Voice referendum and a perception of inaction on climate change.

This portrayal is in stark contrast to his background as a passionate activist, who was once arrested at an anti-logging protest.

Today, author and contributor to The Monthly Geraldine Brooks on the public’s perception of Anthony Albanese – and, win or lose, what will be his legacy.

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Guest: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and contributor to The Monthly, Geraldine Brooks.

Background reading: Safe as houses? 

Photo: Ben Clement

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When the country’s peak arts body, Creative Australia, decided to dump Australia’s representative at the Venice Biennale, it set in motion an existential crisis for the arts. 

The artist in question, Khaled Sabsabi, was removed from the role just days after his appointment – following an article in a News Corp newspaper, a set of opposition questions in the Senate and a phone call from the Arts Minister Tony Burke. 

Now, the boss of Creative Australia faces questions about why he decided to drop Sabasabi – and whether there was ministerial interference.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the controversy at Creative Australia, and what it means for artistic freedom.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow

Photo: Creative Australia

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