Australia was gaslit by its own government. From ministers to public servants – they backed something that was illegal, just to shake down innocent people for money, then lied about it for years.

There will likely be criminal prosecutions, civil action and more accountability to meat out.

But Robo-debt was also born out of a cultural rot inside politics and our public service – it’s a culture that could go on to do more damage if it isn’t stopped.

So today we speak with the minister who will have to implement many of the recommendations and pursue many of the findings in this royal commission – Bill Shorten – about what this report means, and if the machinery of government can truly be fixed.

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Guest: Minister for Social Services and the NDIS, Bill Shorten.

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This week we're bringing you something special. The first episode of our new podcast: Read This.

In the first episode of the show, host Michael Williams sits down with author Helen Garner. She invites us over for cake and conversation about what she’s writing about, how she problem solves and the inspiration she gets from watching her grandson’s footy training.

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Guest: Helen Garner

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Some of the biggest stories and characters in Australian politics could soon be under the scrutiny of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

It’s already had hundreds of referrals, with more to come. 

But not everyone is warmly welcoming the new corruption watchdog to federal politics.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on how our politicians have greeted the new NACC.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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El Niño is coming again and Australia is vulnerable.

 The UN’s World Meteorological Organization declared this week that the extreme weather event has begun, and the impacts will be felt across our health, ecosystems and economy.

Today, climate scientist, contributor to The Saturday Paper and a lead author for the IPCC Joëlle Gergis – on what’s headed our way and what we have to do to avert crisis. 

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper and a lead author for the IPCC, Joëlle Gergis

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It’s the dawn of a new era in federal politics, with a brand new anti-corruption watchdog now operating and promising to help combat corruption in Canberra.

In its first 48 hours since opening on Saturday, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) had already received 44 referrals for investigation.

But there are concerns the way the NACC has been designed could mean it will struggle to meet the public’s expectations for exposing corruption.

Today, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Kieran Pender on why the NACC isn’t designed to protect whistleblowers.

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Guest: Senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, Kieran Pender

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The ‘Yes’ campaign has intensified its efforts this week, with thousands of people turning out for rallies nationwide on Sunday to back the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

It’s the kind of visible community campaigning that ‘Yes’ organisers have long been promising would ramp up as the referendum approaches.

But it came at the end of a difficult week for the campaign, with some major opinion polls showing support is declining – and may have fallen behind the ‘No’ vote.

Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Marty McKenzie-Murray, on what’s going on inside the ‘Yes’ campaign as it struggles to secure the necessary majorities.

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Guest: Associate editor of The Saturday Paper Marty McKenzie-Murray

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Once there was public outcry from some quarters that ICAC would even investigate Gladys Berejiklian – one of the most popular premiers in NSW history.

Flowers were left at her electoral office after she stepped down, and talkback radio callers were furious with ICAC for precipitating her resignation.

But now we know that Berejiklian was seriously corrupt when she was treasurer and later the premier.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on Gladys Berejiklian’s conduct and why it points to deeper misconduct in our politics.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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Today on the show, author Carrie Tiffany, with her piece from the Monthly. 

After the death of her mother, Carrie reflects on the hold of sugar upon her family’s health and history.

Carrie will read her piece, ‘Sweet Regret’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. 

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Guest: Author, Carrie Tiffany

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Stuart Robert may have resigned from parliament – but this parliament might not be done with him yet.

New allegations, which he strongly denies, paint a picture of a lobbying firm setting up arrangements to profit Robert if he helped them win government work.

And we’ll soon see how voters react, with a by-election in Roberts’ seat looming.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the latest Stuart Robert revelations and why opinion polls are putting chills through Canberra.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Since the Voice to Parliament referendum was announced, it has enjoyed majority support, according to the biggest opinion polls – that is, until this week.

As legislation for the referendum made its way through parliament, the debate on the chamber floor and in the media only became more acrimonious. Now, the polls seem to suggest the resounding majority hoped for by advocates of the Voice might be harder to come by.

Today, the author The Voice to Parliament Handbook with Kerry O’Brien and board member of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Thomas Mayo, on whether the ‘Yes’ campaign message is cutting through and if it needs to be clearer.

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Guest: Author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook, Thomas Mayo

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