Tonight’s budget promises relief for Australia’s single parents, who will receive extra income support until their youngest child turns 14.

It’s a reversal of a controversial decision made by the Gillard government. 

So does this signal a broader attempt to address the standard of living for the most vulnerable Australians? Or, is it a rare bit of relief in an otherwise tough budget?

Today, Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher on how her own time on the single parent payment shaped her views and what the government is doing about the housing crisis. 

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Guest: Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher.

Host: Scott Mitchell.

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If, over the weekend, you watched the coronation of King Charles, stood up in your living room and read out a pledge of allegiance – you were probably in the minority of Australians.

But that was the invitation from the palace in the lead-up to Saturday evening’s coronation ceremony.

So, how relevant is King Charles III? Is a republic now possible? And how quickly could another referendum be upon us?

Today, co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement and human rights activist Craig Foster on the coronation, Anthony Albanese’s decision to attend and the path to a republic.

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Guest: Co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, Craig Foster

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Today, writer Quentin Sprague, with his piece from The Monthly. 

He examines the recent revelations of “white hands on black art” – reports of White gallery figures instructing and even working on the canvases of Indigenous artists – and examines how white Australia applies the idea of ‘authenticity’ onto the work of Indigenous artists.

Quentin will read his story, ‘White privilege and black disadvantage in the Aboriginal art industry’ after a short conversation.

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The economic news got worse this week, with the RBA unexpectedly raising interest rates and some dire economic forecasts.

So far, it looks like the economic assistance the government will offer in the upcoming budget will be targeted. It probably won’t raise JobSeeker — except for over 55s — and it’s unlikely to pause rising HECS debt.

So, after a decade or more of young people falling behind economically, will we see any help at all on budget night? And what are the political risks if the government doesn’t offer something?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the priorities going into budget night – and what Anthony Albanese is thinking as he visits London.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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Missiles that can precisely target enemy forces 500 kilometres away are the future of the Australian defence forces, according to the recent defence strategic review.

What we are defending ourselves with today is woefully inadequate for our strategic circumstances, the review found.

But other big questions are emerging: how will we pay for the changes it’s proposing? Can we save money on purchases we’ve already agreed to? And how will our neighbours react to a more capable Australian military?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on how military spending lost its way and the challenging path towards making our forces fit for purpose.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.

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If you went to university, there’s an increasing likelihood you could be carrying HECS debt for several decades.

There are now more than 300,000 people carrying HECS into their 50s — six times more people than just over 15 years ago.

And, this June, HECS debts are set to rise again at a historic pace.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how HECS went from a promise of opportunity to threatening a generation with a debt spiral.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.

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Imagine being arrested, put into custody – and in desperate need of medical care.

Who is responsible for helping you? Who are you meant to turn to for healthcare?

For Veronica Nelson, who died in custody in 2020, a private company was responsible – Correct Care.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler takes us inside how a contract to look after the health of prisoners was taken away then put into some very similar hands.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler

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‘We don’t have enough money.’

That’s what governments always say this time of year. But the case is being made for the poorest and most disadvantaged among us to get more support in the upcoming budget.

But is it true? And if it is, are there ways to repair the budget that would leave enough money to help raise people out of poverty?

Today, economist and CEO of the Grattan Institute, Danielle Wood, on how we can afford to raise the rate, and more ways to fix the budget.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Danielle Wood.

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This week, the way the government chooses to spend its money was put into sharp focus.

On Monday, it announced a bold new plan for military spending, but soon after, it found itself besieged by calls to raise the rate of JobSeeker – for Australians struggling with poverty.

So, why can we afford to spend money on one, but not the other? And is it a question that voters will start asking?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace on the question that is turning up the heat on Anthony Albanese ahead of the budget.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace.

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Criticism of the Voice to Parliament from the conservative side of politics has ratcheted up ever since Peter Dutton’s decision to oppose it.

The main accusations are: the proposal for the Voice is coming from elites and not ‘regular’ Indigenous Australians, and it won’t achieve practical change.

Today, union organiser and member of the referendum working group, Thomas Mayo, on the loudest voices against the Voice.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Thomas Mayo.

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