After a 10-year legal battle, the “palace letters” were finally released. In full, they show how Gough Whitlam’s relationship with the governor-general broke down - and how involved the Queen was through this collapse.

Today, we revisit our episode from 2020 with chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.

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Next year will be 10 years since Australia began offshore processing – sending refugees that arrived by boat to places like Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

It would be easy to assume that with a change of government, and deals with the US and New Zealand to take refugees – that offshore processing was a thing of the past.

It’s not, and the Albanese government looks like it is on the verge of signing a multi-million dollar deal to keep detention facilities on Nauru running.

Today, national correspondent at The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the ongoing moral and financial cost of Australia’s offshore processing regime.

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Guest: National Correspondent at The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

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The very idea of a casino was invented with the involvement of the American mafia.

But for decades we’ve been reassured that everything at Australian casinos is above board. 

They’re supposed to beheavily regulated, closely monitored, and operated by reputable, publicly-traded corporations.

But what we were told about many casinos in Australia is now unravelling, and we’re getting staggering insight into how regulators can be misled and the strange schemes that have been allowed to flourish inside our biggest gambling businesses.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton, on exactly what has been happening behind the scenes at The Star Casino. 

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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King Charles III is now Australia’s head of state.

As with all members of the Royal Family, the appearance of Charles’ political neutrality will be carefully protected. Although, we do have some clues about some of his opinions through hard won freedom of information cases.

How much do we know about what he intends to do with the throne? What does he believe in? And how will that affect Australia?

Today, historian and author of The Palace Letters, Professor Jenny Hocking, on King Charles.

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Guest: historian and author of The Palace Letters, Professor Jenny Hocking

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The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in London on Monday, joining other world leaders at the funeral for the Queen.

Parliament has been suspended in Canberra for a period of mourning that is longer than that of the UK parliament.

So why is that? What are the rules for mourning the Queen, and who decides them?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Australia’s extended grieving.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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The Ukrainian army has swept across areas in north-eastern Ukraine.

Russian troops appear to have been thin on the ground, unprepared and quick to retreat.

The stunning collapse could be a turning point in the war, but it’s also increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin at home, with previously loyal politicians and media figures criticising the leadership and decision making by the Kremlin.

Today, journalist Charles McPhedran on a humiliating Russian defeat in Ukraine.

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Guest: Journalist, Charles McPhedran

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Across the country, rents are going up.

But it’s not because the value of the properties has risen - in fact values are largely going down.

Instead, it has to do with the mortgage repayments of landlords, and the fact there’s not enough supply of rental properties at the moment.

Rental stress in Australia is at a crisis point, with mental health and homelessness services raising the alarm.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on what’s happening to our rents.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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We could be in for another wet, cloudy summer. 

The chances of another La Niña weather event are growing, and it’s now very likely the east coast of Australia will be drenched once again.

That could make it the riskiest summer yet for flooding, with catchments still full and communities still regrouping.

Today, climate scientist and lead author on the IPCC’s most recent climate assessment, Joëlle Gergis, on our never-ending stretch of rainy summers and what they mean for the climate disaster.

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Guest: Author of Humanity’s Moment: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope, Joëlle Gergis.

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Late last week, news broke that England’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II had died at the age of 96. 

During her 70-year reign the Queen has steered the royal family through immense social and political change, and there are many who mourn her death.  

But there is also a complex legacy of colonialism to grapple with, and questions are already beginning over whether Australia should now re-consider becoming a republic. 

Today, historian Dr Cindy McCreery on Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, and what’s next for the monarchy. 

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Guest: Historian Dr Cindy McCreery.

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This week, rates rose to seven-year-highs and inflation still won’t be easing off anytime soon.

Cost of living is a problem the government has promised it’s aware of, but there will be increasing pressure for it to start implementing practical solutions that actually help people who are struggling.

So what is the Albanese government doing, how is it different and what can we expect the government to pass now that parliament is back?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Labor’s attempts to reign in a cost of living spiral.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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