Australia Overnight with Clinton Maynard

Clinton speaks with Major Bruce Harmer from the Salvation Army Australia about the 37th Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Australia’s largest gift drive, which has provided over 14 million gifts to those in need.

Amid rising living costs, financial stress is at a 10-year high, with only one in three Australians feeling financially secure.

The 2024 Red Shield Report shows 98% of households are struggling, leaving many with just $8 weekly for non-essentials.

Additionally, 60% of families with children can’t afford celebrations or gifts, highlighting the tough times many face this season.

This year, Kmart and The Salvation Army are aiming to increase the amount of relief they can provide to meet the growing need of those desperately seeking support.

To learn more about the Appeal and how they can donate, Australians can head to www.kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree/.

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In the final days of the U.S. election campaign, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making last-minute appeals to undecided voters, with both candidates focusing on Pennsylvania—a key swing state.

Harris’s campaign has out-raised and outspent Trump’s and claims late-deciding voters are leaning her way.

Meanwhile, Trump’s team believes his strong support among male voters can counter Harris’s popularity with women.

Clinton is joined by US political expert Professor Aiden Warren, School of Global, Urban & Social Studies, RMIT University, who shares insights on potential outcomes as the votes are tallied.

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Clinton speaks with Kate Browne, Head of Research and Insights at Compare Club, about ways to save on household expenses as living costs soar.

Kate shares tips on cutting mortgage and bill costs, even with the RBA holding interest rates steady.

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Professor David Flint chats to Clinton Maynard on the week’s important issues & political news.

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Clinton Maynard chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 6th November.

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Listen to the full show podcast - Tuesday - 5th November

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Clinton speaks with Peter Strachan, National President of Sustainable Population Australia (SPA), about a position statement signed by over 17,000 Australians, including Dick Smith, Prof. Ian Lowe, and Prof. Anne Poelina, calling for stabilised population growth.

Mr Strachan notes Australians’ frustration with rapid population growth and their feeling of being unheard by political leaders, urging the government to engage in a “mature” debate on the issue, as previously proposed by PM Albanese.

SPA’s “Say NO to a Big Australia!” campaign centers on this position statement as a key platform for public voices.

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Australia Post is urging local councils to adopt stricter measures after more than 49 dog-related incidents involving Posties occur weekly, about 10 per day, with concerns this rate will rise during the holiday season.

Over the past six months, 1,277 incidents have been reported, often at customers' front doors.

Despite Australia Post’s call for pet owner responsibility, 29,000 unresolved dog-related hazards remain nationwide.

Clinton speaks with Rod Maule, Australia Post general manager of safety and wellbeing, who stresses the need for stronger council action to protect Posties’ safety, especially as delivery demands increase around Black Friday and Christmas.

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A La Trobe University study published in Animals found that over 9,000 dogs and cats are given to Australian shelters annually due to owners' inability to keep or care for them.

The study analysed data from five shelters across four states, involving 46,820 animals, and highlighted housing insecurity as the leading cause of relinquishment across socioeconomic groups.

Financial issues were more common among lower-income owners, while health concerns affected higher-income groups more.

Clinton Maynard speaks with Sonya McDowall, La Trobe University PhD candidate and lead of a study on pet relinquishment, who emphasises the need to understand why people struggle to keep their pets.

She highlights that historically, human and animal welfare sectors have operated separately, without integrated policies or services that benefit both animals and their owners.

This, she suggests, could help address the financial and ethical issues caused by high numbers of pets in shelters.

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Listen to the full show podcast - Tuesday - 5th November

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