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Sydney’s Black Lives Matter protest was authorised by the Supreme Court in the knick of time, despite a campaign from NSW Police to stop it from going ahead on the grounds of public health concerns. Lawyer Sidnie Suh-rang from O'Brien Solicitors worked on both cases before the Supreme Court and shares the reasoning behind these judgements.

Hashtags about arson during our last disastrous bushfire season sparked debate about the true cause of this year’s Black Summer. Our reporter Eamonn Snow dug deep on online disinformation and how it can sway the Australian public.

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The Black Lives Matter protests in America catalysed by the death of unarmed African-American George Floyd from police officers, have led us to reflect on how we treat Indigenous Australians. Joshua Creamer, a Barrister at Law, Waanyi and Kalkadoon man, talks about the high rate of Indigenous deaths in custody. This week, the Government acknowledged their failed robodebt system - a highly flawed, automated crackdown on welfare. Jenny Cao talks about her experiences with being a recipient of robodebt.

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One of the enduring issues faced by Indigenous communities is the forced removal of children from their families. Richard Weston from The Family Matters campaign explains why Indigenous kids are 10 times more likely to be removed than non-Indigenous children. A survey by Reconciliation Australia revealed that while 90% of Australians support reconciliation, less than a third know how to help. Yorta Yorta woman and lecturer at the University of Wollongong, Summer May Finlay explains how non-Indigenous people should engage in Indigenous spaces, and what we need to improve beyond National Reconciliation Week.

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The art industry is on high alert after the NSW Government withheld an annual grant from Australia’s biggest multi-arts venue Carriageworks, forcing it to go into voluntary administration. Executive Director of the National Association for the Visual Arts, Esther Anatolitis discusses how COVID-19 has affected the arts industry. Since the pandemic venues have been shut down, meaning drag queens are unable to perform live in person, in front of large crowds until further notice. Drag Artist, Etcetera Etcetera talks about what the drag community is currently doing online and the potential future of drag.

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A survey by the ABC has found only one-in-eight Aussies would feel comfortable attending a large event, one-in-five would consider flying on a plane, and only 40% would dine-in at a restaurant. Dr Rachael Murrahee, clinical psychologist and the director of the Kidman Centre joins us to talk about what social wellbeing will look like after lockdown.

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The coronavirus pandemic has seen racism against Australia’s East Asian community increase in recent months. A survey by the Asian Australian Alliance revealed 178 incidents of coronavirus-related racism in just a two week window. Osmond Chew, a research fellow at social justice and inequality think tank Per Capita, joins us to talk about this spike.

Later, the fashion industry is turning on its head—small businesses have closed up shop, global imports have been impacted and yet online shopping has skyrocketed during quarantine. Natalie Shehata, eco-stylist and founder of ethical fashion platform, tommie magazine, joins us to talk about unethical consumerism and the uncertainty for the future of fashion.

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The government’s COVIDSafe citizen tracking app launched last week. Naturally there are concerns over privacy, and exactly how it’ll work. Professor Kimberlee Wetherall, specialist in technology law, joins us to discuss exactly what this new app is all about.

Later, as the coronavirus continues to hammer the Australian economy, young people are going to bear the brunt of the downturn in the future. Ed Miller, Economic Fairness Campaigns Director at GetUp, joins us to talk to us about the economic cost of the pandemic and how we’re going to be paying for it in the future.

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As families are urged to self-isolate, survivors of family violence are being forced even closer to their abusers, causing an increase in cases of domestic and family abuse. Jess Hill, investigative journalist and author of See What You Made Me Do, joins us to talk to us about how survivors of family violence are being affected by the coronavirus lockdown orders.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT or visit RESPECT.org.au

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Of all of the COVID-19 news, perhaps none is absurd is the backlash against 5G data technology. Joining us first is Cameron Wilson, Buzzfeed Internet Reporter and former Backchat producer to chat with us about the conspiracies behind Coronavirus and 5G technologies.

Later, Winnie Dunn is the General Manager of Sweatshop, a literacy movement which supports writers in Western Sydney. She’s got some news about Sweatshop’s new anthology. She’ll also be speaking to us about her experience living with an eating disorder in coronavirus isolation. 

If this content was troubling, or you’re struggling through this crisis, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 44 or visit beyondblue.com.au for support.

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Isabella Kwai is a reporter for the New York Times who spent several weeks in Hong Kong covering the Coronavirus first-hand. She joins us to talk about watching the virus unfold from near the heart of the pandemic.

Later we’ve heard about the effects of COVID-19 on the entertainment industry, hospitality and retail, but what about sex work? Cameron Cox, CEO of the Sex Workers Outreach Project joins us to talk about how the virus is effecting the industry.

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