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Big money and politics seem to go hand in hand, but the government wants to pass new electoral reform laws that they say will keep cashed-up donors out of federal politics. But the detail has independents and minor parties crying foul. Guardian Australia chief political correspondent Paul Karp speaks to Reged Ahmed about why Labor and the Coalition have been accused of cooking up a ‘secret deal’ on new electoral rules

In the lead-up to his return to the White House, president-elect Donald Trump has quickly assembled a new team of loyalists including Elon Musk, a Fox News host and a vaccine sceptic. While his cabinet nominees will still need approval from Congress, the controversial list is already raising alarm bells. Washington DC bureau chief David Smith speaks to Nour Haydar about what these latest announcements tell us about Trump’s plans for his second term

At a moment when the world feels like a particularly unsettling place, Guardian podcast Science Weekly is asking what it is that makes humans happy – and how can we bring more happiness into our lives? In episode one of this two-part series, Ian Sample asks what makes a country happy. Johannes Eichstaedt, assistant professor of psychology and human-centred AI at Stanford University, explains why the Nordic countries often rank highly in the annual World Happiness Report and what we can learn if we look beyond them

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Karen Middleton, speaks to the federal housing and homelessness minister, Clare O’Neil. They discuss the housing crisis, whether a double dissolution is on the horizon, and the role housing will play in the upcoming federal election

The Guardian is no longer posting on Elon Musk’s X. The move comes after Musk’s hands-off approach has allowed lies and hate speech to spread on the platform formerly known as Twitter. The world’s richest man has also become increasingly aligned with the US president-elect, Donald Trump, often using the now toxic social media site to shape political discourse.Bridie Jabour talks to Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief, Lenore Taylor, and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about the future of news online, and why the Guardian has quit X

As a privately owned company, Aldi rarely gets the sort of scrutiny faced by its listed competitors Coles and Woolworths, which are required to provide regular public disclosures including profit updates. But this week the public got a rare glimpse into the supermarket chain’s profits and strategy as its executives underwent questioning by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett tells Nour Haydar how the German company makes $12bn in annual revenue and why it rejects online shopping. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Dental care in Australia is largely privatised and nearly always expensive. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost one in five adults delay or don’t see a dentist due to cost. For those who can access the public system, staff are often overstretched and the long wait times mean crucial appointments come far too late. Guardian Australia health reporter Natasha May speaks to Reged Ahmed about how the perfect smile is a privilege increasingly available only to the wealthy. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Will richer nations find the climate finance desperately needed by developing countries? Damian Carrington reports

Last week the prime minister delivered a pitch to young Australians: Labor will slash their student debt by 20% next financial year if the Albanese government is re-elected. The surprise announcement is part of a major federal government overhaul designed to boost access to education and address ‘intergenerational unfairness’. But while the move has been welcomed by many, it has also been widely criticised for not doing enough to help students as well as unfairly penalising all taxpayers. Chief economist at the Australia Institute and Guardian columnist Greg Jericho gives his take on why Labor’s plan isn’t perfect but why the feigned outrage over ‘fairness’ is wrong You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Arthur Sinodinos AO, former ambassador to the US, chair of the Australia Practice at the Asia Group, as well as a former Liberal senator and adviser to John Howard. They talk about why Americans voted as they did, what the outcome means for Australia’s upcoming election, and how big a threat Donald Trump’s plans are to the Australian economy and security in the region