Is our foreign minister about to jump ship? So went the rumours, recently, around the press gallery, in Canberra.
Elsewhere, too, people have tried to diminish Penny Wong. The fact that she hasn’t  visited the Middle East, since she landed the job of foreign minister, 18 months ago? It’s just not good enough, according to the opposition. And why isn't she doing more to broker peace in the Middle East?
But for a staggering amount of ordinary Australians, Penny Wong is something of a unicorn. Not only one of the most highly regarded politicians in the country. But someone whom they would happily have mind their children.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what accounts for the great divide between public and political judgement, when it comes to Penny Wong. And what drives the second most powerful person in our country. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Wong's fight for a two-state solution

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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It’s finally happened. In a court decision that breaks with 247 years of American history, Donald Trump has become the first former president of the United States to be criminally convicted.
Because, earlier today, a jury of 12 New Yorkers found that Trump was guilty of falsifying business records. What do business records have to do with this infamous hush money trial, involving an adult film star? And can a felon still run for the American presidency? Let alone serve from jail, if Trump - who is currently ahead in many states - were to win in November?
Today, in a special episode of The Morning Edition, North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin, on how this conviction may reshape the 2024 presidential race. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is a convicted felon. What now?

The Albanese government faced relentless pressure this week as it scrambled to replace a ministerial direction linked to tribunal decisions that has allowed serious criminals to stay in Australia.
The Prime Minister has also been forced to defend embattled Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in parliament - as public servants revealed some criminals including murderers and sex offenders were not required to wear ankle monitors under immigration detention laws.
The Coalition has stepped up its calls for Giles to go, detailing cases where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal allowed non-citizens to stay in Australia, despite their history of often violent offending.
Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss these developments is chief political correspondent David Crowe and migration reporter Angus Thompson.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Politics: Direction 99 and the immigration detainee debacle

When, last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap national election for early July, the derision came thick and fast. First, it was because he made his announcement, in front of 10 Downing Street, while being pelted with rain. Without an umbrella.
But then came his first election promise.Should the Tories be elected, all 18 year olds will go through compulsory national service, in a bid to create a “renewed sense of pride” in Britain.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on Rishi Sunak, and whether this proposal has any chance of rejuvenating his party, which, as one commentator recently put it, is “facing an extinction-level event”. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rishi Sunak wants to bring back compulsory national service

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has immigration numbers squarely in his sights. Lower the number of immigrants in this country, he has said, and we will see an improvement with all sorts of social challenges. This won’t just help fix our dire housing crisis. But it will also help people get in to see a GP, and finally gain a spot for their child at kindergarten.
His policy was the cornerstone of his budget reply speech, two weeks ago. But since then, his speech - and the coalition - have come under fire. For promoting a populist idea that will fail to address these struggles. And, even worse, possibly fueling racist sentiment.
Today, columnist Jacqueline Maley on the Coalition’s cornerstone policy, which it plans to take to the next election.  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will cutting immigration fix our social ills?

We are used to hearing bad news when it comes to the environment. 
And it's for good reason. The world’s temperature is rising at an alarming rate, our air is full of pollutants, species are becoming endangered and then, extinct. 
But, we are here to deliver some good news, on the Australian initiatives that are making a difference. 
Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on the three good news stories about our environment. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Wong's fight for a two-state solution

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