The Federal Government says expanding a scheme for first-home buyers will be a leg-up for Australians trying to break into the property market.

But what impact will the policy actually have on housing affordability?

• Guest: Tim Lawless, Asia-Pacific Research Director for Cotality 
• Producer: Grace Stranger

Greens leader Larissa Waters has welcomed the sense of urgency on environment reforms but says any reforms couldn't be considered effective unless climate is considered.

The party has long called for a climate trigger to be included in the reforms, which would require the government to consider the impact of proposed projects on climate change.

• Guest: Larissa Waters, Leader of the Greens

The federal government's planned overhaul of environmental laws will now be fast-tracked, with new legislation to be introduced to parliament by the end of the year.

Environment Minister Murray Watt says there was clear support at last week's economic reform roundtable for simpler and faster processing of environmental approvals.

• Guest: Murray Watt, Environment Minister

A $2 billion deal with American pharmaceutical giant Moderna — to set up manufacturing facilities in Australia --- was hailed as a breakthrough by the Morrison government.

The agreement exempted Moderna's mRNA vaccines from assessment by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and committed the government to buying locally produced Moderna vaccines for at least a decade.

• Guest: Dr Monique Ryan, Independent member for Kooyong
• Producer: Grace Stranger

The Indian government has outlawed online gaming, leaving the national cricket teams without a sponsor on their shirts. 

The move has shuttered the multi-billion dollar fantasy sports industry, with the government choosing a ban over increased regulation of the sector. 

"A fairly big business has been decapitated in less than a week", said lawyer Vikram Jeet Singh. 

"The speed with which this bill has been brought about and operationalised has surprised people - this is definitely a shock to the system."

Features: Vikram Jeet Singh, partner BTG Advaya

Reporter: Luke Siddham Dundon

Specialist fees for medical procedures and consultations are increasing around the country, putting more financial pressure on patients. 

Dr Nick Coatsworth explains the reasons behind the problem and how to improve Australians’ access to specialist care.

• Guest: Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former deputy chief medical officer at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, now an ambassador for Patients Australia
• Producer: Eddy Diamond

Anti-migrant demonstrations have intensified across the UK, with police breaking up angry clashes between pro-and anti-immigration groups outside hotels for asylum seekers.

The protests were triggered after a court ruling last week which ordered asylum seekers be removed from a hotel in Epping — a decision the government says it will appeal.

The Starmer Government has now announced plans to reform its asylum appeals process, to reduce the backlog of more than 100,000 cases.

• Guest: Professor Anand Menon, Director of "UK in a Changing Europe" and professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King's College in London
• Producer: Anne Barker

Australian households are throwing out up to 113kg of perfectly good food each year, costing them around 1,500 dollars.

Food rescue organisation OzHarvest is releasing its annual wastage report this morning, warning Australia is not on track to reach a national target to halve food waste by 2030.

• Guest: Ronni Kahn, founder of OzHarvest
• Producer: Brooke Young

Israeli forces have attacked Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least 20 Palestinians including five journalists.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the attack as a 'tragic mishap'.

Meanwhile the Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the attacks. It says the Israeli military has killed almost 200 journalists and media workers during the war.

• Guest: Tess Ingram, spokeswoman for UNICEF in Gaza
• Producer: Anne Barker