The Fifth Estate

Join David Marr, one of the finest minds in Australian journalism, as he discusses Pauline Hanson and the uniquely Australian strain of the politics of resentment. Hosted by Sally Warhaft, and recorded live at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.

Sally Warhaft and Kerry O'Brien — Photo: Shannon Hick

We’ve all heard the ‘jobs and growth’ mantra, but what are the specifics of the Turnbull Government’s vision for the country?

At this special Fifth Estate discussion, the day after Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered the 2017 budget, Sally Warhaft and veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien unpack the implications of the government’s economic plan and take the pulse of the nation.

How does this year's budget sit against those of the past – and those potentially to come? What does it reveal about the state of politics and the media … and what remains to be seen? Join us for post-budget analysis with one of Australia’s most respected political journalists.

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At this special Fifth Estate discussion, the day after Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered the 2017 budget, Sally Warhaft and veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien unpack the implications of the government’s economic plan and take the pulse of the nation.

A lot has been made of the importance of an American president’s first 100 days. That period has long been considered a crucial measure of their intentions and abilities – and a distillation, in many ways, of what’s to follow.

The idea dates back to President Roosevelt – who, taking office during the Great Depression in 1933, immediately launched a series of bills to reignite a flagging economy. Reagan made sweeping revisions to budget and tax policy in his first 100 days; Obama used the time to pass a $787 billion economic stimulus package and to expand children's health insurance coverage.

At almost 100 days into the Trump presidency, Sally Warhaft chats with Don Watson – author of the Quarterly Essay 'Enemy Within: American politics in the time of Trump', and the acclaimed American Journeys. They assess the state of the States under Trump so far. How has the Trump administration framed its 100 days? What have been its key policies and accomplishments thus far … and how has America and the world responded?

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At almost 100 days into the Trump presidency, Sally Warhaft chats with Don Watson – author of the Quarterly Essay 'Enemy Within: American politics in the time of Trump', and the acclaimed American Journeys. They assess the state of the States under Trump so far. How has the Trump administration framed its 100 days? What have been its key policies and accomplishments thus far … and how has America and the world responded?

Sally Warhaft and Chris Mitchell in conversation

Last year, when Chris Mitchell released his memoir, Making Headlines, much was made of the book’s more gossipy elements: the fancy dinners, brazen ultimatums and the sometimes bitter quarrels with various powerful figures. In this conversation, Fifth Estate host Sally Warhaft goes deeper with the former editor-in-chief of the Australian.

Mitchell was at the helm of Australia’s only national daily newspaper for 12 years; a period of seismic change in the media landscape. How does he see the future of the Australian specifically, and the role of daily newspapers in Australia more broadly? What does he make of criticisms of ‘crusading journalism’ and the increasing partisanship of major news sources? And how might our current crop of political leaders perform better in today’s perilous media environment?

Join this towering figure in Australian journalism for a discussion broaching the relationship between sources and journalists, the revolving door of political leaders and the mysterious nexus of power in Australia today.

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Chris Mitchell – former editor-in-chief of the Australian, and a towering figure in Australian journalism – joins Sally Warhaft for a discussion broaching the relationship between sources and journalists, the revolving door of political leaders and the mysterious nexus of power in Australia today.

In 2017, Australia finds itself in a very strange position on the issue of marriage equality.

With the Federal Government’s proposed plebiscite defeated in the senate last November, we now have a bizarre situation in which leaders of both major political parties want reform but are unable to deliver it. There’s a sense of frustration and fatigue in the electorate – where do we go from here?

At this Fifth Estate discussion, Sally Warhaft is joined by two speakers, both steeped in the marriage equality debate at federal level, and both with quite different takes on the issue: Liberal MP and former Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, and Labor MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for equality, Terri Butler.

Is it possible that we will somehow break the gridlock this year? Is there a need, and an appetite, for further debate around this issue? Join us for a discussion of public sentiment versus political processes.

Sally Warhaft, Tim Wilson and Terri Butler

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At this Fifth Estate discussion, Sally Warhaft is joined by two speakers, both steeped in the marriage equality debate at federal level, and both with quite different takes on the issue: Liberal MP and former Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, and Labor MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for equality, Terri Butler.

The shock election of Donald Trump has forced a period of reeling and reckoning in the United States. How have the failures of previous administrations led to the election of such an unorthodox candidate? And how will Trump’s exploitation of scapegoats – both inside America and outside – play out now he’s actually in office?

Sally Warhaft, Cynthia P. Schneider and Thomas Frank — Photo: Jon Tjhia

In the first Fifth Estate discussion of 2017, Sally Warhaft hosts two heavy-hitting American experts. Thomas Frank is the author of Listen, Liberal, a blistering appraisal of recent Democratic administrations and a liberal professional class seemingly indifferent to widening income inequality. Cynthia P. Schneider is a foreign policy expert at the highly respected Brookings Institution in Washington and an active, eloquent advocate of ‘soft power’ and cultural diplomacy, especially with the Muslim world.

The pair explore a wide range of questions around America’s recent past, present and future, and provide a unique perspective from the inside. How might Trump work to serve the interests of those who voted for him in protest against the establishment? And how are his efforts likely to affect those well beyond American borders?

Sally Warhaft, Cynthia P. Schneider and Thomas Frank — Photo: Jon Tjhia

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