The Issue

As the FIFA World Cup looms, the high-stakes battles Australian football faces both on the pitch and in the boardroom only becomes clearer.

Australia is officially locked into Group D for the World Cup in North America. In this week's episode of The Issue, we unpack the schedule - from the kickoff against Turkey in Vancouver, to a highly anticipated Seattle showdown against the USA that doubles as a potential sideline summit for Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump. 

Newly appointed Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler has a massive task ahead with critical broadcast negotiations fast approaching, and a fight with the federal government for $50 million towards a National Football Headquarters in Sydney.  

Can the country's biggest participation sport finally claim its primetime crown?

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Australia’s housing crisis has hit breaking point — but the Albanese Government's recent bombshell at this week's Federal Budget hopes to fix it. Sitting down with 7NEWS' The Issue, Housing Minister Clare O’Neil defends Labor’s dramatic housing overhaul, including changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, foreign buyers, and first-home buyer support. But there’s one issue the federal government must also confront - repeated election promises that changes to the housing market were “off the table.” So why the backflip? Will it actually make housing cheaper? And is this the political gamble that defines Labor’s future?

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Sally Tindall discusses the impact of rising interest rates on Australian households, mortgage strategies, savings, and the broader economic outlook amid surging inflation and questionable government policies.

The Director of Data Insights at Canstar joins Political Reporter Josh Martin to navigate the tough times the nation is facing.

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This week The Issue Podcast explores the complex political dynamics at play in the Farrer byelection, including the rise of One Nation and Independents, the decline of the major parties, and regional issues (such as health and water) impacting voter behaviour. Join 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, and Redbridge Director, Simon Welsh, to gain insights into Australia's shifting political landscape and what it means for future elections.

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Australia’s housing market is at a tipping point. With the federal budget looming, major changes to housing policy, including negative gearing and capital gains tax, are being debated in Canberra. But could these decisions make the crisis even worse? In this episode of The Issue, property investor Sam Gordon, who owns more than 150 properties, shares a stark warning. Government intervention could drive rents higher, push prices up, and lock an entire generation out of home ownership.

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How does the Australian War Memorial tell the messy truth about war?

It’s a shrine, a world-class museum and an archive in Canberra that’s undergoing a $550 million upgrade.

The Issue looks at what’s next for the Memorial, how it honours veterans, and how it handles a painful history including the Frontier Wars.

Plus, 7News uncovers the plans it has in place to handle the war crimes court case against Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith.

The Australian War Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, is this week’s guest on the podcast.

Lifeline offers free 24/7 counselling via phone, online chat, and video to anyone feeling suicidal, bereaved by suicide or worried about someone else. Call 1300 659 467.

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David Pocock is considered one of the greatest ever Wallabies, now he’s giving the major parties grief as a Senator for the ACT in Federal Parliament. This week’s episode looks at the short- and long-term lessons from the Iran War and oil crisis. The 37-year-old independent politician weighs in on tax, gas, fuel, the budget, public servants, the future of contact sports and why he wants a new stadium in Canberra.  

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If you ask Scott Phillips how effective our governments have been at getting a high price from the companies that export our energy resources - expect an earful. This week's episode of The Issue features the Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips, who discusses hard truths with 7NEWS' political reporter, Tim Lester. 

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Angus Taylor hails from the bush and has proven his country credentials to 7News, at the Camden Show near Sydney, by riding a bull, shearing a sheep and cracking a whip. But can the new Liberal Party leader become prime minister of Australia? In this episode, The Issue asks the fresh Coalition leader key questions on immigration, the One Nation challenge, Anthony Albanese, the economy and the war in Iran. Mr Taylor also opens to 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, on losing his Mum at a young age and who he’s seeking advice from as he seeks to defeat Anthony Albanese at the 2028 federal election.

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