The Issue

Trevor Baucom, a U.S. Black Hawk pilot who flew alongside Australian special forces, recounts the brutal battles and life‑or‑death moments he faced in Afghanistan. From landing commandos under heavy fire to surviving a crash that left him initially reported as killed in action, Trevor shares a rare perspective from inside the cockpit. Years later, still living with the consequences, he works to honour the men who didn’t make it home. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High visa fees and a political push - behind the downturn. 

Politicians like Pauline Hanson and Andrew Hastie want further cuts and will campaign hard. 

But Phil Honeywood from the international education sector argues foreign students are good for the economy, workforce, tourism and international relations. 

The CEO of the International Education Association of Australia is this week's guest on The Issue. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From defence reform and military procurement to AUKUS, drones and the future of warfare; Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains how Australia is preparing for a more uncertain world. He also reflects on Labor’s political position, the risks of complacency, and why voter trust can never be taken for granted.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fighting against the horror of forced organ harvesting | The Issue

For years, Falun Gong protestors have stood outside Federal Parliament demanding action to stop forced organ harvesting. But has Australia listened?

It was nearly 20 years ago that esteemed lawyer David Matas uncovered the human rights horror in China. 

As protests persist, we examine what’s changed and what hasn’t in Australia’s response to the horrific practice.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prefabricated homes can be built in a matter of days for as little as $100,000. However, finance issues and regulation are holding the sector back in Australia. Damien Crough the Executive Chairman of lobby group prefabAUS says the government needs to tackle the tradie shortage, banks need to make lending easier, and admits the sector has an image problem.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing RSL President Greg Melick says he's 'concerned we have become a very selfish nation'.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After three interest rate cuts in 2025 many thought the cost-of-living crisis was over. But headline inflation has shot up to 3.2% and unemployment is now at 4.5% in Australia. The Issue speaks to Shadow Treasurer, Ted O’Brien, about how to solve this problem. The Deputy Liberal Leader reveals some of the key changes coming from the Coalition's policy reviews on nuclear energy, the economy and the public service. And responds to the chaos gripping the Coalition and Sussan Ley's leadership. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is more divided online. The public’s trust in governments and security agencies is weakened. Activists like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have divided opinion with their actions – exposing government and military secrets to the world. Retired four-star admiral Mike Rogers says misinformation is a defining challenge of these times. The former Director of the United States National Security Agency sits down with The Issue to unpack these problems.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albo meets Trump. A former Ambassador to the United States takes 'The Issue' through what confronts Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister prepares for his highest stakes leaders meeting yet. Dennis Richardson also shares insights on the Oval Office meetings he helped organise, the Prime Ministers he worked for and the recent fuss around Australia's current Ambassador in Washington, Kevin Rudd.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.