Australia is implementing a social media ban for children under 16, and this interview with Associate Professor Dr. Lesley Anne Ey from UniSA Education Futures explains the developmental science behind the decision. Children’s brains are still developing executive functioning and critical thinking skills through their teenage years, making them vulnerable to sophisticated online predators, cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful content ranging from pornography to eating disorder promotion.

The ban serves as a protective mechanism—similar to age restrictions on driving—to give children time to mature cognitively before facing these risks. However, Dr. Ey emphasizes that the ban alone isn’t enough. Media literacy education must become as important as math and English in schools, while parents need to educate themselves about online risks, maintain open communication with their children, and reassure them that no problem is too big to solve together. The interview explores whether the ban will effectively reduce harm or simply shift risks to platforms like gaming, and discusses why education remains the most powerful long-term protection strategy.

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Five Key Takeaways

* Cognitive Development Timeline Drives Policy: Children’s executive functioning skills and critical thinking abilities continue developing until around age 16-17, with peak sexual development occurring between ages 10-17, making adolescents particularly vulnerable to online risks including predatory behavior, misinformation, and content promoting self-harm or eating disorders during this crucial developmental window.

* Comprehensive Risk Landscape Beyond Cyberbullying: Social media exposure encompasses far more than bullying—risks include sextortion (perpetrators coercing sexual images then using them for control), child sexual abuse, false information shaping perceptions, conspiracy theories, body image dysphoria, addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, and access to dangerous content like bomb-making instructions or hate speech.

* Perpetrators Outpace Both Police and Children: Child sexual abuse perpetrators are sophisticated actors who remain consistently ahead of law enforcement detection methods, operating secretively and manipulating children through grooming techniques—if police struggle to identify and trap these perpetrators, expecting cognitively developing children to recognize and resist them is unrealistic without protective measures.

* Education Trumps Regulation as Long-Term Solution: While the ban provides temporary protection, Dr. Ey emphasizes that media literacy education represents a more effective long-term strategy than regulation alone, arguing it should receive equivalent priority to mathematics and English in curricula, with systematic monitoring and assessment of what children learn about recognizing and responding to online risks.

* Parental Communication Provides Critical Safety Net: Children who fall victim to online grooming or send compromising images often remain silent due to fear of consequences or punishment, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes including suicide—parents must establish that no problem is too big to address together, creating an approachable environment where children feel safe reporting uncomfortable or suspicious online interactions immediately.

Detailed Synopsis

This interview examines Australia’s imminent social media ban for children under 16 through a conversation with Associate Professor Dr. Lesley Anne Ey, a child development expert from UniSA Education Futures. The discussion provides scientific context for the policy while exploring its practical implications and limitations.

Dr. Ey grounds the policy rationale in developmental psychology, explaining that while the internet offers tremendous opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, it also creates a risk environment for which children are neurologically unprepared. The adolescent brain undergoes significant development between ages 10-17, a period that coincides with both sexual maturation and the formation of executive functioning skills necessary for critical thinking and risk assessment.

The scope of online risks extends well beyond the commonly discussed cyberbullying. Dr. Ey catalogs a disturbing range of harms: sextortion schemes where perpetrators manipulate children into sending sexual images then use those images for ongoing control and abuse; direct child sexual exploitation; exposure to harmful instructional content including bomb-making guides; pornography; hate speech; misinformation campaigns; conspiracy theories deliberately designed to distort reality; content promoting negative body image and eating disorders; and platforms that facilitate addiction patterns while exacerbating depression and suicidal ideation.

Schools teach critical thinking, Dr. Ey notes, but primarily in academic contexts—problem-solving exercises and curriculum-based challenges. This educational approach doesn’t adequately prepare children to identify and respond to bad-faith actors, sophisticated manipulation tactics, or the psychological techniques employed by online predators. These perpetrators represent a particular challenge because they operate with deliberate deception and remain consistently ahead of law enforcement capabilities.

This creates what Dr. Ey characterizes as an impossible expectation: if trained police officers with specialized resources struggle to identify and apprehend child predators operating online, how can society reasonably expect cognitively developing children to recognize these same threats and protect themselves effectively?

The social media ban emerges from this analysis as a protective mechanism rather than a comprehensive solution. Dr. Ey draws an explicit parallel to driving age restrictions—society doesn’t permit children to drive until 16 not because driving is inherently wrong, but because children require time to develop the physical coordination, judgment, and risk assessment capabilities that safe driving demands. Similarly, the social media ban provides a developmental buffer period.

However, Dr. Ey repeatedly emphasizes that the ban alone represents only partial protection. Gaming platforms, text messaging, and other digital communication channels remain accessible and carry similar risks. This reality necessitates a comprehensive educational approach involving multiple stakeholders.

For parents, Dr. Ey outlines specific responsibilities: self-education about social media platforms and internet safety through resources like the eSafety Commissioner website; direct conversation with children about the reasons behind the ban and the specific risks it addresses; creating an approachable communication environment; and crucially, reassuring children that no mistake or problem is too serious to address together.

This last point receives particular emphasis. Dr. Ey explains that children who become victims of grooming or who make mistakes like sending compromising images often remain silent due to fear of parental anger or punishment. This silence allows abuse to continue and intensify. In worst-case scenarios, children overwhelmed by shame and fear have taken their own lives rather than face consequences they perceived as insurmountable. Establishing unconditional support and problem-solving partnership becomes a literal life-or-death communication priority.

Schools carry complementary responsibilities. Dr. Ey argues that media literacy education should receive equivalent curricular priority to mathematics and English. Current Australian curriculum includes these components, but without systematic monitoring, assessment, or verification that students are actually learning protective skills. This represents a fundamental pedagogical gap.

The educational approach must extend beyond traditional internet safety to encompass critical media literacy—teaching children to recognize false information, understand AI-generated content, identify manipulation tactics, and develop healthy skepticism about online interactions. Schools occupy a unique position to deliver this education systematically and universally.

When asked whether media literacy might prove more effective than regulation, Dr. Ey responds affirmatively. Teaching children to recognize and manage risk creates more durable protection than any regulatory framework. However, she qualifies this by noting that education requires time to take effect, while children face immediate risks. The ban buys time for educational interventions to work while children continue maturing.

Regarding the ban’s effectiveness in reducing cyberbullying specifically, Dr. Ey predicts mixed outcomes. Some children experiencing bullying will likely welcome the protection the ban provides by reducing harassment opportunities. However, bullying won’t disappear because alternative platforms remain accessible. The fundamental principle holds: reducing opportunity for harm represents improvement even when complete elimination isn’t achievable.

The interview addresses socioeconomic concerns about differential access creating inequality. Dr. Ey rejects this framing based on device penetration data—approximately 80% of children age eight and older possess mobile phone access, with tablets and computers providing additional access points through family devices and schools. The ubiquity of device access means essentially all children face online risks regardless of socioeconomic status. The ban therefore provides relatively equal protection across economic strata.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ey maintains that risk cannot be entirely eliminated. Perpetrators will adapt and migrate to unregulated platforms. Children will find ways to access restricted services. The internet’s fundamental architecture creates access opportunities that no regulatory framework can completely control.

This reality makes education paramount. Once devices enter children’s hands—which happens early and nearly universally—education about recognition, response, and reporting becomes the primary protective mechanism. Parents and schools must provide this education proactively, comprehensively, and with appropriate sophistication about the actual threats children face.

Dr. Ey predicts that as the ban implementation progresses, researchers will observe measurable reductions in online grooming incidents and cyberbullying statistics. While acknowledging the absence of pre-implementation research evidence, she anticipates the ban will demonstrate protective effects through post-implementation data analysis.

The interview concludes with Dr. Ey reiterating the central tension: regulation provides immediate but incomplete protection, while education offers more comprehensive long-term safety but requires time and consistent implementation. Effective child protection demands both approaches working in concert, with realistic expectations about what each mechanism can accomplish.

What Readers Will Learn

Child Development Science:

* How executive functioning skills develop through adolescence and why this timeline matters for online safety

* The relationship between sexual maturation (ages 10-17) and vulnerability to exploitation

* Why critical thinking taught in academic contexts doesn’t automatically transfer to social risk assessment

* Cognitive differences between adolescent and adult brains that affect decision-making and risk recognition

Comprehensive Risk Understanding:

* The full spectrum of online harms beyond cyberbullying: sextortion, grooming, harmful content, misinformation, body image issues, and mental health impacts

* How sophisticated perpetrators operate and why they consistently outpace law enforcement detection

* The psychological manipulation tactics used to control children and prevent them from seeking help

* Why gaming platforms and messaging services present similar risks to social media

Practical Parenting Strategies:

* Specific resources for parent education (eSafety Commissioner materials)

* How to create communication environments where children feel safe reporting problems

* Language and approaches for discussing online risks without creating fear or shame

* Why unconditional problem-solving partnerships can prevent tragic outcomes

* Warning signs that children may be experiencing online abuse or manipulation

Educational Policy Implications:

* Why media literacy should receive equivalent priority to core academic subjects

* The gap between curriculum inclusion and actual learning outcomes in internet safety education

* What comprehensive critical media literacy encompasses beyond basic internet safety

* How schools can systematically teach recognition of false information, AI content, and manipulation

* The distinction between academic critical thinking and applied risk assessment skills

Regulatory Framework Analysis:

* How the under-16 ban functions as a developmental buffer mechanism

* Realistic expectations about what regulation can and cannot accomplish

* Why the ban provides protection despite not eliminating all risk

* How regulatory measures interact with educational approaches for comprehensive protection

* The parallel between age restrictions on driving and social media access

Communication Skills for Difficult Conversations:

* How to discuss sextortion, grooming, and sexual abuse with children age-appropriately

* Creating reporting pathways for children experiencing uncomfortable online interactions

* Balancing protection with age-appropriate autonomy and skill development

* Reassurance techniques that encourage disclosure rather than silence

* How to respond when children have already made mistakes or been victimized

Long-Term Protection Strategies:

* Why education represents a more effective long-term solution than regulation alone

* How to balance immediate protective measures with developmental skill-building

* The role of ongoing parent education as platforms and risks evolve

* Creating family media use policies that adapt as children mature

* Preparing children for eventual unrestricted internet access through gradual skill development

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

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This interview explores Australia’s current energy policy challenges through a conversation with a political leader advocating for change. At the heart of the discussion is a striking paradox: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of natural gas, yet the country is building import terminals to bring gas back at higher prices.

The speaker argues that current government policies are driving up electricity costs while failing to reduce emissions, costing taxpayers an estimated $75 billion to date with projections of over $500 billion more by 2035. The conversation examines the tension between meeting international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and delivering affordable energy to Australian families and industries. Key policy proposals include streamlining environmental approvals for gas projects, opening new gas basins, and prioritizing energy affordability while still reducing emissions responsibly.

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Five Key Takeaways

* The LNG Export Paradox: Australia ranks as the world’s second or third-largest LNG exporter due to abundant natural gas reserves, yet the country is simultaneously constructing import terminals to purchase gas back at inflated prices—a situation the speaker characterizes as nonsensical for Australian consumers and industry.

* Staggering Climate Policy Costs: Australia has already spent approximately $75 billion on emissions reduction efforts since 2005, with estimates suggesting an additional $500 billion will be required to meet the 2035 targets, even as power prices climb and emissions plateau or increase.

* Environmental Approvals as Policy Bottleneck: The current environmental approval regime is identified as a critical obstacle preventing natural gas from reaching domestic markets, with accusations that government funding for environmental activist groups actively restricts supply expansion.

* Paris Agreement Flexibility: While committed to the Paris Agreement framework, the speaker emphasizes that nationally determined contributions (NDCs) should be revised based on national interests and changing global circumstances, noting that many countries have already walked back or modified their commitments.

* Gas as Transition Fuel Strategy: Natural gas is positioned as essential infrastructure serving three critical functions—industrial manufacturing, power generation, and emissions reduction as a transition fuel—making affordable gas access fundamental to both economic competitiveness and climate objectives.

Detailed Synopsis

This interview captures a pivotal moment in Australia’s ongoing energy policy debate, recorded during a visit to the Sutherland Shire area of Sydney. The conversation reveals deep tensions between Australia’s climate commitments and the practical economic pressures facing households and industries struggling with rising energy costs.

The discussion opens with firsthand observations from a powder coating facility, where rising gas and electricity prices are creating palpable economic strain. This real-world context frames the broader policy critique that follows. The speaker establishes a fundamental argument: that current national energy objectives are “working backwards” from unachievable long-term targets, driving electricity price increases in the process.

A central paradox emerges as the interview progresses. Despite Australia’s position as a global LNG powerhouse—the world’s second or third-largest exporter—domestic gas markets face supply constraints severe enough to justify building import terminals. This scenario, the speaker suggests, represents a policy failure that defies common sense for ordinary Australians experiencing energy bill shock.

The Paris Agreement becomes a key flashpoint in the conversation. When challenged about previous statements regarding “bureaucrats in Paris,” the speaker articulates a nuanced position: commitment to the Paris framework while reserving the right to revise Australia’s nationally determined contributions based on national interest. This position is contextualized within broader international trends, noting that many nations have modified or watered down their climate commitments as circumstances evolved.

Historical comparison provides quantitative weight to the argument. The speaker notes that over the 20 years since 2005, Australia has nearly doubled its emissions reduction efforts compared to developing nations. Meeting Labor’s 2050 targets would require doubling those efforts again—at a cost the speaker deems unsustainable given current economic pressures.

The critique extends to what the speaker characterizes as policy-driven supply restrictions. Environmental approval processes are identified as creating significant delays for gas projects, with the additional claim that government funding supports environmental activist organizations working to limit gas development. This creates a feedback loop that constrains domestic supply while Australia continues exporting LNG internationally.

The proposed alternative centers on what the speaker calls “stepping on the gas”—a policy framework that would streamline approvals, open new gas basins, facilitate private sector pipeline development, and recognize natural gas’s critical role across power generation, industrial use, and manufacturing. The fundamental principle articulated is that increased supply, coupled with grid balance and affordable energy as the primary objective, would deliver better outcomes for both prices and emissions.

Throughout the interview, the speaker emphasizes a commitment to honesty with voters about policy realities and costs, contrasting this approach with what’s characterized as misleading claims from the current government. The argument frames energy affordability not as opposition to climate action, but as essential to maintaining public support for realistic emissions reduction that matches technological capabilities and international comparability.

What Readers Will Learn

Policy Analysis Skills:

* How to evaluate the real-world costs of climate policy implementation beyond headline targets

* Understanding the relationship between energy supply dynamics and electricity pricing

* Recognizing the gap between international climate commitments and domestic policy execution

Australian Energy Market Fundamentals:

* Why Australia’s position as a major LNG exporter doesn’t automatically translate to domestic energy security

* The role of natural gas in Australia’s energy transition and industrial base

* How environmental approval processes impact energy project development timelines

Climate Policy Economics:

* The financial scale of Australia’s emissions reduction efforts: $75 billion spent, $500 billion projected

* How nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement function in practice

* Why countries revise their climate commitments and the factors driving those decisions

Political Communication Strategies:

* How policy positions are framed around “national interest” versus international agreements

* The use of concrete examples (powder coating facilities, import terminals) to illustrate abstract policy critiques

* Techniques for presenting alternative policy frameworks while maintaining climate credibility

Critical Thinking Applications:

* Evaluating claims about emissions trends (reductions under previous government vs. current flatlines)

* Understanding trade-offs between energy affordability and climate ambition

* Recognizing how supply-side interventions (or restrictions) impact market outcomes

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

If you think others could benefit from listening, please share it on your socials.

You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

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Your Mencari subscription—less than a coffee per week—powers real independent journalism. Our reporters dig into the stories powerful people desperately want buried. No corporate masters. No political handlers. Just the uncomfortable truths that matter most right now.

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This episode examines the concerning rise of far-right extremist groups in Australia, focusing on the August 31st "March for Australia" protests that drew thousands across major cities. Dr. Simon Copland, an expert in online extremism from Australian National University, explains how groups like sovereign citizens—people who believe governments are illegitimate—have grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conversation reveals how these movements use social media to spread anger and false information, particularly targeting immigrants as scapegoats for Australia's housing and cost-of-living crises. Despite organizers claiming otherwise, neo-Nazi groups actively participated in and spoke at these rallies, showing the interconnected nature of Australia's extremist ecosystem.

While the numbers weren't as large as feared, the movements are becoming more emboldened and violent, posing real security threats. The episode also explores the disturbing connections between anti-immigration sentiment and misogynistic beliefs, particularly through movements like "Tradwives" that promote both traditional gender roles and white supremacist ideologies.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Five Key Takeaways

* COVID-19 Catalyst: The sovereign citizen movement experienced significant growth in Australia following pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates, as people felt direct government intervention in their lives for the first time

* Social Media Manipulation: Far-right groups excel at using digital platforms to spread disinformation and create anger, exploiting social media algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy

* Scapegoating Strategy: Despite evidence that immigrants contribute positively to Australia's economy, extremist groups falsely blame them for housing shortages and economic problems to divert attention from real causes like corporate profiteering

* Neo-Nazi Integration: Despite organizers' denials, neo-Nazi leaders like Thomas Sewell actively spoke at March for Australia events, revealing coordination within Australia's far-right ecosystem

* Violence Escalation: While protest numbers were lower than expected, extremist groups are becoming increasingly emboldened and willing to engage in violence, presenting genuine security threats

Detailed Synopsis

This episode of PART 8A provides crucial insights into Australia's evolving far-right landscape through an in-depth conversation with Dr. Simon Copland, a leading researcher in online extremism at Australian National University. The discussion centers on the August 31st "March for Australia" protests, which drew an estimated 15,000 people in Adelaide alone, making it one of the largest far-right demonstrations in recent Australian history.

Dr. Copland begins by explaining the sovereign citizen movement—a pseudo-legal ideology originating in the 1970s that views governments as illegitimate unless individuals personally consent to their authority. This movement has found fertile ground in Australia since 2022, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic's lockdown measures and vaccine mandates. For many Australians, these policies represented the first significant government intervention in their daily lives, creating resentment that extremist groups successfully exploited.

The conversation reveals the sophisticated digital strategies employed by these movements. Dr. Copland explains how far-right groups leverage social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement, often through content that generates anger and outrage. This creates a feedback loop where false information about immigration, housing, and social issues spreads rapidly, reaching vulnerable individuals during times of economic distress.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the deliberate scapegoating of immigrants for Australia's housing and cost-of-living crises. Dr.Copland provides specific examples, including how one March for Australia organizer was connected to a major property developer holding thousands of empty properties—highlighting how those truly responsible for housing shortages deflect blame onto vulnerable communities.

The episode explores the troubling intersection of misogyny and racism within these movements, examining phenomena like the "Tradwives" movement in the United States. This reveals how anti-immigration sentiment often connects to broader ideologies promoting traditional gender roles and white supremacy, creating a comprehensive worldview that appeals to various grievances.

Despite organizers' claims of excluding extremist groups, the interview exposes clear evidence of neo-Nazi participation and leadership in these events. Thomas Sewell, leader of the National Socialist Network, not only attended but spoke at Melbourne's rally, demonstrating the porous boundaries between different extremist factions.

Dr. Copland provides crucial context by comparing Australia's situation to international trends, noting that while far-right movements haven't achieved the political success seen in the United States or Europe, concerning indicators are emerging. These include increased support for fringe parties, growing negative sentiment toward immigration in polling, and most alarmingly, increased willingness among extremist groups to engage in violence.

The episode concludes with practical guidance for monitoring these movements' evolution, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance from researchers, journalists, and policymakers to prevent Australia from following the path of radicalization seen in other Western democracies.

What Readers Will Learn

* Historical Context: Understanding of how the sovereign citizen movement developed and why it resonates in common law countries like Australia

* COVID-19 Impact: How pandemic policies inadvertently accelerated extremist recruitment by creating widespread resentment toward government authority

* Digital Manipulation Tactics: Specific strategies used by far-right groups to exploit social media algorithms and spread disinformation effectively

* Economic Scapegoating: How extremist leaders deliberately redirect anger about legitimate economic problems toward vulnerable minority groups

* Ideological Intersections: The connections between anti-immigration sentiment, misogyny, and white supremacist beliefs within modern extremist movements

* International Comparisons: How Australia's far-right landscape compares to more advanced extremist movements in the US and Europe

* Warning Signs: Key indicators that researchers and policymakers should monitor to assess whether extremist movements are gaining mainstream traction

* Security Implications: Why even small numbers of radicalized individuals pose significant threats to community safety

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

If you think others could benefit from listening, please share it on your socials.

You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

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Your Mencari subscription—less than a coffee per week—powers real independent journalism. Our reporters dig into the stories powerful people desperately want buried. No corporate masters. No political handlers. Just the uncomfortable truths that matter most right now.

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In this explosive episode of Santos Unfiltered, host Miko Santos interviews Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst at the Australian Institute, about a seismic shift in Australian diplomacy.

For the first time since World War II, Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador - this time Iran's representative - following shocking revelations from ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation).

The intelligence agency directly linked Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil, including synagogue firebombings in Melbourne. This 17-minute deep-dive explains the unprecedented diplomatic fallout, national security implications, and what this means for Australian-Iranian relations, the Jewish community's safety, and Australia's broader Middle East policy.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Five Key Takeaways

* Historic Diplomatic Action: Australia expelled Iran's ambassador - the first such expulsion since WWII - giving them seven days to leave the country after ASIO provided concrete evidence of Iranian interference

* Terror Financing Allegations: ASIO alleges Iran directly paid Australian actors to carry out anti-Semitic attacks, including the Melbourne synagogue firebombing that created widespread fear in the Jewish community.

* IRGC Terrorist Designation: Australia will officially list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a move the Conservative opposition had been demanding for years.

* Rare Foreign State Attack: Physical attacks directed by foreign nations on Australian soil are extremely uncommon, making this case particularly significant for national security agencies.

* Geopolitical Complications: This action strains Australia's complex Middle East relationships, especially as the country prepares to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly while maintaining security intelligence cooperation with Israel.

Detailed Synopsis

This episode delivers breaking analysis of one of Australia's most significant diplomatic moves in decades. Amy Remeikis reveals how ASIO's investigation into anti-Semitic attacks across Australia uncovered a shocking international conspiracy. What initially appeared to be lone-wolf incidents were actually coordinated attacks allegedly funded by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The conversation explores the rapid government response - within 24 hours of receiving ASIO's findings, Australia evacuated its diplomats from Iran and expelled the Iranian ambassador. Remeikis explains why this unprecedented action represents such a dramatic escalation, comparing it to Australia's continued diplomatic relations with Israel despite ongoing tensions over Gaza.

Key discussion points include the vulnerability of Australians currently in Iran, the effectiveness of listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and the delicate balance between addressing anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israeli actions. The interview also examines how this crisis fits into Australia's broader national security strategy and its relationships with Five Eyes intelligence partners.

Remeikis provides crucial context about Australia's geographic protection, its role as a "middle player" internationally, and why foreign interference in Australian affairs is so unusual. The episode concludes with analysis of how this decision might reshape Australia's intelligence relationships and diplomatic positioning in the Middle East.

What Readers Will Learn

* The complete timeline of Australia's unprecedented diplomatic response to Iranian interference

* How ASIO investigates and responds to foreign state-sponsored attacks on Australian soil

* The legal and practical implications of listing foreign military units as terrorist organizations

* The complex relationship between anti-Semitism, criticism of Israel, and foreign interference

* Australia's unique position in Middle East geopolitics and intelligence sharing

* The challenges facing dual nationals and diaspora communities during diplomatic crises

* How geographic isolation affects Australia's national security strategy and international relations

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

If you think others could benefit from listening, please share it on your socials.

You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

While mainstream media serves corporate interests, you deserve the truth.

Your Mencari subscription—less than a coffee per week—powers real independent journalism. Our reporters dig into the stories powerful people desperately want buried. No corporate masters. No political handlers. Just the uncomfortable truths that matter most right now.

This is journalism without compromise, funded directly by readers who refuse to be misled. If this reporting opened your eyes, hit Restack so others can see what they're missing.

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Australia made a big decision in August 2025 to officially recognize Palestine as a country, joining other Western nations like the UK, France, and Canada. This podcast features Dr. Martin Kear from the University of Sydney, who explains why this happened now, what it means for Middle East peace, and how Australian politics is reacting.

The conversation covers complex topics like Hamas, Palestinian leadership problems, and whether a two-state solution can actually work.

Dr. Kear explains these complicated international issues in a way that helps listeners understand the bigger picture of this historic policy change.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Five Key Takeaways

* Coordinated Western Response: Australia's recognition aligns with a coordinated movement by Western nations including the UK, France, and Canada, representing a significant shift away from US-controlled Middle East peace processes

* Domestic Political Controversy: Opposition leader Susan Lee criticized the decision after Hamas praised Australia's move, creating a political divide over whether recognizing Palestine legitimizes terrorist organizations

* Palestinian Leadership Crisis: Current Palestinian Authority President Mohammed Abbas faces an 80% disapproval rating, with Dr. Kear identifying imprisoned leader Marwan Barghouti as the only figure capable of uniting Palestinians democratically

* Democratic Legitimacy Debate: Western demands to exclude Hamas from future Palestinian governance conflict with democratic principles, as Hamas won legitimate elections in 2006 and remains popular among Palestinians

* Two-State Solution Skepticism: Dr. Kear expresses doubt about achieving a sovereign Palestinian state, citing Israel's permanent settlement strategy and unwillingness to withdraw from East Jerusalem

Detailed Synopsis

This episode of Part8A examines Australia's groundbreaking decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for presentation at the September 2025 UN General Assembly.

Host Miko Santos interviews Dr. Martin Kear, a specialist in Palestinian politics from the University of Sydney, to unpack the multifaceted implications of this policy shift.

The conversation begins with Dr. Kear explaining the momentum behind Australia's decision, attributing it to growing international frustration with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the dormant Middle East peace process controlled exclusively by Israel and the United States. He emphasizes how this coordinated recognition by Western nations, particularly those with Security Council membership like France and the UK, represents an attempt to bypass traditional diplomatic channels and apply meaningful pressure on Israel.

A significant portion of the discussion addresses domestic Australian political reactions, particularly opposition criticism following Hamas's endorsement of the recognition.

Dr. Kear contextualizes Hamas's response within their broader political objectives, explaining how their October 2023 attack aimed to disrupt the normalization of Israeli occupation rather than expressing mere hatred of Israel.

The interview delves deeply into Palestinian governance challenges, highlighting the legitimacy crisis facing the Palestinian Authority under President Abbas's authoritarian leadership. Dr. Kear advocates for inclusive democratic processes that allow Hamas participation, arguing that Western exclusion of democratically elected representatives undermines Palestinian self-determination and repeats colonial patterns of imposed governance.

The discussion concludes with skeptical assessments of long-term prospects for Palestinian sovereignty, examining how Israeli settlement strategies have systematically undermined the viability of a two-state solution, while considering Australia's potential role as a middle power in future diplomatic initiatives.

What Readers Will Learn

* Geopolitical Strategy Analysis: Understanding how coordinated diplomatic recognition serves as an alternative to traditional peace process mechanisms and the strategic implications of bypassing US-controlled negotiations.

* Democratic Governance Complexities: Insights into the tension between Western security concerns and democratic legitimacy in Palestinian politics, including the challenge of excluding popular movements from governance structures.

* Middle East Policy Evolution: Comprehensive analysis of how Australia's recognition fits within broader Western policy shifts toward Palestine and the changing dynamics of international Middle East diplomacy.

* Palestinian Political Landscape: Detailed examination of Palestinian Authority leadership challenges, the role of Hamas in Palestinian politics, and the search for legitimate representation that can unite Palestinian factions.

* Two-State Solution Realities: Critical assessment of the practical obstacles to Palestinian sovereignty, including settlement expansion, Jerusalem's status, and the international community's limited leverage over Israeli policy.

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

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When President Trump declared "Liberation Day" and slapped tariffs on 90 countries using emergency powers, he sparked a constitutional crisis that goes far beyond trade policy. Dr. Susan Stone from University of South Australia breaks down how a law designed for freezing terrorist assets is being stretched to impose massive trade taxes—and why the courts said "not so fast."

Think of it like this: imagine if your local mayor started making federal laws during a "city emergency." That's essentially what happened when emergency powers meant for national crises got used for everyday trade disputes. The result? A legal mess that's left businesses with million-dollar bills they can't plan for, supply chains grinding to a halt, and the entire global economy playing a waiting game that could last months.

This isn't just about economics—it's about the fundamental question of who gets to make the rules that affect what you pay for everything from your phone to your morning coffee.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Five Key Takeaways

* Constitutional Collision: Courts ruled that tariffs under emergency powers (IEPA) are illegal because only Congress, not the President, has the constitutional authority to regulate commerce—a principle dating back to "no taxation without representation"

* Massive Economic Impact: 50% tariffs on EU goods, 145% on Chinese products, and 10% on most other countries could eliminate entire trade relationships and cut US GDP by 0.8%

* Legal vs. Illegal Tariffs: While emergency tariffs face court challenges, other tariffs under Sections 201, 232, and 301 remain legal because they follow proper Congressional approval processes

* Business Paralysis: Companies are leaving goods in customs warehouses rather than paying uncertain tariffs, with one small business owner facing an unexpected $600,000 bill just to retrieve her inventory

* Global Supply Chain Redesign: International businesses are actively reconfiguring supply chains to minimize US market exposure, potentially permanently reshaping global trade patterns

Detailed Synopsis

This episode explores the unprecedented intersection of constitutional law, emergency powers, and global trade policy through the lens of Trump's controversial "Liberation Day" tariffs. Host Mikko Santos interviews Dr. Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at University of South Australia, to unpack one of the most significant trade law challenges in modern history.

The conversation begins with Trump's invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA)—legislation originally designed during World War I to control enemy investments and later used for sanctioning terrorist organizations and countries like Russia. Trump stretched this emergency framework to justify tariffs on 90 countries, citing the fentanyl crisis for Mexico, China, and Canada, and trade deficits for everyone else.

Dr. Stone meticulously explains the legal distinction between different types of tariffs. While emergency tariffs under IEPA face constitutional challenges, other tariffs imposed under Sections 201 (safeguard protection), 232 (national security), and 301 (unfair trade practices) remain legally sound because they follow established Congressional approval processes.

The constitutional principle at stake traces back to America's founding grievances about "taxation without representation." The courts ruled that Congress, not the President, holds authority over commerce regulation—making Trump's emergency tariff approach constitutionally problematic.

Real-world impacts emerge through vivid examples: a small business owner suddenly owing $600,000 for goods in customs, 12 states arguing tariffs impair their ability to provide public services, and businesses globally redesigning supply chains to avoid US market volatility.

The discussion reveals how legal uncertainty creates economic paralysis. With appeals potentially reaching the Supreme Court over months, businesses face impossible planning scenarios. Investment is declining across sectors, the Federal Reserve fears stagflation, and even if emergency tariffs are ruled illegal, Trump retains other legal avenues for tariff implementation.

The episode concludes by examining how trading partners worldwide are factoring judicial uncertainty into their economic planning, with countries like Canada actively diversifying away from US markets toward the EU and UK.

What Readers Will Learn

* Constitutional Law Foundations: Understanding how America's founding principles about taxation and representation directly impact modern trade policy and why separation of powers matters in global commerce.

Trade Policy Mechanics: The difference between emergency powers (IEPA) and legitimate tariff processes (Sections 201, 232, 301), and why these distinctions determine what's legal and what's not.

Economic Impact Assessment: How to interpret the real-world effects of trade policy uncertainty, from individual business cash flow crises to GDP-level economic projections.

Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Why businesses are permanently restructuring international operations and what this means for future trade relationships and consumer prices.

Legal Risk Management: How judicial uncertainty affects business decision-making and why companies are choosing supply chain diversification over waiting for court resolutions.

Investment Strategy Implications: Understanding how trade policy volatility influences market performance, with the US stock market underperforming globally due to tariff uncertainty.

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

If you think others could benefit from listening, please share it on your socials.

You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

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This episode examines New Zealand's recent political crisis surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill - legislation that attempted to redefine the foundational relationship between the government and Māori people.

Dr. Carwyn Jones from Victoria University explains how this bill threatened to overturn 50 years of constitutional development, why it sparked the largest protest march in New Zealand history, and what happened when Māori MPs performed a haka in Parliament.

The discussion reveals fundamental tensions between formal equality and indigenous rights that extend far beyond New Zealand's borders.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Five Key Takeaways

* Constitutional Revolution Reversed: The Treaty Principles Bill would have dismantled 50 years of judicial interpretation that built partnership between Māori and the government, forcing a restart of constitutional understanding

* Coalition Politics Exposed: The unusual arrangement where coalition partners publicly opposed their junior partner's flagship legislation reveals the fragility of ideologically diverse political partnerships

* Cultural Expression vs Parliamentary Order: The 21-day suspension recommended for Māori MPs who performed a haka represents the longest parliamentary punishment in New Zealand history, seven times previous maximums

* International Indigenous Rights Impact: The controversy damaged New Zealand's global reputation as a leader in indigenous rights, with indigenous peoples worldwide watching the rollback with concern

* Overwhelming Public Opposition: Nearly 300,000 submissions and the largest protest march in New Zealand history demonstrated broad public rejection of the bill, not just from Māori but across all communities

Detailed Synopsis

Constitutional Framework and Historical Context

Dr. Jones explains how the Waitangi Tribunal, established in 1975, has spent five decades interpreting Treaty of Waitangi principles without rigid definitions. This evolutionary approach allowed for contextual application considering both Māori and English treaty texts, building established principles around partnership and active protection. The proposed bill would have eliminated this nuanced framework in favor of rigid, formalistic interpretations.

The Equality Debate: Form vs Substance

The episode explores the fundamental philosophical divide between the ACT Party's formalistic "everyone treated the same" approach and the substantive equality that addresses historical injustices and ongoing disparities. Dr. Jones demonstrates how Māori face consistently worse health outcomes across all socioeconomic groups, requiring targeted policy responses rather than identical treatment.

Coalition Governance Mechanics

The analysis reveals how proportional representation systems handle ideological diversity within coalitions. The National Party's agreement to support the bill through first reading while opposing its passage created an unusual dynamic that allowed divisive legislation to gain legitimacy without commitment to implementation.

Parliamentary Procedure vs Cultural Expression

The haka incident represents a collision between Westminster parliamentary traditions and indigenous cultural expression. The Privileges Committee's refusal to hear expert testimony on Māori cultural practices and their recommendation of unprecedented suspension lengths highlights institutional barriers to cultural understanding.

International Implications and Indigenous Solidarity

The discussion extends beyond New Zealand to examine how indigenous communities globally view the rollback of rights. The viral nature of the parliamentary haka footage amplified international attention to indigenous rights fragility in settler societies.

What Readers Will Learn

* Constitutional Law Enthusiasts will understand how unwritten constitutional principles develop through judicial interpretation and the risks of legislative override of evolutionary constitutional development.

* Political Science Students gain insights into coalition management, the balance between formal democratic procedures and cultural authenticity, and how proportional representation systems handle ideological diversity.

* Indigenous Rights Advocates learn about the vulnerability of rights not protected by formal constitutional entrenchment and strategies for building broad-based opposition to regressive legislation.

* International Observers discover how settler societies grapple with decolonization tensions and the global implications of indigenous rights setbacks in progressive nations.

* General Audiences receive accessible explanations of complex constitutional issues and their practical impacts on everyday governance and social equity.

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

If you think others could benefit from listening, please share it on your socials.

You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

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Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

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In this episode of Part 8A podcast, we explore the significant political development of the National and Liberal Party coalition split in Australia.

Dr. Daniel Fazio from UniSA Justice and Society provides expert analysis on this historic breakup that has only happened three times in over a century.

The discussion covers the immediate causes of the split…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readmencari.com

This episode explores a growing problem on social media: fake podcasts. These are short video clips made to look like real podcast interviews, but they're actually fake marketing content. Some people are making thousands of dollars creating these deceptive videos that trick viewers into thinking they're watching legitimate news or expert interviews.

La Trobe University researcher Finley Watson explains how these fake podcasts work, why brands pay big money for them, and how they're being used to influence political opinions. He also discusses how social media has changed the way Australians get their news, with many people now trusting influencers more than traditional newspapers and TV.

The conversation covers practical tips for spotting fake content and emphasizes the importance of getting news from multiple, reliable sources rather than just social media.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Truth matters. Quality journalism costs.

Your subscription to Mencari directly funds the investigative reporting our democracy needs. For less than a coffee per week, you enable our journalists to uncover stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. No corporate influence. No compromises. Just honest journalism when we need it most.

Political Analysis: Australia's Evolving Domestic and Regional Posture

The recent developments in Australian politics reflect significant strategic continuity in foreign engagement coupled with noteworthy domestic political realignments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's immediate post-election visit to Indonesia demonstrates the Albanese government's consistent prioritization of regional partnerships, particularly with Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Regional Engagement Strategy

Albanese's Jakarta visit represents his fourth as Prime Minister, underscoring a deliberate policy architecture centered on Indonesia as Australia's most crucial bilateral relationship. The visit occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with Indonesia's recent BRICS membership and questions about Russian influence generating strategic challenges for Australian policymakers. Notably, the Prime Minister's support for Indonesia's accession to both the OECD and CPTPP indicates Australia's commitment to integrating Indonesia into multilateral economic frameworks favorable to Australian interests.

Parliamentary Reconfiguration

The Australian Greens' leadership transition to Senator Larissa Waters introduces a significant variable into the parliamentary equation. Waters' explicit framing of Labor's legislative pathway as a binary choice between Greens or Coalition cooperation reflects the numerical reality in the Senate where Labor lacks an outright majority. This parliamentary mathematics creates potential leverage for the Greens on progressive policy priorities including climate action, housing affordability, and cost of living measures.

Internal Labor Dynamics

Beneath the surface of electoral success, Labor's post-election cabinet reshuffle has exposed continuing factional fault lines. The public characterization of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles as a "factional assassin" by former Industry Minister Ed Husic reveals the tension between factional considerations and ministerial appointments. Marles' refusal to engage directly with these allegations while emphasizing "collective processes" highlights the delicate balancing act within Labor's internal governance structures.

Strategic Outlook

As the Albanese government navigates its second term, its success will depend on effectively managing these overlapping challenges: maintaining momentum in regional relationships, particularly as Indonesia potentially emerges as the world's fifth-largest economy; negotiating the parliamentary arithmetic to secure legislative outcomes; and maintaining internal party cohesion amid persistent factional dynamics.

The political landscape in mid-2025 thus presents both continuity and adaptation as defining features of Australia's domestic politics and regional engagement strategy.

This is not a sponsored video/audio. A small commission will be paid to us if you purchase anything through some of the affiliate links in our product listings.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over Twitter @realmikosantos!

This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when a new episode is posted in the Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or via RSS. 

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You can also subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device. 

If you found value in this episode, leave us an Apple Podcast review. Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts and expose our show to more awesome listeners like you. 

This is a premium episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to the episodes, visit Readmencari.com

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.

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