Happy hump day friends, the countdown is on! The Queensland election is just around the corner (October 31st), so it's time to talk state politics. This episode we break down the QLD state government system- how it works and why you should care. Ever wondered why the Greens never win elections? Have no idea who the registered parties are or what they stand for? Confused about how the voting system works? This is the episode for you! We break down Queensland's 3 main parties, (Labor, Liberal National and the Greens)- their policies, people and pasts and provide a few useful resources that will help you figure out which one to vote for. 

Happy voting!

Take the ABC Vote Compass quiz here. 

Register to vote, change your address, find out your electorate or apply for a postal vote here.

Happy Wednesday friends, it's time for another episode! This week we delve a little deeper into the News Media Bargaining code and discuss whether or not Facebook and Google should have to pay for the news published on their sites. Sarah runs through a number of recent headlines regarding environmental issues and random birds and get's cynical about the state of Australian policy. And finally we discuss French satire magazine, Charlie Hebdo's decision to republish the controversial cartoon that catalysed the 2015 terror attack. 

The news recap covers France's suggested roadmap for getting Lebanon back up and running as well as a synopsis of the latest updates on the Collinsville Coal Mine. 

Resource list will be up on our website soon!

We've made it to ten episodes! Look at us, who would've thought? Last week we covered the history of climate policy in Australia and this week we're delving a little deeper into the great energy debate, focusing on our three main options for electricity production: coal & gas, renewables and nuclear. We weigh up the pros and cons of each, judging them by three main factors- their affordability, reliability and environmental impact. Jess sings a song, Sarah ponders the physics of catching gas and Zara reminisces on the Simpsons- it's all happening, you don't want to miss it!

As always, check out our website for a list of all the sources we reference throughout the ep, as well as a few extras!

It's that time of the week again! Welcome back to another episode, this one is the first of a two part series doing a deep dive into Australia's climate change and energy policy. Ever wondered why Australia is so divided and slow on climate action? Or why Scott Morrison is staring so lovingly at this lump of coal? Give this episode a listen to find out! We look at the history of climate wars in Australia, and how powerful political and industry forces shape climate denialism. We also address the current state of affairs of our national parties (ALP, LNP and the Greens) with regards to decarbonising. Also someone does a vodka shot...

Another week, another episode! This week's is the first in our new fortnightly structure so we thought we'd kick things off with a bit of a recap. Despite a seriously chaotic start fuelled by one two many bevs, we managed to hold things together just long enough to update you all on the Hong Kong protests, China's beef with Australia and the Black Lives Matter movement. We do our best to answer some FAQs put forward by you guys regarding China's beef with India (and everyone?) and analyse Australia's new role in the Hong Kong protests. 

The Hard Talk podcast referenced by Jess. 

Welcome to our new interview series: A Drink With...!

For our first episode, Sarah sat down with with Dr Pichamon Yeophantong- UNSW ADFA Senior Lecturer, DECRA research fellow, China specialist and all round badass lady. 

Over a cup of coffee (or three in Sarah's case), the two cover a range of topics from studying International Relations to common misconceptions about China, to modern climate activism and eco anxiety. 

If one of these topics sounds a little more interesting to you than the rest, head over to our YouTube channel, where each section has been uploaded separately for your viewing pleasure!

Happy episode 7! Life got in the way a bit this week, forcing us to swap the wine out for coffee and record this ep in the early hours of the morning, (please excuse our dodgy voices). Despite being half asleep we managed to cover the recent changes to Australia's telecommunications legislation which allow foreign agencies access to people's information. Keeping in the cyber theme, we also had a chat about AI, racial bias and the future of law enforcement. The news recap covered Iran's attempts to arrest President Donald Trump, Victoria's continued fight against COVID-19 and the Dyson Heydon case. 

And we're back! Apparently we really missed recording last week, because this week we couldn't shut up. This episode is longer than usual but we cover some really important issues that deserve your attention. We break down the world's largest humanitarian crisis currently at play in Yemen and debate role of international actors like Australia and the US in this space. We also cover the Kangaroo Point refugee protests and discuss the Australian Government's treatment of refugees as well as the Australian public's understanding of who they are, why they're here and where they came from. Our news recap focuses on the US Supreme Court's decision to retain the DACA program, the latest Australian site being targeted by oil and gas companies, Australia's cyber attack and the Australian Government's plan to overhaul university fees. Buckle up for a few good rants and a whirlwind of information!