Navigating differences with China. All in with the British on nuclear submarines. And buckling up for a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. In one week - the directions, difficulties and dilemmas of Australian diplomacy have all been on show. David Speers interviews Defence Minister Richard Marles about the new submarines funding, China, Trump and more. The Insiders panel, Clare Armstrong, Anthony Galloway, and Shalailah Medhora have plenty to discuss on the domestic front too. The religious discrimination bill is yet again a political hot potato, after Albanese told Labor caucus he could shelve the government’s promised changes to the act – protecting LGBT staff and students from facing discrimination and acting on religious hate speech – unless he gets bipartisan support on the reform. They also run the ruler over the surprisingly strong unemployment figures out this week, after the biggest monthly jobs gain on record outside of the pandemic period. Economic growth was slowing at the end of 2023, but now appears to have strengthened. Mike Bowers talks the week in pictures with Jack The Insider.

Will Trump fire Kevin Rudd?

Every Sunday morning, the ABC's national political lead David Speers unpacks the major stories shaping Australia's future. Each episode includes a major interview with an Australian politician and an extensive discussion with a panel of the country's best journalists. This show will help you understand the major factors behind the decisions and debates driving a national conversation.

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China's second most powerful leader has arrived in Australia. Wine exports and cute pandas will be the focus in Adelaide before the more difficult issues are tackled in Canberra.

Climate wars and panda diplomacy

The science of climate change is often overlooked when politicians debate the cost of Australia's net zero transition and emission reduction targets. David Speers dives deep into the science with one of the world's leading experts on climate change and its impacts on Australia and our region – Dr Joëlle Gergis. 

On Background: Are politicians failing the climate?

Two years ago, few would have thought Peter Dutton would go to the next election without a 2030 climate target. So what's changed?

The Coalition's unexpected 2030 climate target U-turn

As pressure builds to protect kids online, the Shadow Communications Minister has declared the coalition will push to ban children under 16 from accessing social media.

Should the government ban kids from social media?

The government this week announced plans to allow non-citizens to join the Australian Defence Force.

Will Trump fire Kevin Rudd?

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