The Daily Aus

A controversial plan to store carbon at the bottom of the ocean is dividing Australian politicians. On the one hand, the Government says this process will stop carbon dioxide from escaping into the atmosphere, while critics of the scheme say it’s just an excuse for the Government to approve more gas projects. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain what 'carbon capture and storage' actually is and what the Government is proposing. CreditsGuest: TDA journalist, Tom Crowley Hosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly Questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week we brought you TDA Editor Billi FitzSimon’s interview with the Minister for Youth, Dr. Anne Aly. Now we have an interview with her political opponent from the coalition. Billi asks the Shadow Minister what she would do differently if she was in Government, and whether young people have an issue with leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton. Listen to An interview with the Minister for Youth, Dr. Anne AlyListen to An interview with Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton CreditsGuest: Angie Bell, Shadow Minister for YouthHosts: Billi FitzSimons, Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah KopelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has reintroduced its housing bill to Parliament this week. It’s previously faced opposition from both the Liberals, Greens and some Independents, and if it fails again, it could lead to something called a double dissolution. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley explains what the bill is, what’s standing in its way, and why the Government could potentially want it to fail. Listen to A shakeup for Aussie unis.CreditsGuest: Tom Crowley, TDA journalistHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lizzo is being sued by three dancers for a toxic workplace, with allegations including sexual harassment and fat-shaming. The lawsuit is seeking damages including loss of income and emotional distress. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what’s led to this point and what this means for Lizzo - a star who’s shaped her career around inclusivity and empowerment. Listen to Why your HECS debt is about to rise. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNESCO has delayed its decision to classify the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’, welcoming steps from the Australian Government to protect the reef. While the Government has been quick to call this a win, this doesn’t mean the reef is in the clear, with UNESCO noting more regular and severe coral bleaching events as a cause for concern. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s going on with the reef and what UNESCO’s decision actually means. Listen to Why is the government’s emission target 43%?Listen to The Federal Government has rejected plans for a Queensland coal mine. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent spate of gun violence in Sydney escalated last week when five people were shot in five days. It follows the murder of a man once known as the 'Tony Soprano' of Sydney's crime underworld. In today’s deep dive, we speak with Crime Editor at the Daily Telegraph Mark Morri about the shootings, their links to organised crime, and why it’s so hard to hold perpetrators responsible. CreditsGuest: Mark Morri, Crime Editor at The Daily TelegraphHosts: Sam Koslowski and Ninah KopelProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you didn’t know we had a Minister for Youth, you wouldn’t be alone. In today’s deep dive, TDA Editor Billi FitzSimons asks the Minister what she actually does and what her plans are for her time in government. From mental health, HECS, the voting age, climate change, housing and more, this special episode will give you insight into the Minister charged with prioritising young Australians. CreditsGuest: Dr. Anne Aly Hosts: Zara Seidler, Billi FitzSimons and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good(ish) news is that this week we had the strongest indicator yet that inflation is easing, while unemployment remains low. The bad news is that the rental crisis continues, with rental prices rising at the fastest rate since 1988. TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain why this is all happening, and what it means for you, in the deep dive. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Tom Crowley Producer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests and strikes have continued in Israel this week in response to judicial reforms that will limit the powers of its Supreme Court. The reform passed despite fierce opposition, both in the parliament and on the streets. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s led to this point, and what’s going to happen next. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casual employees who work consistent hours could have the option to become permanent employees under a new Government proposal. Employment Minister Tony Burke says it would mean job security for those who want it, but not everyone is a fan of the changes. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what’s on the table for casual workers, and why some businesses are against the reforms.CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Take our partnerships survey Listen to ‘The Threads vs Twitter cage match’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first week of this month was the hottest week on record according to the World Meteorological Organisation, but the Northern Hemisphere has continued to experience extreme weather conditions in the weeks since, across the U.S., Asia and Europe. In today’s deep dive we speak to climate scientist Associate Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick about what’s led to these conditions and whether Australia will experience a similar summer. CreditsGuest: Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Associate Professor and ARC Future fellow at UNSW Hosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a review into higher education, the Federal Government has shed light on planned reforms for the university sector, including scrapping a rule that excludes some students from HECS. With a focus on improving regional access, creating more inclusive campuses and boosting First Nations enrolments, TDA journalist Tom Crowley explains what you need to know in the deep dive. CreditsHosts: Tom Crowley and Ninah Kopel Producer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbie and Oppenheimer shouldn’t have anything in common. One is a nostalgic trip with Barbie into the ‘real’ world, the other is an epic thriller about the inventor of the atomic bomb. Yet, their simultaneous release has resulted in a film frenzy and cinemas pushing double features. In today’s deep dive we’ll discuss what’s caused this phenomenon, and whether ‘Barbenheimer’ ticket sales could be enough to revive Australian cinema. CreditsGuest: Kristian Connelly, CEO at Cinema NovaHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time! The FIFA Women’s World Cup starts today and we are super excited. This event is going to be the most attended women’s sporting event in history. Off the field, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said to TDA he thinks the Premiers will race to declare a public holiday if the Matildas win. In the deep dive we’ll explain what it will take for the Matildas to win, and whether they will be paid equally if they do. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just last year, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was announcing the Commonwealth Games would be held in his state. He said while it would cost a substantial amount, he saw it as a “profound investment”. Now the state is pulling out, which the CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia says is “extremely disappointing”. In today’s deep dive, we’ll explain why Victoria has cancelled the games, and what it will mean for the 2026 event. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Ninah Kopel Producer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 60,000 fines were issued in NSW for public health order breaches during the pandemic. Now, the Redfern Legal Centre is seeking for 29,000 fines to be scrapped after it successfully challenged the validity of 33,000 fines last year.When it comes to COVID fines, not everyone is impacted equally. In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at what’s gone wrong and what’s likely to happen next. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The union for Hollywood actors has gone on strike for the first time in 43 years after failing to agree a pay deal with media giants including Netflix and Disney. It follows an ongoing strike of screenwriters, which began in May. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what’s led to these strikes and why you should care. Guest: Lucy Tassell, TDA fact checkerHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around the world, people have been going absolutely crazy for influencers Logan Paul and KSI’s drink brand ‘Prime’. But now a U.S. senator is calling on the Food and Drug Administration to investigate Prime Energy. Canadian authorities also will recall the product, despite the fact that Prime says they haven’t officially launched the drink there yet. In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at how one drink brand has been so popular and so controversial all at once. Listen to The Threads vs Twitter cage match.CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Sam KoslowskiProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterPre-order our new book No Silly QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trial has begun in a New Zealand Court over the Whakaari White Island Volcano eruption which saw 22 people, including many Australians, lose their lives. Now three brothers are facing court over the disaster. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what we’ve learnt so far, and why individuals being held responsible for the consequences of a volcanic eruption. CreditsHosts: Zara Seidler and Ninah KopelProducer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter Pre-order our new book No Silly Questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 40 university groups and individuals have signed an open letter calling for an independent body to respond to sexual violence at universities. They estimated that at least 14,300 students will be sexually assaulted in university contexts per year. In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at what the letter is calling for, and how the Government has responded. Listen to The Ben Roberts-Smith trial, explained here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 70 million people have already joined Meta’s new social media app ‘Threads’, which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says is “way beyond” expectations. Elon Musk had suggested a cage fight between the two men in the lead up to Threads’ launch, but now Twitter is threatening a lawsuit too. Between cage fights and court battles, in today’s deep dive we’ll look at how the new app is faring. Sign up to The Daily Aus newsletter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A landmark report has been handed down by the Royal Commission on Robodebt, a scheme which saw welfare recipients charged over $1.7 billion in unlawful debts between 2015 and 2019. The head of the Robodebt Royal Commission has declared the scheme a “startling” failure and accused officials of “dishonesty and collusion” to hide its illegality. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain what this all means and what will happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFLW player Heather Anderson has become the first professional female athlete in the world to be diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a condition caused by brain injuries like concussion, and can only be diagnosed postmortem. While there is a growing body of research on how the condition impacts men, less is known about how it impacts women. This is despite the fact that research shows women may be more susceptible to concussions in the first place. Listen to Former footy players suing the AFL over concussion injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney has outlined new details about how the Government’s proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament will work. It comes as polling shows a dip in support for the ‘yes’ campaign. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley will fill you in on how we got to this point, and what you need to know about the Voice moving forward,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shooting of Nahel Merzouk by French police sparked days of protests and riots across the country. According to the BBC, thousands have been arrested, shops have been looted and hundreds of vehicles have been set alight. In today’s deep dive, we’ll explain what led to this uprising, and its political consequence for French President Emmanuel Macron.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s first free public egg and sperm bank has opened in Victoria. The goal is to help people who for whatever reason, are experiencing infertility or struggling to conceive. But with the bank relying on donations, the question is, would you be willing to share your eggs or sperm with a stranger? In today’s deep dive we speak to gynaecologist and IVF specialist Dr Devora Lieberman about what it will take for the public sperm and egg bank to succeed. Listen to 'What you need to know about the PwC scandal'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision means universities in the U.S. will no longer be able to consider race when selecting prospective students. This means many universities will have to change their admissions process and move away from affirmative action. In today’s deep dive, we’ll let you know how this happened and what consequences there will be for racial minorities in the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A parliamentary committee wants to ban all online gambling ads, which are common in the sports world. Two-thirds of those who gamble on sports are at risk of gambling-related harm, including addiction, relationship breakdown and financial hardship. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at how likely these reforms are to go ahead, and what impact they would have on the sports bodies with a lot to lose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICAC, The NSW corruption watchdog, will today release its findings into its investigation of former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. This is the same investigation that led Gladys Berejiklian to step down from her role as Premier in 2021. Over a year and a half later, we’re expecting the findings from that investigation today. But in the meantime we thought it was a good opportunity to go back and look at how we got to this point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second round of pre-sale tickets for Taylor Swift’s Australian shows will be released today. But after Monday’s release led to the ticket website crashing and previous shows having ticketing issues, there’s plenty of bad blood between Swift fans and ticket sellers. So when it comes to buying tickets could there be a better way? Pre-order 'No Silly Questions' here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While an attempt to overthrow Russia’s leadership has been unsuccessful, it has still raised questions about Putin’s leadership and war effort. In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at how the attempted uprising played out and what’s likely to happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion. The decision to quash the nearly 50-year-old ruling meant individual states could determine their own abortion legislation. As a result, many states immediately enforced abortion bans. TDA journalist Sunny Adcock joins us for the deep dive, as we take a look at what's happened in the year since.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union seven years ago today. The referendum divided old from young, Scotland and Northern Ireland from England, and the Prime Minister from his job. In today’s deep dive, we take a look at how Brexit came about, the political and economic consequences of the UK leaving Europe, and whether social opinion has changed in the years since the referendum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bills to legalise cannabis were introduced to parliaments in NSW, Victoria and WA in a coordinated push this week. The draft laws were tabled by members of the Legalise Cannabis Party, and they come after cannabis was decriminalised in the ACT in 2020. In today’s deep dive, we’ll explain what the changes would mean and why they’re unlikely to pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence and music has been in the headlines lately, from The Beatles using AI to release new music, to the Grammys announcing updates to their rules for songs not wholly created by humans. So what does the rapid acceleration in generative AI music tools mean for artists and the music industry? In today’s deep dive, we unpack how this AI works, the challenges facing the industry, and how some creatives are taking things into their own hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer and researcher Akuch Kuol Anyieth joins Sam and Zara on the podcast in honour of World Refugee Day. Akuch is currently researching family violence intervention orders within Melbourne’s South Sudanese community. She talks about the potential of a trauma-informed approach to reducing violence in communities, and her family’s experience living as refugees in Kenya and Australia that she has documented in her recent memoir, Unknown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of 16 young people have taken the government of the U.S. state of Montana to court, arguing its climate policies are jeopardising their rights and violating the state’s constitution. It’s the first time a case of its kind has made it to trial in the U.S., and it follows similar action in Australia and around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A campaign launched this week by youth-led organisation Make It 16 is calling on the federal government to lower the legal voting age to 16. Supporters of the push say that if 16- and 17-year-olds can drive, pay taxes and join the army, then they should also have the right to vote. Both major parties are saying it is not a priority. In today’s deep dive, we’ll give you the background info you need to help you understand both sides of the argument.We're running a poll on whether the voting age should be lowered in Australia. Have your say here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted for the second time this year. The new criminal charges relate to his handling of secret government documents when he left office in 2021. He’s pleaded not guilty, and dismissed the charges as a political conspiracy. So what happens if he’s convicted, and will this prevent him from running for presidency? We’ll tell you what you need to know in today’s deep dive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have ramped up fears that Australia may be heading toward a recession, with economic experts from Commonwealth Bank and HSBC putting the odds at 50%. What does this mean for Australia, and when will we know for sure? TDA journalist Tom Crowley explains in the deep dive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recently announced Apple Vision Pro has the tech world buzzing. Apple is claiming it marks a new era in tech, and is suggesting that these headsets will become part of our daily lives. But how realistic is a future where we all interact with mixed reality? In today’s deep dive we break down what AR, VR and mixed reality mean, and Sam shares the pros and cons after trying out Apple’s headset himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first uterine transplant has officially happened in Australia. We first spoke to Kirsty last year, when she was a hopeful candidate for a uterine transplant trial. Now, Kirsty has received not just any uterus, but her mother’s - meaning the uterus she herself grew in is now in her own body. In today’s deep dive, we’ll catch up with Kirsty and hear where she’s at on her remarkable mission to fall pregnant with the help of cutting edge science. Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often hear about wages in the context of the rising cost of living, wage theft or insecure work. You may have even recently heard about a rise to the minimum wage. But when it comes to wages, how much do you actually understand about how it all works? In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley is going to explain how wages work and what it means for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A survey by period justice charity, Share the Dignity, found 15% of those who menstruate in the ACT have experienced period poverty at some point. Now, a bill set to pass parliament today aims to make period poverty history in the ACT. In today’s deep dive, we’ll let you know where free products will be available, and how the ACT’s new legislation will compare to rules in other states and territories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government has revealed draft legislation to reform smoking in Australia as part of its plan to reduce the proportion of daily smokers from just over 10% to 5% or less by 2030. We know vaping is popular among young people, in fact we’ve spoken about it a number of times on this podcast, but what’s leading to an uptake in smoking cigarettes? And what is the Federal Government planning to do about it? We’ll let you know in the deep dive. Listen to ‘Could Kathleen Folbigg be innocent? How genetic evidence could overturn her murder conviction’ Listen to ‘Will the vape crackdown work?’ Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Roberts-Smith has lost his defamation case against Nine newspapers. The judge found claims about Roberts-Smith committing war crimes were “substantially true”, and yet he hasn’t been found guilty of any crimes. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what you need to know about the trial, and what’s likely to happen moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a man who has sex with men, there are limits on whether you can donate blood or plasma in Australia. But things could be about to change. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has now endorsed a proposal that would remove all sexual activity barriers to plasma donations. In today’s deep dive we’re going to look at why some people have been excluded from donating blood, and what’s likely to change moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFL has dropped its investigation into allegations of racism towards First Nations players at the Hawthorn Football Club.AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said it was an “imperfect resolution”, and acknowledged the complainants “pain, hurt and anguish”.In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s led to this result, and what it says about how we deal with allegations of racism in sport in this country. Listen to 'From billionaire to behind bars: Elizabeth Holmes' fall from grace' Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the world's harshest legislation against homosexuality has passed into law in Uganda. The law introduces new penalties of up to 10 years for a range of homosexual acts and in some cases, calls for the death sentence. So what are these new laws and are they likely to withhold challenge in the constitutional court? We’ll let you know in the deep dive. Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eating disorders are among the most deadly of mental health conditions, with teens at particularly high risk. Research shows however, that eating disorders receive the least amount of mental health funding in Australia. In today’s deep dive we talk to Dr Sarah Maguire, Director of InsideOut, about whether new measures announced by the Federal Government yesterday go far enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.