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The Professor and The Hack

The Professor and The Hack

143 episodes — Page 1 of 3

Episode 143: Anticipating The Agenda

It's February already, which means it's almost time for parliament to start sitting for the year. What can we expect to be on the agenda?As the saying goes, in this world nothing is certain except death and taxes. But what about death taxes? Hear Peter’s thoughts on that topic.And what is it about the current state of Medicare that has Hugh all a-fluster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 202332 min

Episode 142: No Simple Solution

This week Hugh and Peter discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Alice Springs and whether the immediate actions he imposed will be effective in what is a very complex situation.They also think about how The Voice is conflated with other issues before surmising the state of politics in New South Wales.And what are the pressure points of any potential Medicare reform?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 25, 202331 min

Episode 141: In With The New

It’s a new year, everyone’s refreshed and raring to go, and The Professor and The Hack are no exceptions.So, what can we expect this year? Is it true that ‘inflation’s back because Labor’s back’? Can we look forward to a time when interest rates stop rising or are we headed for a recession? And is it the year of the rat, rabbit or Rabbitoh? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 202335 min

Episode 140: A Christmas Cracker!

In which The Professor and The Hack spread some Christmas cheer throughout the land!Hugh and Peter take a look back at the year that was 2022, taking in all the highs and lows, winners and losers, before turning their attention to what’s in store in 2023.This episode was also recorded as a video version, so if you want to find out whether PVO did in fact dress for the occasion you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/bGHaIajznQ4Merry Christmas to all and see you in the new year!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 202244 min

Episode 139: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Well 2022 is drawing to a close, and there’s no doubt it’s been a pretty busy year in politics.Will the year end on a high for Anthony Albanese? Where will energy prices be in 2023? What are the key takeaways from the new Australian Election Study? And why will The Professor be donning a shirt next week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 202238 min

Episode 138: Ask No Questions …

It may have been the last sitting week of parliament for the year, but it’s been a busy one.Dan Andrews has kept his seat in Victoria, the National Party has announced it will oppose the Voice referendum, and Scott Morrison and his secret ministries are in the spotlight once again as he becomes the first former prime minister to be censured in Australian political history.And as Anthony Albanese visits Gough’s Sydney home 50 years on, we look at the Whitlam legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 202236 min

Episode 137: Too Tired To (Vote For The) Party?

Victoria is headed to the polls this weekend, so what does the future look like for Dan Andrews? We’re seeing major party fatigue amongst voters so will Victorians stick with the devil they know?And with wages still way behind inflation and the banks forecasting interest rate rises to the end of this year and beyond, it’s looking like the dragon that needs to be slayed is still evading capture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 202230 min

Episode 136: G20/20 Vision

Hugh’s been in Bali for the G20 summit and dials in direct from his hotel room to fill us in. So much to talk about, including what the future of trade relations between Australia and China is likely to be on the back of Albanese’s meeting with Xi Jinping. Our prime minister has also formed bonds with a number of his international counterparts, including Narendra Modi and Emanuel Macron, but are we on the right path?Closer to home the industrial relations bill gets a bit of a going over. And of course we can’t let this episode go by without discussing Trump’s announcement that he will once again be running for the top job in the US. What's he got to lose? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 202232 min

Episode 135: A Window On The World

There’s a bit of an international flavour this week. As the results of the US midterms start to trickle in, The Professor and The Hack ponder the confidence trick that is Trump. And is Putin likely to put in an appearance at next week’s G20 summit?Closer to home we look at the end of the Albanese year, and what could be in store for the government in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 202236 min

Episode 134: The Dragon That Must Be Slayed

With a quarter of Australian households currently worried about how they are going to pay their bills, is the treasurer right when he says it’s time to slay the inflation dragon? And will it actually happen?Further afield, the US is gearing up for next week's midterms, we take a look at the situation in China, and a super spook gives some sound advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 202231 min

Episode 133: The Budget Special

The Albanese government has just delivered its budget, the first for Labor in nearly 10 years, and there’s a lot to unpack.At a time when we’re experiencing the highest inflation rate in Australia since 1990, Hugh and Peter look at who the winners and losers were in this week's federal budget.What happens when economic theory becomes lived reality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 27, 202231 min

Episode 132: Shooting The Pre-Budget Breeze

It’s nearly budget time, again. That’s two this year. It’s an unusual situation, but an exciting time for anyone who loves policy and economics, including PVO.So is the forecast gloomy or bright? The Professor and the Hack deep dive into the realities of what we can expect – and it’s a complex mix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 202231 min

Episode 131: Once More Unto The Breach

Millions of Australians are this week coming to terms with their information being compromised in the Optus data breach. But what about the pollies having access to a lot of our personal information that’s stored in their database? It’s exempt from the Privacy Act, but is it safe?Also up for discussion this week are the Stage Three Tax cuts and whether the National Integrity Commission does have teeth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202240 min

Episode 130: The World Mourns

As the world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, The Professor and The Hack take a moment to reflect on times past and times to come.Hugh and Peter also discuss the Integrity Commission, and think about what we can expect from the upcoming economic statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 202229 min

Episode 129: Up, Up And Away

So much to talk about this week. The interest rate rises just keep on coming, with the fifth one in as many months just announced.Can you believe it’s been 30 years since superannuation was introduced? Paul Keating can, and has had something to say this week.And why are the Greens and Matt Canavan suddenly seeing eye to eye? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 202230 min

Episode 128: A Change Of Pace

Today we move away from politics and talk about policy for a change. There’s a lot to unpack from this week’s jobs and skills summit, as news about an increased migration cap breaks mid-recording. Also up for discussion are the stage three tax cuts.And where was Peter Dutton? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 202237 min

Episode 127: Jobs For The Boy

With former prime minister Scott Morrison’s secret self-appointments dominating the news, our dynamic duo discusses whether more of Morrison really was the solution to the problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 202234 min

Episode 126: Checking The Balances

As we digest the impact of yet another interest rate rise, Hugh and PVO don’t even consider the fact that right now avocados are the cheapest they’ve ever been. Instead they look at the hot topics of the day, including the different forms cost of living relief could take, and the potential fallout of Peter Dutton going nuclear.And how well do you know your state premiers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 3, 202234 min

Episode 125: Hello Again

Your favourite commentators are back after a well-earned break (or at least PVO is). They reflect on the aftermath of the election, and discuss the first week of parliament.And can we expect to see Scott Morrison on the evangelical speaking circuit any time soon? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 29, 202230 min

Episode 124: Take Your Seats Please

This week Hugh and Peter take a look at the ministers gaining a seat on Labor's new front bench. Who are the rising stars in this new political environment? And as celebrations begin the world over for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, what better time to discuss the appointment of an Assistant Minister for the Republic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 202231 min

Episode 123: Looking Ahead

The Professor and The Hack get down to some more unpacking of the election results and what we can expect as the political landscape starts to change.What does all this really mean for the next three years? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 202231 min

Episode 122: Australia Has Decided

Australia has voted, and after nearly 10 years Labor takes the top seat.The Professor and The Hack deep dive into the highs and lows of the election, and take a look at what lies ahead for Australia's 31st Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 24, 202234 min

Episode 121: Prediction Time!

Two days to the election and the polls are indicating a close race.As our starters inch towards the finish line, the Professor and the Hack discuss the absence of Labor's costings, whether Albanese will finish building his gaff-proof fence, and why numbers suddenly have Hugh all confused.And the Professor shares his predictions.You can catch Hugh and Peter on Channel 10's live election coverage from 5pm on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 202233 min

Episode 120: The End Is In Sight

With less than a week to go, the Professor and the Hack delve into the new signature policy around super and housing for first-home buyers, and whether the promise of a Scott Morrison 2.0 is possibly too little too late.And exactly what can we expect in this last week of campaigning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 16, 202229 min

Episode 119: Run To The Line

With nine days to go, all the major parties are campaigning hard. But is it all falling on deaf ears?This week's must-hear topics include the latest leaders' debate, the YouGov poll and whether Albanese is an economic destroyer or a leader in waiting.And PVO gets his hands on some leaked and rather interesting information about the current state of the polls in New South Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 202233 min

Episode 118: Disillusionment And Disinterest Abound

With two weeks to go, the election campaign is nearly over, but is the reality actually that we are over the campaign?As we stumble towards the finishing line in this multi-horse race, The Professor and The Hack also look at this week's interest rate rise, and Peter has some great ideas for livening up the upcoming leaders' debates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 202233 min

Episode 117: Waiting For The Rubber To Hit The Road

Suddenly we're almost halfway through the election campaign and, it seems, at a crossroads in political history.Albanese's in iso as competency ratings for both leaders hit their lowest levels in almost 30 years, and the Pre-Election Fiscal Update makes for some interesting reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 28, 202232 min

Episode 116: Scare Tactics

The rains have stopped, the scare campaigns have started and PVO is in Brisbane for the leaders' debate.As well as what's happening in Australia, The Professor and The Hack turn their attention to the deal between the Solomon Islands and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 20, 202231 min

Episode 115: Food For Thought

With the East Coast of Australia under a blanket of rain yet again, Hugh and PVO discuss whether the weather is making those first tentative steps along the campaign trail a bit muddy.And as the dishes of election temptation start to be laid out on the table, they pull up a chair and take a look at the battle that's ahead for the marginal seats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 202231 min

Episode 114: Back with a vengeance and a budget bonanza

The Professor and the Hack are back!And there's so much to discuss.From a deep dive into this week's budget to whether there will be a potential swan dive in the upcoming election, no stone is left unturned. Or untalked about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 202230 min

Episode 113: Swings And Roundabouts

In which Hugh crunches some numbers, the electoral pendulum gets a swing, and Hugh and PVO work out their differences about Grace Tame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 202228 min

Episode 112: For These Are Testing Times

Happy New Year from the Professor and the Hack!And what a start to 2022 it has been. What with the covid catastrophe, the Djokovic disaster, and rumblings of a republic, there's a lot to get through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 202229 min

Episode 111: Deck The Great Hall

We're getting closer to the end of the year, so Hugh and Peter don their Christmas hats and indulge in some more election speculation, while lamenting the decidedly unfestive lack of wit in politics these days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 202128 min

Episode 110: What the Omicron Is Going On?

It's the last sitting week of Parliament for the year, and there's a lot to talk about.Join Hugh and PVO as they delve into the politics of a virus, Kate Jenkins' Set The Standard report, defamation and China's new military exercise off the coast of Taiwan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 202129 min

Episode 109: Words Matter

As Parliament enters its last sitting period for the year, the Professor and the Hack dissect Scott Morrison's handling of the most recent protests, and muse about where the upcoming election could be won or lost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 202130 min

Episode 108: Hold The Phone

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Trust issues, trickery and texts all come under the microscope this week, as Hugh and PVO tackle all the important issues including why it's never good to lie.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 202131 min

Episode 107: Net Zero

This week, it's all climate talk and election speculation.From Glasgow to Canberra, join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 202131 min

Episode 106: Normal Or Something Close To It

PVO and Hugh discuss the return to normal for our locked-down nation, an impending federal election and, of course, the goings on in state politics.Get your hit of the new normal on episode 106. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 202131 min

Episode 105: Le Grand Sulk

This episode traverses from the streets of Melbourne to future battles fought under sea and of course to Australian Parliament.Protests, submarines and China.Get your high vis on and be ready to down periscope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 202132 min

Episode 104: Public Policy 101

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, and of course to Scott Morrison.The economy is bouncing back, what's going on with singles bubbles, and the most surprising of all - PVO got a prediction right! In the latter part of the episode PVO mentions a drug used in the treatment of Covid. If you didn't get the spelling, it's Tocilizumab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 202136 min

Episode 103: A Wicked Problem

Hugh and PVO are back chatting about the handling of issues both domestic and international.Also included, a look at the opposition's chances in an upcoming election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 202132 min

Episode 102: The Way Things Are

The PM has shown his workings when it comes to the phases of his roadmap, but does it all add up practically?And where does this leave his plans on when to call the next election? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 4, 202131 min

Episode 101: Expectation Management

PVO tries to retire his 'kiss of death' this week before he and Hugh look again at the vaccine rollout and assess how fair it is for Scomo to be shouldering so much blame.Also up for discussion are the looming spectre of recession, farewell to Speaker Tony Smith, and what is the new normal that the world is going to be happy with? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 15, 202133 min

Episode 100: Living With The Virus

Here we are at the 100th episode!Hugh and PVO raise their bats before turning again to matters at hand: the vaccine rollout, Sydney in lockdown, hard borders, and the compliance blitz aimed at one part of the city but not others.Then they field some questions from listeners, mostly seeming to be seeking some reassurance about what the future looks like.The Professor and the Hack has been produced and edited across these 100 episodes by Monty Leadon and Stuart Buckland.Thanks to Ross Dagan, Anthony Murdoch and the 10 News First team for their support, and of course to Hugh and PVO who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to making sure the podcast made it to such a big milestone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 202131 min

Episode 99: The Killing Season

It's an all-Barnaby, all-Nationals affair today on The Professor and The Hack.How will the party look going forward? And what does this mean for religious freedoms? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 22, 202131 min

Episode 98: Acting PM

Hugh and PVO are talking McCormack, jobs, and Ben Roberts-Smith.With everything going on in Australia right now, what better way to keep up to date than with The Prof and The Hack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 202130 min

Episode 97: War Games

Brrr! It's chilly all across the nation but that won't stop PVO and Hugh from talking elections, G7, potential wars and Phillip Ruddock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 202135 min

Episode 96: Bad Weather Bias

This time the Prof and the Hack are talking vaccines, lockdowns, and economic growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 4, 202131 min

Episode 95: Tragic Irony

With Victoria heading back into lockdown, this episode is all about the vaccine rollout and all things Covid, with a little bit of Clive Palmer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 202129 min

Episode 94: Shake The Mess Around

Hugh knows Albo can dance! Find out more about this, unemployment, vaccines and the troubles in the Middle East in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 21, 202128 min