The Morning Edition

This week in politics was dominated by the tragedy of gendered violence, and what measures the Albanese government will adopt to tackle it. Hit by a wave of national anger over a spate of murders of women by men, the PM convened an emergency National Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. So what did he announce, and how much can the federal government do on this issue of domestic violence? We also examine how a released immigration detainee was able to allegedly attack and severely beat a 77-year-old woman in Perth. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the public’s safety was the government’s priority. But now she is facing calls to resign, along with Immigration Minister Andrew Giles. Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is national political correspondent David Crowe, and federal reporters Natassia Chrysanthos and Angus Thomson. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 200 years ago, the industrial revolution radically upended how people experienced the world - where they lived, what work they did, and the sort of stress they endured. And now? We’re on the precipice of the next industrial revolution. The advent of quantum computers will likely be able to help countries win wars and solve some of our trickiest social problems, according to experts. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on just how soon the technology that Albert Einstein once called “spooky” could change our lives. And what its inherent dangers might be. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think about live streaming, you might picture mainstream social media sites, but its popularity has skyrocketed on other platforms. With a focus on gaming, Twitch emerged as a live streaming giant over the past decade. Now, there’s a new player making noise – and some of it’s troubling. Edward Craven, the founder of Stake.com and the youngest billionaire in Australia has gone on to co-create the streaming platform Kick. Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on a platform described as a “playground for degenerates”, and the risks it poses to vulnerable people. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So far this year, 27 Australian women have been murdered. Nine of the alleged perpetrators were under the age of 30. Erica Hay, Molly Ticehurst, Emma Bates and Hannah McGuire were all allegedly murdered over the past few weeks. And in the horrific stabbing spree at Bondi Junction, five of the six victims were women. Politicians at the state and federal level are now facing pressure to take action and deliver real solutions to what’s been described as a national crisis. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on Australia’s shame and the entrenched culture of misogyny and gendered violence that continues to shape young men. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of well, almost everything, has skyrocketed. From petrol prices, to rent and mortgages, to insurance premiums and to the supermarket shop with cereal, bread and eggs all costing more. And now, a new report says Australians have suffered the biggest increase in the average tax rates in the developed world, with New Zealand a close second. So why did we end up with the biggest tax increase? And what have been some of the worst price increases we’ve seen over the last few years? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on these pressures, and what the government could do about it. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A video of a violent attack on a Sydney bishop has sparked an international fight over free speech, censorship, and the potential threats such videos could pose when spread on social media. US billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X was ordered by Australia's E Safety Commissioner Julie Inman grant to take down some copies of the clip, amid fees it could be used to radicalise more people. Musk has been fighting the takedown drawing criticism from politicians across the spectrum, including from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Coalition wants young children blocked from social media to protect them from harmful content, while the country's top policing and spy agencies have vowed to protect children from extremist poison, and called on platforms to do better. Today political correspondent Paul Sakkal and chief political correspondent David Crowe join Rachel Clun on this week's Inside Politics. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than a decade of weakening strategic resolve under the Obama and Trump administrations, the United States is showing signs of re-emerging as an indispensable power to the world. The United States helped to curtail broader conflict in the Middle East by rallying a coordinated response to Iran’s attack on Israel, and passed a 95 billion dollar aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. This willingness to again embrace its role as the gamekeeper and gardener of the international order comes after years of miscalculations that served only to embolden the world’s autocrats and their ambitions. Today, international editor Peter Hartcher on three key positions taken by the United States and what this may mean for its allies and the world order. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, the woman at the centre of the mushroom deaths case that captured the attention of the country, attended court for the second time. Erin Patterson was arrested and charged in November last year with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in the small-town Victorian case tracked around the world. Legal teams are now focusing their efforts on the timing and location for a committal hearing, which could be impacted by a request from Patterson’s legal team to have the case tested in front of her peers in a local court. Patterson has already spent five months in custody, and may spend many more waiting for a hearing that could be pushed out to 2025. Today, crime and justice reporter Erin Pearson on everything we know so far, and what we can expect next. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After seven months of war in the Middle East, the world again held its breath when news emerged that Israel had struck inside Iran. This followed an unprecedented attack by Iran on April 14, when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli military targets. What appeared on Friday to be a major response from Israel, and a signal of potentially a significant escalation in the region, then gave way to conflicting reports and confusion. So what actually occurred, and what might happen from here? Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the history of tension between Iran and Israel, a proxy war, and what both sides seek to gain from conflict. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Donald Trump became the first current or former US president to face a criminal trial, charged with falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Allegations he has denied. The first hurdle of the trial was jury selection, but finally, a 12-person panel was sworn in. But it took laborious vetting by the legal teams to get there. Prospective jurors took themselves out of selection because they professed they couldn’t be impartial, while a rigorous survey of candidates included questions such as: Have you ever read the ‘Art of the Deal’ or attended a Proud Boys rally? Today, US correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the highlights from week one, and what to expect from the next six to eight weeks. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past week has seen two shocking stabbing attacks by lone actors in Sydney - one in the city’s east, and one in its west. Both incidents have horrified the community, but the attack against a Bishop at an Assyrian Christian church on Monday evening has prompted a particularly strong political response. These two destabilising events represent a test of Australia’s social cohesion, and a test of our political leaders’ capacity to nurture tolerance within the community at a time of great international tensions. Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is political correspondent Paul Sakkal, national security correspondent Matthew Knott, and chief political correspondent David Crowe. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was scarcely more than 48 hours after the tragic attack in Bondi Junction when across town in Sydney, another confronting incident was unfolding. During a service that was livestreamed at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley, a teenager allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. The attack, which has now been declared an act of terror, sparked chaotic and violent scenes outside the church, where hundreds of people rioted and clashed with a heavy police presence. Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on what we know about the attack and the trauma and fear felt across Sydney. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Iran launched a direct missile and drone attack on Israel, over the weekend, it was the realisation of one of Israel’s worst fears. This was a historic first. And has always loomed as an existential threat. For decades, Israeli leaders have feared a direct attack from its sworn enemy, which has been experimenting with its nuclear capabilities for around 70 years. And now, much of the world is holding its breath, as it waits to see how Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a man not known for his military restraint - will respond. Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on whether this latest escalation could see the war in Gaza evolve into a much wider sphere of devastation. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five years, one aborted criminal trial and millions of dollars in legal fees, Justice Michael Lee handed down his judgment in the defamation case that Bruce Lehrmann brought against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson. Justice Lee found that Bruce Lehrmann had raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House, and dismissed Lehrmann’s defamation claim. The judgment, which was delayed at the 11th hour, was delivered in great, and at times colourful, detail. The decision does not amount to a finding of criminal guilt. Lehrmann’s criminal trial was aborted in October 2022 due to juror misconduct and the charges were later dropped altogether owing to concerns about Higgins’ mental health. Today, legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitbourn on the extraordinary findings from an at-times squalid and politically and socially charged case, and what it means for everyone involved. And, a warning for listeners, this episode contains repeated descriptions of sexual assault. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When news broke last week that one of the most powerful people at Seven Network allegedly tried to cover up an internal fraud investigation, the network suffered reputational fallout. It’s just the latest scandal that has exposed the misogynistic, bullying and get-a-story-at-any-cost culture that has seemingly been thriving in pockets of the media company. Because, later today, a judgment is expected to be handed down in the multi-million dollar Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, which has also embroiled Seven in scandal. But to see the issue as a problem suffered by one media organisation is to miss the point, according to investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, who broke this latest story. Today, McKenzie, talks about what happens when journalists - the very people who are tasked with holding the powerful to account - allegedly engage in unethical behaviour. And just a heads-up, this episode mentions sexual assault, self-harm and suicide. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians across the country were shocked on Saturday, when a man brandishing a long knife stalked through a shopping centre in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. What resulted was horrific. At the time of recording, six people have been killed, including two mothers. A dozen other victims have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The attacker was shot dead by police. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on a mass murder that took place in a location that many people - especially mothers of small children - often use as a refuge, from boredom, and the heat. And the shock and sadness that the whole country is feeling. And just a reminder, this episode contains confronting descriptions of violence. If you find anything in this episode distressing, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months after the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas began, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has signalled a shift in Australia’s position on the question of Palestinian statehood. Wong said that recognising Palestinian statehood, without waiting for years of peace talks with Israel, could improve the chances for peace and build momentum towards a two-state agreement. The Federal Government’s position has been met with fierce backlash from pro-Israel groups and the Opposition, who say that would reward Hamas for its October 7 terror attacks. Plus the Government's plan to strengthen merger laws and help more businesses make products in Australia as it gears up for its May 14 budget. Today, foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott, chief political correspondent David Crowe and economics correspondent Shane Wright join Jacqueline Maley to discuss. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 75 years, Japan has had, at the centre of its constitution, a very particular promise. The country renounces war as a sovereign right. Forever. This means the country is forbidden from maintaining an army, navy or air force - and from using force as a means of settling international disputes. This so-called “peace constitution” was an instrumental part of Japan rising from the ashes of World War II, and the destruction that it both suffered, and meted out. But now, Japan is dramatically beefing up its military. Today, International and political editor Peter Hartcher on why Japan is arguably breaching its own constitution. And what it might mean for the global order. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For at least a year, we’ve been hearing allegations that our biggest supermarkets have been rorting us - paying the farmers who provide them with produce too little. And charging consumers way too much. As the stores themselves rake in tens of billions dollars each year, amid an ongoing cost of living crisis. The end result has been enraged consumers. And fiery political outbursts that have spilled over in senate inquiries in which politicians have grilled supermarket CEOs. And now, a new review by the government has recommended that supermarkets be fined, potentially billions of dollars, if they breach a renewed code of conduct that has been proposed. Today, national affairs editor James Massola on the political fight that’s led to this review. And whether it might finally result in lower prices at the checkout. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, these chemicals were miracle ingredients for 3M, a company that has made billions from the products that used them such as Scotchguard and Teflon pans. Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, they repel everything from grease, to water and stains - and are found in everyday items like frying pans, household cleaning products, and even school uniforms. Now 3M is at risk of bankruptcy, with allegations that the company deliberately deceived the public from being aware of the serious risks posed by forever chemicals, with a growing body of science linking these chemicals to adverse health outcomes, including cancer. Today, investigative reporter Carrie Fellner on the factory that contaminated the whole world - including many Australian communities. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.