Please Explain SMH & The Age

For months our newspapers have been laying out the operational failures in the federal Department of Home Affairs. 

Now, an exclusive investigation conducted by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes can reveal allegations that the man who heads up the Department of Home Affairs tried to use back channels to shape governments and build his own political empire.

Today, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie on Michael Pezzullo, and how power and influence really work in the halls of Parliament House in Canberra.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A years long investigation into Russell Brand has seen the actor, comedian and controversial commentator accused of sexual assault by multiple women. Brand denies the allegations, but this week a number of examples of him acting inappropriately towards women have resurfaced. Osman, Thomas and Mel unpack Brand's rise to fame, why his behaviour was never reined in and what his career, and the allegations against him, reveal about celebrity culture.

Plus, we introduce a new segment: Impress Your Friends, featuring pop culture recommendations from each of the hosts.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown to the Voice referendum is on - it is only three weeks away this Saturday. This week we saw a fragmentation of the No campaign with a dispute over the issue of treaty, as well as a powerful endorsement of the Yes case from one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes. 

Right now, the Voice dominates debate, but in a month the political caravan will be moving on, whatever the result of the referendum, and post-referendum politics is likely to centre around the economy, and its uncertain future.

Chief political correspondent David Crowe and economics correspondent Rachel Clun join Jacqueline Maley to discuss the week in politics.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. 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 four years now, Joe Biden has had a niggling problem that has threatened his ability to function as president.  

Since 2019, there have been rumours floating around that his son, Hunter Biden, has capitalised on access to his famous father in business dealings with people in Ukraine and China.

Then, last week, Hunter was indicted on federal firearms charges, for which he faces a possible criminal trial.

Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on whether the activities of Hunter Biden could sink his father's bid for a second term as president. And why Hunter’s laptop is at the centre of everything.

You can read Chris' piece here: https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/how-hunter-biden-s-laptop-plugs-into-joe-biden-impeachment-talk-20230915-p5e51v.html
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of Pacific Island nations, which sit right on our doorstep, are dangerously close to slipping into the oceans, as they continue to rise. 

In response, a number of their governments issued a proposal last week to Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong. They want their citizens to enjoy visa-free travel to and from Australia and New Zealand.

But, how much support do these nations have from us? Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on who is standing in the way of helping these nations. And what we will lose, if we don’t.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate of any continent. And cats are high on the list of just who, or what is to blame.

Various politicians have been bemoaning this reality for years. But the killing of our native wildlife has continued, virtually unabated.

Now, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has a new plan of attack. It targets not just feral cats, which Plibersek called walking, stalking, ruthless killers, but pet cats, too.

The move is pitting wildlife researchers, who are happy with the new plan, against cat lovers.

Today, federal health reporter Natassia Chrysanthos on what happens when the government targets your tabby as public enemy number one. And whether this new plan will justify the cost to pet owners.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.