To break down the recent news that Melbourne University Press is closing Meanjin, Australia’s second-oldest literary journal, Holly explains why this is about much more than just finances or literary snobbery.

A major conversation is unfolding in New South Wales following the state’s first drug summit in 25 years, with growing calls to reform driving laws for medical cannabis users. To unpack the issue, MP Alex Greenwich joined hosts Holly and Eva on the show.

The theme of this year's National Child Protection Week, was “shifting conversation into action.” One conversation gaining momentum is the Albanese government’s social media ban for under-16s, aimed at protecting kids online. Discussing the proposal and its potential impact, senior lecturer in digital and social media at UTS, Paul Byron, joined the show.

The long-running debate over shark nets has reignited after a fatal shark attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In response, the NSW government has paused a planned trial to remove nets from certain beaches. To explore the controversy and whether shark nets really keep swimmers safe, our producer Olivia takes a closer look.

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Holly Payne and Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, and produced by Bec Cushway, Holly Payne, Elise Papaioannou, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Olivia Nunes-Malek.

Executive Produced by Rebecca Cushway.

Aired 13 September on Gadigal Land. 

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