Commuters, drivers and Western Sydney students were among the state budget's winners... but what about the losers? Producer Rebecca Cushway dives deep on where the money is flowing. 

On a related note, UNSW has just announced plans to expand their presence in Parramatta by building a new campus. Over ten years the University will invest over $65 million in a multi faculty campus that can accommodate up to 350 students daily. Pro Vice-Chancellor of Precincts at UNSW Professor Zoe Terpening joins the show for a chat. 

You also may or not be aware of the job cuts happening across regional newsrooms right now. According to Ette Media there have been 336 across Australian media just in the last month. Producer Tarni Cruickshank chats to a freshly graduated journalism student.

Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup has kicked off - a huge point of praise has been the diversity of Australia’s team, the Socceroos, with over 15 different cultural backgrounds in a 26-man team. At the same time, One Nation, a party that aims to “cut immigration by over 570,000 people from current Labor levels” and “withdraw from the UN Refugee convention”, has opened up a primary vote lead over Labor.P roducer Anagha Abhi asks writer, lawyer and anti-racism activist Mariam Veiszadeh why multiculturalism feels uncontroversial in Australian sport but controversial in public policy.

And with AI becoming an inescapable part of modern life, Sydney-based artist Tim Gregory joins the show to weigh in on whether AI belongs in public art. 

This episode was produced by Sana Shaikh, Anagha Abhi, Birdie Rinaldi and Tarni Cruickshank.

Executive produced by Bec Cushway. 

Hosted by Bec Cushway and Nyaboth Chuol. 

Aired 27 June 2026 on Gadigal land. 

 

 

Commuters, drivers and Western Sydney students were among the state budget's winners... but what about the losers? Producer Rebecca Cushway dives deep on where the money is flowing.&nbsp;
On a related note, UNSW has just announced plans to expand their presence in Parramatta by building a new campus. Over ten years the University will invest over $65 million in a multi faculty campus that can accommodate up to 350 students daily. Pro Vice-Chancellor of Precincts at UNSW Professor Zoe Terpening joins the show for a chat.&nbsp;
You also may or not be aware of the job cuts happening across regional newsrooms right now. According to Ette Media there have been 336 across Australian media just in the last month. Producer Tarni Cruickshank chats to a freshly graduated journalism student.
Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup has kicked off - a huge point of praise has been the diversity of Australia&rsquo;s team, the Socceroos, with over 15 different cultural backgrounds in a 26-man team. At the same time, One Nation, a party that aims to &ldquo;cut immigration by over 570,000 people from current Labor levels&rdquo; and &ldquo;withdraw from the UN Refugee convention&rdquo;, has opened up a primary vote lead over Labor.P roducer Anagha Abhi asks writer, lawyer and anti-racism activist Mariam Veiszadeh why multiculturalism feels uncontroversial in Australian sport but controversial in public policy.
And with AI becoming an inescapable part of modern life, Sydney-based artist Tim Gregory joins the show to weigh in on whether AI belongs in public art.&nbsp;
This episode was produced by Sana Shaikh, Anagha Abhi, Birdie Rinaldi and Tarni Cruickshank.
Executive produced by Bec Cushway.&nbsp;
Hosted by Bec Cushway and Nyaboth Chuol.&nbsp;
Aired 27 June 2026 on Gadigal land.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting.

Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Dani Zhang, Holly Payne, Tanita Razaghi, Libby Hopper, Sana Shaikh, Lilly Grainger, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Euan Kielly, Elisa Papaioannou, Grace Pittar, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bridgette Donnellan. 

Got an idea for a story? Email us: backchat@fbiradio.com We're also on Instagram @backchatfbiradio and X @BackchatFBi.

Your alternative to talkback.&nbsp;Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting.
Hosted by Dani Zhang and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Dani Zhang, Holly Payne, Tanita Razaghi, Libby Hopper, Sana Shaikh, Lilly Grainger, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, Euan Kielly, Elisa Papaioannou, Grace Pittar, Jaspar McCahon-Boersma and Bridgette Donnellan.&nbsp;
Got an idea for a story? Email us: backchat@fbiradio.com We're also on Instagram @backchatfbiradio and X @BackchatFBi.

Backchat

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting from Sydney's best young news journalists.

Hosted by Holly Payne and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Sana Shaikh, Libby Hopper, and Nic Huntington. 

Got an idea for a story? - backchat@fbiradio.com. We're also on X (Twitter) and Instagram - @BackchatFBi

Your alternative to talkback. Backchat is a weekly show of news, politics, interviews, discussion, satire, and feature reporting from Sydney's best young news journalists.
Hosted by Holly Payne and Tanita Razaghi. Executive produced by Rebecca Cushway, with producers Sana Shaikh, Libby Hopper, and Nic Huntington. 
Got an idea for a story? - <a href="mailto:eamonn@fbiradio.com">backchat@fbiradio.com</a>. We're also on X (Twitter) and Instagram - @BackchatFBi

NSW budget | UNSW Parramatta campus | Newsrooms in crisis | One Nation v the Socceroos | AI art galleries 

Intro

Take-Home Assessment Restrictions

Pill Testing Made Permanent

Emergency Department Winter Surge

Sydney Fringe Festival

The New South Wales Department of Education has announced restrictions on take-home assessment tasks for Year 11 and 12 students starting later this year in response to the rise of generative AI use to complete assessment tasks. But is this change going to help, and what does the presence of AI mean for education at large? We hear from producer James de Fraine-Murphy, who spoke with Dr Matthew Hill to gain further insight on the topic.

It’s music festival season, and we’re looking into the New South Wales government’s plans to make drug checking a permanent scheme in music festivals across the state. CEO of Unharm, Dr Will Tregoning, joins us to talk about the scheme, and why community-based drug testing could be the next step.

New South Wales hospitals have been pushed to their limits this winter surge, with a record breaking number of patients admitted this year. We’re joined by Dr Fred Betros, the Australian Medical Association’s NSW branch president, to talk about where our hospital systems are failing to address the yearly surge.

The Sydney Fringe Festival started this week, and while the festival has historically played an important role for up-and-coming artists working outside the mainstream and in queer-focused spaces, cost-of-living struggles have transformed it into a space where young Sydneysiders can access entertainment for a reasonable price. Producer Birdie Rinaldi is joined by Georgia Gray-Spencer and Scott Whitmont to talk about the festival and its growing viewerbase.

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Holly Payne and Ella Hosty-Snelgrove.

Produced by James de Fraine-Murphy, Holly Payne, Maya Sathi, Euan Keilly, and Birdie Rinaldi.

Aired 5 September 2026 on Gadigal Land.

The New South Wales Department of Education has announced restrictions on take-home assessment tasks for Year 11 and 12 students starting later this year in response to the rise of generative AI use to complete assessment tasks. But is this change going to help, and what does the presence of AI mean for education at large? We hear from producer James de Fraine-Murphy, who spoke with Dr Matthew Hill to gain further insight on the topic.
It&rsquo;s music festival season, and we&rsquo;re looking into the New South Wales government&rsquo;s plans to make drug checking a permanent scheme in music festivals across the state. CEO of Unharm, Dr Will Tregoning, joins us to talk about the scheme, and why community-based drug testing could be the next step.
New South Wales hospitals have been pushed to their limits this winter surge, with a record breaking number of patients admitted this year. We&rsquo;re joined by Dr Fred Betros, the Australian Medical Association&rsquo;s NSW branch president, to talk about where our hospital systems are failing to address the yearly surge.
The Sydney Fringe Festival started this week, and while the festival has historically played an important role for up-and-coming artists working outside the mainstream and in queer-focused spaces, cost-of-living struggles have transformed it into a space where young Sydneysiders can access entertainment for a reasonable price. Producer Birdie Rinaldi is joined by Georgia Gray-Spencer and Scott Whitmont to talk about the festival and its growing viewerbase.
This episode of Backchat was hosted by Holly Payne and Ella Hosty-Snelgrove.
Produced by James de Fraine-Murphy, Holly Payne, Maya Sathi, Euan Keilly, and Birdie Rinaldi.
Aired 5 September 2026 on Gadigal Land.

Take-Home Assessment Restrictions | Pill Testing Made Permanent | Emergency Department Winter Surge | Sydney Fringe Festival

One of the most distressing aspects of the alleged sexual assault incident involving Sydney Swans players earlier this month is that we’ve heard it all before. What does that tell us about the culture of elite mens sport in Australia? ProducerElla Hosty-Snelgrove spoke to Professor Catharine Lumby about the overlap between patriotism, sport and misogyny.

In the last few weeks, incidences of the H5 bird flu strain have more than tripled across the country. Ecologist and author Darryl Jones joins to talk about about bird flu, bird feeding and preventing the spread of the virus from our own backyards.

Last month, a small pole dancing business in the Gold Coast went viral for denying a transgender woman from entering a woman-only space. Anti-trans rhetoric circulating our algorithms is just the start of the severe online hate and violence against trans people, with the Queensland government now calling for legislation reform on biological and gender definitions. Drag queen and pop sensation, BEKS, discusses her latest track hitting back at the anti-trans talk, TERF WERK.

If you’ve hopped off at Central Station and spotted an odd bit of graffiti reading “CASTLE LAW, FOR BABY ALEX” with a QR code leading you to Elaine Tan’s petition, you wouldn't be the only one. Castle Law is garnering support again after years of conservative campaigning. Why now? Varsha Yajman, journalist at Cheek Media and lawyer, joins to discuss Castle Law's comeback.

Producer Maya Sathi breaks down the AI music ban on the ARIA charts - how will it affect Aussie music and streaming platforms?

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Pongyada Sootthipong and Euan Kielly.

Produced by Ella Hosty-Snelgrove, Tarni Cruickshank, Shaya Hayworth, Jasper Brady, and Maya Sathi.

Aired 29 August 2026 on Gadigal land.

One of the most distressing aspects of the alleged sexual assault incident involving Sydney Swans players earlier this month is that we&rsquo;ve heard it all before. What does that tell us about the culture of elite mens sport in Australia? Producer Ella Hosty-Snelgrove spoke to Professor Catharine Lumby about the overlap between patriotism, sport and misogyny.
In the last few weeks, incidences of the H5 bird flu strain have more than tripled across the country. Ecologist and author Darryl Jones joins to talk about about bird flu, bird feeding and preventing the spread of the virus from our own backyards.
Last month, a small pole dancing business in the Gold Coast went viral for denying a transgender woman from entering a woman-only space. Anti-trans rhetoric circulating our algorithms is just the start of the severe online hate and violence against trans people, with the Queensland government now calling for legislation reform on biological and gender definitions.&nbsp;Drag queen and pop sensation, BEKS, discusses her latest track hitting back at the anti-trans talk, TERF WERK.
If you&rsquo;ve hopped off at Central Station and spotted an odd bit of graffiti reading &ldquo;CASTLE LAW, FOR BABY ALEX&rdquo; with a QR code leading you to Elaine Tan&rsquo;s petition, you wouldn't be the only one.&nbsp;Castle Law is garnering support again after years of conservative campaigning. Why now? Varsha Yajman, journalist at Cheek Media and lawyer, joins to discuss Castle Law's comeback.
Producer Maya Sathi breaks down the AI music ban on the ARIA charts - how will it affect Aussie music and streaming platforms?
This episode of Backchat was hosted by Pongyada Sootthipong and Euan Kielly.
Produced by Ella Hosty-Snelgrove, Tarni Cruickshank, Shaya Hayworth, Jasper Brady, and Maya Sathi.
Aired 29 August 2026 on Gadigal land.

Misogyny in Australian elite mens sport | Preventing the bird flu spread | BEKS on hitting back at anti-trans rhetoric in QLD | Why is Castle Law making a comeback now? | AI music ban on ARIA charts

Fighting back against anti-trans protestors

Sk8r Boi - Wollongong edition

Pollies rally against the national gun buyback

You shaved your bush? 

Police are stealing our data

We’ve got a story about the expanding surveillance state and where our government is spending its money. A series of anti-transgender Women’s Rights Rallies will reach Sydney this Sunday at Martin Place, calling for the removal of transgender protections from the Sex Discrimination Act. In response to this, Pride In Protest are organising a counter-protest set to take place at Town Hall. We’re joined by Pride In Protest convenor Evan van Zijl.

Wollongong’s local council is pitting the skating community against people who want to preserve more green space. Why does it always seem like someone has to lose out in order for someone else to win?  This week, the council confirmed that MacCabe Park is the location for the region’s long-awaited Olympic-standard, fifteen-hundred-square-metre skate park. Council claims that it will only take up three per cent of the park’s total footprint… but locals are still concerned about any loss of precious green space. We’re joined by activist and Wollongong local Bella Todd. 

After the tragic mass shooting in Bondi last December, the government announced a policy reform package to tighten Australia’s gun laws. But the only part of this package that politicians and the media are really latching onto is the national gun buyback scheme. The NSW government announced that they’d be starting the buyback in December, in an effort to take more firearms out of the community and compensate gun owners.  This week, producer Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis investigated what gun buybacks involve, and why certain politicians are campaigning against it in the media. 

Later in the show… we’re chatting about AI trends, data mining and… shaving your bush (disappointed). Creators on Instagram have been speculating that Meta has been manufacturing trends to harvest data for their AI. Particularly, the you shaved your bush trend, in which friends take turns saying the phrase in different tones. Birdie Rinaldi spoke to Ahmed Khanji from GridWare to gain further insight on how to keep ourselves safe. 

Following the anti-Isaac Herzog protests in February, sweeping arrests have been made across activist communities. There are civil liberties concerns over the technology used to get inside activists’ phones and extract information. Relatively unspoken about in mainstream news, we take a deep dive into the company that our government has contracted. Emil Kwasner Catsivelakis talked to Tim Roberts about what protections you have against emerging police technology. 

This episode of Backchat was hosted by Bec Cushway and Nyaboth Chuol.

Produced by James de Fraine-Murphy, Holly Payne, Birdie Rinaldi, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis and Emil Kwasner Catsivelakis

Aired 22 August 2026 on Gadigal land.

We&rsquo;ve got a story about the expanding surveillance state and where our government is spending its money. A series of anti-transgender Women&rsquo;s Rights Rallies will reach Sydney this Sunday at Martin Place, calling for the removal of transgender protections from the Sex Discrimination Act. In response to this, Pride In Protest are organising a counter-protest set to take place at Town Hall. We&rsquo;re joined by Pride In Protest convenor Evan van Zijl.
Wollongong&rsquo;s local council is pitting the skating community against people who want to preserve more green space. Why does it always seem like someone has to lose out in order for someone else to win?&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, the council confirmed that MacCabe Park is the location for the region&rsquo;s long-awaited Olympic-standard, fifteen-hundred-square-metre skate park. Council claims that it will only take up three per cent of the park&rsquo;s total footprint&hellip; but locals are still concerned about any loss of precious green space. We&rsquo;re joined by activist and Wollongong local Bella Todd.&nbsp;
After the tragic mass shooting in Bondi last December, the government announced a policy reform package to tighten Australia&rsquo;s gun laws. But the only part of this package that politicians and the media are really latching onto is the national gun buyback scheme.&nbsp;The NSW government announced that they&rsquo;d be starting the buyback in December, in an effort to take more firearms out of the community and compensate gun owners.&nbsp; This week, producer Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis investigated what gun buybacks involve, and why certain politicians are campaigning against it in the media.&nbsp;
Later in the show&hellip; we&rsquo;re chatting about AI trends, data mining and&hellip; shaving your bush (disappointed). Creators on Instagram have been speculating that Meta has been manufacturing trends to harvest data for their AI. Particularly, the you shaved your bush trend, in which friends take turns saying the phrase in different tones. Birdie Rinaldi spoke to Ahmed Khanji from GridWare to gain further insight on how to keep ourselves safe.&nbsp;
Following the anti-Isaac Herzog protests in February, sweeping arrests have been made across activist communities.&nbsp;There are civil liberties concerns over the technology used to get inside activists&rsquo; phones and extract information. Relatively unspoken about in mainstream news, we take a deep dive into the company that our government has contracted. Emil Kwasner Catsivelakis talked to Tim Roberts about what protections you have against emerging police technology.&nbsp;
This episode of Backchat was hosted by Bec Cushway and Nyaboth Chuol.
Produced by James de Fraine-Murphy, Holly Payne, Birdie Rinaldi, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis and Emil Kwasner Catsivelakis
Aired 22 August 2026 on Gadigal land.

Fighting back against anti-trans protestors | Sk8r Boi - Wollongong edition | Why are pollies rallying against the national gun buyback? | You shaved your bush? A tale of manufactured social media trends | Police are stealing our data - why aren't we being protected?

NSW budget | UNSW Parramatta campus | Newsrooms in crisis | One Nation v the Socceroos | AI art galleries

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