Mike speaks with columnist and former Howard government adviser Terry Barnes about whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can recover from perceptions of indecision following the Bondi incident.

The PM’s initial resistance, and subsequent reversal, on a royal commission has been labelled by critics as a “humiliating capitulation,” denting his reputation as a canny strategist.

Polling in the aftermath shows Albanese’s net approval at its lowest since the last election, with some voters now questioning his strength and leadership.

Mike speaks with columnist and former Howard government adviser Terry Barnes about whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can recover from perceptions of indecision following the Bondi incident.
The PM&rsquo;s initial resistance, and subsequent reversal, on a royal commission has been labelled by critics as a &ldquo;humiliating capitulation,&rdquo; denting his reputation as a canny strategist.
Polling in the aftermath shows Albanese&rsquo;s net approval at its lowest since the last election, with some voters now questioning his strength and leadership.

When much of the city sleeps, Mike Jeffreys is keeping you company.

Mike provides laughs and companionship, the news & stories of the day from midnight on Mondays. 

When much of the city sleeps, Mike Jeffreys is keeping you company.
Mike&nbsp;provides&nbsp;laughs and companionship, the&nbsp;news &amp;&nbsp;stories of the day from midnight on Mondays.&nbsp;

Overnights with Mike Jeffreys - Highlights

Overnights with Mike Jeffreys

Terry Barnes - Can the PM recover from perceptions of indecision?

Wake Up with Mike Jeffreys - Monday 12th January  2026 

Mike speaks with veteran political journalist A.G. Gancarski, whose bylines span the New York Post, Washington Post, Washington Times, and major national magazines, to break down three headline-making stories.

Thousands have protested across the country, including in Minneapolis, following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer and gunfire that injured two protesters.

Meanwhile, the US has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports pro-regime militias are setting up roadblocks and targeting Americans after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

The discussion also looks at the Trump administration’s decision to freeze childcare funding to Minnesota and audit immigration cases involving Somali Americans, a move critics say unfairly targets immigrant communities.

Mike speaks with veteran political journalist A.G. Gancarski, whose bylines span the New York Post, Washington Post, Washington Times, and major national magazines, to break down three headline-making stories.
Thousands have protested across the country, including in Minneapolis, following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer and gunfire that injured two protesters.
Meanwhile, the US has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports pro-regime militias are setting up roadblocks and targeting Americans after the capture of President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro.
The discussion also looks at the Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to freeze childcare funding to Minnesota and audit immigration cases involving Somali Americans, a move critics say unfairly targets immigrant communities.

A.G. Gancarski -  U.S. in turmoil:  Protests, Venezuela alert & immigration crackdown

Mike is joined by Jemma O’Hanlon, Dietitian and CEO of Foodwatch, to unpack the newly released US Dietary Guidelines under the Trump Administration - and why they’ve left health experts alarmed.

The guidelines heavily promote red meat, list butter and beef tallow as healthy fats, and push whole grains to the bottom of an inverted food pyramid. While the aim of encouraging more whole foods is positive, many recommendations lack solid scientific backing, raising serious concerns.

With over 70% of American adults overweight or obese, and more than half living with diabetes or prediabetes, evidence-based nutrition advice is critical.

The discussion is especially timely as Australia’s own Dietary Guidelines are under review, with draft recommendations due for public consultation later this year.

Mike is joined by Jemma O&rsquo;Hanlon, Dietitian and CEO of Foodwatch, to unpack the newly released US Dietary Guidelines under the Trump Administration - and why they&rsquo;ve left health experts alarmed.
The guidelines heavily promote red meat, list butter and beef tallow as healthy fats, and push whole grains to the bottom of an inverted food pyramid. While the aim of encouraging more whole foods is positive, many recommendations lack solid scientific backing, raising serious concerns.
With over 70% of American adults overweight or obese, and more than half living with diabetes or prediabetes, evidence-based nutrition advice is critical.
The discussion is especially timely as Australia&rsquo;s own Dietary Guidelines are under review, with draft recommendations due for public consultation later this year.

Terry Barnes - Can the PM recover from perceptions of indecision?

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