ASIO’s new secret spy powers are extraordinary

Our domestic spy agency copped a lot of criticism in December after the Bondi Beach massacre for failing to prevent the attack. But is the answer expanded powers? A bill passed in parliament last week is proposing just that – laws that force suspects to answer questions, or face a jail sentence. …

All-boys schools, elite sports and sexual assault

Chanel Contos is a young Sydney woman who, five years ago, made headlines after she collated and published the testimonies of thousands of women and girls about instances of sexual assault they’d experienced. Many had made allegations they’d been assaulted by teenage boys who went to some of Sydne…

Tony Wright on the best and worst prime ministers, and the courage needed now

Today we have something special and a little bit different because Tony Wright, one of the stalwarts of Australian political writing, is stepping back from daily newsroom duties after 50 years in journalism. For about 30 of these years, Tony reported on federal politics. Bob Hawke was the first pri…

Trump's shock South Korea decision

We know that Donald Trump has made a habit out of rewarding dictators and throwing off the shackles of long-standing relationships with allies. Today international and political editor Peter Hartcher discusses Donald Trump’s latest appeasement of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and the threats …

The Sydney Swans sexual assault allegations

Another scandal involving an alleged sexual assault has erupted in the AFL. One player from the Sydney Swans football team was spoken to by police after an alleged sexual assault said to have taken place in the early hours of Monday. Today, The Age’s chief AFL writer, Jake Niall, discusses what's k…

Is our housing bubble about to burst?

Our four biggest banks say that fewer people are taking out mortgage loans. One has even forecast a significant fall in house prices in two cities. Meanwhile, Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has issued a stern warning ... Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright discusses whether …

Science has given us another reason to love dogs

Which dog owners among us haven’t wondered about their pets: What are they thinking? Do they like me? Are they – oh no! – judging me? Well, a new study has revealed that dogs are even better at reading our emotions than chimpanzees, our closest evolutionary relative. Today, science reporter Angus…

The melon story – Is the prime minister just really bad at saying sorry?

We’re back to talking about melons and the podcast interview that continues to cause dramas for the prime minister. Six weeks ago, Anthony Albanese appeared on a podcast called ‘Bush Deep’ and was asked about the worst gift he received. Melons, he replied, gifted to him by Japanese prime minister.…

In the Middle East is anyone – friend or foe – taking Donald Trump seriously?

Donald Trump has suffered a cascade of humiliations at the hands of Iran and Iranian allies in the last two weeks. But, according to international and political editor Peter Hartcher, humiliation is the least of Trump's problems now. In today's episode, Hartcher discusses the strikes from Houthi re…

Why car insurance premiums have gone up almost 50 per cent

Car insurance in Australia has leapt by nearly 50 per cent in the last six years and this week, the financial regulator blasted insurers for failing to adequately explain to customers why they have jacked up prices by so much. So what's behind the spike in premiums? Insurers talk about the cost of …