The Issue
The Issue
The Issue is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of politics and global affairs. Hosted by seasoned political reporters Tim Lester and Josh Martin, the show offers insightful analysis, sharp commentary, and thoughtful discussion on the biggest stories shaping our world today. From the halls of Parliament to international summits, The Issue covers a wide range of topics - national polic…Social links:
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Tony Abbott on Liberal leadership crisis, Trump and Australia's future
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott sits down with National Security correspondent Tim Lester for an in-depth interview covering Australia's most pressing political issues. They discuss the current state of the Liberal Party, the coalition split, whether he supports Sussan Ley's leadership, and Abbot…
27:27
Coalition in crisis: Liberal & National leaders speak out on historic split
The Australian Coalition faces its most serious crisis in decades. In this exclusive episode of The Issue, host Tim Lester sits down with two Coalition veterans - former Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck - as they reveal what's really happening behind the scenes.
27:39
Will a resurgent One Nation, with Barnaby Joyce onboard, become Australia’s opposition party or even take government?
The Coalition has broken apart just days after One Nation eclipsed it in the first Newspoll of 2026. The Issue sits down with One Nation convert Barnaby Joyce to discuss the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 election. Political Reporter Josh Martin grills the former National Party MP on hate laws…
21:30
The chaos, the intelligence failures, and the split‑second decisions that shaped one of Australia’s fiercest fights of the war.
Trevor Baucom, a U.S. Black Hawk pilot who flew alongside Australian special forces, recounts the brutal battles and life‑or‑death moments he faced in Afghanistan. From landing commandos under heavy fire to surviving a crash that left him initially reported as killed in action, Trevor shares a rare…
23:14
New overseas student enrolments are down 16 percent, according to the latest Federal Education Department data
High visa fees and a political push - behind the downturn. Politicians like Pauline Hanson and Andrew Hastie want further cuts and will campaign hard. But Phil Honeywood from the international education sector argues foreign students are good for the economy, workforce, tourism and internationa…
29:40
Australia's $368b gamble on nuclear submarines and how Australia is preparing for the 'next kind' of war
From defence reform and military procurement to AUKUS, drones and the future of warfare; Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains how Australia is preparing for a more uncertain world. He also reflects on Labor’s political position, the risks of complacency, and why voter trust can never be ta…
28:48
Fighting against the horror of forced organ harvesting
Fighting against the horror of forced organ harvesting | The Issue For years, Falun Gong protestors have stood outside Federal Parliament demanding action to stop forced organ harvesting. But has Australia listened? It was nearly 20 years ago that esteemed lawyer David Matas uncovered the h…
26:59
Can houses built like Lego solve Australia’s housing crisis? The Issue investigates super-fast and super-cheap modular homes
Prefabricated homes can be built in a matter of days for as little as $100,000. However, finance issues and regulation are holding the sector back in Australia. Damien Crough the Executive Chairman of lobby group prefabAUS says the government needs to tackle the tradie shortage, banks need to make …
35:26
Australians 'don't seem to care' about the defence and security of our country anymore | THE ISSUE
Outgoing RSL President Greg Melick says he's 'concerned we have become a very selfish nation'.
25:53
The Whitlam dismissal and secret royal correspondence | THE ISSUE
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