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…

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…

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…

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 …

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'.

The Whitlam dismissal and secret royal correspondence | THE ISSUE

Dealing with the cost of living crisis: Shadow Treasurer reveals Coalition policy plans | THE ISSUE

After three interest rate cuts in 2025 many thought the cost-of-living crisis was over. But headline inflation has shot up to 3.2% and unemployment is now at 4.5% in Australia. The Issue speaks to Shadow Treasurer, Ted O’Brien, about how to solve this problem. The Deputy Liberal Leader reveals some…

Freedom of speech v misinformation: Spy boss weighs in over greatest threat to democracy | THE ISSUE

The world is more divided online. The public’s trust in governments and security agencies is weakened. Activists like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have divided opinion with their actions – exposing government and military secrets to the world. Retired four-star admiral Mike Rogers says misinfo…

'Trump may well be in a good mood': How Albo needs to approach meeting with US president next week

Albo meets Trump. A former Ambassador to the United States takes 'The Issue' through what confronts Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister prepares for his highest stakes leaders meeting yet. Dennis Richardson also shares insights on the Oval Office meetings he helped organise, the Prime Ministers …

The immigration debate: Who’s really responsible for a ‘Big Australia’ – Labor or the Coalition?

Liberal politicians - Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Price - are leading the charge to lower Australia’s immigration rate. But new analysis from the Australian National University says Coalition governments have largely been responsible for increased migration, this century. Creating the 457 temporary w…