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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Australia's big debates: AI, ISIS brides, big banks and our relationship with the US
In this episode of The Issue, the former federal cabinet minister Ed Husic gives a blunt assessment of where Australia is heading and where he believes things are going wrong. After being dropped from the Albanese government’s frontbench, Husic reflects on the political realities inside Labor, the…
33:59
The truth behind the triple 0 meltdown: The problem that affected millions of Aussies
Dozens of phone models including Samsung and iPhone need software updates to connect to 000 in Australia. Some handsets can't be updated and need to be thrown in the bin. In this episode, the Issue investigates whether users should be entitled to a discount or refund. Last year's Optus triple-zero …
30:07
Pauline Hanson on immigration, Trump and One Nation's surprising rise
Queensland Senator and One Nation founder Pauline Hanson sits down with Tim Lester for a wide-ranging interview covering the surge in One Nation's polling, her views on Trump's America, immigration policy, the prospect of Barnaby Joyce joining the party, and candid reflections on her age and politi…
27:28
How secret should we let our Defence department be? The people who argue for a lack of transparency
When the world enters a period of sharper geopolitical contest, how much secrecy is too much? In this episode of The Issue, Defence Minister Richard Marles speaks with Tim Lester about transparency, capability challenges, and the future of Australia’s security partnerships.
32:34
Property Investors vs First Home Buyers: The tax debate dominating Canberra ahead of the budget
May's federal budget could pit property investors and first home buyers against each other. The Albanese Government isn't ruling out major changes to the capital gains tax discount. Greens Senators would have the deciding vote and tell 7News podcast The Issue they're willing to negotiate. New model…
24:07
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