The Issue

As the AI revolution ramps up in Australia, AI Professor Toby Walsh is optimistic but cautious. In this week's episode of The Issue, Toby Walsh discusses the rapidly growing number of data centres in Australia and our need to use new renewable energy. He also speaks on worrying AI surveillance tech and the facilitation of crime by Silicon Valley.

What would you ask Anthony Albanese if you had the chance? Mortgage broker Joseph Daoud dropped $16.5k at a charity auction - not for himself, but to give three everyday Australians a front-row seat to his tennis match with Anthony Albanese at The Lodge. Want in? Tell Joe in 25 words or less what question you'd ask Albo at https://www.stoptheambitiontax.com/tennis On this week's episode of The Issue: 📈 Where property prices and soaring rents are headed next (and what buyers should do right now) 💬 The 35-year-old entrepreneur reveals what he plans to tell the PM—and why government transparency is at the top of his agenda.

Defence recently confirmed a plague of unidentified flights above RAAF bases. Industry insiders tell us drones are now a critical danger for us all. In this week's episode of The Issue, CEOs Ben Westgarth, Justin Olde, and aviation academic Oleksandra Molloy discuss the drone threat in wars and Aussie skies.

All three of the major parties in Australia are now pushing to lower Australia’s migration rate.   Pauline Hanson and One Nation have shaken up the debate on population.   But if we are going to cut immigration, how do we keep the country growing?  Demographer Peter McDonald says he is “pro-child” and would support the government increasing access to the Family Tax Benefit.   The Issue this week delves into the hottest argument in politics right now.  

Chris Richardson says residents who oppose new local developments otherwise known as NIMBYs ("Not In My Back Yard"), need to ‘suck it up’ in for the nation to solve its housing crisis.     The Economist says the country’s housing policy for decades has been the word no.   “No, you can't do that. No, you can't build here, you especially can't build there, and on those occasions where you are allowed to build, there are a whole heap of rules and regulations that mean that that building's going to be incredibly expensive,” Richardson tells The Issue Podcast.   “You need the Federal Government to bully the states, to bully the councils, to get stuff done.”   The man who tells it straight about Canberra also unleashes on the Federal Budget, defence spending, interest rates, and inflation.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has raised concerns with China over its nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific. But is that enough? Lachlan Strahan tells The Issue if these types of incidents increase in frequency, we should become ‘more concerned’. The historian and diplomat with 30 years’ experience also questions whether AUKUS will work out, he says the Albanese Government is spending too much cash on rugby league diplomacy, and says the PM may be getting a little too close to Indian PM Modi. Strahan has written a book called ‘The Curious Diplomat’ and today on The Issue he shares jaw dropping stories, including going into North Korea on a mission and being yelled at by politicians. He also shares his thoughts on Pauline Hanson, and what a One Nation Government would mean for international relations.

The CEO of Master Builders Australia has revealed to 7NEWS she received death threats to her family home in Canberra. Denita Wawn says the ordeal pushed her to clean-up the building sector and the construction union, the CFMEU. In this episode of The Issue podcast, she also tackles the tradie shortage, the federal budget’s tax changes, the goal of 1.2 million new homes and immigration.

How secure is Australia’s food supply? The podcast examines that critical Issue this week. We talk to Xavier Martin, a broadacre farmer from the Liverpool Plains and the President of the NSW Farmers Association. He says high fuel prices, shortages of fertiliser and uncertain weather patterns are forcing farmers to make decisions to cut back how much food they’re producing. The show’s second guest is Retired Colonel Neil Greet who served for 30 years including in Iraq and Timor Leste. He also supported the Australian Defence Force response to the deadly Black Saturday Fires in 2009. He’s complied a report for the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group who say there’s a plausible case for regional food shortages emerging over the next 12 months. Links to reports mentioned: NSW Farmers Farm Business Sentiment Survey  https://www.nswfarmers.org.au/NSWFA/NSWFA/Posts/News/mr.027.26.aspx ABARES Agricultural Commodities Report https://daff.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/search/asset/1038221/0/00_AgCommodities202606_v1.0.0.pdf 

Bristling with high-tech weapons, Beijing is inseparable from the case for Australia spending tens of billions more on our defence in the years ahead. How dangerous is China's surge in military capability? How does their military strength compare to Australia or the US? RAND security expert Mark Cozad discusses all in this week's episode of The Issue.

The nuclear-powered submarine club, AUKUS, promises security. But besides from the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars - what is the real cost behind the sub club? In this week's episode of The Issue, Greens NSW Senator David Shoebridge had much to say on Australia's 'sovereign' decision-making.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh was called a liar by Aussie soldier and MP Phil Thompson two weeks ago on 7NEWS' The Issue podcast. This week, Keogh speaks on the veterans' compensation reform set to kick in on July 1, Australia's "national tragedy" of veteran suicides, and his response to Thompson's criticism. WARNING: This podcast contains themes that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is in crisis or need support, immediate help is available. Contact Open Arms at 1800 011 046. You can also reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Defence All-hours Support Line at 1800 628 036.

In just a year, the rocketship from the right - One Nation - has flew past the old guard, climbing five times the vote it had at last year's polls. In this week's episode of The Issue, 'Poll Bludger' William Bowe discusses how Pauline Hanson's revolution is going to change Australian politics, and what this means ahead of the 2028 federal election.

This Aussie stared death in the face and lived to tell the tale. This is the new battle he fights as a Member of Parliament. He refused to back down from calling the Prime Minister a 'liar'.  Now Phil Thompson has revealed why. The Coalition says it will get rid of a $5,000 funding cap on veterans' allied health.

For months Donald Trump has promised peace with Iran is close. Energy experts say the crisis is far from over. From the Strait of Hormuz to fears of a global energy shock, Dr Jessie Moritz joins The Issue to unpack how this war could reshape the Middle East and the global economy for years to come.

As the FIFA World Cup looms, the high-stakes battles Australian football faces both on the pitch and in the boardroom only becomes clearer. Australia is officially locked into Group D for the World Cup in North America. In this week's episode of The Issue, we unpack the schedule - from the kickoff against Turkey in Vancouver, to a highly anticipated Seattle showdown against the USA that doubles as a potential sideline summit for Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump.  Newly appointed Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler has a massive task ahead with critical broadcast negotiations fast approaching, and a fight with the federal government for $50 million towards a National Football Headquarters in Sydney.   Can the country's biggest participation sport finally claim its primetime crown?

Australia’s housing crisis has hit breaking point — but the Albanese Government's recent bombshell at this week's Federal Budget hopes to fix it. Sitting down with 7NEWS' The Issue, Housing Minister Clare O’Neil defends Labor’s dramatic housing overhaul, including changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, foreign buyers, and first-home buyer support. But there’s one issue the federal government must also confront - repeated election promises that changes to the housing market were “off the table.” So why the backflip? Will it actually make housing cheaper? And is this the political gamble that defines Labor’s future?

Sally Tindall discusses the impact of rising interest rates on Australian households, mortgage strategies, savings, and the broader economic outlook amid surging inflation and questionable government policies. The Director of Data Insights at Canstar joins Political Reporter Josh Martin to navigate the tough times the nation is facing.

This week The Issue Podcast explores the complex political dynamics at play in the Farrer byelection, including the rise of One Nation and Independents, the decline of the major parties, and regional issues (such as health and water) impacting voter behaviour. Join 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, and Redbridge Director, Simon Welsh, to gain insights into Australia's shifting political landscape and what it means for future elections.

Australia’s housing market is at a tipping point. With the federal budget looming, major changes to housing policy, including negative gearing and capital gains tax, are being debated in Canberra. But could these decisions make the crisis even worse? In this episode of The Issue, property investor Sam Gordon, who owns more than 150 properties, shares a stark warning. Government intervention could drive rents higher, push prices up, and lock an entire generation out of home ownership.

How does the Australian War Memorial tell the messy truth about war? It’s a shrine, a world-class museum and an archive in Canberra that’s undergoing a $550 million upgrade. The Issue looks at what’s next for the Memorial, how it honours veterans, and how it handles a painful history including the Frontier Wars. Plus, 7News uncovers the plans it has in place to handle the war crimes court case against Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith. The Australian War Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, is this week’s guest on the podcast. Lifeline offers free 24/7 counselling via phone, online chat, and video to anyone feeling suicidal, bereaved by suicide or worried about someone else. Call 1300 659 467.

David Pocock is considered one of the greatest ever Wallabies, now he’s giving the major parties grief as a Senator for the ACT in Federal Parliament. This week’s episode looks at the short- and long-term lessons from the Iran War and oil crisis. The 37-year-old independent politician weighs in on tax, gas, fuel, the budget, public servants, the future of contact sports and why he wants a new stadium in Canberra.  

If you ask Scott Phillips how effective our governments have been at getting a high price from the companies that export our energy resources - expect an earful. This week's episode of The Issue features the Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips, who discusses hard truths with 7NEWS' political reporter, Tim Lester. 

Angus Taylor hails from the bush and has proven his country credentials to 7News, at the Camden Show near Sydney, by riding a bull, shearing a sheep and cracking a whip. But can the new Liberal Party leader become prime minister of Australia? In this episode, The Issue asks the fresh Coalition leader key questions on immigration, the One Nation challenge, Anthony Albanese, the economy and the war in Iran. Mr Taylor also opens to 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, on losing his Mum at a young age and who he’s seeking advice from as he seeks to defeat Anthony Albanese at the 2028 federal election.

How bad could the fuel blockage become? What does the war tell us about Australia's weak spots? This week's episode of The Issue features author and Deputy Chief of the RAAF, John Blackburn, who discusses all with 7NEWS' Tim Lester.

This week The Issue looks at the power of social media in the political world. Brisbane based activist Drew Pavlou got  President Donald Trump interested in the plight of Iranian footballers. It resulted in the President calling Anthony Albanese about the issue at 2 in the morning. But for Pavlou social media is giving him more than influence and power, it is putting food table and $10 thousand in the bank each month. He admits that unlike journalists he takes hard political stances, and discusses his shift from the left to the right of politics. The 26 year old also tells the story of how he was blocked from entering the United States due to a post about pop star Billie Eilish. 

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 growing threat of anti-Muslim hatred in Australia, and why he believes the country risks falling behind in the global race for artificial intelligence.

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 outage is blamed for the deaths of two Australians, but it has exposed a crisis that telcos, phone makers and the government are now scrambling to deal with. Luke Coleman is the CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, which is the peak body for telcos like Telstra, Optus and TPG. He has advice on what to do if you're concerned your device isn't up to date.

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 political future.

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.

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 modelling from the Parliamentary Budget Office shows the tax concession will cost taxpayers $247 billion over the next decade. Tasmania Senator Nick McKim sits down for this week's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Abbott's views on the Trump administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, immigration, energy, his relationship with Pauline Hanson, and complimentary flights from billionaire Gina Rinehart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 perspective from inside the cockpit. Years later, still living with the consequences, he works to honour the men who didn’t make it home.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 international relations.  The CEO of the International Education Association of Australia is this week's guest on The Issue.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 taken for granted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 human rights horror in China.    As protests persist, we examine what’s changed and what hasn’t in Australia’s response to the horrific practice.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 lending easier, and admits the sector has an image problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing RSL President Greg Melick says he's 'concerned we have become a very selfish nation'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 of the key changes coming from the Coalition's policy reviews on nuclear energy, the economy and the public service. And responds to the chaos gripping the Coalition and Sussan Ley's leadership.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 misinformation is a defining challenge of these times. The former Director of the United States National Security Agency sits down with The Issue to unpack these problems.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 he worked for and the recent fuss around Australia's current Ambassador in Washington, Kevin Rudd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 work visas, tying universities to international student fees, and signing 70% of Australia’s working holiday agreements. Professor Alan Gamlen breaks down the debate with the Issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Labor insider believes Anthony Albanese will increase the number of politicians in federal parliament, and break a key promise on property taxes.     While it sounds like a major political misstep, top pollster Kos Samaras tells 7NEWS it's all part of the prime minster's secret plan to wipe the Coalition off the electoral map. Younger, city based voters are changing the game for Labor.  Podcast produced before Andrew Hastie quit the shadow ministry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shifting position on Palestine. The Albanese government makes the symbolic move in New York with like-minded governments, but does it help efforts to end the Gaza War. A former Australian Ambassador to Israel makes his case. 00:00 - Introduction 02:36 - Growing up 03:30 - Political philosophy 05:44 - Australia's relation with Israel 10:40 - Recognising the state of Palestine 17:00 - A two state solution 18.33 - Australia's relationship with the US 20:21 - Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 25:50 - Andrew Hastie's comments 30:40 - Dave Sharma turning 50     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s economy is vulnerable to a shutdown by criminals, terrorists and rogue nations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s foreign policy has reshaped America’s role in the world. For decades, US security and prosperity were seen as tied to Europe and Asia through strong alliances, including with Australia. Trump challenges this approach, arguing America can rely on its own strength while stepping back from global commitments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s recently retired cyber intelligence boss discusses digital threats and the roles they’ve played in the big news stories of recent weeks. From Iranian links to firebombings, Neo Nazis and China backed cyber intruders, Rachel Noble analyses the dangers and argues there’s still room for optimism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.