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?

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.&nbsp;
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. &nbsp;
Can the country's biggest participation sport finally claim its primetime crown?

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 policy debates, geopolitical tensions, election cycles, social movements, and more. Each episode breaks down the news of the week, helping listeners make sense of complex developments and what they mean for the future. Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to stay informed, The Issue is your go-to source for clear, intelligent, and engaging political conversation.

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Could Australia really win the World Cup? There's one powerful believer in their corner

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.

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

‘NIMBYs need to suck it up’: Economists brutal take on how to solve Australia’s housing crisis 

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.

Australia&rsquo;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 &lsquo;more concerned&rsquo;.
The historian and diplomat with 30 years&rsquo; 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 &lsquo;The Curious Diplomat&rsquo; 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.

Historian and former Aussie diplomat Lachlan Strahan says we should be 'more concerned' about the military build up in the Indo-Pacific

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.

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&rsquo;s tax changes, the goal of 1.2 million new homes and immigration.

Could Australia really win the World Cup? There's one powerful believer in their corner

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