Late Night Live — Full program podcast Gambling's grip on politicians, Cuba's invasion threat and greenwashing green burials
Feb 17, 2026
Christian Slattery, democracy campaigner exposing how gambling money buys access to politicians. Dr Luis Martinez-Fernandez, historian on Cuba’s politics and US ties, assesses instability and military risks. Hannah Gould, cultural anthropologist studying funerary practices, probes environmental claims of green burials. They dissect lobbying loopholes, Cuba’s crisis dynamics, and the real costs behind eco-funeral marketing.
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Canberra Lags The States On Disclosure
- At the federal level ministers need not publish diaries and lobbyist contacts are not disclosed, unlike several states.
- Transparency International ranks the Commonwealth as the laggard on lobbying disclosure.
Strengthen Transparency And Enforcement
- Implement timely ministerial diary disclosure including senior advisors and public servants to show who meets politicians.
- Introduce longer cooling‑off periods and an independent watchdog with penalties to deter revolving‑door and unethical lobbying.
Cuba Nears A Breaking Point
- Cuba faces an unprecedented crisis after oil from Venezuela was cut and Maduro was captured, worsening shortages and infrastructure collapse.
- Luis Martinez‑Fernandez predicts the current regime may not survive six months under these pressures.
