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Australia was one of the first western nations to recognise the communist government of China, almost 50 years ago.But more recently, China appeared to freeze out Australia diplomatically, and for six long years Chinese President Xi Jinping did not meet an Australian prime minister.This week, that changed. But how did the meeting come about? What was said? And can we restore diplomacy while continuing to speak vocally when criticism of the Chinese government is needed?Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on how Anthony Albanese sat down with Xi Jinping in Bali.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Charlie Teo is known for his incredible brain surgeries, taking on operations that other doctors won’t touch.But several families have come forward, who allege they were misled about the risks and that Teo’s operations left their loved ones worse off than before.Teo denies any wrongdoing, and says he treats his patients like he would want to be treated. But there’s another player in this story that hasn’t been subject to scrutiny: the news media.Today, contributor to The Monthly, Martin McKenzie-Murray, on Dr Charlie Teo and how the media built the image of a maverick miracle worker.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Martin McKenzie-Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the governor-general’s pet project, a foundation that promised to nurture the future leaders of Australia.But the elite foundation never came to be – the new government has axed it.So why did the governor-general put his name to it? Why did Scott Morrison decide to fund it before it was viable? And who was advocating for it?Today, Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the Australian Future Leaders Foundation and who was courted to support it.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world gathers at COP27 to decide on the next steps in our response to the climate crisis, the biggest point of contention is one idea: climate justice.It’s an idea that could force the richest nations – such as Australia – to pay for the damages and loss that climate catastrophe is causing in poorer countries.But could it really happen? Is it viable? And would Australia ever sign up to the idea of climate reparations?Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how the countries facing devastation from our emissions are demanding justice.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on eight nuclear-powered submarines.It’s estimated to be one of the biggest spends in the history of the Australian government.So why are we buying them? Are they the best use of taxpayer money? And will they even be able to do the job they’re meant to do?Today, former director of war studies at the Australian Army Research Centre and adjunct professor at UNSW Canberra Albert Palazzo, on whether new submarines can actually keep us safe.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Former director of war studies at the Australian Army Research Centre, Albert Palazzo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, author and farmer Sam Vincent, with his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. It explores how native Australian ingredients have gone from novelty to gourmet; now featured in some of the most acclaimed fine dining establishments in Australia.But what does the rise of culinary nationalism mean for the way we think about Australian food?Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Author and farmer, Sam VincentBackground Reading: Native foods in the Plate Southern LandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labor government’s workplace reform package, which it promises will increase wages, has passed the lower house. But it may struggle to pass the senate.There’s frustration mounting between crossbenchers, unions and government ministers – and that’s threatening to derail the most important reform package this government has put forward.But instead of the dispute paralysing the whole of Canberra, something else is happening…Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace on a new season for politics. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk says he plans to turn Twitter into his ideal version of a public square, and use it to advance the evolution of human communication.But his vision of that public square also involves people paying to be prominent – and the public are not allowed to parody Musk, unless they clearly state they’re making a joke.So what does the chaotic week at Twitter tell us about the world’s richest man, his ideas about speech and how far he’ll go to influence the way we communicate?Today, author Elle Hardy, on Elon Musk’s attempt to engineer the truth.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Journalist and author of Beyond Belief, Elle Hardy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not long ago, the Australian government was forced to abandon a scheme it was using to pursue welfare recipients for money.The robo-debt scheme was binned in 2019 after the government finally asked the solicitor-general for legal advice.He told them what many had long suspected: it was probably unlawful.So who else knew about the potential illegality of robo-debt? How early did they know? And why did it go ahead at all?Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the robo-debt royal commission and how years of suffering could have been averted.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Americans head to the polls in the country’s midterm elections.At stake is control of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. Both are on a knife's edge, and major losses for the Democrats could make the next two years of Joe Biden’s presidency incredibly difficult and bring major reform to a standstill.That is something Donald Trump will be hoping for, as reports circulate that he could announce his presidential campaign for 2024 within days.Today, former Democratic Party adviser and a senior fellow at the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, Bruce Wolpe on the US midterms and what they mean for the future of American politics.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.Guest: Former Democratic Party adviser and a senior fellow at the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, Bruce Wolpe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.