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With the countdown to the federal election on, both sides of politics are attempting to shore up internal support and reassure voters. Labor is still firmly ahead in the polls, but the race is getting tighter, at least according to newspoll. In an unprecedented development, however, members of the Liberal Party have begun turning on Scott Morrison.Today columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the fight ahead.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From The Monthly and LiSTNR comes The Politics Podcast, a new daily podcast that cuts through the noise and delivers you the in-depth analysis of the moments that defined the day in politics. Hosted by Rachel Withers from The Monthly, The Politics Podcast drops at 5.30pm each weekday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the country, COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise. Yesterday, NSW recorded more than 24,000 new cases and in Victoria there were more than 12,000. While deaths and hospitalisations have not hit the highs of January, over 2,500 Australians are in hospital and the figure has been rising. So, what’s driving the spread of COVID-19 right now? Today, Professor Raina MacIntyre, a member of the World Health Organization’s advisory group, on what we’re misunderstanding about the current wave of infections, and what the long term costs are. Guest: Professor Raina MacIntyre.Background reading: Why Australia’s daily Covid cases are on the rise again in The Saturday Paper.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifteen years after winning the safe seat of Cook, the true story of Scott Morrison’s ugly preselection fight can now be revealed. For the first time, statutory declarations show how Morrison allegedly used race and religion to undermine a rival.Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, who broke the story, on what really happened and what it tells us about Scott Morrison as a politician. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen MiddletonBackground reading: ‘Actually a Moslem’: The true story of Morrison’s ruthless preselection in The Saturday Paper.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Marie Smith died from staggering neglect in her Adelaide home. Her carer was sentenced for manslaughter, but many in the Disability community believe that the charge should have been murder.Today, Disability activist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Georgia Cranko on what happened to Ann Marie Smith, and what the case tells us about how society treats Disabled people. Guest: Disability activist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Georgia Cranko.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than in any other election, next month’s poll will feature a defining number of independent candidates. They represent a new, well-organised reaction against the major parties. For the Liberals, they also represent a threat that may one day see the party split.Today, contributor to The Monthly Margaret Simons on the independents who could go on to hold the balance of power.Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Margaret Simons.Background reading: Independents and the balance of power in The Monthly.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions relies in part on the success of the federal government’s carbon market. But explosive claims from a former head of the government’s integrity body show almost all the money spent on emissions reduction has gone to projects that did not contribute to reductions.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the man blowing the whistle on the Morrison government’s sham carbon projects. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the ways survivors of child sexual abuse or violent crime can seek redress is through compensation. But, at that point, some discover that the perpetrators have hidden their assets - in their superannuation funds, where it can’t be reached.It’s a common enough problem that four years ago, the government promised to fix it. So far, however, it has failed to act on that promise. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Bri Lee on the loophole being exploited, and why the government has failed to act. Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Bri Lee.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night, Josh Frydenberg delivered his last budget before the Morrison government goes to the polls. It was a pitch to voters worried about the cost of living, with new payments and bold claims about an economic turnaround.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on what the government is promising and what it tells us about an election that could be called in the next few days.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the war in Ukraine enters its second month, it’s clear that a swift and easy victory for Russia was never a possibility. Russian forces are now fighting Ukraine on three fronts, but have failed to capture any major cities, with battles stalled as Ukrainians resist. So did Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimate Ukraine’s strength? And if so, what is he likely to do next?Today, historian and contributor to The Saturday Paper Mark Edele on how the war in Ukraine will end. Guest: Historian and contributor to The Saturday Paper Mark Edele.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.