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Australians love to heat their homes and cook their meals with gas, but its future in our households has a limit. Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has taken a big step in phasing out gas by banning it in new homes from January 1, 2024.But the announcement provoked anger and outrage among conservative commentators, and some members of the public, who insist gas is best.So, does Australia have any hope of reaching net zero if our kitchen stoves have become politicised? Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how gas in the home became a new front in the culture wars.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian housing is in crisis – the country doesn’t have enough affordable homes for the growing number of people who need them.This week, the Albanese government will begin its second attempt to pass its key housing policy.The bill is being reintroduced to parliament unchanged, but will need the Greens’ support. All signs point to a political stalemate.Today, contributing editor of The Politics and The Monthly online Rachel Withers, on an idea to fix the housing crisis that’s gaining traction and why it could break through the paralysis in Canberra.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributing editor of The Politics, Rachel Withers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, author Don Watson will be reading his piece from the June issue of The Monthly, reflecting on WW2 ace pilot Sir Douglas Bader.Bader was a remarkable Royal Air Force pilot in the second world war. Brazen and courageous, he managed to escape death countless times, scored dozens of victories, and was even redeployed as a pilot after having both legs amputated.However, in the words of Don Watson, Sir Douglas Bader was also a bit of a ‘stinker’, and an ‘unreconstructed racist’. Yes, it turns out Bader is a classic 20th century hero, who is ripe for a classic 21st century cancellation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Author Don WatsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has a new pet project. He is reinventing, and possibly destroying, the site formerly known as Twitter.Now known simply as X, the iconic blue bird logo is no more. But Musk’s rebrand isn’t purely for aesthetics. It's the beginning of the billionaire’s vision to create a ubiquitous ‘everything app’ of the future. Could this ambitious plan to centralise communication, shopping, banking and social media be brazen enough to work? Or will x.com be an expensive mistake? Today, Reuters financial journalist and long-time watcher of Elon Musk’s business empire, Antony Currie, on Elon’s plan to disrupt the global financial system. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Financial journalist and editor at Reuters Breakingviews, Antony Currie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Australian Conservation Foundation are some of the biggest recipients of donations from Australians who want to make a difference for the planet.But increasingly the biggest groups are working with the government and corporate Australia – instead of resisting them.What does that shift mean? Will it help or hinder the fight against climate change? And what does it mean for the future of environmentalism?Today, writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo on why the environmental movement is divided – at a time when we need it most.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo and former leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who would axe a campaign to promote consent on university campuses?We know that sexual assault of students is an enormous problem, and a national campaign designed by experts is exactly the kind of thing you’d expect to be part of the solution.Well, not if you’re one of the university vice-chancellors who put a stop to it.Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica reveals why a vocal minority killed a new push to make universities safer – to the surprise of experts involved.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Journalist Kristine ZiwicaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, Charles Prouse discusses the speculation around abandoning a referendum for legislating the voice. He emphasizes the importance of enshrining the Voice in the Constitution to protect it. The chapter addresses the arguments against the voice referendum, highlighting historical injustices faced by Indigenous people. Prouse discusses the positive impact of voting for the Voice and its potential benefits for the country, including progress in Indigenous Affairs.

It started with PwC, but now accusations are being levelled at the other big consultancy firms in Australia.Over the last 10 years, more and more government decision-making has been outsourced to multi-billion dollar firms in lucrative contracts. Now, the firms’ relationships with government and their level of influence are under close scrutiny in Canberra. Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the big four consultancies – and why one contract between Deloitte and the Home Affairs department had to be terminated.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen MiddletonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese concedes support for the Voice to Parliament has slipped.Polls taken around this time last year showed more than 60 per cent of respondents in favour of the Voice. Now, it’s as low as 41 per cent. Each side of the debate has just published their official argument for voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’, which will be posted to every Australian household ahead of the referendum. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the official cases and why Anthony Albanese is feeling the need to go on a media blitz.Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off tonight, with the Matildas playing Ireland in Sydney.The 83,500-capacity Stadium Australia is completely sold out, making it one of the biggest crowds in the history of women’s football.But, as the game’s popularity explodes and the players cement themselves as household names, the Matildas are still fighting for basic rights – like equal pay.Today, writer and Matildas fanatic Sarah Krasnostein on the Women’s World Cup – and the impact the Tillies will have on Australian sport. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Writer, Sarah KrasnosteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.