Radio National Breakfast

Daniel Mookhey, NSW Treasurer, urges a staged national framework for fuel security. Christy McBain, Minister for Regional Development and Emergency Management, outlines regional fuel distribution and reserves. Stephen E. Biegun, former US Deputy Secretary of State, analyzes US strategy and alliance implications. Hisham El-Omacy, Yemen analyst, explains Houthi capabilities and risks to Red Sea shipping.

Dr Alexander Braczkowski, conservation biologist who studies bat-driven pollination and seed dispersal. He explains the 'bat ripple' and how flying foxes create millions of trees by moving large seeds. He outlines the first continental-scale study of their impact and discusses threats like habitat loss and heatwave die-offs.

Russell Kerr, founder of Hands-On Learning and former teacher who reimagined classroom engagement. He recounts taking disengaged students into the bush to build stick furniture and how hands-on projects ignited creativity and confidence. Talks cover scaling the program to 140 schools, balancing practical doing with core academics, and the roles of teachers and artisans in full-day sessions.

Stephen E. Biegun, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Lowy Institute fellow, discusses timelines and limits in the Middle East crisis. He contrasts Trump 2.0’s transactional, public decision style with traditional alliance politics. He explores risks to US-Europe ties, implications for the US pivot to Asia, and possible strategic openings for China.

Daniel Mookhey, NSW Treasurer responsible for the state’s finances, discusses fuel security and GST division. He talks about federal steps to ease the fuel crunch and the uncertainty around supply timing. He explains why states are split on making public transport free. He pushes for a national framework with triggers and staged interventions, and outlines NSW’s push to reform the GST carve-up.

Anne Ruston, Liberal Senator for South Australia and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, raises alarm about aged-care services during the fuel crisis. She highlights struggles for Meals on Wheels and rural providers to reach clients. She urges clear national planning and open discussion of economic measures to protect older Australians.

Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Emergency Management and regional development, discusses coordinating a national response to fuel shortages and protecting regional fuel supplies. She talks about balancing voluntary and mandatory measures, the need for uniform rules across jurisdictions, emergency fuel reserves, and recovery efforts after Cyclone Narelle damaged WA communities.

Shirley Saywell, transport manager with 40+ years at Brady & Kibble Freight, pushes for heavy vehicle electrification amid soaring diesel costs. She discusses fuel levies, worries about fuel availability, the need for depot charging infrastructure, policy barriers and why Australia lags behind places like China. She vows not to retire until her fleet includes an electric rig.

Warren Hogan, Managing Director of EQ Economics and commentator on inflation and energy, breaks down fuel and macro risks. He explains why Australia may not see immediate gas gains. He discusses recession odds, how fuel price rises spread, housing market impacts, stagflation risks, and business choices around work-from-home and transport.

Oleksandr Merezhko, Ukrainian MP and chair of the Verkhovna Rada's Foreign Affairs Committee, discusses Ukraine sharing hard-won drone and missile defence know-how with Gulf states. He frames Zelensky’s visits as security partnerships. Talks cover expected economic and industrial payoffs, questions over arms transfers, and geopolitical impacts on Russian revenue and regional tensions.