Radio National Breakfast

For rural families, a round trip to the local footy oval, swim meet or netball courts can take hours - and burn hundreds of litres of increasingly expensive petrol each week.That's forcing many parents to make some tough decisions; cutting back on extra-curricular activities and school events to preserve the family budget.GUEST: Jess Pluckrose, sheep and cattle farmer on Marrapina Station, NSWPRODUCER: Brooke Young

The Lebanese army says one of its soldiers has been killed, and several others injured after an Israeli attack on a checkpoint in the country's south.It comes as Israel continues a major military incursion in Lebanon, as part of a plan to establish a security zone from the Israeli border, known as the Blue Line, to the Litani River.Lebanese President Joseph Auon has denounced Israel's campaign - which has included targeting bridges and other civilian infrastructure; describing it as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.More than 1,200 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict reignited just over a month agoGuest: Sally Hayden, correspondent for The Irish Times based in BeirutProducer: Pip Cook

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.