Radio National Breakfast

ABC Australia
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Mar 19, 2026 • 7min

Global economic impacts of Middle East gas field strikes

Energy prices have sharply surged on global markets following Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars gas field - the world's largest natural gas reserve.Iran has retaliated with strikes targeting major energy infrastructure inside Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.US President Donald Trump says America knew nothing of Israel's attack on South Pars - promising that Israel will launch no more attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure.GUEST: David Butter is an economics and energy analyst and Associate Fellow of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham HousePRODUCER: Eddy Diamond 
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Mar 19, 2026 • 5min

'International law applies to everybody,' says UN official

Almost three weeks after Israel and the US began its bombing campaign on Iran, the country's brutal theocratic regime remains in power.It's raised concerns about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Iran, just months after a crackdown on protests saw tens of thousands of people reportedly killed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Guest: Sara Hossain, Chair of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on IranProducer: Grace Stranger
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Mar 18, 2026 • 25min

Breakfast Wrap: The race for fuel security

Today's National Cabinet meeting is looking at ways to tackle demand-driven shortages of fuel. So we hear from one of the industries struggling with shortages and high prices - the ag sector. Then, we cross to far north Queensland for the latest on Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and we find out how communities in the NT are faring following disasters earlier this month. And we probe the deepening divide among MAGA Republicans about the war in Iran.Recap the morning's news, politics and global affairs with the Breakfast Wrap.
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Mar 18, 2026 • 11min

Changing Australia: Rob Pascoe and building a circular economy

Waste not, want not, as the saying goes.Rob Pascoe has made it a life mission.The recycling movement that began in the 1970s and '80s has evolved into the concept of a circular economy today, where products are designed to be reused, repaired and recycled.Before the notion of a circular economy was widely understood, Rob left a marketing career behind to set up Closed Loop — a pioneer in solutions to meet the circular challenge.Guest: Rob Pascoe, founder and managing director of Closed Loop
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Mar 18, 2026 • 4min

'A fact of life': Far North Queensland communities prepare for TC Narelle

Wild weather is set to batter far north Queensland communities from tonight, as Tropical Cyclone Narelle heads towards the coast.The system has already reached its new predicted peak of category four.GUEST: Robyn Holmes, Mayor of Cook Shire Council 
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Mar 18, 2026 • 7min

'Only take what you need': Darren Chester urges people in cities not to panic buy fuel

The war in the middle east has intensified overnight with both Israel and Iran targeting major energy sites, so what does this mean for fuel security? GUEST: Darren Chester, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryPRODUCER: Isadora Bogle
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Mar 18, 2026 • 8min

'Might get tight': Agriculture Minister on fertiliser supplies if Middle East conflict prolonged

The Prime Minister has flagged further action to shield Australians from global uncertainty in the coming days, as the ongoing Middle East conflict increasingly threatens food and fuel security.Anthony Albanese will meet with state and territory leaders later today, with talks to focus on strengthening cooperation around supply lines.GUEST: Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryPRODUCER: Isadora Bogle 
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Mar 18, 2026 • 5min

Now 'absolutely the time' for bold budget reform, says EY economist

Today, the traditional centrepiece of pre-budget festivities - the first of the Treasurer's pre-budget speeches.With the war in the middle east threatening to push inflation above 5%, Jim Chalmers argues the turmoil only strengthens the case for bold budget reforms.GUEST: Cherelle Murphy, Regional Chief Economist for EY
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Mar 18, 2026 • 10min

Fuel and fertiliser shortage hits at crunch time for farmers

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with state and territory leaders later today on fuel security as the conflict in the middle east intensifies.The conflict has sent oil prices skyrocketing, with some regional areas across Australia experiencing supply issues - just as the crucial seeding season begins for grain growers.Guest: Andrew Henderson, Principal at AgSecure and Senior Fellow at Australian Strategic Policy Institute Guest: Danny Allen, Farmer from Yorke Peninsula Producer: Brooke Young, Tyler Hall and Eddy Diamond 
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Mar 18, 2026 • 6min

War in Iran divides MAGA

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared the war on Iran a success, but some of his most fervent supporters aren't buying it.The resignation of Joe Kent - Director of the National Counterterrorism Center - has exposed a growing divide in the MAGA movement.Mr Kent said he couldn't "in good conscience" support the war because Iran posed "no imminent threat" to the US.Guest: Andrew Day, senior editor The American ConservativeProducer: Grace Stranger

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