Radio National Breakfast

Katy Gallagher, Australia’s Minister for Finance overseeing the federal budget, speaks about preparing for a challenging May budget amid global volatility. She discusses fuel supply coordination and international action to keep oil flowing. She outlines a 5% efficiency drive across government and how tax and productivity reforms are tied to budget choices.

Jane Hume, Deputy Liberal leader and federal MP, talks regional politics and policy. She backs Matt Canavan’s plan to make it easier for public servants to work from home in regional areas. She discusses campaigning in Farrer, concerns about fuel supply and building domestic resilience. She highlights choice and lifestyle priorities for regional families.

A run-through of Timothée Chalamet's offhand dismissal of ballet and opera and the backlash that followed. How performing arts groups turned the moment into promotion and publicity. Coverage of jokes at the awards, a surprise ballet comeback, and reflections on dancers' athleticism and cultural staying power.

Warwick McKibbin, economist and former RBA board member now at the Peterson Institute and ANU, discusses interest rates, inflation and policy choices. He argues rates may need to rise to rein in inflation. He weighs domestic policy priorities against Middle East uncertainty. He draws historical parallels and stresses transparency in central bank communication.

Anna‑Maria Arabia, Chief Executive at the Australian Academy of Science and adviser on national R&D policy. She outlines a bold roadmap to rebuild Australia’s research system. Shortfalls in R&D spending and why they matter to living standards are explored. The conversation highlights who should fund and steer mission‑driven innovation for economic resilience and sovereign capability.

Admiral Gary Roughead, former Chief of Naval Operations, offers frank, frontline naval perspective. He explains why escorts through the Strait of Hormuz are hard to mount right now. He outlines how many ships convoys might need. He discusses protecting imports both ways, dealing with shore-based threats, and the strain on missile and interceptor supplies.

Seyed Hossein Mousavian, former Iranian ambassador to Germany and ex-head of Iran's foreign relations committee, speaks about Iran's response to US and Israeli pressure. He discusses the return of women footballers and rising nationalism. He outlines Iran's preparedness and estimates how long it could sustain conflict. He contrasts domestic protests driven by economic grievances with national unity in face of external attacks.

Peter Malinauskas, South Australia premier tackling state politics and algal blooms. Hicham Fawaz, Beirut logistics lead on health emergencies amid bombardment. Ripley Atkinson, meats and livestock manager on export and freight headaches. Catherine King, federal infrastructure minister on fuel reserves and supply steps. Brian Clark, maritime security expert on threats to the Strait of Hormuz and naval options. They discuss disruptions to shipping, fuel and regional health crises.

Joanna Holden, mayor of Katherine in the Northern Territory, speaks about life after record floods and local recovery. She describes hundreds displaced, schools reopening, and the crucial role of ADF support. She calls for federal help to rebuild infrastructure, a flood‑safe hospital and an evacuation centre. The tone mixes urgent appeals with community resilience.

Bronwyn Sheehan, founder of the Pyjama Foundation who trains volunteers to mentor children in out-of-home care. She describes starting with one toddler and how reading aloud sparked connection. She talks about trauma-informed volunteer training, the challenge of building trust through consistency, and how tailored weekly mentoring helps children catch up in reading.