Radio National Breakfast

Leigh Ryswick, former Brisbane Lions player who recently came out publicly, shares his story and the reactions he received. Murray Watt, Australian frontbencher, discusses Australia’s defensive support and fuel concerns. Dr Fahad Al-Tafak, UAE ambassador, outlines attacks and regional security. Aaron David Miller, ex-US Middle East negotiator, analyses the US 15-point plan and escalation risks.

Stephanie Borys, Radio National political correspondent, provides on-the-ground reporting. Karen Barlow, chief political correspondent at The Saturday Paper, offers sharp political analysis. Phil Coorey, political editor at the AFR, breaks down federal strategy. They discuss national cabinet’s fuel crisis response, regional diesel shortages, government communication and transparency, EU trade deal reactions and shifting global alliances.

Leigh Ryswyk, former AFL draftee and long-time SANFL player, talks about coming out as gay and the timing of going public. He recounts club culture, the warm public response, comparisons with AFLW, and advice for players wrestling with coming out. Short, personal reflections on how his disclosure has resonated with the football community.

Murray Watt, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, discusses fuel supply disruptions tied to Middle East tensions and Australia’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He covers defensive support to the region and how supply constraints hit councils and services. He also talks about plastics recycling and using recycled materials to help ease shortages.

Dr Fahad Al-Tafak, UAE ambassador to Australia and seasoned diplomat, outlines UAE security challenges and regional tensions. He recounts the scale of missile and drone attacks and describes defence and international cooperation. He highlights diplomatic efforts, ties with partners, and the UAE’s insistence that it sought to avoid this war.

Matt Nicola, Mayor of Exmouth, gives first-hand accounts as Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle nears. He describes a sleepless night and why he moved into his concrete shop for safety. The conversation covers power outages, likely roof and infrastructure damage, community preparations and memories of Cyclone Vance. Listeners hear about shifting winds and the town facing hours of severe weather.

Andrew McKellar, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks on business reactions to rising Middle East tensions. He discusses growing anxiety across industries. He outlines government coordination on fuel supply, demand-management ideas like flexible work and reduced travel. He highlights staff shortages and pressure on essential services.

Kelly Grieco, senior fellow at the Stimson Centre who studies US defense and drone warfare, breaks down Iran's military picture. She outlines estimates of missiles and launchers. She discusses Iran's operational flexibility, changing attack tempo, drone production and replenishment, and specific threats around the Strait of Hormuz.

Kira Rudik, Ukrainian MP and leader of the Holos party, speaks on Ukraine’s security amid shifting global conflicts. She discusses how the Middle East fighting diverts weapons and attention away from Ukraine. She addresses risks if US guarantees are conditional and warns about the consequences of pressured territorial concessions.

Aaron David Miller, former US Middle East negotiator and Carnegie fellow, breaks down why Trump's 15-point ceasefire plan faltered. He explains the US military buildup and Iran's asymmetric maritime strengths. He outlines current backchannels and what real negotiations would require. Short, clear takes on diplomacy, deterrence and the limits of ultimata.