The Morning Edition

Natassia Chrysanthos, federal political correspondent who explains government policy, breaks down the National Fuel Security Plan. She discusses petrol prices versus supply, the 26c excise cut and heavy vehicle relief, the government's plan to work with industry to secure supply, and the tradeoff between relief measures and inflation pressures.

Melissa Cunningham, a crime reporter who covered the manhunt, gives on-the-ground detail and analysis. She walks through the three-hour standoff that ended with Dezi Freeman being shot, outlines police accounts and investigations, and traces Freeman’s sovereign citizen ties and movements. Listeners hear about the remote property, local reactions, unanswered questions about assistance, and the coronial process to come.

Benjamin Preiss, regional editor who reports on disasters and communities, explores how floods coincided with cognitive decline in elders. He shares firsthand accounts from Rochester, discusses research linking floods to increased dementia risk, and highlights how stress and routine loss can unmask memory problems. He also outlines the need for dementia-aware disaster responses and practical warning signs to watch for.

A deep dive into the new EU-Australia trade deal and why it matters beyond foodstuffs. Discussion of strategic security, middle-power cooperation and hedging against geopolitical risks. Exploration of renewables framed as energy security and the political tensions that creates. Analysis of One Nation’s unexpected surge in South Australia and its impact on the centre-right.

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor known for sharp geopolitical analysis. He tracks how the Iran conflict has rapidly escalated and the risks to global oil and markets. He explains Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz and regional strikes that have damaged energy infrastructure. He explores how unpredictable US moves and political pressures have amplified the crisis.

Calum Jaspan, media writer and commentator on broadcast and commercial radio, breaks down the Kyle and Jackie O fallout. He outlines the legal fight over whether outrageous behaviour was contracted, the huge financial stakes for ARN, and the risk the case poses to local radio. He also explores whether Kyle could migrate online and push an even more extreme, politicised persona.

Nick Toscano, an energy reporter who analyzes fuel markets and policy, breaks down why petrol prices are spiking. He explains shrinking domestic refining, reliance on Asian imports, and how regional conflicts push oil costs up. He outlines contingency measures like stockpile releases and when shortages might actually happen.

Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker writer who studies internet subcultures, unpacks the looksmaxxing movement and its origins. She traces ties to incel and black pill ideas. She explores extreme practices like bone smashing, steroids and limb-lengthening. She discusses cultural forces, online contagion, health dangers and why many prominent participants are Australian.

They dig into how the US‑Israel war on Iran is rattling global oil markets and what that could mean for local petrol supplies. They discuss government moves like fuel reserves, supply rules and a new coordination taskforce. They also cover how rising interest rates might reshape budget plans and the political fight over fiscal and industrial resilience.

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor with sharp geopolitical insight, breaks down Trump’s attacks on allies after they declined naval support. He examines who benefits from the US–Iran conflict and why the oil shock was predictable. Short takes cover MAGA infighting and which nations gain strategically from the chaos.