The Morning Edition

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor who analyzes global strategic risks. He discusses why rising nuclear tensions and erosion of US guarantees are forcing Australia to rethink its options. He explains the effects of treaty lapses, worries about renewed testing, and whether a new arms race led by China is already underway. He also covers when regional proliferation might prompt Australia to act.

Kishor Napier-Rahman, a legal and consumer affairs reporter, unpacks a court clash triggered by a $44.11 mortgage shortfall. He describes how a tiny payment error sunk a home purchase, the bank’s controversial defense, and a judge’s rare demand for the CEO to appear. The segment probes automated banking mistakes and broader big-bank accountability.

Sean Kelly, political analyst who tracks the Liberal Party and immigration trends, weighs in on Angus Taylor’s immigration stance. He discusses Taylor’s weak polling and the pressure to toughen policy. The trade-offs of courting One Nation voters versus alienating urban migrants are explored. The conversation also touches on Tony Abbott’s nostalgic influence and how it could push policy rightward.

Nick McKenzie, investigative reporter who has exposed major corruption in Australia, discusses organised crime, union infiltration and how large government projects became a money honeypot. He outlines allegations of drug trafficking and sexual exploitation on worksites. He also questions government oversight and calls for independent scrutiny of massive taxpayer losses.

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia and Labor leader, speaks about recent tensions surrounding President Herzog's visit and its impact on victims and protests. He addresses concerns over disrupted Muslim prayers and says the police response needs a full explanation. He also outlines his government’s 2025 priorities, criticises opposition disunity, and defends security and budget approaches.

Natassia Chrysanthos, federal political reporter with quick takes on budgets and elections, and Shane Wright, economics correspondent who digs into fiscal data, unpack whether recent government spending helped fuel inflation. They compare forecasts to actuals, quantify spending rises, point to big drivers like NDIS, childcare and health, and discuss political risks and tax options.

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor known for geopolitical analysis, unpacks Japan’s new leader and her massive electoral win. He explores how her supermajority could reshape Japan’s constitution and military posture. He discusses her China and Taiwan stance, her rapport with Donald Trump, and the pressure this places on Australia’s alignment with the United States.

Chip Le Grand, chief reporter known for in-depth national affairs coverage, unpacks Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia and its fallout. He traces Herzog’s family ties, clarifies the mostly ceremonial presidential role, and reviews controversial remarks and incidents that fuel public anger. He also explores why the visit matters to Bondi victims and how it has polarized Australian communities.

Michael Idato, culture editor-at-large and music journalist, breaks down Bad Bunny’s rise and Super Bowl moment. He covers Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language identity and reggaeton roots. He discusses the Puerto Rico residency’s impact, the conservative backlash to a Spanish-language headliner, NFL commercial strategy, and the political symbolism woven into the performance.

Lucy Macken, an investigative reporter who untangles complex local stories, digs into a bitter fencing fight involving Gina Rinehart and a neighbour on a disability pension. She maps the farms, traces a 2019 verbal fence deal and a $100,000 loan, and follows halted repairs, legal claims under the Dividing Fences Act and a courtroom showdown over 12 km of boundary fencing.