ABC News Daily
ABC Australia
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), politics, the big banks, supermarkets, Tesla, Elon Musk, education, schools, teachers and crime.
Watch for episodes about federal politics and the leadership of Labor's Anthony Albanese. We look at policy areas that matter for voters, including education, health, housing and immigration and assess the proposals from the federal opposition.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, David Speers, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis of the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including threats of massive tariffs have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), politics, the big banks, supermarkets, Tesla, Elon Musk, education, schools, teachers and crime.
Watch for episodes about federal politics and the leadership of Labor's Anthony Albanese. We look at policy areas that matter for voters, including education, health, housing and immigration and assess the proposals from the federal opposition.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, David Speers, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 13, 2026 • 16min
What we know about the cruise ship hantavirus
Raina MacIntyre, epidemiologist and Professor of Global Biosecurity at UNSW, explains the hantavirus cruise incident and its likely origins. She discusses the Andes variant and its rare human-to-human risk. Transmission from rodents via aerosols and the cruise timeline are reviewed. Quarantine measures, chances of more cases, and why this virus is unlikely to spark a pandemic are also covered.
May 12, 2026 • 21min
Is this the bravest budget in decades?
Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent who covers budgets, taxation and housing policy, breaks down the 2026 budget’s major tax and housing reforms. He discusses changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, tweaks to family trusts, and how the package aims to rebalance generational inequality. Conversation also touches on inflation risks, unemployment trends and the budget’s gradual approach.
9 snips
May 11, 2026 • 16min
Is Putin right to be paranoid?
Matthew Sussex, associate professor and Russia expert at ANU, provides sharp analysis on Putin and Russian politics. He unpacks the scaled-back Victory Day parade and why tanks were absent. He discusses reports of heightened security around Putin and the slim chances and possible actors for a coup. He also touches on the war’s costs, economic pain, and shifting international influence.
May 10, 2026 • 16min
How to beat inflation without rate hikes
Chris Richardson, an independent economist who studies inflation and policy, explores alternatives to rate hikes. He discusses diverting wages into super to reduce spending. He examines temporarily lifting GST, shifting income tax, government offsets, and limits on corporate markups. He also argues for rethinking the inflation target while explaining why interest rates remain the default tool.
May 7, 2026 • 15min
Is Iran's 'slopaganda' changing anyone's mind?
Brett Schafer, senior director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and expert on information warfare, breaks down Iran’s AI-driven “slopaganda.” He explains its low-fi meme formats, global creators and state amplification. Short viral clips, satire and diplomats’ playful accounts aim to soften Iran’s image and shape international perception.
9 snips
May 6, 2026 • 16min
Is the budget about to smash property investors?
Melissa Clarke, AM presenter and political correspondent, breaks down federal politics, taxation and housing. She walks through negative gearing and possible reforms. She explains the capital gains tax discount and how tweaks could affect investors. She discusses political calculus, generational inequality and the risks of changing a major election promise.
May 5, 2026 • 15min
The new battle in the Strait of Hormuz
Jennifer Parker, adjunct professor and former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer, offers sharp analysis of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. She discusses stranded merchant ships and crew, the US 'Project Freedom' rescue plans, Iran’s geographic and asymmetric advantages, and the risk of regional escalation. Short, urgent take on a dangerous new phase in Gulf maritime tensions.
13 snips
May 4, 2026 • 15min
Alan Kohler on why Trump’s war hasn’t spooked Wall Street
Alan Kohler, veteran Australian finance journalist and ABC finance expert. He discusses why Wall Street keeps hitting records despite the Iran war. He links AI-driven profit upgrades and energy gains to market optimism. He also explores inflation, RBA rate odds, and how geopolitical shocks could still upend markets.
May 3, 2026 • 16min
The investigation into police Taser safety
Grace Tobin, an investigative reporter for Four Corners, digs into Taser safety and industry practices. She recounts Clare Nowland’s death and legal fallout. She examines police training, Axon’s market dominance, medical research on cardiac risks, and the controversy over the diagnosis called excited delirium. The conversation probes whether Tasers truly reduce harm or introduce new dangers.
9 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 15min
What is Trump’s ballroom obsession really about?
Dan Diamond, Washington Post White House reporter who covers the Trump administration, explains why Trump keeps returning to plans for a massive White House ballroom. He discusses how the project ties to Trump's builder identity and legacy ambitions. Legal fights, private funding and security claims are examined. The conversation focuses on motives, public reaction and political consequences.
