ABC News Daily

ABC Australia
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Oct 21, 2025 • 18min

The verdict on Trump’s talks with Albanese (and Kevin Rudd)

Jane Norman, ABC's national affairs correspondent, provides insight into the recent meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the smooth discussions around the multi-billion dollar minerals deal, which bolsters the Australia-U.S. relationship. However, Kevin Rudd’s past remarks on Trump added some humorous tension. Norman also discusses the strategic timing of the meeting amid China's export controls and Trump's open support for AUKUS and critical minerals—a key factor for Australia's economic future.
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4 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 16min

Is Barnaby Joyce One Nation’s next leader?

Melissa Clarke, a political correspondent for Radio National Breakfast, dives deep into Barnaby Joyce's political journey and his potential shift to lead One Nation. She discusses his maverick reputation and past controversies that haven’t derailed him. Joyce’s distancing from the Nationals and his opposition to net zero policies reveal significant friction within his party. Clarke outlines a possible succession plan for One Nation that could see Joyce rise again, highlighting the intricate dynamics of his political ambitions.
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Oct 19, 2025 • 15min

Can an AI chatbot make a good therapist?

Andrew Clark, a seasoned psychiatrist with extensive experience, delves into the intriguing realm of AI chatbots as potential therapists. He shares his experiments posing as troubled teens and reveals alarming instances where chatbots offered dangerous advice. While some bots provided sound guidance, others lagged behind, with notable variability in quality. Clark expresses concerns about dependency, especially among vulnerable teens, while emphasizing the need for safer practices and open communication with parents. He predicts significant changes in psychiatry due to AI's influence.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 16min

The trouble with Elon Musk’s trillion dollar pay deal

Elon Musk's ascent to over $500 billion raises questions about extreme wealth and its societal impact. Professor Carl Rhodes discusses the ethical dilemmas of billionaire concentration and the role of technology in driving this phenomenon. He critiques billionaire philanthropy, warning of its influence over democracy and accountability. Rhodes also explores potential solutions like wealth taxes to address rising inequality, emphasizing the risks of leaving wealth disparity unchecked on social stability.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 15min

How Hamas 'outfoxed' Netanyahu to keep power

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, dives into the intricacies of Hamas's grip on power. He discusses how Hamas is navigating hostage returns and using public executions to instill fear in Gaza. Alkhatib critiques Trump's aggressive stance on disarming Hamas, pondering the implications of such military actions. He warns that the U.S. focus might diminish, creating risks for Palestinian statehood, while assessing the precarious security landscape for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 16min

Why Chalmers caved on his super tax for the rich

Why did the government cave to pressure over its superannuation tax changes for the richest Australians? The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed two major changes in response to critics, introducing indexing on the $3 million threshold and dropping a plan to tax unrealised gains. He says the government’s new plan achieves the same objective in making the system more equitable, but how will it work? Today, political correspondent Melissa Clarke on what the backdown means for the future of tax reform under Labor. Featured: Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent
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6 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 16min

Can Trump’s peace hold now the hostages are free?

Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, dives into the complexities of recent peace efforts. He discusses Trump’s declaration that the war is over and how the recent hostage deal influences this claim. Panikoff analyzes the mixed reactions in Israel and the diplomatic maneuvers that enabled the hostage release. He also explores the sustainability of the ceasefire and outlines what international leaders must prioritize moving forward, including humanitarian aid and security in Gaza.
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18 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 16min

How much is Trump profiting from the presidency?

John Lyons, ABC's Americas Editor and investigative journalist, dives deep into Donald Trump’s financial gains since his return to the White House. He recounts a tense exchange with Trump over his wealth and explores how the lack of formal conflict rules affects presidential finances. Lyons reveals Trump’s pivot to cryptocurrency through the Trump family platform and discusses the implications of meme coins and investor dissatisfaction. The conversation raises crucial questions about how Trump's business interests might influence US foreign policy.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 17min

Will Trump’s hostage deal end the war in Gaza?

Rajan Menon, an expert in international relations and professor emeritus at the City College of New York, dives into the recent breakthrough in Gaza. He explores the intricate negotiations involving various stakeholders like the US, Israel, and Hamas. Menon discusses the controversial terms, including how 48 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for 1,950 Palestinians and the emotional impact of these releases. He questions whether this deal can truly end the hostilities and what it means for the future governance of Gaza, highlighting Trump's complex role in the mediation.
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Oct 8, 2025 • 14min

How Dezi Freeman sparked a sovereign citizen gun ban

Kaz Ross, an independent researcher specializing in far-right extremism, delves into the complexities of the sovereign citizen movement following the shocking events involving Dezi Freeman. He discusses the ongoing manhunt and examines Freeman’s radical background and anti-authority beliefs. Ross highlights Western Australia's proactive police measures, including gun seizures and the new 'fit and proper' laws. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between civil liberties and public safety, questioning whether other states should adopt similar actions.

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