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
Dec 15, 2025 • 16min
Jewish leaders’ call to action after the Bondi massacre
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, CEO of Jewish House, shares his heartfelt reflections on the Bondi Beach attack that shattered Sydney's Jewish community, highlighting grief and the need for solidarity. Julian Leeser, a Jewish MP, discusses governmental responses, urging action against rising antisemitism and security concerns. They explore the impact on families, community resilience, and the importance of Hanukkah as a source of hope. With emphasis on collective action, they call for support in combating hatred and maintaining safety.
18 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 19min
The Bondi terrorist attack targeting Jewish people
Dr. James Otten, a Sydney-based cardiologist, shares his harrowing experience of treating victims during the recent Bondi attack, offering a gripping firsthand account of chaos and bravery. Meanwhile, Dr. Josh Roose, an expert in extremism, delves into the implications of the attack on Australian society, discussing the roots of anti-Semitism and the government’s inadequate responses. They highlight the urgent need for a national dialogue on extremism and safety measures, as well as the risks posed by online platforms.
Dec 11, 2025 • 14min
Will the Netflix-Warner Bros deal kill the movies?
Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief of JoBlo.com, dives deep into the Netflix-Warner Bros deal, shedding light on its massive implications for cinema. He discusses how streaming has drastically altered Hollywood, and what Netflix stands to gain, including iconic assets like HBO and DC properties. Bumbray also weighs in on the industry backlash regarding the potential risks to theaters and the shift in content creation dynamics. Plus, he tackles the regulatory scrutiny surrounding the deal, raising questions about the future of both streaming and theatrical releases.
Dec 10, 2025 • 16min
Why Anika Wells’ travel costs don’t fly with taxpayers
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation and a political expert, delves into the controversy surrounding Anika Wells' hefty travel expenses. Grattan reveals shocking details about a $95,000 New York trip and discusses how Wells navigated the entitlements system. She explores the implications of family travel and sporting event perks, labeling some claims as questionable. The conversation also touches on historical spending scandals and the challenges of enforcing tighter rules for politicians, raising questions about public fairness.
Dec 9, 2025 • 16min
Which houses will survive this bushfire season?
In this discussion, Sarah Forster, an ABC Central Coast reporter, shares harrowing firsthand accounts from residents during the recent bushfires, detailing their emotional struggles and unexpected losses. Colin Wood, a construction expert on bushfire resilience, highlights how modern building standards can save homes while older ones succumb to flames. They explore the importance of ember protection, construction materials, and practical retrofits that can enhance safety. The conversation underscores the urgent need for preparedness in bushfire-prone areas.
Dec 8, 2025 • 15min
The e-bike problem on our roads (and footpaths)
Geoff Rose, an Adjunct Professor in Transport Engineering at Monash University, dives into the complex world of e-bikes. He discusses the convenience they offer but highlights the alarming spike in injuries and fatalities, particularly among children. Geoff explains the rise of illegal high-speed e-bikes and their dangers. He emphasizes the challenges of regulating these bikes across different states. Additionally, he argues that effective standards can enhance safety while promoting wider e-bike adoption. It's a compelling look at balancing safety with e-mobility benefits.
Dec 7, 2025 • 16min
The reality of the teen social media ban
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, a technology reporter at the Australian Associated Press, dives into Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban for those under 16. She explores how platforms like Meta are already removing accounts and the challenges of verifying users' ages, which could involve selfies and bank data. Concerns about privacy, mental health, and potential migration to alternate apps also surface. Dudley raises questions about the implications for global laws and warns of the chaos that could ensue as the ban unfolds.
Dec 4, 2025 • 16min
Is Trump about to go to war with Venezuela?
Orlando J. Pérez, a political science professor and Latin America expert, dives into the escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. He discusses the unprecedented buildup of 15,000 troops and naval forces in the Caribbean, linking it to Trump's push against Nicolás Maduro's regime. Pérez outlines the complexities of regime change, the legality of U.S. military actions, and the intertwined dynamics of drug trafficking and oil interests. He also highlights the political ramifications within the U.S., noting the divide among MAGA supporters concerning foreign intervention.
Dec 3, 2025 • 16min
Can farmers take on transmission towers and win?
In this engaging discussion, Alysia Thomas-Sam, a reporter for ABC's 7.30, dives into the fierce opposition farmers in western Victoria have towards proposed transmission towers. She shares on-the-ground confrontations and details farmers' deep concerns about land division and family legacies. Joining her, climate reporter Jess Davis discusses the critical need for infrastructure in Australia’s renewable energy transition, the rising costs of transmission, and the importance of community trust in ensuring smooth project implementations.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 15min
What new lending rules mean for property prices
In this discussion, Ian Verrender, ABC's chief business correspondent and senior economics commentator, dives into Australia’s red-hot housing market. He reveals how skyrocketing property prices are forcing the financial regulator to clamp down on risky lending practices. Ian analyzes the impact of interest rates on affordability, the effects of the 5% deposit scheme on home values, and APRA's new lending limits aimed at investors. He also addresses the social implications of high prices, including generational inequality and parental support in home buying.
