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 1, 2025 • 16min
Is Ukraine any closer to a deal with Putin?
In this discussion with Rajan Menon, a professor emeritus of international relations, geopolitics takes center stage as Ukraine navigates precarious peace talks with Russia. Menon reveals the contentious 28-point proposal that threatens Ukrainian territory and sovereignty. He analyzes Trump's potential influence on U.S. policy and fears in Ukraine over shifting allegiances. Offering a glimpse into possible compromises, he discusses the challenges of security guarantees and emphasizes Ukraine's resilience amid ongoing negotiations.
Nov 30, 2025 • 15min
The overdose risk that forced a vitamin B6 crackdown
Tom Hartley, an investigative reporter for ABC's 7.30 program, uncovers alarming insights from his extensive research on vitamin B6 toxicity. He shares the story of Mary Buchanan, who suffered from debilitating nerve damage due to excessive B6 intake. Hartley discusses how B6 accumulates in the body and highlights the significant rise in reported cases of related symptoms like numbness and paralysis. He also reveals the regulatory actions taken by the TGA, the industry's pushback, and offers practical advice for supplement users to stay safe.
Nov 27, 2025 • 15min
Is Trump losing control of himself?
Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic, joins the discussion to analyze President Trump's recent erratic behavior. They explore Trump's shocking remarks, like calling a journalist 'piggy,' and what these outbursts indicate about his emotional stability. Nichols draws parallels between Trump and Nixon, warning of the dangers of unchecked presidential impulses. He emphasizes the need for vigilance from citizens and Congress to ensure accountability in the face of Trump's unpredictable nature.
Nov 26, 2025 • 15min
How the Saudi crown prince inspires Trump
Noah Shachtman, a national security reporter and contributor for The New York Times, dives into the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations. He highlights how Trump's lavish embrace of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman marks a significant pivot from past tensions, particularly after Khashoggi's murder. Shachtman discusses Trump's admiration for Saudi governance, his rollback on renewable energy, and the growing influence of Saudi power through military sales. Ultimately, he warns that this rapprochement poses risks for climate progress and amplifies Saudi geopolitical clout.
Nov 25, 2025 • 15min
Is the $96m BOM website really that bad?
Justine Longmore, ABC's lead rural reporter in Victoria, delves into the chaos surrounding the Bureau of Meteorology's $96 million website overhaul. She discusses the uproar from farmers about missing data and functionality, particularly during critical weather events. Justine reveals how changes to radar displays led to confusion, while essential fire danger information was alarmingly absent. The conversation examines whether the hefty price tag was justified and highlights the communication failures that increased user frustration.
Nov 24, 2025 • 16min
Why are some Triple Zero calls still failing?
Michael Atkin, an ABC consumer affairs reporter known for his investigative work on telecommunications, sheds light on the ongoing failures of Triple Zero calls post-Optus outage. He reveals that over 480 calls failed due to a system upgrade mishap, and discusses tragic incidents linked to phone compatibility issues. Michael shares real stories of individuals unable to reach emergency services, highlights the need for urgent reforms, and advocates for innovative solutions like text-to-000 to ensure safety for all.
5 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 15min
Adam Spencer on the CSIRO job cuts
In this engaging discussion, Adam Spencer, a science communicator and ambassador for mathematics at the University of Sydney, dives into the recent CSIRO job cuts. He highlights the critical role of CSIRO in driving innovation through inventions like Wi-Fi and polymer banknotes. Adam emphasizes the dangers of underfunding, which threatens ongoing research and discourages future scientists. He warns of a potential brain drain as talented individuals look abroad for better opportunities, and argues that investing in science is essential for economic resilience and leadership.
Nov 20, 2025 • 16min
The secret US plan to end Putin’s war
Matthew Sussex, a visiting fellow at the Australian National University’s Centre for European Studies, delves into a secret US-led plan that might end the Ukraine war—one that potentially asks Ukraine to make significant concessions. He discusses the alarming increase in Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, and the implications of a Russian spy ship near the UK. Sussex also explores Ukraine's resistance to the plan’s clauses regarding language and sovereignty, and assesses the motivations behind Putin’s ongoing aggression, questioning whether he genuinely seeks peace.
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
How Donald Trump lost control of the Epstein files
David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and expert in U.S. politics, delves into the unfolding drama surrounding the Epstein files. He reveals how Trump's abrupt change in stance was a reaction to overwhelming Congressional pressure. The discussion highlights the demands from his MAGA base for transparency and accountability, along with how Trump’s reversal may signal cracks in his leadership. David also speculates on the potential impact of the files on Trump's support and the implications for his control over the Republican Party.
Nov 18, 2025 • 15min
The coloured sand that sparked an asbestos scare
Join Associate Professor Anthony Linton, an expert from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, as he delves into the alarming discovery of asbestos in children’s coloured sand. He discusses how this led to widespread school closures and product recalls across Australia. Anthony explains the types of asbestos found, the very low immediate risk posed, and why responses vary by state. He also offers safe disposal advice for concerned parents and reflects on Australia’s ongoing battle with asbestos and its legacy.
