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Chris Bowen, Australia’s energy and climate minister, explains national fuel stocks and why shortages at some pumps have not yet hit supply. He discusses city versus regional outages, prioritising diesel for farmers, coordination with states and fuel firms, the four-stage response plan, sourcing alternative cargoes and how renewables and electrifying freight factor into future security.

Patrick Commins, Canberra-based economics editor who explains policy and market impacts. Patrick Keneally, political commentator who dissects strategy and political motives. Gabrielle Jackson, journalist who examines social and political angles. They discuss the PM’s prime time national address, the politics of cutting the fuel excise, economic risks and recession scenarios, and Australia’s stance amid US-Iran tensions.

Tom McIlroy, chief political correspondent at The Guardian Australia, offers sharp analysis of Albanese’s rare national address. He breaks down the call to carry on but conserve fuel. He discusses the government’s four-stage fuel plan, signs that tougher measures could be coming, and why timing around shipments and long weekends matters.

David Smith, Washington bureau chief and senior political analyst, breaks down how the Iran conflict has collided with Donald Trump’s reality-making. He traces Trump’s long habit of narrative-building and charisma. He discusses mixed messaging on victory and strategy, the risk of escalation versus sudden withdrawal, and whether Iran could outmaneuver him.

Josh Butler, Canberra political reporter and chief-of-staff, breaks down the government's surprise fuel excise cut. He explains how savings may (or may not) reach bowser prices, the diesel supply picture, risks of panic buying, the politics behind the decision, and the national plan and possible restrictions if the crisis escalates.

Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, provides sharp commentary on US-Iran tensions. He unpacks recent US troop movements and whether they signal an actual ground assault. He weighs Donald Trump’s rhetoric about Iran’s oil and Kharg Island. He also discusses Houthi strikes, Red Sea risks and wider regional escalation.

Nino Bucci, a justice and courts reporter known for detailed legal investigations, explains the seven-month manhunt for Dezi Freeman. He discusses how police located Freeman, the three-hour standoff, theories about assistance and earlier self-inflicted wounds, the scale and emotional toll of the search, and the next formal inquiries into the case.

Krishani Dhanji, a political reporter who analyzes Australian politics, outlines why politicians are pushing for higher birth rates. She discusses Matt Canavan’s pronatalism, historical baby bonus policies, economic arguments for more young workers, links to anti-immigrant rhetoric, gendered family norms and real-life barriers like housing and costs.

A personal account of how war erodes everyday life and community ties. Stories of ruined villages, disrupted family rituals and the balakhana’s role in local justice. A look at how supposed neutrality becomes impossible or criminalized for civilians. Connections drawn between Afghanistan’s experience and wider Middle East spillover.

A sharp postmortem on the South Australian results and what they reveal about preference flows. A tense look at whether a fuel supply crunch could damage the federal government. A debate over appetite for tax reform and the political math around capital gains changes. A profile of Andrew Hastie and why he complicates the opposition landscape.