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Guardian Australia's daily news podcast. Every weekday, join Guardian journalists for a deeper understanding of the news in Australia and beyond. You can support The Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
Episodes
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Mar 10, 2026 • 16min
Australia is sending weapons to the Gulf. Does that mean we are at war?
Josh Butler, political reporter and Chief of Staff at The Guardian, breaks down Australia's decision to send aircraft, missiles and personnel to the Gulf. He outlines what was deployed and who asked for help. He discusses risks of contact with Iranian forces, debates over defensive versus offensive labels, legal implications of becoming party to a conflict, and the political fallout and mission creep worries.

Mar 10, 2026 • 21min
Iranian women's football players have asylum in Australia, but what now?
Samantha Lewis, a freelance women’s football journalist and analyst, gives a concise account of how five Iranian players were granted protection in Australia and the behind-the-scenes coordination. She discusses reported surveillance of the rest of the squad, rapid visa processing and government involvement, and whether more players might find safe passage.

8 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 19min
Amanda Meade takes us inside the Kyle and Jackie ‘O’ bust-up
Amanda Meade, media correspondent known for reporting on Australian broadcasting controversies. She walks through the explosive on-air bust-up that ended a long-running breakfast show. She unpacks the broadcaster’s rare public statement, contract confusion, advertiser backlash and regulatory risks. Listeners hear how careers, legal options and a $200m deal were suddenly in doubt.

Mar 8, 2026 • 17min
The anti-climate policy blowing a hole in Labor’s budget
Adam Morton, Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor, explains a costly fuel tax credit scheme and why it undermines climate goals. He breaks down who benefits, why the rebate logic is flawed, and the political pressure from mining and transport. Listeners hear about reform proposals, industry pushback, and the growing tension between budget pressures and emissions targets.

Mar 7, 2026 • 6min
The Sunday Read: My Grandfather escaped Iran. But I’m not celebrating Trump’s war
Rafqa Touma, an Australian‑Iranian journalist who narrates an anonymously authored family memoir, reads a first‑person account of her grandfather’s escape from Iran. She explores fears about civilian harm as foreign strikes escalate. Short reflections cover regime influence, resource shortages, Iranian hospitality and a plea to protect everyday lives.

Mar 6, 2026 • 30min
Back to Back Barries: will Trump’s Iran war become Albanese’s mess?
A rapid-response to US strikes on Iran and what Australian involvement might mean. A tense discussion of motives, strategic aims and historic lessons from past wars. Political fallout at home: leaked Coalition reviews, polling swings and trust breakdowns. The rise of One Nation, shifting preference flows and risks for teal seats are also explored.

Mar 5, 2026 • 21min
Newsroom edition: Australia and the ‘bomb first’ new world order
Gabrielle Jackson, deputy editor at The Guardian Australia, offers sharp political analysis. Bonnie Malkin, international editor, reports on global conflicts. They discuss rapid escalation after strikes on Iran. They explore Iran’s strategic aims and regional fallout. They examine Australia’s quick support, allied reluctance, and the 'bomb first' approach. They also cover verifying battlefield evidence and domestic political risks.

Mar 5, 2026 • 18min
Jonathan Freedland on what it will take for Trump to walk away from war
Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist and Politics Weekly America host, guides the conversation. He explores what might push Donald Trump to end a widening US–Israel conflict. He examines the power of market shocks and TV images, contrasts this crisis with the Iraq lead-up, and considers impacts on global order and regional allies.

Mar 4, 2026 • 19min
The election review the Liberals didn’t want you to see
Krishani Dhanji, political reporter and live blogger for Guardian Australia, breaks down a leaked post-2025 election review. She describes why party officials tried to hide it. She outlines leaks, critiques of Peter Dutton’s leadership, policy missteps like the nuclear pitch, and how polling and misreading voters led to alienating women and multicultural communities.

Mar 3, 2026 • 21min
Is the US the most pressing threat to peace?
Ben Saul, professor of international law and UN Special Rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, discusses the legality of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He explores why the attacks may amount to the crime of aggression. He examines Australia’s response, limits of self‑defence, Iran’s legal options, risks to the global rule of law, and potential paths for accountability and diplomatic pressure.


