The Issue

This week The Issue Podcast explores the complex political dynamics at play in the Farrer byelection, including the rise of One Nation and Independents, the decline of the major parties, and regional issues (such as health and water) impacting voter behaviour. Join 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, and Redbridge Director, Simon Welsh, to gain insights into Australia's shifting political landscape and what it means for future elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Pocock is considered one of the greatest ever Wallabies, now he’s giving the major parties grief as a Senator for the ACT in Federal Parliament. This week’s episode looks at the short- and long-term lessons from the Iran War and oil crisis. The 37-year-old independent politician weighs in on tax, gas, fuel, the budget, public servants, the future of contact sports and why he wants a new stadium in Canberra.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angus Taylor hails from the bush and has proven his country credentials to 7News, at the Camden Show near Sydney, by riding a bull, shearing a sheep and cracking a whip. But can the new Liberal Party leader become prime minister of Australia? In this episode, The Issue asks the fresh Coalition leader key questions on immigration, the One Nation challenge, Anthony Albanese, the economy and the war in Iran. Mr Taylor also opens to 7News Political Reporter, Josh Martin, on losing his Mum at a young age and who he’s seeking advice from as he seeks to defeat Anthony Albanese at the 2028 federal election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week The Issue looks at the power of social media in the political world. Brisbane based activist Drew Pavlou got  President Donald Trump interested in the plight of Iranian footballers. It resulted in the President calling Anthony Albanese about the issue at 2 in the morning. But for Pavlou social media is giving him more than influence and power, it is putting food table and $10 thousand in the bank each month. He admits that unlike journalists he takes hard political stances, and discusses his shift from the left to the right of politics. The 26 year old also tells the story of how he was blocked from entering the United States due to a post about pop star Billie Eilish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of phone models including Samsung and iPhone need software updates to connect to 000 in Australia. Some handsets can't be updated and need to be thrown in the bin. In this episode, the Issue investigates whether users should be entitled to a discount or refund. Last year's Optus triple-zero outage is blamed for the deaths of two Australians, but it has exposed a crisis that telcos, phone makers and the government are now scrambling to deal with. Luke Coleman is the CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, which is the peak body for telcos like Telstra, Optus and TPG. He has advice on what to do if you're concerned your device isn't up to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the world enters a period of sharper geopolitical contest, how much secrecy is too much?In this episode of The Issue, Defence Minister Richard Marles speaks with Tim Lester about transparency, capability challenges, and the future of Australia’s security partnerships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott sits down with National Security correspondent Tim Lester for an in-depth interview covering Australia's most pressing political issues. They discuss the current state of the Liberal Party, the coalition split, whether he supports Sussan Ley's leadership, and Abbott's views on the Trump administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition has broken apart just days after One Nation eclipsed it in the first Newspoll of 2026. The Issue sits down with One Nation convert Barnaby Joyce to discuss the party’s prospects ahead of the 2028 election. Political Reporter Josh Martin grills the former National Party MP on hate laws, immigration, energy, his relationship with Pauline Hanson, and complimentary flights from billionaire Gina Rinehart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High visa fees and a political push - behind the downturn.  Politicians like Pauline Hanson and Andrew Hastie want further cuts and will campaign hard.  But Phil Honeywood from the international education sector argues foreign students are good for the economy, workforce, tourism and international relations.  The CEO of the International Education Association of Australia is this week's guest on The Issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fighting against the horror of forced organ harvesting | The Issue   For years, Falun Gong protestors have stood outside Federal Parliament demanding action to stop forced organ harvesting. But has Australia listened?   It was nearly 20 years ago that esteemed lawyer David Matas uncovered the human rights horror in China.    As protests persist, we examine what’s changed and what hasn’t in Australia’s response to the horrific practice.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing RSL President Greg Melick says he's 'concerned we have become a very selfish nation'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After three interest rate cuts in 2025 many thought the cost-of-living crisis was over. But headline inflation has shot up to 3.2% and unemployment is now at 4.5% in Australia. The Issue speaks to Shadow Treasurer, Ted O’Brien, about how to solve this problem. The Deputy Liberal Leader reveals some of the key changes coming from the Coalition's policy reviews on nuclear energy, the economy and the public service. And responds to the chaos gripping the Coalition and Sussan Ley's leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.