ABC News Daily
News & Politics
About
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...
Episodes
- Why Trump keeps asking 'Vance or Rubio?'
Marco Rubio's prominent role in Donald Trump's campaign, handling national security, press briefings, and foreign relations, has fueled speculation about him being Trump's potential presidential nominee over JD Vance. Geoff Kabaservice of…
- What we know about the cruise ship hantavirus
A cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus has led to passenger repatriation worldwide, with three deaths reported. Epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre explains the virus, its transmission, and potential risks.
- Is this the bravest budget in decades?
The 2026 Australian budget features major tax changes and cuts, presented as a reform effort to tackle generational inequality during wartime economic challenges. The effectiveness of changes to property investor and family trust taxes is…
- Is Putin right to be paranoid?
Matthew Sussex, a Russia expert, discusses Vladimir Putin's heightened security measures and paranoia, and explores potential Ukrainian strategies in the ongoing conflict. The Victory Day parade was scaled back due to fears of a Ukrainian…
- How to beat inflation without rate hikes
Independent economist Chris Richardson explores alternative approaches to managing inflation. He discusses options such as mandatory superannuation contributions or adjusting the GST instead of relying solely on interest rate hikes.
- Is Iran's 'slopaganda' changing anyone's mind?
This episode discusses Iran's use of 'slopaganda,' AI-generated videos mocking the United States and President Donald Trump. Brett Schafer from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue explains how this 'meme warfare' aims to soften the regime…
- Is the budget about to smash property investors?
This episode of ABC News Daily examines the upcoming budget's potential changes to tax breaks for property investors. It discusses the Prime Minister's election promises regarding negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts, and conce…
- The new battle in the Strait of Hormuz
Jennifer Parker, a former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer, discusses the new phase of the Iran war regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The US has launched "Project Freedom" to rescue commercial ships, and there are reports of Iran firing…
- Alan Kohler on why Trump’s war hasn’t spooked Wall Street
Alan Kohler discusses why Wall Street stocks are surging despite global economic uncertainty. He attributes this optimism to several factors, including the influence of AI, even as inflation pushes central banks like the RBA to consider in…
- The investigation into police Taser safety
This episode of ABC News Daily examines the safety of police tasers, prompted by the death of Clare Nowland. Reporter Grace Tobin discusses her investigation into the taser industry.
- What is Trump’s ballroom obsession really about?
This episode of ABC News Daily discusses President Trump’s reported obsession with building a grand ballroom, featuring insights from Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond. The conversation covers legal efforts to halt the proje…
- How will the NDIS decide who to cut off?
This episode discusses the upcoming NDIS cuts, examining how the government plans to determine eligibility for continued disability support. It features insights from Martin Laverty, an NDIS architect, and Jess Howlett, who has autism, sha…
- What China learns from Trump’s war in Iran
This episode discusses China's position on the Iran-US conflict, its economic interests, and its observations regarding US military capabilities. Neil Thomas from the Asia Society Policy Institute provides insights into Xi Jinping's strate…
- Inside the White House press dinner shooting
Missy Ryan, a staff writer at The Atlantic, was present at the White House Correspondents' Dinner when an individual attempted to breach the event with weapons. The episode details her account of the incident.
- Why a gas tax is going viral
ABC News Daily looks at the recent push for a new gas tax in Australia following a viral video by Senator David Pocock. Political correspondent Clare Armstrong examines the debate surrounding industry tax contributions and the perspective…
- What happens next with airfares and flights
Aviation expert Ian Douglas discusses the impact of Middle East instability and rising jet fuel costs on flight schedules and airfare prices. The episode examines how the current climate continues to influence travel costs and connectivity…
- Is 'drill baby drill' the answer to our fuel crisis?
Energy expert Alison Reeve discusses the feasibility of Australia achieving fuel security through increased domestic oil drilling and new refineries. The episode examines the history of Australia's fuel production and the potential impact…
- Will Trump 'blink first' and end the war?
Former Iran negotiator Nate Swanson discusses potential strategies for the US to end the conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The episode examines the current state of peace talks and the challenges facing the administration.
- When will the Iran war hit your grocery bill?
Agricultural business expert Stefan Vogel and grain farmer Louise Flohr discuss how potential impacts of the Iran war on fuel costs may affect grocery prices and farmers. They examine when consumers might see further price increases at the…
- What’s driving soaring rates of adult ADHD?
Dr. Norman Swan discusses his Four Corners investigation into the rising rates of adult ADHD diagnoses in Australia, particularly among women. He explores prescribing data to examine whether the condition is being over-diagnosed.
- What Putin gains from the Iran war
International relations expert Rajan Menon discusses how Vladimir Putin may benefit from the Iran conflict, including its impact on oil prices and geopolitical focus. The episode also examines NATO's involvement in the Strait of Hormuz and…
- The President vs the Pope
David A. Graham of The Atlantic discusses President Donald Trump's recent criticisms of Pope Leo and his social media posts. The episode examines what these actions suggest about the president's ability to govern.
- The 'doomsday' scenario for fuel supply
Energy analyst Saul Kavonic discusses the potential impact of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Australia's fuel supply and prices. Kavonic warns that fuel prices are unlikely to return to pre-war levels for at least a year.
- How Iran is becoming Trump’s forever war
Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, discusses the potential impacts of a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the longevity of the Iran conflict. The episode examines President Trump's strategy rega…
- Alan Kohler’s case to nationalise childcare
Alan Kohler and Professor Elizabeth Hill discuss the proposal to nationalize Australia's childcare system to address concerns regarding quality, safety, and affordability. They examine the potential impact of removing for-profit entities f…
- What the shaky Iran ceasefire means for fuel prices
Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, discusses the impact of a fragile Iran ceasefire on global fuel prices and economic concerns. The episode examines whether the potential movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz will lead t…
- Can Iran and Trump really agree on a peace plan?
Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center, discusses the prospects of a peace plan between the United States and Iran following a sudden ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump.
- Ben Roberts-Smith and the war crime of murder
This episode examines the war crime charges against decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith following a defamation trial. International law expert Donald Rothwell discusses the legal implications of the allegations regarding the dea…
- Will Pete Hegseth take the fall for the Iran war?
Associate Professor David Smith discusses the roles and influence of key figures in Donald Trump's cabinet, such as Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, and JD Vance, regarding the U.S. approach to the war in Iran. The episode explores accountabilit…
- Are insiders profiting from the Iran war?
Andrew Verstein, a law professor at UCLA, discusses concerns that trading patterns on commodity and prediction markets may indicate the use of inside information ahead of Iran war announcements.
- Will Trump escalate or end the war?
Defence strategist Kelly A. Grieco discusses the potential implications of US foreign policy in the Middle East under Donald Trump. The episode examines troop movements and the future of regional security near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Will there be enough fuel for Easter travel?
Energy expert Saul Kavonic discusses the impact of international conflict on Australia's fuel supply ahead of the Easter break. The episode examines current availability concerns and the potential effects of government fuel incentives.
- Why Alan Kohler is worried about a recession
ABC finance expert Alan Kohler discusses whether an Iran-related conflict and rising fuel prices could trigger an economic recession. He examines potential risks to the economy based on historical precedents of oil shocks.
- Will the fuel crisis spark a switch to electric trucks?
Scott Dwyer from the Institute for Sustainable Futures discusses whether electric trucks could mitigate the impact of fuel price spikes on the trucking industry. The episode explores the challenges regarding cost, charging infrastructure,…
- After Iran and Venezuela, is Cuba next for Trump?
Lillian Guerra, a professor of Cuban and Caribbean history, discusses the Trump administration's focus on Cuba amidst ongoing tensions with Iran. This episode explores the potential implications of US policy, including the impact of the oi…
- Why Iran thinks it’s winning the war
Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council discusses the current state of conflict involving Iran, addressing conflicting reports on negotiations and Iran's position on the war. The episode explores Iran's strategic influence in the Strai…
- Is this the start of Pauline Hanson’s 'orange wave'?
ABC political correspondent Melissa Clarke discusses the recent electoral success of One Nation in South Australia. The episode examines how the party performed at the polls and the implications for federal politics.
- Is it time to rethink flying with Gulf airlines?
This episode discusses whether travellers should reconsider using Gulf airlines as transit hubs for flights to Europe, given current instability in the Middle East. It also offers advice for passengers who have already booked travel throug…
- Are the petrol stations ripping us off?
Professor of economics David Byrne joins ABC News Daily to discuss the reasons behind rapid petrol price increases, including the impact of the Iran war. The episode explores how fuel companies justify these costs and potential actions for…
- Is Israel trying to make Iran a failed state?
Hussein Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute discusses Benjamin Netanyahu’s objectives in Iran and the possibility that Israel aims to destabilize the Iranian state. The episode also notes the resignation of a Trump administration count…
- Will the Iran war drive interest rates even higher?
ABC chief business correspondent Ian Verrender discusses the economic uncertainty and interest rate outlook following the RBA's second consecutive rate hike. The episode explores whether this cycle will continue amid global tensions or hel…
- Is it time to ration petrol and diesel?
International supply chain expert David Leaney discusses the impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran on global oil supplies. The episode examines rising fuel costs in Australia, the role of panic buying, and the potential need for governmen…
- The truth behind the toxic algal bloom
Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg discusses his investigation into a major toxic algal bloom in South Australia and questions the government's knowledge and response time.
- How Donald Trump caught 'victory disease'
Tom Nichols of The Atlantic joins ABC News Daily to discuss the Trump administration's strategy regarding the war in Iran. Nichols explains why he believes the administration is strategically incompetent and suffering from 'victory disease…
- Why Iran is just the beginning of AI warfare
This episode examines the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and the conflict regarding military AI regulations between the Trump administration and Anthropic. Toby Walsh from the UNSW AI Institute discusses the necessity of…
- The brave escape of the Iranian soccer players
Sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway discusses the situation of Iranian women's soccer players who were offered asylum in Australia after protesting their national anthem. The team faced condemnation on state TV following their actions…
- Is Iran’s new supreme leader looking for revenge?
Barbara Slavin from the Stimson Centre discusses the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes. The episode examines the implications of th…
- Why it’s finally time for high speed rail
Urban planner Joe Langley discusses the prospects for high-speed rail construction in Australia. This episode examines the history of high-speed rail proposals and the economic challenges that have previously hindered development.
- How the Iran war increases the global nuclear threat
Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association discusses how conflict with Iran may exacerbate global nuclear risks. The episode examines concerns regarding the security of Iran's enriched nuclear material and the potential for increased…
- How the Iran war fuels inflation
ABC News Daily discusses how the conflict in Iran is impacting oil and gas prices, and what this means for inflation and interest rate hikes in Australia. Chief business correspondent Ian Verrender provides insights into the economic vulne…