Speaking of Social Justice

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, host Dr Julie Macken reflects on the past 24 hours and what this means for Australia.The past few months, weeks, days, the past few hours, we have witnessed a world of chaos, a world of despair, a world of conflict. In Australia, 24 hours ago we were going to bed wondering if we will awaken to a nuclear strike, to Australian troops on the ground, the loss of a civilisation following the threat of a genocide. We were left wondering what do we even do in Australia? What can we do in Australia?The good news is we have a defence against this and it's a little thing called the law. We are indeed a small country but there are things we can call on our leaders to do. Our leaders in politics, our leaders of unions, our leaders in business, our leaders in churches and synagogues and temples and mosques. We can stand up and articulate a demand for international human rights. We can demand that those who have committed war crimes are arrested, that some form of justice is served,This week's episode is timely and it is a push that we actually do have the power to demand accountability, enforceability, and the end to violence.Read the JPO's full statement here: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/war-crimes-and-australias-obligations/

In a week marked by deep global uncertainty, Dr Julie Macken reflects on what it means to speak about social justice when democracy itself feels under strain.Drawing on recent global reports, this episode explores the erosion of democratic values, the decline of freedoms, and the devastating realities unfolding across regions including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and beyond. In what some have described as “a time of monsters,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, powerless, and disconnected.Julie reminds us that human rights are not conditional, they are inherent. In a world increasingly shaped by division, violence, and political manipulation, our responsibility remains the same: to stand firm in our humanity, to support one another, and to demand more from our leaders.This is a call to resist apathy, reject division, and hold onto the simple but powerful truth that our dignity is bound together, because in times like these, holding onto our humanity is not just an act of hope, it’s an act of resistance.

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken explores the growing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and what they reveal about the risks of military alliances. As conflict escalates in the Middle East, Julie asks a difficult question: what happens to smaller countries that host military bases or align themselves closely with global powers?Drawing on recent events in the Gulf states, she explains how countries that host U.S. military facilities can quickly become targets during conflict — even when they were not consulted about the decision to go to war.This raises serious questions for Australia.Through the AUKUS agreement, Australia is committing $368 billion in defence spending and allowing expanded U.S. military presence on Australian soil. But does this arrangement actually make Australia safer, or could it place the country on the front line of conflicts that are not our own?At a moment of rising global tension, this episode calls for public scrutiny, democratic debate, and greater transparency about one of the largest defence decisions in Australian history.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we gathered five influential women from diverse backgrounds for a powerful conversation about leadership, justice, and the ways power shapes our world.Too often, the models of power we inherit are hierarchical, extractive, and patriarchal. But what if power could look different?In Reimagining Power, our panelists drew on lived experience, leadership, and critical insight to explore how power can be rooted in justice, care, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Together, they challenge traditional assumptions and reflect on how power can be exercised collectively, in ways that strengthen women, communities, and movements rather than dominate them.This episode captures the heart of that conversation: an invitation to question the systems we have inherited and to imagine new ways of leading, collaborating, and creating change.For a better listening experience, we recommend wearing headphones.

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, host Dr Julie Macken turns her attention to International Women’s Day and to a deeper, more uncomfortable question: how do we exercise power?Ahead of a special panel discussion, Julie reflects on the state of the world for women today. From persistent gender pay gaps to gender-based violence in Australia, and from global scandals of abuse to political leadership that simply replicates old models of dominance, it’s clear that putting women into positions of power hasn’t automatically transformed how power is used.This conversation asks something more radical: is it possible to exercise power differently? Can leadership move beyond command-and-control, bullying, and exploitation, and toward models that are collaborative, creative, accountable, and life-giving?Drawing on feminist critique, lived experience, and the wisdom of older cultures that organised differently, this episode invites listeners to imagine forms of power that don’t just change who is in charge, but change how leadership itself works.If you’re interested in justice, gender equality, and rethinking leadership for a fractured world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/iwd-2026-reimagining-power

Dr Michael Walker steps into the host’s chair to unpack why capital gains tax has surged back into national debate and why it matters for every Australian feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.At the centre of the discussion is the 50% capital gains tax discount, introduced in 1999, and how it has fuelled property speculation, inflated house prices, and pushed home ownership further out of reach. As house prices have soared far beyond wage growth, average earners are increasingly locked into lifelong renting, while rising mortgages and rents drive widespread housing stress.Drawing on recent polling and research from groups including the Everybody’s Home Coalition, Dr Walker highlights the stark trade-offs households are making just to stay housed—skipping meals, avoiding medical care, and cutting basic utilities. With housing now the single biggest driver of cost-of-living stress, the stakes could not be higher.The episode also grounds the debate in Catholic Social Teaching, referencing the Australian Bishops’ affirmation that housing is a basic human right and a cornerstone of the common good. Winding back the capital gains tax discount, Dr Walker argues, would not solve the crisis overnight, but it would be a crucial step toward a fairer, more just housing system.

This week on Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken takes on one of the most overused — and often misunderstood — phrases in our public conversation: “social cohesion.”What does it really mean to “hold together” as a society when people are hurting, divided, and afraid? And is cohesion even the right word, or does it risk glossing over pain, inequality, and real difference?Julie reflects on how fragile we all remain, no matter how old we get. From playground cruelty to political provocation, from rising Islamophobia and antisemitism to collective grief in places like Bondi and Gaza, this episode asks a deeper question: What would it look like to meet our differences with care rather than cruelty?This is not a call for slogans, silence, or “Velcro-style” unity. It’s a plea for lowering the temperature, recognising shared humanity, and treating one another gently, because the stakes are high, and hurt people really do hurt people.

Dr Julie Macken looks ahead at the major social justice issues shaping Australia, from offshore detention inquiries and national security investigations to rising political division and community strain.But beyond the headlines, this is a deeper reflection on something more personal and urgent: our shared humanity.Julie explores what happens when public debate turns into social fracture, why so many people are emotionally exhausted by the state of the nation, and why caring for one another is not optional work, it’s civic work. Drawing on moments of solidarity seen during past crises, she asks whether we can relearn how to disagree without dehumanising, and reconnect as a community.Stay engaged and keep showing up for one another.

In the first episode of 2026, Dr Julie Macken returns with a heavy heart and a frank assessment of the year we’ve stepped into. From the December attack at Bondi to the political theatre that followed, Julie speaks to a nation struggling with grief, division, and identity.With Australia Day around the corner, she asks uncomfortable but necessary questions: What does it mean to be Australian? Who are we when confronted by violence? What values do we actually share, and who gets to decide? Amid bans on language, rising political opportunism, and a world seemingly spiralling into absurdity, this episode calls for clarity, decency, and at the very least, kindness.This isn’t a conversation about social justice so much as a lament for its erosion and an invitation to rebuild it.

In our final episode of 2025, Dr Julie Macken reflects on a year marked by secrecy in government, stalled human rights reform in Australia, and the devastating normalisation of genocide, war, and systemic abuse across the globe.Julie unpacks:Why Australia still has no Human Rights ActHow secrecy and disappearing communications undercut democracyHow the genocide in Gaza is reshaping global normsWhat happens when abuse becomes “normal” — and how communities can push backWhy our expectations of dignity, respect, and justice must be reclaimedThis is a sobering conversation but, also a reminder that we choose what becomes normalised. And choosing human rights is still possible.Take a breath, take a break, and take this with you into the new year.

Next year marks 25 years since the Tampa crisis, a week that changed Australia forever. In this episode, Dr Julie Macken reflects on how one political decision reshaped the nation’s moral compass, turning compassion for those seeking refuge into cruelty and complacency.From the shocking revelation that an outlaw motorcycle gang is being paid billions to run our offshore detention centres, to the government’s ongoing refusal to hold an inquiry into immigration detention, Julie exposes the deep moral and political failures we continue to fund...in silence.This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a mirror.If silence is consent, what story are we agreeing to?

In this week’s episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Julie Macken challenges Australia’s narrow view of national security. While policymakers pour billions into defence and submarines, real security, climate resilience, housing, health, equality, and community wellbeing, remains dangerously neglected.Julie asks the questions few in power dare to:What would national security look like if it actually kept Australians safe from the threats we know are coming—climate catastrophe, pandemics, cyber warfare, and social inequality?Why are we investing in weapons instead of in people, ecosystems, and the planet that sustains us?It’s time to redefine security, not as militarisation, but as protection for our communities, our environment, and our shared future.

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken explores the alarming findings of the federal government’s climate impact report and the hidden intelligence reports they chose not to release. While Australians were told about rising temperatures, collapsing fish stocks, and dire environmental futures, the government kept quiet about the geopolitical fallout across our region. Macken unpacks what this silence means: displacement of entire nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati, food and water crises in Indonesia, and the prospect of hundreds of millions facing unliveable conditions near our doorstep. Her call is urgent: Australia needs a real national security plan and not just for defence, but for climate collapse, biodiversity loss, displacement, cyber warfare, and inequality. Without it, the choices ahead could be catastrophic. This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation, compassion, and the kind of country we want to be when the crisis hits.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken delves into the seismic development in Australia's national security landscape from ASIO, confirming that Iran, through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, orchestrated anti-semetic attacks on Australian soil. In response, Albanese has expelled Iran's ambassador, suspended operations at the Tehran embassy, and initiated steps to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Macken goes further and argues that Chris Minns knew and it is time for an apology. It is time to apologise to the pro-palestine groups that were blamed in the process. It is time for a repeal of the hateful legislation that followed and the fabrication of events thereafter. This is how democracy stops being democracy. One step, one removal of our freedom.

In this episode, Dr Julie Macken shares the story behind Sydney’s first Peace Picnic, happening on 31 August at Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park.She talks about why, in a world full of conflict, from Gaza and Ukraine to rising domestic violence and community divisions at home, people are looking for a simple, peaceful way to come together. Julie explains how a humble picnic can be a powerful response to despair, offering connection, music, meaningful conversations, and a sense of solidarity when so many of us feel powerless.This isn’t about politics or religion. It’s about ordinary people showing up for peace in our homes, communities, and world. Learn how you can be part of this small but powerful act of hope here: picnicforpeace.org

In this week's episode, Dr Julie Macken confronts the emotional and spiritual toll of witnessing injustice; from the horrors unfolding in Gaza to the growing despair in Australian communities. She explores the concept of moral injury, the deep internal wound that arises when we witness atrocities we cannot stop, and its ripple effects on our collective wellbeing. Julie also offers a hopeful path forward: community-based political action as a remedy for despair and a source of healing and reconnection.This episode is a call to feel, to reflect, and most importantly, to act.Find Julie's book here.

This week on Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken dives deep into three major news stories; one dominating headlines, the others barely noticed. While the world devours every detail of the Victorian “death cap mushroom murder,” two seismic reports about Australia’s treatment of First Nations people, historic genocide in Victoria and systemic racism in the NT police, barely register. Why?Julie unpacks how the media shapes what we care about, but also how our clicks reinforce the stories we see. Is it discomfort, denial, or something deeper? It’s a sharp, sobering reflection on what stories we prioritise and what that says about us as a nation.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, we bring to you a special post-pentecost reflection where Dr Michael Walker challenges the myths of modern freedom and fulfilment. Speaking from the historic St Peter’s Church in Surry Hills, where Mary MacKillop and Eileen O’Connor once prayed, Michael explores how social media-fuelled consumerism has seduced us into lifestyles of overwork, isolation, and ecological harm.Marking 10 years since the promulgation of Laudato Si’, this episode unpacks what it means to live well without living large. Drawing from Catholic tradition, Scripture, and his own lived experience of giving up his car, Michael makes a passionate and practical case for “the grace of enough”; where deeper relationships, radical simplicity, and spiritual clarity offer a more life-giving path than lifestyle creep ever could.From Viktor Frankl to Francis de Sales, copper mines to Instagram influencers, this episode is a tour de force on faith, consumption, and what it really means to follow Christ in a world addicted to more.

In this week's episode, Dr Julie Macken unpacks the dangerous absurdity of war-making power in Australia. As conflict escalates globally, from Gaza to Ukraine, from Iran to Sudan,Julie calls out the hypocrisy of world leaders, the silence around nuclear stockpiles, and the erosion of public trust in our institutions. But here’s the kicker: in Australia, only one person decides if we go to war, the Prime Minister. No Parliament. No public vote. Not even the party room. From Gaza’s genocide to NATO’s spineless posturing, Julie lays bare the truth behind war powers, the media cycle, and how every Australian has a role to play in restoring democratic decision; making before lives are lost again under the guise of “defence.” Listen in, then ask your MP: Why is only one person allowed to declare war in my name?

This Saturday, June 21st, is the shortest and coldest night of the year, and for many sleeping rough in Sydney, it could be their last. In this stark and urgent episode, Cailey exposes the deadly intersection between homelessness and mental illness in our city. With over 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness and soaring rates of untreated mental health conditions among them, this is more than a crisis, it’s a moral failure.As Sydney prepares to gather in Martin Place for a public memorial honouring lives lost on the streets, this episode is both a eulogy and a rallying cry. Who are we, if we let people die in plain sight? Listen in. Show up. Because the real emergency isn’t the cold, it’s our silence.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken reflects on the frustration many Australians feel; from climate inaction to the horrors in Gaza.Why does real change feel so out of reach, even when public support is strong?Julie explores Australia's role in global emissions, the moral cost of silence, and the deep need for everyday citizens to take up the call for justice. Whether it's demanding a ceasefire, resisting gas expansion, or simply starting a conversation: this episode reminds us that change starts with all of us. Are you in?

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr. Julie Macken speaks on why the genocide in Gaza is not just a distant humanitarian crisis, it’s a mirror reflecting our own national conscience. She lays out three crucial reasons why Australians must speak up: to safeguard our climate future, to protect our moral integrity, and to reclaim our shared humanity. It’s a wake-up call for action, accountability, and empathy.What are you willing to stand for?

What does justice look like when viewed through a Catholic lens? The newest Social Justice Facilitator, Pauline Jasudason, leads this conversation, guiding listeners through key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the historic 1986 address by Pope John Paul II to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s 2023–2024 Social Justice Statement on mental health and homelessness. Pauline also reflects on her own formation, from university ministry and immersion trips to journalism and parish life, and how these experiences have deepened her commitment to justice, storytelling, and faith in action.This episode also features honest, heartfelt reflections about hope and intergenerational healing as we consider what it means to be part of a Church that walks alongside the First Peoples of this land.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken speaks plainly about the crisis unfolding in Gaza and Australia’s deafening silence. With 14,000 children facing starvation and international law on the brink, Julie challenges political narratives, unpacks our complicity, and calls for real action. From arms exports to the rejection of asylum seekers, she asks: if we don’t act now, what does that say about us?

what comes after the votes are counted? With Labor claiming a strong majority, Dr Julie Macken celebrates Australia’s rejection of division, but warns that real change won’t come without public pressure. From the legacies of Whitlam and Keating to the present-day crises of climate, inequality, and housing, this episode is a heartfelt call to action: it’s up to us to keep the fire for justice burning. We apologise to our audio listeners for the static in parts of this episode.

In this urgent pre-election episode, Dr Julie Macken cuts through the noise of campaign slogans to ask a critical question: what actually keeps Australia safe? With one in eight people globally living in conflict zones, and trust in political leadership at a low, she calls out the alarming silence of our major parties on national security. Julie argues that real threats ;pandemics, climate change, cyber attacks, and public distrust, are being ignored. If our leaders won’t act, maybe it’s time we did. Let's call for a bold proposal for a People’s National Security Plan that puts health, trust, climate, and resilience at the heart of our safety.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken takes us on a wild, but purposeful, journey from penguins and Trump’s tariffs, to the real and chilling normalisation of violence, abuse, and authoritarianism. As the world watches absurdity unfold, are we laughing ourselves into complacency while human rights are quietly dismantled? Australia's soul is on the line. We must resist normalised cruelty and instead elevate kindness, intelligence, and the rule of law for all.

In this week’s episode, standing in for Dr Julie Macken, Dr Michael Walker explores whether digital platforms can effectively drive social justice. Drawing from personal research, Michael argue that while the internet can be a powerful on-ramp for engagement, like raising awareness and connecting people, lasting political or social change usually requires moving beyond the digital space.The #MeToo movement is cited as a rare example of spontaneous, online-driven impact. However, most attempts at online organising, including efforts within companies like Google and Amazon, haven’t achieved lasting change. The conclusion? Digital tools are great for starting conversations and attracting interest, but real-world relationships and in-person organising are essential for trust, collaboration, and sustained action.

Julie Macken discusses the Australian budget's lack of support for asylum seekers and refugees, highlighting a 95% decrease in funding from $369 million in 2016-2017 to $20 million, while immigration detention costs have risen to nearly $1.4 billion. She criticises the Labor government for failing to uphold its promise of humane treatment, noting that asylum seekers still lack basic support like Centrelink, housing, and Medicare. Macken argues that the budget's allocation reflects societal values, implying that neglecting vulnerable groups could lead to broader societal mistreatment. She questions whether the upcoming federal election will include anti-asylum seeker rhetoric, suggesting that political parties assume public support for such policies.

Julie Macken discusses the dual crises of floods and drought in Australia, highlighting the emotional toll of climate change. She finds hope in a conversation with Tim Buckley, who believes Australia and China are leading the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Macken argues that despair is a political tool used to exploit fear and division, urging Australians to reject this strategy and embrace community action. She emphasizes that hope is justified, citing existing community efforts in housing, social support, and environmental initiatives as evidence of progress and resilience.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the aftermath of a tense Oval Office meeting involving Trump, Vance, and Zelensky, describing it as a bullying incident that has left many feeling traumatised. Julie criticises America's withdrawal from the international order it established, highlighting its impact on global free trade and alliances. Macken mentions Australia's $400 billion investment in nuclear submarines from an unreliable ally, questioning the wisdom of such a commitment. She highlights the need for Australia to re-evaluate its values and international stance as the country prepares for a federal election, urging a focus on courage and endurance rather than bullying.

Dr Julie Macken discusses the importance of facts over feelings in the context of social justice and the upcoming federal election. She expresses concern over recent dismissals of African American anchors in the U.S. media and the threat of mass layoffs of public servants if a coalition wins the election. Julie emphasises the need to evaluate politicians based on their actions and proposals rather than personal feelings or appearances. She later argues that feelings have led to negative consequences in America and urge voters to focus on facts to make informed decisions during the election campaign here in Australia.

Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss lack of civics education in Australian schools, defining a good citizen as someone who actively contributes to their community. She highlights the dangers of a dismantled democracy, citing the U.S. example of Trump and Musk undermining democratic institutions. Julie warns of the negative impacts on vulnerable populations and the global economy. She emphasises the importance of vigilance in the upcoming Australian federal elections, urging citizens to be informed, critical, and proactive in protecting democracy against political donations and misinformation, particularly from carbon emitters and the fossil fuel lobby.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken discusses the current state of global social justice, particularly the erosion of international human rights protections. She criticises U.S. President Donald Trump for undermining decades of post-WWII international agreements and calls out the mainstream media for failing to challenge his actions. Julie goes on to argue that silence and inaction from global leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister, professional leaders, and religious figures, enable the normalisation of genocide. Macken urges Australians, especially those in positions of power, to speak up against such injustices to prevent history from repeating itself.

To launch Season 4 of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken kicks off by delving into the Trump inauguration and America's corridors of power, retaining hope and compassion during climate change and political hostility, and holding onto Social Justice during these times.

In this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken provides another example of why we need a Royal Commission into Immigration Detention and why we need it now! Specifically, Julie divulges how Meriton hotels are used as 'quasi-prisons'.

In this week's Speaking of Social Justice episode, Dr Julie Macken discusses the NSW premier and Prime Minister's response to the Palestine and Israel rallies in Sydney over the weekend. She later goes into how this affects Australia's democracy and our barriers in recreating it.

In this episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken highlights Australia's exceptionalism. She discusses how we are so exceptional because we are the only Western democracy without a National Security Plan as well as how we are the only Western democracy without a Bill of Human Rights or any form of human rights protection act.

On this week's Speaking of Social Justice episode, we bring you a special edition from our latest event. On Saturday, August 31st, the Justice & Peace Office Sydney hosted our 2024 Justice and Peace Gathering, breaking down the 2024-25 Social Justice Statement. Listen as Fr Peter, Promoter of Justice & Peace, poses the question: Justice or Charity?

Dr Julie Macken and Dr Michael Walker engage in a two-part conversation this week about the latest AUKUS "alternative" - a submarine base in Western Australia, but they won't be Australian submarines!

On this week’s episode, Dr Julie Macken talks Democracy! Specifically, how are we, as citizens, able to build a safe democratic space for all of us? A space that is inclusive, a space where we can come to agreements and understandings in an ethical way. Julie poses the question back to our listeners

On this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Cailey Sharp discusses the proposed Youth Justice Bill 2024. Cailey breaks down what this means and how it falls short. She later delves into how the Raise the Age Campaign does more than raise the age from 10 to at least 14; it also will improve our justice system and greater communities with the possibility of reducing crime amongst our youth.

In this episode, Dr Julie Macken discusses the recent events that unfolded in parliament: Senator Fatima Payman crossing the floor of parliament, voting against Labor last week on a Green’s motion to recognise Palestine. Julie commends Senator Payman on her actions while condemning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labour Party on their statements suggesting Australians do not care about the state of Palestine and Australia's involvement with Israel.

On this week's episode of Speaking of Social Justice, Dr Julie Macken invites Dr Michael Walker to discuss Climate Change but more so, where did Australia's exceptionalism come from? The two delve into the time when Australia wasn't so "exceptional", the Rules-Based Order, and the lack of accountability for Australia's climate action.

In honour of Men's Health Week and the JPO's upcoming Annual Sydney Homeless Memorial on june 21st, Cailey Sharp discusses the intersectionality between homelessness and mental health amongst men. Cailey delves into the vicious cycle between the two and how they exacerbate each other. Cailey also draws in on how men are now more likely to develop a fatal substance use disorder with a more direct focus on male suicides.

The global Church is encouraging a shift towards ecological economics. Meanwhile, our Federal and State Governments are both introducing wellbeing budgets that include quality of life measures to counter excessive focus on GDP. On May 24th, the Justice & Peace Office Sydney hosted a Wellbeing Economics Symposium. In it, we discussed these two paradigms, how they overlap, and how we can draw on them in our own work at the grassroots level.Cailey Sharp & Dr Michael Walker from the Justice & Peace Office Sydney presented the Curious Grace: Care in the community. A case study example of a drop-in centre model designed to improve community wellbeing.Take a listen!

The global Church is encouraging a shift towards ecological economics. Meanwhile, our Federal and State Governments are both introducing wellbeing budgets that include quality of life measures to counter excessive focus on GDP. On May 24th, the Justice & Peace Office Sydney hosted a Wellbeing Economics Symposium. In it, we discussed these two paradigms, how they overlap, and how we can draw on them in our own work at the grassroots level. Fr Peter Smith from the Justice & Peace Office Sydney presented his work on Ecological Economics, A Just Economy. Take a listen!

Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss AUKUS again but focusing on Australia's Nuclear waste dilemma. Many of us are understandably hyperfixated on the $400 billion going toward AUKUS. However, very few are discussing how this deal means that we are simulatneously becoming the world's garbage bin. Julie goes on to discuss that since these submarines are nuclear powered, we are expected to and will take the nuclear waste.

Cailey Thurlow nee. Sharp is back this week to delve into the HECS dilemma taking over Australia. In this episode, Cailey recaps the original HECS and how university degrees were free in Australia from 1974 to 1989. This issue affects anyone currently seeking or who has previously sought higher education, with many taking their HECS debts well into their forties-impacting their ability to buy a home on top of the impacts of the cost of living. Cailey later discusses the HECS indexation, summarising what this means for anyone with a HECS debt. E.g., If you are on a $60,000 salary and you have an average HECS debt of $24,771, you would have paid off about $1200 in HECS this year, but your debt would have increased by $1177. Since the first term of the labour government, student HECS debts have increased by 16 and a half per cent... under a Prime Minister who went to university for free. Why does the government collect more from HECS debt than it does from its major fossil fuel tax?If you would like to petition against the annual increase in HECS debts for both past and present students and make HECS debts easier to pay off, then please sign the petition below:https://www.change.org/p/make-our-hecs-debts-easier-to-pay-off

Dr Julie Macken is back this week to discuss two major announcements that made headlines over the past couple of weeks: 1) the statement made by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister announcing that spending on Australia's defence is set to double to $100 billion by 2034 and 2) Labour's ongoing attempt to pass a Migration Amendment Act that would force thousands fleeing persecution based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or gender back to the place threatening their death.