The Conversation Hour

We examine Brimbank Council’s decision to remove seating in Sunshine following concerns about antisocial behaviour, but does this just move social problems elsewhere? We look at an outreach model that has been working  to de-escalate incidents and connect vulnerable people with housing, health and social support. The European Union has brought in new laws banning the destruction of unsold garments, should Australia follow suit? We discuss the environmental impacts of mass fashion production and what we can do to address the problem.

Protest organiser Felix Hughes and the Longitudinal Head of Growing Up in Australia, Kirsten Campbell, discuss ways in which young people today are engaging in politics. Following yesterday’s chat to provide free third spaces for young people, we catch up on the community pressure to stall the sale of Brunswick’s community centre Don Bosco. And a new Neighbourhood Watch report on the importance of knowing thy neighbour.

We speak to Associate Professor Jake Goldenfein about the accuracy of AI facial recognition. And personal injury Lawyer Nick Mann offers a legal perspective on the Geelong concussion contract.

We talk about the hidden and ongoing costs of childhood cancer with Redkite CEO Monique Keighery, and mother of two Samantha Leffler, whose 1-year-old daughter Florence was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.Liz Allen takes your Census questions and shares her personal connection to the Census, why she became a Demographer and why she believes every Australian should be counted.And Paul Simon’s Graceland celebrates its 40th Anniversary. We take a look back at the joy and controversy surrounding its release and the legacy that lives on with Sisonke Msimang.

Former AFL player Joel Bowden brings a human perspective to the Geelong concussion saga.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we continue to discuss the Geelong concussion deal and ask what the AFL and Players Association should be doing in response.Also in this edition, improving fatigue warnings for new parents. Plus a new theatre production delves into Melbourne's night life.

A Victorian AFL club has reportedly made a secret deal where a player was made liable for their own concussion risk. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask what the AFL should be doing to prevent this happening again.Also in this edition, how dental health impacts self esteem, has gambling reform become to hard? Plus, FIFA backs Infantino after failed plans for partial sale.

Yesterday on the Conversation Hour we discussed whether it is ok to comment on someone's looks. In this edition we look at the pressures that men and boys face in maintaining body image ideals.Also in this episode, concerns about how carry on luggage costs will impact people living with a disability, the latest on IBAC, plus as British 90s trip hop outfit Massive Attack tour Australia we give you a refresher on their cannon of work.

There has been much media scrutiny around Ariana Grande's weight and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore is it ever ok to make a comment on another's physical appearance.Also in this edition, aged care affordability, claims of historic sexual abuse at a Melbourne alternative school. And why the indoor cats are doing ok.

While prospective home buyers might be celebrating the down turn in house prices, others, particularly those considering aged care options hold concerns around how they will afford aged care. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore how older Victorians might potentially be impacted.Also in this edition, preventing parents behaving badly at their kids sport, what the Census will mean for regional planning, plus what to expect now the fuel excise is back.

MTV turns 45 this weekend and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the rise of the music video and how it changed the music industry.Also in this edition, what will a change of premier mean for small business in Victoria? Is FIFA for sale? Plus remembering music journalist Glenn A. Baker who has died aged 74.

The H5N1 bird flu has now been detected in Victoria, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how it might potentially impact Victorian agriculture and also the our native wildlife.Also in this edition, Australia's sprint success at the Commonwealth Games, when a bad online review can be a positive, plus how to support young sports stars.

Ben Carroll has been Victoria's new premier for 24 hours and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what the election campaign will look and feel like under his leadership.Also in this edition, Eildon gets a new tourist attraction, Qantas tests a direct flight from Melbourne to Toulouse, plus we celebrate sprint at the Commonwealth Games.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we take you through the morning's twists and turns of the Labour leadership challenge which has seen Ben Carroll become Victoria's 50th premier.Also in this edition, we celebrate Australia's Commonwealth Games swimming wins, plus pay tribute to former Goodies star, the late Bill Oddie who has died aged 85.

Victoria's premier Jacinta Allan is facing a potential leadership challenge just four months out from a state election. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what how much this challenge will influence how you vote.Also in this edition, should significant trees have legal protections? A push for mandatory reporting for wildlife road strikes. Plus, a concerning rise in hygiene poverty.

With news of another data hack this week, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at just how frequently companies are paying up, how much it perpetuates copycat crime and whether the paying of ransom money should be made illegal. Also in this edition, fuel prices are expected to rise again, but by how much? And later in the hour, the push to keep ancient languages alive, plus how to prevent falls in later life.

The Don Bosco Youth Centre in Brunswick has been listed for sale. In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we discuss what role the centre has played in the community and the push to save it.Also in this edition, teacher strike action, an Open AI model goes rogue during testing, plus why is there a decline in job mobility in younger people?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts live from Ringwood's Realm and we meet the locals making an impact. 

There was a bit of a moment on 7:30 when Barnaby Joyce yelled at his dog on live tv. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss if the moment will influence perceptions about Joyce, and how much of it is a distraction from key policy discussions. We also get the lowdown from a pet behaviourist about best practice when managing pet behaviour, particularly in high pressure situations.Also in this edition, understanding creatine and we celebrate National Belgium Day.

As the Word Cup draws to a close in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the highs and lows of the tournament and ask how you would rate it.Also in this edition, Hinkley announced as Tassie Devils coach, a push for pedestrian safety, understanding the Odyssey, plus Victoria farewells Derryn Hinch.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we meet Georgie Armstrong who details her experience of being an affordable housing tenant in a mixed tenure development. Georgie shares her concerns that the grouping together of affordable housing residents to certain floors and not having the same level of access to amenities as full paying tenants perpetuates a sense of social exclusion. We also speak with an affordable housing researcher about what the government could and should be doing to improve the circumstances for people relying on the affordable housing scheme. Also in this edition, a review of the Rolling Stones latest offerings. Plus, why Melbourne coffee is actually pretty good. 

With Argentina's win over England in the World Cup semi-final this morning, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the legacy of Lionel Messi and ask is he the greatest of all time?Also in this edition, the latest on travel advice and transit through the Middle East, winter gardening. Plus, is coffee in Australia over-rated?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour, we look at planning laws surrounding data centres following news one is proposed for Miners Rest near Ballarat.Also in this episode, new research into how engaged the younger generation is when it comes to politics.

You may have seen actor Christie Whelan-Browne social media post detailing her experience of falling victim to a vehicle scam referred to as carnapping. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at just how far this practice and also explore how to reduce the shame associated with it.Also in this edition, what underpins the poor snow season, the latest on the Straight of Hormuz, plus we celebrate Bastille Day.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has received almost 200 complaints about aged care service charges and and fees to residents the this year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss how to improve the transparency of the fee structure, what services could and should constitute standard care in contrast to premium services and what the regulator should be doing to prevent over charging.Also in this edition, what went wrong with Bazball, and exploration into how far we have come in treating macular degeneration, plus we celebrate local theatre.

In this edition of the Conversation Hour Daniel James is joined by Djaran Murray-Jackson, Co-Chair of Gellung Warl, to talk Treaty and what the NAIDOC theme Fifty Years of Deadly means to him.Also in this edition, Aunty Professor Lynette Riley Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee, discusses how the committee landed on this years NAIDOC theme.Plus, Daniel chats with two of this year's National NAIDOC Person of the Year finalists in Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM and Timmy Duggan OAM.

As Telstra experiences a widespread network outage in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the impact on Victorian communities from business to transport, and also look at how the outage highlights the importance of having cash.Also in this edition, from Wimbledon to the World Cup — how are the big international tournaments affecting you? From when you sleep, to what you wear?

New research has revealed that women are enduring pain and discomfort from gynaecological side effects from cancer treatments due to the stigma associate with the conditions. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with the report author about the need for health care workers to be more proactive in discussing the side effects, to ensure their patients health and wellbeing.Also in this edition, a rise of delivery drivers being scammed, how AI is impacting the media landscape, plus, the blurring of reality tv and documentary.

With the devastating news that Epping footy player Nathan Fitzgerald is on end of life care after suffering head injuries, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss calls for an investigation into how hard cricket pitches are covered on multi-use community sporting ovals.Also in this edition, a peak behind the curtains at the Australian Ballet, what it takes to be a celebrant, plus are "space balls" wash up a Queensland beach.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Kirsten Diprose is joined by anti-gambling advocate Tim Costello who shares how he thinks the federal government gambling reforms could be improved.Also in this edition, we talk life at 60, plus cross to the States for all the latest on the rumoured Taylor Swift wedding at Madison Square Garden.

It's commonly understood that there are certain unofficial markers we are meant to hit at a certain age, from getting your drivers licence to buying house. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins those social pressures and how to combat the anxiety these social expectations can create.Plus, a new KPMG study says the debate is settled and that current Australian households are in tougher economic times than in 1989 when interest rates hit 17 per cent , but can it ever really be settled which generation had it harder?Also in this edition, we tackle social media cringe and the case for line drying your clothes.

A new report into the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health challenges has highlighted that negative attitudes remain an ongoing issue, despite growing awareness about complex mental health conditions. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we hear from someone who lives with schizophrenia plus National Mental Health Commission to explore what underpins these attitudes and how to reduce stigma and discrimination.Also in this edition, what's driving a warm winter here and a boiling summer in Europe and why there are long lines at the airports in Europe? Plus, Tasmania's Neil the seal is going viral for his somewhat raucous behaviour down at Seven Mile Beach, we talk seal behaviour and hear about your wildlife encounters.SANE Support line 1800 187 263

A new program, jointly funded by federal and state governments, will see specialist pelvic health educators visit schools to discuss women's health issues such as endometriosis, periods and pelvic pain. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what this means for reducing the mystery and stigma about women's health.Also in this edition, concerns for residents of long-term Salvation Army facility which is facing closure, why hospital GPS are considering industrial action. Plus, we celebrate the rock poster ahead of Rock Posters Printing Factory opening it's doors for Open House Melbourne.

As auction clearance rates and house prices fall, in this edition of The Conversation Hour, we ask how these changes are impacting you?Also in this edition, what it is to live with young onset dementia and the new resource for people recently diagnosed. Plus, why Madonna's biopic was scrapped.If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.And for further information on young onset dementia, discussed in this program, visit: forwardwithdementia.au

In this edition of the Conversation Hour we bring you all the action as the Socceroos gear up to compete against Paraguay. Plus, we talk the legaliteis of taking a sickie.

Independents Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall have teamed up to form a new party which they have called Community Strong Australia. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Ms Steggall reflects on what the party will stand for and how the party will work, plus we get analysis from author and former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, Sean Kelly.Also in this edition, a woman living in Syria with links to ISIS, who had been banned from returning, has been issued a permit to come home. International law expert Don Rothwell talks why revoking the temporary exclusion order marks uncharted territory in Australia.Plus, animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement takes your calls.

A new study from The University of Melbourne has found there is a lack of evidence that IVF add-ons improve fertility. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we  take a look at the research and discuss what resources are available to women to make informed decisions around treatment.Also in this edition, how much does emotional labour lead to work burnout? Plus, as Daryl Braithwaite announces he will no longer perform live, we ask you how often you see live gigs.

UK PM Keir Starmer has resigned, and ex-Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is favoured to take over role. Some commentary has  focused on the role of charisma in the rise  as a determinant of political success and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask  how much charisma, authenticity and conviction  sway who you vote for. Also  in this edition, the broader impacts of bird flu on wildlife in Australia. Plus, the legacy of music executive Clive Davis who has died aged 94. 

New data obtained by The Age shows that around 150 students are suspended each school day in Victoria. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the ongoing impact of a school suspension on younger people and the correlation between suspensions and youth crime.Also in this edition, will Andy Burnham become the UK's next PM, winter swimming and could human composting be on it's way?

It's a big weekend ahead as the Socceroos take on the USA in Seattle in the World Cup. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with an American-Australian sports journalist to preview the game and find out who he will be barracking for. Plus, we cross to a few venues around Melbourne set to open super early about their World Cup preparations.Also in this edition, what is it to be living stateless in Australia?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we venture out to Mill Park Library for a wide ranging conversation about the role of libraries in your community, plus hear the stories of the libraries from your childhood. 

With the closure of Lincraft's physical stores , in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the future of the fabric shop and what it means for dressmakers.Also in this edition, the rugby league is go, but does anyone know how to pronounce the Maroons. Plus, we catch up with Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director Frances Rings about their latest production.

New analysis from the Penington Institute has indicated seven drug overdose fatalities per day in 2024. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what underpins this increase and what needs to happen to prevent these deaths.Also in this edition, keeping your home healthy during the winter months, orchid hunting plus is there such a thing as too much Bond?

With news of the US and Iran agreeing to a ceasefire deal, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore what this will mean for petrol prices in Australia.Also in this edition, we look at plans to create a new 13-day hiking trail along the Yarra, talk men's health, plus catch up with Vika and Linda Bull to celebrate their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Last night saw six Australian acts join ARIA's Hall of Fame including 3-piece rockers Spiderbait. In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary catches up with Janet English, the bands bassists and vocalist, to reflect on the band's legacy. Also in this edition, a new PFAS class action, plus the politics of The World Cup.

From installing solar panels to getting rid of mould, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at what landlords could and should to to improve the life of renters.Also in this edition, preventing the illegal operation of solariums, plus, the story of your wool jumper.

You may have seen the video of actor Rosamund Pike reprimanding an audience member for texting during a piece of theatre. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what considerate theatre behaviour should look like and just how much mobile phones are impacting our manners.Also in this edition, we cross the MCG ahead of Neale Daniher's state funeral, talk the popularity of bird watching plus, ask are people still playing squash?

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the connection between social class and the way we vote , and whether politicians have misunderstood the so called working class.Also in this edition, new research into the mental health of renters, declining rates of young people having the HPV vaccine. Plus, a stoush in the magic community over the exclusion of a robot magician from The Magic Circle club.

Former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma researcher and pathologist , Professor Richard Scolyer, has died aged 59. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we pay tribute to him and also reflect on what it is to live with a life threatening illness.Plus, later in the program combating marine trafficking, a guide to understanding the 'beautiful game' and we catch up with botanist Tim Entwisle who has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Recent polling has indicated that Pauline Hanson is the most popular party leader among women voters, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether women voting for the far-right is part of a broader global trend.Also in this edition, staying safe in the snow, why park rangers are taking industrial action. Plus, do you keep a journal?