The Issue

Sally Tindall discusses the impact of rising interest rates on Australian households, mortgage strategies, savings, and the broader economic outlook amid surging inflation and questionable government policies. The Director of Data Insights at Canstar joins Political Reporter Josh Martin to navigate the tough times the nation is facing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Australia’s housing market is at a tipping point. With the federal budget looming, major changes to housing policy, including negative gearing and capital gains tax, are being debated in Canberra. But could these decisions make the crisis even worse? In this episode of The Issue, property investor Sam Gordon, who owns more than 150 properties, shares a stark warning. Government intervention could drive rents higher, push prices up, and lock an entire generation out of home ownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How does the Australian War Memorial tell the messy truth about war? It’s a shrine, a world-class museum and an archive in Canberra that’s undergoing a $550 million upgrade. The Issue looks at what’s next for the Memorial, how it honours veterans, and how it handles a painful history including the Frontier Wars. Plus, 7News uncovers the plans it has in place to handle the war crimes court case against Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith. The Australian War Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, is this week’s guest on the podcast. Lifeline offers free 24/7 counselling via phone, online chat, and video to anyone feeling suicidal, bereaved by suicide or worried about someone else. Call 1300 659 467.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.

If you ask Scott Phillips how effective our governments have been at getting a high price from the companies that export our energy resources - expect an earful. This week's episode of The Issue features the Motley Fool's Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips, who discusses hard truths with 7NEWS' political reporter, Tim Lester. 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.

How bad could the fuel blockage become? What does the war tell us about Australia's weak spots? This week's episode of The Issue features author and Deputy Chief of the RAAF, John Blackburn, who discusses all with 7NEWS' Tim Lester.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.

In this episode of The Issue, the former federal cabinet minister Ed Husic gives a blunt assessment of where Australia is heading and where he believes things are going wrong. After being dropped from the Albanese government’s frontbench, Husic reflects on the political realities inside Labor, the growing threat of anti-Muslim hatred in Australia, and why he believes the country risks falling behind in the global race for artificial intelligence.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.

Queensland Senator and One Nation founder Pauline Hanson sits down with Tim Lester for a wide-ranging interview covering the surge in One Nation's polling, her views on Trump's America, immigration policy, the prospect of Barnaby Joyce joining the party, and candid reflections on her age and political future.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.

May's federal budget could pit property investors and first home buyers against each other. The Albanese Government isn't ruling out major changes to the capital gains tax discount. Greens Senators would have the deciding vote and tell 7News podcast The Issue they're willing to negotiate. New modelling from the Parliamentary Budget Office shows the tax concession will cost taxpayers $247 billion over the next decade. Tasmania Senator Nick McKim sits down for this week's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.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 Australian Coalition faces its most serious crisis in decades. In this exclusive episode of The Issue, host Tim Lester sits down with two Coalition veterans - former Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck - as they reveal what's really happening behind the scenes.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.

Trevor Baucom, a U.S. Black Hawk pilot who flew alongside Australian special forces, recounts the brutal battles and life‑or‑death moments he faced in Afghanistan. From landing commandos under heavy fire to surviving a crash that left him initially reported as killed in action, Trevor shares a rare perspective from inside the cockpit. Years later, still living with the consequences, he works to honour the men who didn’t make it home. 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.

From defence reform and military procurement to AUKUS, drones and the future of warfare; Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains how Australia is preparing for a more uncertain world. He also reflects on Labor’s political position, the risks of complacency, and why voter trust can never be taken for granted.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.

Prefabricated homes can be built in a matter of days for as little as $100,000. However, finance issues and regulation are holding the sector back in Australia. Damien Crough the Executive Chairman of lobby group prefabAUS says the government needs to tackle the tradie shortage, banks need to make lending easier, and admits the sector has an image problem.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.

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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.

The world is more divided online. The public’s trust in governments and security agencies is weakened. Activists like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have divided opinion with their actions – exposing government and military secrets to the world. Retired four-star admiral Mike Rogers says misinformation is a defining challenge of these times. The former Director of the United States National Security Agency sits down with The Issue to unpack these problems.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albo meets Trump. A former Ambassador to the United States takes 'The Issue' through what confronts Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister prepares for his highest stakes leaders meeting yet. Dennis Richardson also shares insights on the Oval Office meetings he helped organise, the Prime Ministers he worked for and the recent fuss around Australia's current Ambassador in Washington, Kevin Rudd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liberal politicians - Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Price - are leading the charge to lower Australia’s immigration rate. But new analysis from the Australian National University says Coalition governments have largely been responsible for increased migration, this century. Creating the 457 temporary work visas, tying universities to international student fees, and signing 70% of Australia’s working holiday agreements. Professor Alan Gamlen breaks down the debate with the Issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Labor insider believes Anthony Albanese will increase the number of politicians in federal parliament, and break a key promise on property taxes.   While it sounds like a major political misstep, top pollster Kos Samaras tells 7NEWS it's all part of the prime minster's secret plan to wipe the Coalition off the electoral map.Younger, city based voters are changing the game for Labor.  Podcast produced before Andrew Hastie quit the shadow ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shifting position on Palestine. The Albanese government makes the symbolic move in New York with like-minded governments, but does it help efforts to end the Gaza War. A former Australian Ambassador to Israel makes his case. 00:00 - Introduction 02:36 - Growing up 03:30 - Political philosophy 05:44 - Australia's relation with Israel 10:40 - Recognising the state of Palestine 17:00 - A two state solution 18.33 - Australia's relationship with the US 20:21 - Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 25:50 - Andrew Hastie's comments 30:40 - Dave Sharma turning 50    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s economy is vulnerable to a shutdown by criminals, terrorists and rogue nationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s foreign policy has reshaped America’s role in the world. For decades, US security and prosperity were seen as tied to Europe and Asia through strong alliances, including with Australia. Trump challenges this approach, arguing America can rely on its own strength while stepping back from global commitments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s recently retired cyber intelligence boss discusses digital threats and the roles they’ve played in the big news stories of recent weeks. From Iranian links to firebombings, Neo Nazis and China backed cyber intruders, Rachel Noble analyses the dangers and argues there’s still room for optimism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is about to welcome a rival to the giants of Artificial Intelligence. The Issue speaks with the Melbourne tech guru leading our local answer to AI - and gets his view  on how much is at stake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The scheme that delivers Australians cheap medicines. The Trump Administration hates it.  Will America’s tariff threats change the PBS - and if so, how much will our medicines cost?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How valuable is Australia as an ally? John Powers knows the defence and intelligence relationship between Australia and its indispensable security partner, the United States, like few others. In this episode of 'The Issue', the American special forces soldier turned military intelligence officer and now Australian citizen, reflects on why relations between the two are unusually tetchy and what can be done about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men's mental health with the Tall Cacucus in Parliament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia heads back to Kyiv for a personal and work visit, as Russia presses for an advantage in the 3-and-a-half year invasion of his country. Vasyl Myroshnychenko talks to 7NEWS about Australia’s links to the conflict, why turning back Russia is critical for Australia, and how Ukraine’s and Australia’s militaries can help one another.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of President Donald Trump's decision to cut foreign aid is starting to be felt in Australia's backyard.  A new report by the Lowy Institute shows China's influence is growing in Southeast Asia. Political Reporter Josh Martin sat down with the report's author, economist Alex Dayant.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indispensable as our biggest trading partner, unmistakable as the rising military superpower, China is a giant challenge for our government. Few have spent longer studying that challenge than Geoff Raby. Australia's former Ambassador in Beijing sits down with 'The Issue' just as Prime Minister Albanese travels to China to meet President Xi Jinping. What must Albanese achieve in the meeting? How great is the military threat to our region? How does the Trump presidency in the United States change the equation? Raby addresses these issues, his time getting to know China's President and even his work in China with Kevin Rudd as he chats with The Issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.