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It’s been a week of shock and grief.  The attack on Helen Haines has left her family and the community she represents confronting a trauma that has reverberated across the country and whose consequences will endure long after the headlines have moved on.  In Canberra, there have been calls for restraint, for care with words and for an end to the cruelty that has become so familiar in our public life. Those calls ask politicians and the media to recognise the weight of our words and our collective responsibility for the tone we accept in public debate.  Today, ABC Melbourne’s Raf Epstein on a devastating week, the habits we’ve come to accept, and whether this moment will change anything once the political contest resumes.  If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: ABC Melbourne host Raf Epstein Photo: AAP Image/James Ross

In an Ebola treatment centre in eastern Congo, young children are being cared for by people in protective suits – isolated from the love and comfort of their families, who can only watch on from a window.  For paediatrician Rupa Narra, it was unlike anything she’d experienced in 16 years working in global health. Some of her patients were too young to understand why their parents couldn’t hold them in what would be their final hours.  And as health workers confront the outbreak, the international support they once relied on has been stripped away. Today, Médecins Sans Frontières doctor, Rupa Narra, on the children caught up in the Ebola crisis and what happens when the world retreats from helping contain it.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Médecins Sans Frontières doctor, Rupa Narra Photo:msf.org.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can see it in the drawn faces of the politicians lining up to speak about Helen Haines this week – Canberra has been shaken to its core. ASIO and the Australian Federal Police have been liaising with parliamentarians – some of whom say they no longer feel safe after the alleged attack, which left the beloved Victorian independent fighting for her life. But some of the same politicians offering their condolences have been responsible for the increasingly ugly, even violent, rhetoric on the floor of parliament – their words contributing to the very environment that’s made them feel unsafe. Today, Independent MP Allegra Spender on her own experience, the hypocrisy in parliament, and why she’s calling for change – regardless of what the driver’s motivations are found to be.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Independent MP Allegra Spender Photo: AAP Image/James Ross See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In France, thousands of arrests have been made and partial curfews imposed across the country, after a weekend of protests that spiralled into violence and looting.   The protest movement, which began four weeks ago with students demanding better conditions at high schools, culminated in half a million people protesting the rising cost of living on the weekend.   In some areas, shops were looted, and buildings torched.  Protests have also broken out in other parts of Europe – including Spain, Belgium and Italy.  The French President Emmanuel Macron, has now demanded a full security review and “new operational methods” to end the rioting.  Today, writer Sarah Wilson from Paris, on how the protests turned violent, and what it all means for the future of politics in France, and across Europe.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Writer Sarah Wilson Photo: Oualid Abdellaoui / JNA PRESS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday afternoon Independent MP Helen Haines was returning to her electorate office in the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta, when she was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser.  Witnesses described seeing the car make a u-turn, and then ram Haines against a vehicle, before reversing and hitting her a second time. A local barbershop owner ran to the driver’s side of the vehicle, removed a knife from the man’s pocket, and wrestled him to the ground.  The alleged attacker, who has now been identified as 43 year old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, was then arrested by police at the scene.  Helen Haines was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and has lost her leg in the attack.  The AFP and Victorian police are investigating, and identifying potential charges, with the AFP saying it appears to be an “isolated incident”, with no known threats connected to the matter. Meanwhile the head of ASIO is warning that elevated levels of grievance, intolerance and polarisation have continued to create a "permissive environment of violence" Today in a special episode, columnist and broadcaster Waleed Aly on our changing attitudes to political violence, and why this moment should be a turning point for politics and for all Australians   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist and broadcaster Waleed Aly Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are in crisis mode after one of their senators was accused of inappropriate conduct towards women.  On Monday the party held an emergency meeting after an explosive statement from Jordon Steele-John, denying the allegations and accusing the new party leader of lying. An internal Greens investigation is underway.  But what could be more politically damaging than the claims against Senator Steele-John, is the Greens alleged coverup of misconduct claims against him. Today, journalist Rachel Withers on the investigation, the secret dossier to contain the crisis, and what the events of the last week tell us about the Greens.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist Rachel Withers Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On February 9, thousands of people gathered at Sydney Town Hall to protest the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog.They wanted to march to state parliament, but police were blocking their way. The scenes that followed were shocking: 10 officers and dozens of protesters – some in their 70s and 80s – were injured in the violent clashes that unfolded.Now, after hundreds of complaints of police brutality, the law enforcement watchdog is today opening its investigation into what officers did, how the operation was planned and who gave the orders.Today, Managing Partner at Marque Lawyers, Michael Bradley, on who should be held accountable for the violence at Town Hall – and why NSW Police fought to keep the investigation behind closed doors.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Managing partner at Marque Lawyers, Michael Bradley Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, thousands of South Korean children were adopted into families overseas, including here in Australia. Many grew up believing they were orphans, only to discover years later that their identities had been falsified, their biological families were still alive and, in some cases, they were victims of human trafficking. An investigation in South Korea last year exposed widespread fraud and abuse in the country's international adoption industry. Now, an Australian government inquiry is underway, examining Australia's role, what authorities knew and how these children were allowed to be brought into the country. Today, Martin McKenzie-Murray on the fake orphans trafficked to Australia, and the fight to uncover the truth about their adoptions. This episode first aired in May 2025.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Associate Editor of the Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray Photo: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In politics, there’s nothing quite like a book launch to remind everyone you’re here if they need.  Josh Frydenberg is back, with a new book, some pointed criticism of his party, and perhaps an eye on a return to Canberra. Meanwhile, Angus Taylor is steering the Liberals firmly to the right, although even that hasn’t spared him a heckling from the conservative faithful. For Anthony Albanese, it’s a welcome distraction from what has been a torrid couple of weeks for the government. His own MPs are getting restless, and the prime minister's own confidence isn’t proving contagious. Today, columnist Paul Bongiorno on the Liberals’ competing visions, Labor’s midterm blues, and a prime minister waiting for the wind to change.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno Photo: AAP Image/Sarah Wilson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a decade of fighting and billions spent on American weapons, Saudi Arabia still hasn’t defeated the Houthis.   Instead, the Iranian-backed armed movement from Yemen, one of the Middle East’s poorest countries, is breaching Saudi defences with cheap drones and missiles, striking airports and oil infrastructure.  This week, an attack on the passenger terminal at Riyads’s international airport killed 13 people and injured at least 320. With the US already fighting a war with Iran, Saudi Arabia is now pressing Donald Trump to intervene against the Houthis. But is Trump prepared to open another front in the Middle East in order to help a country in which his family has business interests? Today, Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed on the continued rise of the Houthis, and the pressure on Trump to intervene.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Diplomatic Correspondent at The Washington Sun, Akbar Shahid Ahmed Photo: EPA/YAHYA ARHAB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, Australians could reasonably expect that their lives would be more prosperous than their parents.  But over recent years, that bargain has started to break down.  Productivity growth has barely moved for a decade. We’re working more hours, without producing much more for each hour we work, and that stagnation is showing up in incomes, living standards and rising interest rates.  Now with economic growth under pressure, the government is betting that new technology, particularly artificial intelligence, can help turn things around. Today, Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood, on why Australia has stopped becoming more productive, whether AI can change that, and what happens if it can’t.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2009, US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan opened fire on fellow soldiers and civilians at the Fort Hood military base in Texas, killing 13 people and wounding 32. He was sentenced to death in 2013 for the attack, which he described as an act of jihad. Now the Trump administration has scheduled his execution by firing squad for December 3. And Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says he wants the public to watch via livestream. It’s the latest example of an administration willing to put its use of deadly force on display – from sharing videos of boats being blown up in the Caribbean, to turning military strikes on Iran into social media content. So why is the US so determined to show off its military muscle?Today, journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin, on the growing spectacle of American state violence – and what happens when killing becomes something to watch and celebrate.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin Photo: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition is saying that soon, you won’t be able to criticise the Prime Minister on the internet. It’s part of its campaign against Labor’s proposed Digital Duty of Care – which the opposition has branded the “Albo-rithm”, arguing it would give the government the power to decide what Australians can see and say online. So what’s actually in the government’s bill? And how far does it go towards addressing the harms created by social media and its algorithms? Today, Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea on whether Labor can force Big Tech to change what we’re served – and why Donald Trump’s White House has now weighed in.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chair of Digital Rights Watch, Lizzie O’Shea Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kath Madgwick has been to hell and back. One of the most recognisable faces of the Royal Commission into Robodebt, her only son Jarrad took his own life after being told he owed Services Australia nearly two thousand dollars.  Kath has been fighting ever since. The royal commission report dedicated more than a page to her story. But now, Kath says she’s experiencing injustice of another kind. Booted out of the $475 million robodebt class action – her compensation claim over Jarrad’s death has been denied by the Commonwealth. Today Kath Madgwick, on how – even as one of the worst affected victims of the robodebt saga – she’s somehow missed out.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Robodebt victim’s mother, Kath Madgwick Photo: Supplied See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gathered hundreds of service members at a base in Virginia to lay out his vision for the American military. Alongside sweeping changes to the way it fights and trains, Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs – reporting directly to him – aimed at putting what he calls “spiritual health” on the same level as physical health. It’s the clearest sign yet of how Hegseth’s evangelical Christianity is shaping the Pentagon and religious policy across the armed forces. Earlier this year, we looked at the beliefs driving Hegseth’s push to remake the military – and why Donald Trump chose him to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it, bringing so-called “warrior culture” back to an institution they believed had gone “woke”. Today, former Voice of America Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism and the religious worldview reshaping the US military. This episode first aired in March, 2026.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman Photo: Alex Wong/Pool Photo via AP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.