Why Australian wages got stuck and who's to blame

The rude shock in your next power bill: After a huge rise in our power bills last year, millions of households are about to see another big hike from this weekend. That’s despite the government extending its price cap on gas and a big push towards renewables. Today, the ABC’s energy reporter, Dan Mercer, on what’s happening in the market and how we can protect ourselves from spiralling costs. Featured: Dan Mercer, energy reporter, ABC national regional and rural team by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Inside Australia’s biggest tax scam: The Australian Tax Office is meant to be one of the most secure and forensic agencies in the country - we trust it to get things right. But its vulnerabilities were exposed, after a criminal syndicate managed to steal more than $100 million of taxpayers' money. Today, Four Corners reporter, Paul Farrell, takes us inside the biggest tax fraud in our history, and explains how it was exposed. Featured: Paul Farrell, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

How Putin survived the Wagner mutiny: Over the weekend, the Russian president came closer than he's ever been to losing his grip on power, as the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin attempted to overthrow his regime, before backing down. It's been a confusing, chaotic few days. Today, a Russian security expert, Associate Professor Matthew Sussex from the Australian National University, on what it means for Vladimir Putin's future, and his brutal war in Ukraine. Featured: Dr Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor, Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

The desperate search for the Titan sub: It's a story that's captivating the world: the missing five men, who went deep into the Atlantic Ocean to try and get a glimpse of the wreckage of the Titanic. Oxygen may have run out in the missing Titan submersible but rescuers are still hard at work. Today, an oceanographer on the dangers and complexities of the mission. Featured: Arthur Trembanis, oceanographer at the University of Delaware by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

The ‘axis of evil’ and the housing crisis: The Greens have been accused of forming an ‘axis of evil’ in the Parliament, by joining with the Coalition to block the government’s key housing bill. But are they really the enemy for demanding a rent freeze to try to stop landlords charging tenants whatever they like? Today, Insiders host, David Speers, on the housing deadlock, and why the government refuses to cap rents. Featured: David Speers, host, Insiders, ABC TV and iview by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

Divisive or unifying: the Voice referendum: For First Nations Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, the passing of the Voice bill through the Parliament this week was akin to 'Assimilation Day'. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney described it as a momentous, unifying moment for the nation. So, with such divided views on the referendum within the Parliament, what sort of debate can we expect as everyone prepares to head to the ballot box? Today, the ABC's National Indigenous Correspondent, Carly Williams, on how to make sense of it all. Featured: Carly Williams, ABC National Indigenous Correspondent by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

How Russia infiltrated Australia's spy agency: With Russia at war with Ukraine, keeping our secrets safe from Moscow is vital. But history tells us Australia hasn't been very good at spying on spies and knowing when our agencies have been infiltrated. Today, investigative reporters Sally Neighbour and Margot O'Neill on an ASIO mole who sold our intelligence to the Russians, and why our spy agency kept it secret for so long. Featured: Sally Neighbour, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview Margot O’Neill, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

The message David Jones is sending the Reserve Bank: You may have enjoyed a spot of shopping on the weekend, but if you're still heading out to spend up big, you're among a diminishing crowd. We now know there's been a huge slump in consumer spending, as more and more of us find it harder to make ends meet with soaring rents and rising interest rates. So, with New Zealand already in a technical recession, is there a downturn coming here too? Today, the ABC’s business editor, Ian Verrender, on where our economy's heading, midway through the year. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editor by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

'Not a safe place': Lidia Thorpe's sexual assault allegations: Once again, the treatment of women in politics has come into question, after the independent Senator Lidia Thorpe used parliamentary privilege to allege she'd been sexually assaulted in a stairwell at Parliament House. It came a day after she had stood in the Senate to accuse the Victorian Senator, David Van, of sexual assault, an accusation he denies and which she later withdrew. Senator Van has now been asked to leave the Liberal Party room. Today, ABC political reporter, Dana Morse, on Lidia Thorpe's allegations, and the culture at Parliament House. Featured: Dana Morse, ABC political reporter, Parliament House, Canberra by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Donald Trump's birthday arraignment: In the US, Donald Trump is marking his 77th birthday. But we can only imagine what sort of celebration it might be, a day after he was arraigned in a federal court in Miami. The former president is pleading not guilty to dozens of charges relating to the mishandling of classified material, some of which he kept in a bathroom at his Florida home. Today, legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks, who was one of the prosecutors during the Watergate scandal, on the case against Mr Trump, and whether a Florida jury would really convict him. Featured: Jill Wine-Banks, legal analyst and former Watergate prosecutor by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia: The long-awaited counteroffensive in Ukraine has begun. In what could be a pivotal moment in the almost 16-month-old war, Ukrainian forces are battling to retake cities occupied by Russia. Today, a former US State Department security advisor on what the frontline looks like, and what the renewed fighting could mean for the future of the war. Featured: Max Bergmann, Director, Europe, Russia, Eurasia program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Does it matter if AI is smarter than us?: We're hearing a lot about artificial intelligence - or AI - recently, and it's really a mixed bag. It's technology some experts say can save lives, while others are warning it could become so powerful it will actually destroy humanity. So what should we make of it? Today, AI expert and chief scientist at the University of New South Wales AI Institute, Professor Toby Walsh, on why we should be alert, not alarmed. Featured: Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, UNSW AI Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

The betting giants infiltrating suburban sport: When you head to your weekend soccer or cricket match to cheer on the school team or local club, it's fun and usually not too serious. But what you probably don't know is there are a lot more people than you realise taking an interest in what’s going on on the pitch. Today, ABC investigative reporter, Pat McGrath, on his Four Corners report into the gambling giants infiltrating community sport. Featured: Pat McGrath, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and iview by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

Ben Roberts-Smith and the chain of command: Last week, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers, Ben Roberts-Smith, was found to be a war criminal and murderer, after losing a civil defamation case against three newspapers. The shock ruling in the Federal Court has now reopened debate over the behaviour of Australian special forces deployed during the war in Afghanistan. Today, investigative reporter Chris Masters, who along with Nick McKenzie exposed Ben Roberts-Smith, on the continuing fallout of the case, and the failings of the military's chain of command. Featured: Chris Masters, investigative reporter, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald by ABC News Daily

11 min listen

Bruce Lehrmann, Brittany Higgins and the justice system: This week, Bruce Lehrmann gave his first media interview, after the trial over the alleged rape of former political staffer Brittany Higgins was abandoned last year. In it, Mr Lehrmann, who's never been found guilty of any wrongdoing, maintained his innocence, saying the alleged assault at Parliament House in Canberra simply didn't happen. It came as an inquiry into the justice system's handling of the case heard its final evidence. Today, we speak to ABC court reporter, Elizabeth Byrne, who's covered the story from the start. Featured: Elizabeth Byrne, ABC court reporter, Canberra by ABC News Daily

11 min listen

Will higher wages mean more rate rises?: With the Reserve Bank hitting borrowers with yet another interest rate rise, households will be feeling even greater financial strain. The cash rate is now 4.1%, and there's concern that last week's decision to increase the minimum wage could fuel inflation further, pushing interest rates higher still. Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on whether or not the wage increases signal there's more pain to come. Featured: Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

How science freed Kathleen Folbigg: She was once dubbed 'Australia's worst serial killer', after the deaths of her four children. But now, Kathleen Folbigg is a free woman, after spending two decades in jail. In a miscarriage of justice case reminiscent of the wrongful conviction of Lindy Chamberlain, the NSW Attorney-General has pardoned the 55-year-old after new scientific evidence emerged. Today, ABC Background Briefing reporter Rachael Brown on Kathleen Folbigg's freedom and what it says about the judicial system. Featured: Rachael Brown, reporter, Background Briefing, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Rate rises and the generational divide: It's financially pretty tough right now. But who’s really hurting the most? While the Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe, is suggesting younger Australians could find a housemate or live with their parents, many older Australians are holidaying, dining out and hitting the shops. Today, ABC business reporter, Stephanie Chalmers, on the growing generational divide. Featured: Stephanie Chalmers, ABC business reporter by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

The fall of Ben Roberts-Smith: Ben Roberts-Smith was a war hero: Australia's most decorated soldier, receiving a Victoria Cross. Now, a court has found in a civil defamation case that newspaper reports that he's a war criminal and murderer are true. The former SAS soldier had taken defamation action against three newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Canberra Times, after they stated he was involved in the unlawful killing and assault of unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan. Today, defamation expert Associate Professor Jason Bosland on the federal court's ruling, and its wider implications. Featured: Associate Professor Jason Bosland, Director, Centre for Media and Communications Law, Melbourne Law School by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

The PwC scandal: how the government outsourced itself: The federal government pays private consulting firms hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars every year. But can we really trust they're acting in our best interests and, if not, why are we outsourcing such a large amount of public sector work to them? Today, the host of Radio National's The Money, Richard Aedy, on the expanding PwC scandal, and whether it will change who the government does business with. Featured: Richard Aedy, host, The Money, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

The upside of the trade war with China: In recent years, the relationship between China and the West has soured, costing billions of dollars in lost trade. But that rift has had an unexpected upside for Australia, with surging demand for some of our raw materials, like lithium. Today, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, on the end of the iron ore era, and why Australia's mining luck is set to continue. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editor by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Why so many builders are going bust: When you're halfway through building a new home - or renovating an old one - and the builder goes bust, it's devastating for everyone involved. Now, more and more people are finding themselves in exactly that position, with building company insolvencies in Australia at the highest level in almost a decade. So what’s going on? Today, ABC business reporter, Michael Janda, on what the crisis in the industry says about the wider economy, and where we’re heading next. Featured: Michael Janda, ABC business reporter by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

The legal tactic thwarting compensation for abuse victims: After the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the stage was set for hundreds of survivors to receive financial compensation. But Four Corners has found wealthy organisations, from the Scouts to Catholic dioceses, are now using extraordinary legal tactics to fight compensation claims from victims - even in cases where the offender has been found guilty. Today, reporter Louise Milligan on her investigation. Featured: Louise Milligan, reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

Stan Grant, racism and the Voice to Parliament debate: When one of the nation's most prominent Indigenous journalists, Stan Grant, decided to step away from the ABC this week, it sparked a debate over race, racism and the Australian media. The Wiradjuri journalist said a lack of support from the ABC, after weeks of racial abuse against him, led to his decision, which came at the same time MPs began debating the Voice to Parliament bill. Today, the ABC's referendum correspondent, Dan Bourchier, on Stan Grant's announcement, and how it coincides with an increase in online hate as the nation prepares for the referendum. Featured: Dan Bourchier, ABC referendum correspondent by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

Why we gave India's PM a rock star welcome: When he touched down in Sydney this week, India's leader received a rock star welcome. A few weeks back, Narendra Modi became the leader of the most populous nation in the world, after India surpassed China for the title. Now, he wants to transform India's economy into a global superpower to rival Beijing. Today, a fellow at the Australia India Institute, Dr Pradeep Taneja, on the two faces of Prime Minister Modi, and why - despite his chequered human rights record - nations like Australia can't resist him. Featured: Dr Pradeep Taneja, senior lecturer, University of Melbourne and academic fellow, Australia India Institute by ABC News Daily

14 min listen

Australia's bid to be the green hydrogen superpower: You probably know a bit about hydrogen from your science lessons at school. But you're about to hear a lot more about it, as Australia embarks on a massive push to become the world's hydrogen superpower. The hope is the element will soon be fuelling everything from cars to passenger jets, as the world races to switch off fossil fuels. Today, ABC business reporter Rachel Pupazzoni on how Australia became a leader in the field and why it could lead to our next investment boom. Featured: Rachel Pupazzoni, ABC business reporter by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

Is freezing your eggs worth it?: In Australia, egg freezing has become big business, as clinics target women worried about their fertility. But has something gone awry, when Australians in their early 20s are deciding to undergo the expensive, invasive procedure? Today, ABC 7.30 reporter Rhiannon Shine on the risks involved, and whether it's really worth it. Featured: Rhiannon Shine, reporter, 7.30, ABC TV and ABC iview by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

How Australia could fix its housing problem: Australia is in the middle of a severe housing crisis. But did it really need to be this way? If you look at Scandinavia, the answer is no. Today, Dr Sidsel Grimstad from Griffith University on the co-operative housing networks in Denmark, Sweden and Norway that mean barely anyone’s left homeless, and how they could work here too. Featured: Dr Sidsel Grimstad, senior lecturer, Griffith University, Brisbane by ABC News Daily

12 min listen

The debt ceiling: what happens if the US runs out of money?: The US economy is in such a crisis, president Joe Biden has had to cancel a trip here next week. He has less than a fortnight before the nation defaults on its debt - meaning it would essentially run out of money - for the first time ever. Today, economist Dr Louise Sheiner, from the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, on how America's fragile political system could drag all of us into a recession. Featured: Dr Louise Sheiner, senior economics fellow and policy director, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Brookings Institution, Washington DC by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

Are we already in a recession?: As the US grapples with a crisis over its debt ceiling, there's concern the entire world could be plunged into a financial crisis. Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, unpacks how we'll know if we’ve been pushed into a recession, and what it will mean for Australians if we are. Featured: Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter, Canberra by ABC News Daily

13 min listen

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Why Australian wages got stuck and who's to blame

Why Australian wages got stuck and who's to blame

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