It’s been nearly two decades since Australians have felt the sting of interest rates this high. Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock says persistent inflation has forced the RBA to hike the official cash rate for the fifth time this year. But some experts fear the bank may have gone too far – risking tipping Australia into a recession. Today, Australia Institute chief economist Greg Jericho on why the RBA may have got it wrong, and the big corporate inflation-driver no one seems to be talking about.   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: Australia Institute chief economist, Greg Jericho Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democracy Now! founder Amy Goodman has spent decades trying to hold power to account. From wars to humanitarian crises – she’s covered the biggest events of our time.  Now, she’s sharing her insights on the future of media and politics, and the Australian stories that have stayed with her.  Today, Amy Goodman on the new documentary detailing her life's work, how she refuses to trade truth for access, and the future of the media in the Western world.    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: Democracy Now! Founder Amy Goodman Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Donald Trump returned to the White House, he promised Americans a new era of prosperity. Now, as Americans prepare to vote in midterm elections, that promise is being tested, and the voters who put Trump in power could determine how much of that power he has left. With polls showing Democrats well placed to retake the House, and the Senate also within reach, Republican candidates are wrestling with the political cost of the president's unfulfilled promises, while Democrats hope to turn disillusionment into a political comeback after years of MAGA. Today, Director of the Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs Program, Emma Shortis on an election that will test how deeply Trump has changed America, and whether another vision of the country can take hold.    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: Director of the Australia Institute’s International Affairs Program, Emma Shortis  Photo: AP Photo/Alex BrandonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shenane Hogg spent nine months in a coma after suffering abuse at the hands of her partner. During her recovery, she discovered her abuser had amassed $56,000 of debt in her name. Shenane’s story is just one of many that was heard at a parliamentary inquiry into how the financial system can be used to abuse women. The inquiry heard chilling evidence of a sharp rise in financial abuse that can manifest as offensive and threatening messages in streams of bank transfers, raiding of a partner’s super benefits, or making them liable for joint debts. This month, the Albanese government finally responded to that parliamentary inquiry, saying it supports, or supports in principle, 58 of the inquiry's 61 recommendations – but many of the proposed reforms are yet to be implemented. Today, journalist Karen Barlow on the cost of financial abuse, and why we’re failing to prevent it. This episode first aired in July, 2024.   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: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow. Photo: AAP Image/Diego FedeleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, war and economic uncertainty abroad are colliding with the daily struggle at home to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table.  The cost of living is stretching more than household budgets. It’s wearing people down. The worry follows them to work, comes home with them, and keeps them awake at night.  For the Albanese government, those pressures are making an already difficult job harder. But Australians need to feel their government can do something about it, and the longer they wait for relief, the harder it becomes to sustain that belief.  Today, executive director of Essential Media Peter Lewis, on a government under pressure, a public running out of patience, and the case for a bolder response. *Peter Lewis is an executive director of Essential, a progressive strategic communications and research company. Essential is conducting qualitative research for the ALP   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: Executive Director of Essential Media Peter Lewis Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There can come a point in growing older when staying in the home you love depends on someone helping you out of bed, making a meal, or making sure you’ve taken your medication.  That care can mean holding on to your independence, to familiar surroundings, and to a life that still feels like your own.  But now, the government is using an algorithm to determine home care funding – replacing assessors’ judgement with a formula that can overlook the complexities of someone’s life. And assessors can't override its decisions – even when they believe they're wrong. Today, aged care expert Professor Kathy Eagar, on the human consequences of handling those decisions to an algorithm, and the people whose needs are not being met as a result.    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:  Aged care researcher at UNSW, Professor Kathy Eagar Photo: Michaela Rehle/ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As data centres appear in suburbs across Australia, tech companies and governments have been touting the economic benefits of the boom.  But for those who live near new and planned centres, the sell hasn’t worked. And now, the community backlash is starting to have big results.  Today, ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer on the fragility of the AI data centre boom.    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 business reporter Daniel Ziffer Photo: AAP Image/Christopher HopkinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This wasn’t the story global political analysts had been expecting to tell this week: In Brazil and Serbia, the youth are celebrating. Their hope for a democratic future has been restored after two shock election wins for the left that young voters helped deliver. But as the polling booths close today in what’s been described as one of Israel’s most consequential elections, it’s likely to be a very different story. Today, co-host of The News Agents Emily Maitlis on a blockbuster week of elections, the Trump-effect hanging over all three countries, and how the results could shape global politics.   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: The News Agents co-host Emily Maitlis Photo: EPA/Isaac FontanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was the first person ever to become an astronaut wearing the Australian flag – and now Australian of the year Katherine Bennell-Pegg could finally be taking that flag into space. The federal government has sent an offer to the European Space Agency to send Bennell-Pegg on a 2028 space mission. If accepted, it will be the first time an astronaut has travelled to space under the Australian flag. But there’s a $100 million dollar catch. Today, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University, Dr Rebecca Allen on whether the hefty price tag is worth it – and why she thinks Australia needs to become a player in the space game.   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: Co-Director of the Space Technology Institute at Swinburne Uni, Dr Rebecca Allen Photo: AAP Image/Darren EnglandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When John Howard introduced the GST in the year 2000, Australians were largely unimpressed. More than 25 years later, some experts – including a former treasurer – say it’s time for an update. A new report from the independent think tank the Grattan Institute proposes broadening the Goods and Services Tax and raising its rate to 15 per cent – to avoid what it says is a looming budget disaster. Today Grattan Institute CEO Dr Aruna Sathanapally on why she argues we should raise the GST – even during a cost-of-living crisis – and how to package the changes so poorer Australians could actually end up better off.   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: Grattan Institute CEO Dr Aruna Sathanapally Photo: AAP Image/Dan PeledSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.