What a year… Here we were thinking that 2020 was the year to end all years and then came 2021 - more Covid-19, seemingly never-ending lockdowns, and more sexual assault stories than the Australian media has probably ever covered. But the downs came the high, the whole of Australia got vaccinated and it looks like women’s rights are taking a turn for the better. We take you back through the year that was and what you can look forward to on the political calendar next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We made it! Parliament is finally over for the year! We take you through exactly what happened in the last parliamentary sitting week of 2021 - the most notable was a massive report on sexual harassment and bullying in Parliament House. We speak to the longest-serving female MP Tanya Plibersek about her time in parliament. Then we take a look at new rules for social media companies that mean online trolls could finally be unmasked.   Guests:  Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Education and Women Josh Butler, Political Editor for The New Daily See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final parliamentary sitting fortnight of the year, things got a little bit messy. A whole bunch of MPs and Senators voted against their OWN parties, which is kind of a big deal. Sarah and Amanda take you through why, it has something to do with vaccine mandates and an anti-corruption watchdog. We also take you through exactly what is in the religious discrimination bill that was released publicly this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final Parliamentary sitting fortnight of the year, the government will debate its religious discrimination bill. But the complex issue is dividing communities. We ask how the bill came about in the first place and why it’s necessary? We also look at the government’s investment in new technologies including mysterious quantum computers. Sarah and Amanda explore how cutting edge tech could change your everyday life. Guests:  - Fr Frank Brennan, Jesuit Priest and ACU Law Professor - Fergus Hanson, Director of ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has been on a whirlwind trip around Victoria, spruiking the government’s climate change credentials. He announced millions for increasing electric car sales, but it work? There are also increasing numbers of children catching Covid-19, but while it might not be too dangerous for them, it has big implications for vulnerable people around them.   Guests:  Tony Weber, CEO of Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Infectious Diseases Expert at Monash University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The super important COP26 Climate Summit talks have been overshadowed by a spat between France and Australia over the dumped submarine deal. We take you through exactly what happened and why it’s all such a big deal. Plus what was actually agreed to at CPO26? Have we saved the world from climate change? Maybe, maybe not – find out on the show!   Guests:  Stela Todorovic, Channel Ten Political Reporter  Pastor Ray Minniecon, Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has OFFICIALLY committed to net-zero emissions, and it only took us a decade, and 3 or four Prime Ministers. Sarah and Amanda chat about why the government’s plan to reach that goal hasn’t been met with resounding applause. Plus international travel begins again on November 1! We chat to the CEO of Flight Centre about how that’s all going to work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week there have been investigations by ICAC and IBAC, but what are these anti-corruption bodies? And why doesn’t the federal government have one? Plus we look at a new government plan to improve mental health and talk to a giant in the field about why the plan isn’t good enough.    Guests:  Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah Professor Ian Hickie, Former National Mental Health Commissioner See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccine rates are skyrocketing. International borders are opening. New drugs will help people be less sick from Covid-19. Everything is finally looking up! We take you through things you can finally look forward to. Also, climate is back on the agenda and it feels like the climate wars could finally be coming to an end.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.