7am

Russell Brand is off to jail for a long time.
The once powerful comedian-turned-christian influencer has today been sentenced for the rape of one woman, and the sexual assault of three others.
It all happened at the peak of his career – when Brand was able to use his power and fame to prey on women and get away with it.
Now he’s finally been brought to justice
Today, host of the BBC’s ‘Fame under Fire’ podcast, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty on how Brand was able to hide in plain sight, the trial that finally exposed him, and why the reckoning may not be finished just yet.

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Guest: Host of BBC’s ‘Fame under Fire’ podcast, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Photo: James Manning/Press Association
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The submarines are still years away, but the decisions reshaping Australia’s defence posture are already being made.
That’s one of the central warnings from the AUKUS Public Inquiry, which last week called for the submarine deal to be scrapped.
Its lead commissioner, former environment minister Peter Garrett, says the consequences of AUKUS go well beyond its cost – it’s also about Australia’s growing role in America’s military strategy, and our ability to make decisions for ourselves.

Today, lead Commissioner for the AUKUS inquiry Peter Garrett, on what the inquiry revealed about the deal Australia signed, and why he says the government owes Australians an explanation.

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Guest: Lead Commissioner for the AUKUS Inquiry Peter Garrett
Photo: AAP Image/Con Chronis
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Western Australian police recently finished trialling a technology that can identify people as they walk past – revealing they scanned nearly 1.4 million faces, over a period of five months.
Police say the cameras helped them make 122 arrests and they’re now considering whether to use the technology more widely.
But is catching 122 people worth putting nearly 1.4 million others under surveillance? And how much privacy should Australians be expected to give up in the name of public safety?
Today, we revisit our conversation with UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland, on the dangers of live facial recognition and what happens when police surveillance powers expand.
This episode first aired in June, 2026.

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Guest: UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland
Photo: WA Police
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are keeping the pressure on household budgets, and on the Albanese government. The prime minister’s trip to the Carribean for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting while economic pain was being exacted back home has given his opponents another opportunity to question his priorities.
Meanwhile, One Nation is distancing itself from MAGA following the seismic repudiation of Trump in the US midterms. But the economic discontent that helped turn Americans against their government exists here too.
Today, Chief political correspondent at SBS Anna Henderson, on the week in politics, and why the economic anger that punished Trump should worry Canberra.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent at SBS Anna Henderson
Photo: PA/Alamy
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For generations of Australians, David Jones was somewhere people would dress up to go shopping: the Christmas windows, the fashion parades, and the excitement of taking home something special in those black and white houndstooth bags.
Now, after 188 years, the department store has entered voluntary administration. Its stores are still trading, but thousands of workers face an uncertain future. And the new owner, if one can be found, will have to decide how much of the business can survive.
Today, ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer on a retail institution overtaken by changing habits, what it says about the economy, and whether Australians still want what department stores have to offer.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: ABC business journalist Daniel Ziffer
Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.