7am

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrived in Sydney for a four-day visit to Australia, invited in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack in December.
On Monday, Herzog visited Bondi and laid a wreath to honour the 15 people killed in the attack.
At the same time, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Sydney’s CBD to oppose the visit – after organisers launched a Supreme Court challenge to the NSW government’s decision to declare the visit a “major event”, a move that activates special police powers in the city.
It comes on top of the broader protest restrictions NSW introduced after Bondi – which the government says are about community safety in the wake of a terrorist incident – but which civil liberties groups argue tilt too much power toward police discretion and make political protest more difficult.
Today, 7am chats with protestors at the Sydney march, and NSW Council for Civil Liberties president Timothy Roberts, on the new limits being placed on protest in NSW – and across the country.

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Guest: NSW Council for Civil Liberties president, Timothy Roberts
Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone
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It’s been just over two weeks since the Liberal and National parties’ dramatic split and now the Coalition is back together.
Sussan Ley and David Littleproud insist they’re now solid, guaranteeing that after two Coalition splits in the space of a year - this time, there’ll be no more break ups.
Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on how the Coalition got back together after their big blow up, and whether this time it’s for good.

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Guest: Press gallery journalist, Karen Middleton
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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TikTok is the most influential media platform for Australians under the age of 25. It’s where millions get their news – whether they realise it or not.
But TikTok is no longer just a cultural force. A Trump-aligned group of investors has taken over its American operations, aimed at keeping China at arm’s length.
Now, users are claiming that content about ICE and its operations in Minnesota, where two American citizens were killed by federal agents, has been difficult to post, has disappeared from the algorithm, or has reached far fewer people than expected.
TikTok has denied political censorship, saying the platform was experiencing technical disruption at the time.
But it’s raised the question: when it comes to TikTok, who gets to decide what Americans see – and what gets buried?
Today, Associate Editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson, on the Trumpification of TikTok.
You can read Cam’s reporting at Crikey.
This episode was first published in October 2025.

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Guest: Associate Editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Australians were hit with another reminder that the cost-of-living crisis isn’t over, and that the government's room to move is narrowing fast.
An interest rate rise has sharpened the pressure on Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers, just as a federal budget looms. The government is now forced to weigh up expectations of economic reform vs political risk.
Meanwhile, the Opposition is unravelling in plain sight; the Coalition split, with the Nationals relegated to the crossbench.
Today, press gallery veteran, Paul Bongiorno, on how exposed the government really is, how bold it can afford to be, and how the opposition’s collapse is reshaping the political contest.

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: Press gallery veteran, Paul Bongiorno
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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In the wake of the Bondi terror attack, the Prime Minister invited Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, a move framed as an act of solidarity with the Jewish community.
But that visit, which begins on Sunday, is now sparking criticism, including from within the government, with a series of protests planned across the country.
Supporters of the visit say Herzog’s presence will bring comfort to grieving families. But critics argue it risks deepening divides, particularly as Israel faces genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice, with Herzog’s own statements cited as evidence.
Today, Principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, Josh Bornstein, on the visit that’s raising tensions and dividing communities and whether those divisions can ever can ever be mended.

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: Josh Bornstein, Principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn
Photo: AAP Image/Callum Godde
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.