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In late 2023, Australia signed a landmark treaty with Tuvalu – a low-lying Pacific nation threatened by climate change – promising a special visa pathway, disaster support and closer security ties.
The deal is now in force. The first climate refugees have begun arriving in Australia, and this year, Tuvalu will help host key Pacific climate talks ahead of COP.
But the questions at the heart of this agreement have not gone away.
As rising seas threaten the future of one of our smallest neighbours, is Australia offering a genuine lifeline – or using the climate crisis to deepen its own influence in the Pacific?
Today, Mike Seccombe, on the agreement between Australia and Tuvalu – and whether Australia is helping them, or themselves.

This episode first aired in November 2023.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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Last weekend’s South Australian election wasn’t just a wipeout for the Liberals and triumph for Labor, it was a sign that political discontent is beginning to find a new home in an old brand: One Nation.
Pauline Hanson’s party showed just how much room there is for anger on the right in a traditionally progressive state. But the rise in One Nation’s popularity isn’t just contained to SA. Nationally and in states like Victoria discontent is growing and the far right is capitalising. And with the war in Iran exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis, that frustration may only deepen.
Today, Waleed Aly, on what the South Australian result says about the mood of the electorate, and where that mood could go next.

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Guest: Waleed Aly, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald columnist
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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When Pete Hegseth faced the Senate to become Donald Trump’s defense secretary, he was grilled on everything from his lack of experience and his drinking to past controversial remarks – including that women should not serve in combat roles.
But the hearing also made something else clear: Hegseth wasn’t just being chosen to run the Pentagon in the ordinary sense. He was being chosen to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it – to bring what he called “warrior culture” back to an institution he and Trump believed had gone “woke”.
Today, former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman, on the face of America’s new militarism and the role of Christian nationalism in the Trump administration.

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Guest: Former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman
Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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It’s been a rollercoaster ride on the global oil market, with wild swings in petrol prices at the bowser.
The war against Iran has caused panic buying in Australia and around the world.
Meanwhile, our government has been criticised for not having greater reserves of petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
And for not imposing higher taxes on giant gas companies, which are now raking in
a fortune thanks to the war.
Today, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen on how prepared Australia is for the worst energy crisis in more than 50 years – and the war: should we even be backing it?

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Guest: Energy Minister Chris Bowen
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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Australia’s tobacco wars are fuelling violence, with fire bombings and arson attacks spanning across the east coast.
Now the federal government wants to treat these organised crime syndicates like ‘drug lords’ by going after them with wire tapping and seizing their assets.
And the tobacconists are in trouble too, with calls to ban tobacco stores and only sell cigarettes in supermarkets.
Today, Criminologist Dr James Martin, from Deakin University on how to reign in the multi billion dollar black market that’s created a gangsters paradise

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Guest: Criminologist Dr James Martin, Deakin University
Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.