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One of Australia’s most prestigious universities is now at the centre of three investigations and could be about to face a fourth.
Last year, ANU vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell resigned after pressure over a massive restructure and the hidden role consultants played in shaping it.
Now two inquiries are now looking at whether the changes, meant to save $250 million, were ever justified. A separate investigation is looking into bullying allegations against former chancellor Julie Bishop. And Bell herself has been suspended from her ongoing role as a distinguished professor, accused of serious misconduct.
It comes as powerful firms are reshaping higher education. A recent Four Corners investigation found Australian unis are spending roughly $1.8 billion a year on consultants and contractors.
Today, we’re bringing you an episode from 2025, where senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton examines how consultants came to shape Australian unis, and what that’s meant for higher education.

This episode first aired in July 2025.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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This week, the Albanese government has been forced to confront a growing sense of instability, with fresh warnings from the IMF about the global economy, including the potential impact on Australia.
It’s placed new pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers ahead of the budget, as the government deals with a fuel supply scare that pulled the prime minister back to the country in the middle of an overseas mission to secure supplies for the nation.
As Labor tries to steady nerves, the opposition is pushing a hard line on migration, with Angus Taylor reaching for politics that feel both familiar and deliberately divisive – so much so that it prompted a former prime minister to release a scathing statement.
Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno on the economic anxiety hanging over the government, the opposition's incendiary pitch on migration, and how both sides are trying to define the moment.

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Guest: Press Gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno
Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
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For years, gambling advertising has spread far beyond the ad break, becoming a familiar part of how Australians watch sport, follow news about sport and spend time online. Three years after the Murphy review called for a comprehensive ban, the Albanese government has finally responded.
But the government’s plan to reign in online gambling advertising has drawn sharp criticism. With campaigners and crossbenchers arguing it falls well short of what was recommended.
And in that gap, a bigger fight has opened up about how deeply betting has worked its way into Australian media and Australian’s lives.
Today, Crikey media reporter, Daany Saeed, on the government’s plan to reduce gambling ads, and why its long-awaited response is already under fire.

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Guest: Crikey media reporter Daanyal Saeed
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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It started as a bunch of mummy bloggers on the internet trading tips on everything from breastfeeding to toddler tantrums.
Now the world of child and family influencers has become a billion-dollar business where kids equal content and absolutely nothing is off limits.
Today, Fortesa Latifi, author of the new book “Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online” offers a rare look inside the belly of the beast from some of the kids who have come out the other side.

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Guest: Author and journalist, Fortesa Latifi
Photo: MOODBOARD
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It’s a controversial proposal – immigration based on blatant discrimination.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has laid out the beginnings of the Liberal Party’s hard line migration policy in a provocative speech in Canberra.
Some of his proposals had echoes of Donald Trump, others of John Howard – as he made a play for One Nation’s growing pool of lapsed Liberal voters.
So what does it all mean? And will his bold move on migration pay off at the polls?
Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on the Liberal Party’s controversial new migration policy.

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 journalist, Karen Middleton
Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.