7am

Democracy Now! founder Amy Goodman has spent decades trying to hold power to account. From wars to humanitarian crises – she’s covered the biggest events of our time.
Now, she’s sharing her insights on the future of media and politics, and the Australian stories that have stayed with her.
Today, Amy Goodman on the new documentary detailing her life's work, how she refuses to trade truth for access, and the future of the media in the Western world.

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Guest: Democracy Now! Founder Amy Goodman
Photo: Supplied
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When Donald Trump returned to the White House, he promised Americans a new era of prosperity.
Now, as Americans prepare to vote in midterm elections, that promise is being tested, and the voters who put Trump in power could determine how much of that power he has left.
With polls showing Democrats well placed to retake the House, and the Senate also within reach, Republican candidates are wrestling with the political cost of the president's unfulfilled promises, while Democrats hope to turn disillusionment into a political comeback after years of MAGA.
Today, Director of the Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs Program, Emma Shortis on an election that will test how deeply Trump has changed America, and whether another vision of the country can take hold.

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Guest: Director of the Australia Institute’s International Affairs Program, Emma Shortis
Photo: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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Shenane Hogg spent nine months in a coma after suffering abuse at the hands of her partner. During her recovery, she discovered her abuser had amassed $56,000 of debt in her name.
Shenane’s story is just one of many that was heard at a parliamentary inquiry into how the financial system can be used to abuse women.
The inquiry heard chilling evidence of a sharp rise in financial abuse that can manifest as offensive and threatening messages in streams of bank transfers, raiding of a partner’s super benefits, or making them liable for joint debts.
This month, the Albanese government finally responded to that parliamentary inquiry, saying it supports, or supports in principle, 58 of the inquiry's 61 recommendations – but many of the proposed reforms are yet to be implemented.
Today, journalist Karen Barlow on the cost of financial abuse, and why we’re failing to prevent it.
This episode first aired in July, 2024.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow.
Photo: AAP Image/Diego Fedele
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Right now, war and economic uncertainty abroad are colliding with the daily struggle at home to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table.
The cost of living is stretching more than household budgets. It’s wearing people down. The worry follows them to work, comes home with them, and keeps them awake at night.
For the Albanese government, those pressures are making an already difficult job harder. But Australians need to feel their government can do something about it, and the longer they wait for relief, the harder it becomes to sustain that belief.
Today, executive director of Essential Media Peter Lewis, on a government under pressure, a public running out of patience, and the case for a bolder response.
*Peter Lewis is an executive director of Essential, a progressive strategic communications and research company. Essential is conducting qualitative research for the ALP

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Guest: Executive Director of Essential Media Peter Lewis
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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There can come a point in growing older when staying in the home you love depends on someone helping you out of bed, making a meal, or making sure you’ve taken your medication.
That care can mean holding on to your independence, to familiar surroundings, and to a life that still feels like your own.
But now, the government is using an algorithm to determine home care funding – replacing assessors’ judgement with a formula that can overlook the complexities of someone’s life. And assessors can't override its decisions – even when they believe they're wrong.
Today, aged care expert Professor Kathy Eagar, on the human consequences of handling those decisions to an algorithm, and the people whose needs are not being met as a result.

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: Aged care researcher at UNSW, Professor Kathy Eagar
Photo: Michaela Rehle/Reuters
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.