7am

It’s rare to get a glimpse into the inner workings of One Nation – Pauline Hanson and James Ashby have made sure of that.
But now, thanks to a whistleblower and secret recordings, former party insiders have revealed some of the chaos behind the party’s rise – with allegations of bikie links, unfair dismissals and undue influence from Australia’s richest person.
Today, investigative journalist at The Age Nick McKenzie, on his investigation into One Nation, and why transparency matters more than ever as the Victorian election draws near.

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Guest: Investigative journalist at The Age, Nick McKenzie
Photo: AAP Image/Christopher Hopkins
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Russell Brand is off to jail for a very long time.
The once powerful comedian turned Christian influencer has been sentenced to ten years and six months 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
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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.

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: Chief political correspondent at SBS Anna Henderson
Photo: PA/Alamy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.