7am

The CFMEU construction union has been under a cloud since investigative journalist Nick McKenzie started digging into allegations of corruption in 2024. Bikie figures, organised crime, intimidation. All taking place on major government-funded projects.
Now, a report has laid out all those stories in one place. And even Nick says he was stunned by the scale of it.
The report's author, barrister Geoffery Watson, not only tore the CFMEU to shreds - but also claimed the Victorian government knew about the problems, and failed to act.
But that section of Watson's report, that questioned the Victorian Labor government, was deleted before the report was published.
Today, Nine newspapers investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, on the incredible scale of the corruption at the CFMEU, and the serious questions the government has to answer.

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Guest: Nick McKenzie, Nine newspapers investigative reporter
Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
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More than 30,000 people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste are on a working visa in Australia as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme – or PALM.
The government sells it as a ‘triple win’: workers earn Australian wages, Australian employers fill jobs they say they can’t fill locally, and money flows back to families and economies across the region.
But Morgan Harrington has been investigating the cases where workers say they were exploited and mistreated – including being overcharged by their employer for housing that’s overcrowded and even dangerous.
And because a worker’s visa is tied to one employer, leaving can mean losing your legal status – but thousands have chosen to, now living in Australia with the risk of deportation.
Today, Postdoctoral Research Manager at the Australia Institute, Dr Morgan Harrington, on why the PALM scheme is ripe for exploitation – and why some say it’s a modern slavery risk.

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Guest: Postdoctoral Research Manager at the Australia Institute, Dr Morgan Harrington
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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On Monday, about 6,000 people attended a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney.
The event began peacefully – but videos later emerged, showing protesters being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and arrested by police.
Police say some demonstrators wanted to march to NSW Parliament despite a restriction making it unlawful – and that when orders to disperse were ignored, they had to move the crowd on.
Twenty-seven protesters were arrested.
There have been a number of incidents in recent years where police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters. It comes as officers increasingly use weapons like pepper spray and rubber bullets.
Today, journalist and author Ariel Bogle on the use of these so-called “non-lethal” weapons, and how they’re changing protests in Australia.
This episode was first published in October 2025.

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Guest: Journalist and author Ariel Bogle
Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone
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It took just nine months for the Liberal Party to turn on its first female leader. After months of internal agitation and sliding polls, a spill motion was called and, by the end, Ley was out – replaced by a man many conservatives had wanted all along, Angus Taylor.
Taylor, a former energy minister and standard-bearer for the party’s right, has promised discipline, economic clarity and a return to what he calls “core Liberal values”, where culture wars aren’t a distraction; they’re the strategy.
For some, it’s a reset. For others, it’s a signal that internal battles are far from over.
Today, Political Editor at news.com.au Samantha Maiden, on how the spill unfolded, who backed Taylor and why, and whether this puts the Coalition in a stronger position than it was at the start of the week.

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Guest: Samantha Maiden, political editor news.com.au
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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The knives are out. The spill is on!
Liberal MP Angus Taylor is set to challenge Sussan Ley for the leadership in a party room showdown at 9am. Their colleagues are now scrambling to pick sides as the face off looms.
So, who will emerge triumphant? And how will the chaos play with voters?
Today, contributing editor at The New Daily, Amy Remeikis on Taylor’s chances, the gender question, and whether a leadership change can save the Liberal party.

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: Amy Remeikis, Contributing Editor at The New Daily
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.