RN Breakfast - Separate stories podcast

Mammoth mental health funding for Victorian kids

The mental health of Victoria's youngest students has been put front and centre in a $200 million dollar support plan. Every Victorian primary school will have a mental health and wellbeing leader within the next four years - the biggest single investment in student wellbeing in Australia according to the Andrews government.

AIS CEO has doubts about trans swimming ban

A growing number of elite sports are looking at excluding transgender athletes from competitions, after the international governing bodies for swimming and rugby league made the move earlier this week. But there are concerns about the quality of the scientific evidence being relied upon, as well how the changes will flow through to sport at the local level.

Pay hikes, inflation and emissions targets - Politics with Phil Coorey

Reserve Bank Governor Phillip Lowe is warning accross the board wage rises will risk the recovery of the economy. The chief political correspondent with The Financial Review, Phil Coorey, joins RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics.

NSW triples deficit to deliver "teal budget"

The NSW Government has unveiled a budget aimed firmly at cost of living pressures, women's workforce participation and climate change. A change to stamp duty will allow some new home buyers to opt for annual land tax instead, and there's relief on power bills and road tolls.

RBA says recession not on the horizon, but reputation damaged

RBA Governor Philip Lowe has warned of inflation hitting 7 per-cent and conceded that the disorderly removal of the yield curve policy in late 2021 caused reputational damage. Independent economist Saul Eslake says the Bank will be looking ahead to an external review of the RBA coming soon.

What's the next evolution of the wine bottle?

Plastic bottles of wine, flattened to look more like a stretched out liquor bottle, are the newest eco wine bottles hit the market. The innovation has been tested out in Europe, and now the curious new container has made its way to Australia.

Impasse over Russian blockade of Ukraine's grain fuels global food crisis

A global food crisis is looming as Russia continues to block grain from leaving Ukraine, sending food prices soaring. Moscow's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports has brought exports to a standstill and Russia is now being accused of war crimes, with many countries facing starvation.

Macron meets rival parties after losing majority

French President Emmanuel Macron has met with his political opponents after his coalition failed to win a majority in parliamentary elections. Mr Macron is now under pressure to secure support from rivals to fulfil his government's reform agenda, but neither side have shown interest.

Pakistan community in shock at brutal murder

The Pakistan community is in shock after the horrific murder of Australian woman Sajida Tasneem in northern Pakistan. She was allegedly bludgeoned to death by her father-in-law after an argument about moving back to Australia with her three children.

Kate Ceberano wants you to make music today

Forty years ago the celebrations for Make Music Day began in France, encouraging anyone and everyone to make music on the same day. The event has since gone global and Australian event co-ordinator Rob Walker and ambassador Kate Ceberano are asking people to join the fun and be creative together today.

Melinda Gates and Mackenzie Scott inspire fictional TV character - Talking TV with Wenlei Ma

Workplace comedy Loot follows a fictional character in similar circumstances to Melinda Gates and Mackenzie Scott, the ex-wives of tech moguls. And the Twelve, an Australian courtroom drama starring Sam Neill and Marta Dusseldorp is out this week.

Take a deep dive and explore the Southern Ocean

If you are captivated by spider crabs and sea horses, enthralled by orcas and fascinated by Great White Sharks - get set for a blockbuster night of natural history. A top notch team of scientists are heading underwater to show you all the great Southern Ocean has to offer.

Capacity mechanism will be technology neutral: ESB Chair

The Chair of the Energy Security Board says a proposed capacity mechanism for the national electricity market will guarantee supply to the grid. Anna Collyer says it will be technology neutral, meaning gas and even coal fired power could be used to supply and provide capacity from 2025, but she says this won't hurt the transition to renewables.

Former Olympic swimmer says the policing of women's bodies doesn't stand up

Some of the world's top swimmers have been left divided by a decision to effectively ban transgender athletes from elite competition. Swimming's world governing body FINA announced yesterday that transgender athletes will need to complete their transition by the age of 12 to compete.

Sitting weeks and senate results - Politics with David Crowe

The Coalition has accused Labor of being on a parliamentary go slow - with parliament due to sit for just 8 weeks this year. David Crowe joins RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics.

Announcement on COVID-19 Royal Commission after winter

Health Minister Mark Butler is attending a G20 meeting, which is thrashing out ways to better prepare and respond to global pandemics. He says the Labor Government will announce a Royal Commission or other 'deep' inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 crisis, once the immediate challenge of winter is overcome.

Boosting women in the workforce

The NSW government has announced a number of initiatives aiming to boost gender equality and increase women's workforce participation. Many of the key recommendations were put forward by an expert panel, chaired by President of Chief Executive Women, Sam Mostyn.

Coal in demand amidst transition

States and territories are set to have greater power to decide who gets to supply the grid, according to a draft plan on a capacity market issued by the Energy Security Board. It could mean that gas and even coal will have a role to play - meanwhile, overseas, Germany has restarted its coal fired power plants, as Europe tries to conserve its gas.

Australia urged to sign treaty banning nuclear weapons ahead of Vienna meeting

Australia will attend, as an observer, a UN meeting of countries that have outlawed nuclear weapons. It comes as a group of 55 former Australian diplomats have written an open letter to the Prime Minister urging the government to sign up to a treaty banning nuclear weapons.

Former guerrilla will be Colombia's first leftist president

A formal count from Sunday's historic election is still underway in Colombia, ahead of the country's first leftist president officially being declared the winner. Former rebel Gustavo Petro narrowly won a run off election over a real-estate millionaire, ushering in a new era of politics for Colombia.

Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray touring Australia

STC Artistic Director  Kip Williams has adapted Oscar Wilde’s only novel into a breathtaking one-person show that seamlessly blends the conventions of cinema and live theatre to stunning effect.

New research could shake up breast cancer scans - Health with Tegan Taylor

FINA bans elite transgender swimmers

As some of the world's greatest swimmers competed in the World Championships in Budapest, a decision that will redefine the sport was made behind closed doors. The governing body FINA has voted to ban transgender athletes from elite women's swimming if they've gone through male puberty.

How far will house prices fall?

Predictions that Australia's remarkable property boom would come to an end have accompanied the last two big economic shocks. But 2022 is shaping up differently. Inflation is soaring, interest rates are rising sharply and household debt is still at record levels.

Visa crisis the number one priority for Immigration

National Cabinet has agreed to urgently address an unprecedented blowout in visa processing times which could jeapordise the economic recovery from the covid lockdowns. New Immigration Minister Andrew Giles says speeding up approvals is his number one priority to allow skilled migrants, international students and tourists to enter the country without delay

Assange and the energy crisis- Politics with Michelle Grattan

The Albanese Government wants the long running case against Julian Assange brought to a close. The Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation Michelle Grattan joins RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics.

Greens: Coal and gas companies to be rewarded for holding country to ransom

The Energy Security Board has recommended fossil fuels be included in a proposed capacity mechanism to guarnatee reliable electricity supplies. Greens Leader Adam Bandt says coal and gas generators will be paid compensation even though they have caused the current energy crisis by gaming the market.

'We're going to fight': Julian Assange's wife addresses US extradition

Stella Assange, the wife of the WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange, says she will appeal against Britain's decision to approve his extradition to the US to face criminal charges. The Wikileaks co-founder is charged with breaching the Espionage Act and faces up to 175 years in jail if convicted.

Are you feeling more positive since the Federal election?

New research from the Australian National University shows the majority of Australians are feeling positive about the country's direction after the 2022 federal election.

Monday Finance with David Chau

COVID antibody study reveals greater infection rate

National COVID reporting data might be falling short of true infection rates in Australia, with new antibody research revealing cases well above official figures.

Fresh campaign for Scottish independence.

Nicola Sturgeon plans to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence in October next year if her government secures the legal approval to stage it.

Britain approves extradition of Julian Assange. What now?

Britain has approved the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US after he fought for years to remain in the United Kingdom. WikiLeaks says it will challenge the order, but what comes next and what appeal avenues are available?

Chris Cheney's storm before the calm

The Living End front man Chris Cheney discuses his debut solo album The Storm Before The Calm, and plays his new single Corner Store live for RN Breakfast. Chris will also announce a national tour heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane throughout July/August.

Acclaimed Japanese string art weaves web at GOMA

A new exhibition showcasing the works of internationally renowned Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota opens at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. The Berlin-based artist is renowned for her large-scale room sized webs of red and black thread that explore themes of memories, anxiety, dreams and silence.

Science with Jonathan Webb

Scientists claim they've identified the origins of the Black Death, which is the pandemic that wiped out about half of Europe's population in the mid 1300s.

Shaking up the school system

New South Wales and Victoria's education reform is being hailed as big, bold and a strong step in the right direction. The plan to give young children an extra year of education strikes on three levels; providing education for children, easing the cost of childcare and helping women return to the workforce.

The new minister for Industry and Science on the East Coast gas crisis

The federal government is under pressure to tackle soaring gas prices and the impact their having on the east coast power crisis.

Politics with David Speers and Samantha Maiden

The Political Editor for news.com.au Samantha Maiden and the host of Insiders on ABC TV David Speers join RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics.

WA Premier Michael McGowan's national gas reserve

Unlike the Eastern States, there's no threat to power supplies in Western Australia. The state has had a domestic gas reserve since 2006, and just announced that the uptake of rooftop solar will allow it to close down its two coal fired power stations by 2030.

WA Premier Mark McGowan's national gas reserve

Unlike the Eastern States, there's no threat to power supplies in Western Australia. The state has had a domestic gas reserve since 2006, and just announced that the uptake of rooftop solar will allow it to close down its two coal fired power stations by 2030.

Australia's cold houses could be making us sick

As the temperatures plummet and energy prices soar you'll be finding it harder to keep your house warm this winter. Experts say you're probably not being helped by the way your house is built, with many Australian homes designed to deal with hot summers, without much thought given to winter.

Taiwan on Edge as China's Military Ambitions Broaden

Taiwan is on edge with China this week authorising an expansion of its military capabilities to protect its interests abroad. Just how exposed is Australia and is Beijing learning lessons from Russia's playbook in Ukraine?

Taiwan on edge as China's military ambitions broaden

Taiwan is on edge with China this week authorising an expansion of its military capabilities to protect its interests abroad. Just how exposed is Australia and is Beijing learning lessons from Russia's playbook in Ukraine?

Australia's largest thermal coal mine to close

Australia's largest thermal coal mine looks set to close by the end of the decade as mining giant BHP shifts away from the fossil fuel. The company has confirmed it will apply to close the Mount Athur mine in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, which it previously hoped to keep open until 20-45.

Russia not 'squeaky clean' admits foreign minister

European leaders have thrown support behind Ukraine's bid to join the European Union in a historic joint visit to the war-ravaged country. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said his country is not ashamed of its attacks on Ukraine while admitting Russia isn't "squeaky clean".

Vance Joy returns home with a new album, new tour and covid

Fresh off one of his biggest ever headline shows, playing to over 15,000 people in Toronto, Vance Joy is back in Australia with a new album called In Our Sweet Time. Vance holds two #1 Australian albums to his name and over 5 billion global streams, his Long Way Home tour makes its way around Australia throughout Sept-Dec.

Final 'Home Delivery' for Julia Zemiro

Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery has seen the actor and comedian take some of Australia's most loved people on a trip down memory lane. But she's taking the car for one last spin, after a decade, the final season starts this weekend.

As locals fled Mallacoota's horror bushfire, Sara fought to get back in

If a natural disaster hit your town, what role would your GP play in keeping you safe and providing care? It's a question Australian doctors want you to ask as they call for GPs to be given a greater role in planning and responding to floods, fires, and other disasters.

Greatest transformation of early education in a generation

Victoria and New South Wales are working together to introduce a new year of play-based learning for 4 year-olds. Children will attend free of charge for 30 hours a week before their first year of primary school.