SBS News In Depth
6,935 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsHear the story behind the headlines. In under ten minutes each episode, we’ll help you make sense of the news stories that matter to you from Australia and the world, with reports and interviews from the SBS News team.
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Episodes
Gaza's children in 'serious peril' as calls for a ceasefire intensify
March 22, 2024 03:19 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MBThe World Health Organisation has voiced serious concerns about the health of Gaza's children, as Israel presses on with its latest siege of Al-Shifa hospital. On another diplomatic visit to the region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there is clear consensus for a ceasefire, as the US brings its own UN resolution for an end to fighting.
UN passes first AI resolution to 'respect fundamental freedoms'
March 22, 2024 02:09 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBThe UN General Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution on artificial intelligence aiming for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI that benefits all nations and upholds human rights. Meanwhile, Tennessee has enacted the "ELVIS Act" to protect music artists from AI-generated voice and image cloning to safeguard artistic integrity against AI misuse.
SBS On the Money: Surprise fall in jobless rate pushes out timing for interest rate cuts
March 21, 2024 07:09 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBSBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chief Economist David Robertson who is expecting interest rates won't fall until 2025 as Australian unemployment rate falls unexpectedly to 3.7% in February. Plus, Gemma Dale from nabtrade looks through the day's market action including the potential three interest rate cuts to come from the US Federal Reserve.
Democracy under threat: Conflict poses threat to world audio says Zelenskyy
March 21, 2024 06:07 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBDemocracy across the world has eroded to its lowest point in two decades, shown by data collected by the German Bertelsmann Stiftung foundation. Of the democratic states assessed by the foundation, two thirds are now categorised as “defective” or “highly defective”. The survey is based on detailed country reports prepared in co-operation with around 300 experts from leading universities and think tanks in more than 120 countries.
Criminologist warns ankle bracelets could lead to more youth crime
March 21, 2024 05:48 - 6 minutes - 5.82 MBElectronic monitoring bracelets will be used on young people charged with serious offences in Victoria to try to ensure they comply with their bail conditions. The overall crime rate is down in Victoria but there's been a 16 per cent increase in young people committing crimes in the past 12 months.The Victorian government says the monitoring devices are an extra measure to ensure bail conditions are met but a criminologist says the trial is destined to fail.
Netanyahu rebuffs attempts to avert an assault on Rafah
March 21, 2024 00:06 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBRafah is a city on the southern edge of Gaza that currently shelters more than half the enclave's 2.3 million people. Aid agencies say any attack on Rafah will escalate the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while the US State Department says Israel must protect civilians as it seeks to annihilate Hamas.
African diaspora let down by Australia's 'charade of multiculturalism'
March 21, 2024 00:01 - 5 minutes - 4.61 MBThe United Nations is highlighting the achievements of African diaspora around the world. But underlying the successes are ongoing challenges people of African descent are facing in their own countries. So how can Australia adapt to make the most of its multicultural communities?
Migrants with higher English proficiency scores find jobs - and friends
March 20, 2024 20:00 - 9 minutes - 9.05 MBThe journey of skilled migrants and international students to Australia and the role of English-language proficiency in securing their target job faster has been documented in new research. Some are earning well above the median salary just a few months after settlement - landing jobs in sectors with skill shortages.
'Travelling is so hard': Changes to legislation could make a change for people with disability
March 20, 2024 08:03 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBAustralia's public transport standards are set to undergo their first major reform in 20 years, to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Advocates say the changes are on the right track, but want assurances they will be adopted efficiently and effectively.
SBS On the Money: Yen weakens despite the Bank of Japan's first interest rate rise in 17 years
March 20, 2024 06:44 - 9 minutes - 8.74 MBThe Australian dollar continues to trade at a near 10 year high against the Japanese Yen a day after the Bank of Japan ended its negative interest rates policy by lifting rates for the first time in 17 years. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves takes a closer look with Chris Weston from Pepperstone and Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett.
Donald Trump calls Ambassador Kevin Rudd 'nasty': where does that leave our diplomacy in the US?
March 20, 2024 05:18 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MBDonald Trump has lashed out at the Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd. The comments have sparked concerns about Mr Rudd's tenure if Mr Trump is re-elected.
Unprecedented food insecurity in Gaza as Israel raids Al-Shifa Hospital
March 20, 2024 02:58 - 7 minutes - 6.44 MBThe growing severity of hunger crisis in Gaza has added more pressure on Israel to streamline the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip and to open more land crossings. It comes as Israel launched another raid on the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip
With famine 'imminent' in Gaza, just how is it classified?
March 20, 2024 02:53 - 6 minutes - 5.63 MBGlobal concerns are growing after a new food security report has warned that hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are at risk of experiencing the worst level of hunger - famine. So, just how is a famine classified?
Opposition demands details on religious discrimination proposals
March 20, 2024 01:56 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBThe Albanese government has proposed two bills to reform religious discrimination laws, aiming to protect faith-based employment while preventing discrimination, particularly within schools. Despite Labor seeking bipartisan support, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has criticised their approach, suggesting Labor is setting the Coalition up for failure.
Change Agents: Overcoming the employment stumbling block facing many migrants
March 19, 2024 20:27 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MBWe often hear about society's high achievers but there are others acting as role models of change. Resumes and cover letters are required for most job applications in Australia. But overseas, in some countries this is a less common practice. In this episode of Change Agents, we meet one woman helping refugees and immigrants navigate the Australian job market for the first time.
Crackdown on online hate: Social media giants told action needed now
March 19, 2024 08:23 - 6 minutes - 6.31 MBSix social media companies have been issued with legal notices by Australia's online safety regulator to outline their strategies to stop the spread of harmful content by terrorists and violent extremists. Meta, Google, X, Telegram, WhatsApp and Reddit have 49 days to explain the steps they're taking to protect Australians or face tens of millions of dollars in fines.
SBS On the Money: RBA leaves rates on hold but warns inflation war isn't yet won
March 19, 2024 07:35 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThe RBA left official interest rates at 4.35% but warns the war on inflation isn't yet won. Hear from Governor Michele Bullock, plus SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Angela Jackson from Impact Economics and Policy for her take on the decision including when interest rates could start to fall, and the market reaction with Joe Youssef from Areus Asset Management.
'Bring integrity back to the parliament': MPs call for fair and transparent elections
March 19, 2024 05:56 - 6 minutes - 5.73 MBCrossbench politicians are pushing for greater transparency in political donations, and truth in political advertising, ahead of the next federal election. The Fair and Transparent Elections Bill aims to increase transparency and level the playing field for elections.
Power prices mostly heading down but some up, says Australian Energy Regulator
March 19, 2024 04:47 - 6 minutes - 5.69 MBMany Australians could see a reduction in their energy bill prices, according to an announcement made by the Australian Energy Regulator. Yet despite the highly anticipated relief for households, experts say the government could be doing more to lower energy costs during the transition period to cleaner energy.
They are our eyes and ears: outrage over journalist arrests in raid on Gaza hospital
March 19, 2024 03:09 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MBCriticism over reports the Israeli military detained journalists during a raid at Al-Shifa Hospital, where Israel says it killed 20 Hamas militants. And Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send a delegation to the United States for talks, over concerns about the planned invasion of Rafah and Gaza's looming famine.
INTERVIEW: William Partlett on what to expect from six more years of a Putin Presidency
March 18, 2024 20:28 - 9 minutes - 8.56 MBPresident Vladimir Putin has won Russia's election and will return to power for another six years - and he will soon overtake Josef Stalin as the country's longest-serving leader in 200 years. But what does this mean for Russia, and for the world in general? William Partlett, Associate professor of public law at The University of Melbourne has been speaking to SBS's Ewa Staszewska about what he believes the future will hold .
First Nations health conference spotlights lung and cervical cancers
March 18, 2024 07:15 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBLung and cervical cancer are in the spotlight at a global First Nations health conference underway in Naarm, Melbourne. The World Indigenous Cancer Conference aims to foster better working relationships and collaboration between experts from across the globe.
SBS On the Money: Postage stamp costs rise & markets wait for global central bank meetings this week
March 18, 2024 07:07 - 8 minutes - 8.1 MBAustralia Post has been given the green light to lift postage stamps for regular letters from $1.20 to $1.50 as fewer people use the service. Rhayna Bosch speaks with Gary Starr from Australia Post to find out more, including why baby boomers are the fastest growing category to spend money in online shopping, plus SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with David Berthon-Jones from Aequitas Investment Partners on the day on the markets including the big week for global central banks.
'Chaos and incompetence': Opposition slams government over immigration detention
March 18, 2024 06:59 - 5 minutes - 5.35 MBImmigration detention is set to dominate Australian politics this week, as the government prepares for another High Court case that could see more than 100 people released. An Iranian man, known as ASF 17, will argue his case in the High Court next month.
No Easter eggs, just worries for struggling families
March 18, 2024 06:36 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBWhile many Australians are gearing up for a break over the Easter Long weekend, food relief charities are preparing for their busiest day of the year. The eve of Good Friday 2023 saw record numbers of households relying on Foodbank and Second Bite. And those numbers appear to be on the rise.
President Putin becomes Russia's longest-serving leader since Stalin
March 18, 2024 03:39 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MBVladimir Putin has secured his fifth term as president of Russia, winning the country's elections in a landslide. But accompanying that victory saw protesters turn out in their thousands, a Ukrainian drone strike and a condemnation of the elections by the United States as 'not free or fair.'
Malnourished children in Gaza 'don't have the energy to cry': UNICEF
March 18, 2024 01:52 - 7 minutes - 6.76 MBChildren in Gaza are already starving, with UNICEF warning more aid is urgently needed. But amid calls for the Israeli prime minister to stand down - including from top US politicians and Israeli protesters - Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing on with plans to invade Rafah by ground.
How the energetic rhythm of Samba drumming is benefiting Parkinson's patients
March 17, 2024 07:05 - 6 minutes - 6.12 MBParkinson's disease is a degenerative condition without a known cure, but a Samba drumming class in Cardiff, Wales is having a surprising and beneficial effect on patients. The class' success is now prompting a research project to see just how Samba drumming can improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's.
Ukrainian missile strike on Belgorod coincides with Russia's presidential election
March 17, 2024 01:33 - 3 minutes - 3.2 MBA Ukrainian missile strike on Belgorod coincided with Russia's presidential election, leading to casualties and heightened security measures. Meanwhile, Ukraine is using its new military air capabilities against Russia, as both sides continue to suffer losses.
What would a minority government mean for Tasmania?
March 16, 2024 20:30 - 5 minutes - 4.64 MBIt’s the only blue state in a sea of red; and an election that will determine the fate of the last Liberal government in the country is fast approaching. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is rolling the dice in a bid to claw back majority government, calling an early election more than a year before it was due. But some polling suggests as many as 40 per cent of voters won’t vote for the Liberal or Labor Parties with neither likely to secure a majority. That could see the state’s next parliam...
Pioneering procedure made Vali the luckiest unlucky person you'll meet
March 16, 2024 20:00 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBTen years ago, a world-first procedure gave an Australian cancer survivor the gift of motherhood. It took a frozen ovarian graft, a then-experimental transplant, and 17 rounds of in vitro fertilisation. Now, in the third and final episode in our series on the Future of Fertility, we hear how researchers are investigating what other ways ovarian grafts could be used to help patients.
The 'quiet transformation' of women in North Korea
March 16, 2024 07:12 - 6 minutes - 6.37 MBA new exhibition at the University of Technology in Sydney is aiming to capture the resilience and resourcefulness of North Korean women. A team of Australian-based academics have spoken to more than fifty defectors and say their research suggests that the role of women in North Korea may be shifting.
Meet Viv: the unlikely new AI companion for people living with dementia
March 16, 2024 02:02 - 6 minutes - 6.12 MBAn AI companion is helping people living with dementia at a care home in Sydney, Australia. Experts say virtual carers could support staff in providing stimulation to patients with memory problems.
INTERVIEW: What lessons can Australia learn from the EU on AI regulation?
March 15, 2024 20:30 - 10 minutes - 10 MBDr Kris Shrishak from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties explains how the EU's world-first legislation on AI regulation works and what lessons there are for Australia as it develops its approach.
Negar is fasting but is not a Muslim. She’s not alone
March 15, 2024 20:00 - 6 minutes - 5.66 MBThe Muslim fasting month of Ramadan is underway and coincides this year with fasting for followers of the Baha’i faith. Most of the 15,000 Baha’is in Australia have migrated from Iran, where followers face ongoing persecution.
'Historically undervalued' aged care workers get pay rise at last
March 15, 2024 08:55 - 3 minutes - 3.26 MBAged care workers across the country are tonight celebrating a historic pay rise. The Fair Work decision sees wages for some carers increase by 28 per cent - a move seen as overdue. But not everyone in the sector will reap those benefits.
'There is no housing for them': a growing number of young people left homeless
March 15, 2024 07:44 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBA coalition of support services is sounding the alarm about the inadequacy of assistance available for young people impacted by homelessness. A new analysis shows tens of thousands are seeking help alone, but still struggling to find long-term solutions to their situation.
Australia restores funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian refugees
March 15, 2024 07:01 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MBAustralia has joined several other western nations in restoring funding to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Funding was frozen after allegations some UNRWA staff were linked to the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says it follows new security and legal advice that the agency is not a terrorist organisation.
SBS On the Money: ASX has worst week in six months as dividend season approaches
March 15, 2024 06:44 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBIs this the correction the Australian sharemarket had to have? After hitting a record high last week, the ASX200 has fallen around 2.5% so SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Marcus Bodgan from Blackmore Capital for his take on where to next for the market, plus Rhayna Bosch discusses what's in store this dividend season with Craig James from CommSec.
Ex-pat Russians vote: Vladimir Putin expected to be returned to power
March 15, 2024 03:44 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBRussia will kick off its three-day election as President Vladimir Putin seeks a fifth term in power - but with transparency concerns, repression of democracy and no credible opposition - his reappointment is widely predicted. For the Russian community here, who can vote at polling stations in six Australian cities - the election has intensified existing political divisions.
Work continues on maritime aid corridor to Gaza as famine looms
March 15, 2024 01:30 - 6 minutes - 5.8 MBWork continues on a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, as United Nations officials warn sea and air drops are not enough in the face of looming famine. In the US, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged Israel to hold elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As Mr Netanyahu's administration again rejects international pressure for a two-state solution, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank appoints a new prime minister.
International students may be the bedrock of our economy - but for how long?
March 14, 2024 08:01 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBAnalysis by economists at NAB suggest spending by international students, contributed to more than half of the nation's 1.5 per cent GDP growth last year. The 0.8 per cent boost helped Australia's economy avoid two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth - steering it away from a technical recession. But with student visa approvals falling, that contribution is expected to ease.
International students may be the bedrock of our economy - but for how long?
March 14, 2024 08:01 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBAnalysis by economists at NAB suggest spending by international students, contributed to more than half of the nation's 1.5 per cent GDP growth last year. The 0.8 per cent boost helped Australia's economy avoid two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth - steering it away from a technical recession. But with student visa approvals falling, that contribution is expected to ease.
Asbestos-related fines set to double in NSW
March 14, 2024 07:08 - 3 minutes - 3.48 MBAsbestos-related fines are set to double in New South Wales, with the state's environmental regulator to get stronger investigative powers to prosecute offenders. It comes amid growing asbestos detection across the nation.
Calls for government to explain 'last minute' visa cancellations for people fleeing Gaza
March 14, 2024 05:10 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBAdvocates are seeking explanation from the federal government as to why several visas for people fleeing Gaza have been cancelled. SBS has been made aware of five cases where a visitor visa issued by the government was cancelled during transit to Australia. In one case, a woman was about to board a plane to Australia when she received the notice.
UN calls latest human development report a 'red light flashing to the world'
March 14, 2024 03:33 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBAn annual review by the United Nations has found for the first time in decades, some of the poorest countries in the world are moving backwards. The Human Development Report suggests some of the least developed nations are worse off than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic. The UN has called on wealthier states to do more in addressing global inequalities, likening current efforts to a half-hearted slog through quicksand.
Fatality at Victorian mine prompts investigation into work practices
March 14, 2024 02:22 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MBQuestions are swirling around work practices at a mine in Victoria, after one man was killed and another left fighting for his life. An investigation is now underway to understand what led to the fatal rock collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine.
Gaza's population face growing risk of famine amid Israeli airstrikes
March 14, 2024 02:16 - 6 minutes - 6.35 MBFive people have been been killed in an Israeli strike on an UNRWA aid distribution centre in Rafah in southern Gaza. As several countries turn to air and sea drops of desperately-needed aid, workers in Cyprus are preparing to load food onto a second vessel before it departs for Gaza. Amid international criticism, Israel's defence minister says the country is monitoring work on a new maritime corridor to ensure aid coming by sea will not help Hamas.
Federal Government admits it issued invalid visas to immigration detainees
March 13, 2024 07:10 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MBThe government has admitted it issued invalid visas to nearly 150 immigration detainees who were released after a High Court ruling. The latest developments have prompted fresh calls for the Immigration Minister to resign.
SBS On the Money: Growing number of properties sold to cash buyers & US inflation back up
March 13, 2024 06:17 - 10 minutes - 9.81 MB28.5% of property purchases on Australia's east coast was sold to cash buyers in 2023 highlighting the growing intergenerational divide in the country. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with PEXA Chief Economist Julie Toth to find out morel, plus the day on the markets with Hebe Chen from IG Markets.